Processes for the manufacture of enriched pitches and carbon fibers

US5316654A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Donald C. Berkebile, deceased · Ashland, US
• Catherine Berkebile, Administratrix · Lexington, US
• Donald M. Lee · Huntington, US
• Larry D. Veneziano · Santee, US
• Joseph Lauer · Seattle, US
• Roy E. Booth · Dallas, US
• William P. Hettinger, Jr. · Russell, US
• Willard Jones · Pitman, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 13, 1985
• Grant date: May 31, 1994
• Expiry date: Sep 13, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C10C3/00
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

There are provided improved processes for the manufacture of enriched pitches, carbon fiber precursors, carbon fibers, and graphite fibers. The improvement comprises employing an elevated wiped-film evaporator in a wiped-film evaporator system comprising the wiped-film evaporator and a means for recovering enriched pitch, such as a positive displacement pump, to form an enriched pitch from catalytic pitch and regulating the operating conditions of the wiped-film evaporator system to provide the desired enriched pitch. The wiped-film evaporator is located a specific distance above the means for recovering enriched pitch. The vertical distance between the outlet of the wiped-film evaporator and the inlet of the means for recovering enriched pitch is within the range of about 10 feet to about 40 feet, preferably about 20 feet to about 40 feet.