Carbon Fiber Furnace

PAN- and Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Systems
Oxidation Ovens, LT Furnaces, HT Furnaces and UHT Furnaces

For decades, the Harper name has been synonymous with advanced carbon fiber processing systems and technology. Harper’s carbon fiber furnaces are based on years of experience and enhanced by continuous evolutionary design innovations, making Harper systems the most technically advanced and reliable carbon fiber furnace systems available in the world today.

Photo - High Efficiency LT Carbon Fiber furnace system

Photo - High Efficiency LT Carbon Fiber furnace system

Advances in heating element design and insulation packages have greatly reduced energy consumption, making Harper's carbon fiber LT, HT, and UHT furnace systems the most efficient systems available. Harper’s well-proven atmosphere purge chambers improve product quality and extend the useful life of the insulation by effectively stripping incoming material of entrained oxygen.

Harper International has a reputation for high-quality carbon fiber furnace systems with durability that lasts for decades. Our years of experience have allowed engineering to focus on every detail of furnace design, resulting in the most modern and dependable carbon fiber furnace systems.

Harper offers complete carbon fiber lines with turnkey installation for PAN-based processing lines. Our complete carbon fiber manufacturing systems offer the ultimate in energy efficiency due to the technical advances Harper has made for each operational step of the carbon fiber process.

Harper International is the recognized world leader in carbon fiber systems with an experienced multi-disciplinary engineering team that is capable of designing complete systems to meet each customer’s unique and specific carbon fiber requirements. The scope of supply for complete carbon fiber plants includes: oxidation ovens, LT furnace systems, HT furnace systems, UHT furnace systems if required, surface treatment, drying and incinerators with optional tensioning stands and winders. Harper can deliver systems from pilot scale all the way up to the highest capacity output.

Harper provides technical services for the expansion of production lines and modernization of existing systems for current manufacturers of carbon fiber.

PAN-Based Carbon Fiber Processing Systems

Capabilities
• Temperatures to 3000°C
• Excellent air flow uniformity
• Easy internal access to facilitate
maintenance
• Electric or gas fired
• Optimal temperature uniformity
• Operator isolation from effluent
• Highest energy efficiency
• Fastest line speeds
• Thermal recovery systems
• Surface treatment systems
• Multiple sizing agents
• Multiple electrolyte solutions
• Clean and hygienic
• Non contact drying
• Flexible system designs
• Unique gases (argon, nitrogen)

Features
• Multiple temperature control zones
• Process Optimized Air Flows
• Truly adjustable Inboard and Outboard
   louvers for precise control of fugitive air
   ingress & egress
• Rigid roll stands
• True Atmospheric Sealing for best in class
   heat efficiency, reduction of emission and
   separation of the process from the
   operating area
• Patent pending nozzle design
• Fully pre-assembled and carefully broken
down to minimize field installation effort
• Available factory testing of air flow and
temperature uniformity

LT Carbon Fiber Furnace System

LT Carbon Fiber Furnace Systems

Capabilities
• Large capacities (twin muffle systems
up to two meters each)
• Reduced energy costs
• Excellent temperature uniformity
• Electrically heated or gas-fired

Features
• Carburization resistant muffle
(up to 15 years life)
• Low profile muffle for gas flow control
• Process gas distribution and sampling system
• Proven purge chamber gas curtain technology

HT Carbon Fiber Furnace System

HT and UHT
Carbon Fiber Furnace System

Capabilities
• Large capacities (widths up to 4 meters;
heated lengths to 11 meters)
• Temperatures to 2800°C
• Reduced gas and power consumption
• Insulation life up to 7 years
• Longest available element and
insulation life
• Over 100 installations worldwide

Features
• Multiple temperature control zones
• Extended life muffle and element design (up to 7 years life)
• Process gas distribution and sampling system
• Low profile muffle for gas flow control
• Proven purge chamber gas curtain technology
• Side mounted angled exhaust vents and clean out ports

Vertical Slot Furnace

Photo - Vertical furnace system for carbon fiber

Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Processing Systems

Systems for processing pitch-based carbon fibers are typically custom designed to meet production rate and process requirements from devolatilization to carbonization. Please consult Harper for specific information.

Additional Offerings for
Carbon Fiber Processing Systems

• Vertical HT furnaces
• High modulus and other custom designs
• Development furnaces
• Process development and optimization support
• Existing plant upgrading and retrofits
• Rayon fiber and ceramic fiber manufacturing systems