Microline® for carbon fiber researchHarper pioneered the Microline® concept based on flexibility and versatility to change and modify equipment parameters for the needs of customers in Carbon Fiber research for experimentation with traditional or emerging precursors, process tweaking and development of samples for up to 1.5 tons per year. Our system accommodates line speeds ranging from 0.1 m/min to over 1 m/min and tows from 10 filaments to 48000 filaments, enabling the study of effects of various process parameters using a small amount of precursor.

The Microline is the ideal size for research and development as well as quality control, with continuous processing of up to 8 tows. It is highly customizable and can be configured as a complete system including Oxidation Ovens, LT, HT, and UHT furnaces up to 2800°C, material handling equipment, and all pre and post treatment process stages found on commercial scale plants.

Harper systems allow for maximum manipulation of key process Microline Oxidation Ovenparameters, including controlling tension after each unit operation and multiple zones of temperature control in oxidation, pre-carbonization and carbonization. Our drive systems are designed for precision control of the forces imparted to the fiber, allowing for flexibility in tow counting, loading, and drive position. This flexibility yields greater customization of oxidation for Carbon Fiber research activities, with adjustability zone by zone, pass by pass, and carbonization.

Advanced design features designed to better assist in research goals and future scale-up include:

  • Precise pressure and temperature data from every oven pass
  • The ability bring up to temperature and stabilize quicker
  • Controls that better analyze and adjust atmosphere and off gassing conditions
  • Low minimum loading point to enable research on minimal filament counts

Our Microline system for Carbon Fiber research includes all of these highly customizable operations:

  • Oxidation Oven: Up to 300°C, with multiple zones of control
  • LT and HT Furnaces: Pre-carbonization and Carbonization: Up to 1000°C and 1600°C respectively, with multiple zones of control, atmospherically controlled
  • UHT Furnace: Carbonization up to 2800° C, atmospherically controlled
  • Creel: Up to (8) positions
  • Drive Stands: Multiple locations throughout the system
  • Pretreatment, Surface Treatment & Sizing Systems: single or multiple dip
  • Control Systems: with advanced configuration for preferences regarding remote access and data historian
  • Material Handling, including for emerging precursors including those requiring belt transport

Overall plant footprint for an example line as shown here is approximately 40m L x 10m W x 4m H.  Start-up for Harper equipment from ambient conditions takes 8 to 12 hours. Shut down can occur in a shorter time frame. To optimize the life of the equipment and minimize thermal cycling, we recommend that the LT and HT furnaces be at idled at temperature for short downtime durations (i.e. over a weekend). This also optimizes power, when considering the requirements for heat-up.  Harper’s Pulse® team can recommend additional operational procedures to maximize efficiency and productivity of the line based on your unique business objectives.

Learn more about Harper’s comprehensive technology offering for all stages of commercialization:

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