Harper International, Buffalo, N.Y., announces that it has received a patent for its advanced carbon fiber oxidation oven technology that enables changing the airflow direction within the oven to produce down-flow and center-to-end flow throughout the process. The primary air distributed inside the tube is not affected by the secondary air that circulates around the tube, keeping thermal uniformity within the tube.
Titled an “Oven for Fiber Heat Treatment,” the patent is for an oven designed to be easy and safe to use for new entries into the marketplace, says Dr. Renee Bagwell, Senior Process Technology Engineer .
Harper’s most recent three-meter wide production scale oxidation oven demonstrates air velocity uniformity measuring 2.2%, and temperature uniformity of +/-2.5°C throughout the entire heated length. This design enables enhanced performance with higher and more efficient rates of production.
For the customer, technology advancements equal faster oxidation through elimination of the chimney effect, improved velocity uniformity and range, assurance of temperature uniformity at a variety of flow rates, and optimal control of the reaction, ultimately enhancing fiber quality.
The most distinctive feature of Harper’s cutting-edge design, the innovative atmospheric end seal, reduces fugitive emissions, increases the active volume of the oven, and offers reduced energy consumption over alternatives. The seals have independent adjustment of the top and bottom inside and outside slots. Each pass has an independent vent with adjustable draw control, and the exhaust plenum connects to a dedicated fan/VFD. As a result of these innovative design features, there is no vertical mixing in the seal, less air ingress, and virtually no process gas escape.
Harper’s instrumentation improvements include a two-tier balancing methodology, responsive quench system and rapid cool down system, emissions monitoring, and inherently safer pressure relief system.
