Source | Harper International

Harper International (Buffalo, N.Y., U.S.) has successfully completed installation and commissioning of its scientific line for the production of carbon fiber from bitumen. The system is now operational at Alberta Innovates’ (Edmonton, Canda) new research facility, which officially opened on Nov. 28, 2025.

Using Harper’s expertise and decades of experience with pitch carbon fiber to address challenges of bitumen-derived precursor fibers, this carbonization line offers flexible processing options including adjustable transport, tensioning, heating and gas-flow patterns. Low- and zero-tension transport of fibers is possible via the system’s oxidation ovens, low-temperature furnace, high-temperature furnace and ultra-high temperature furnace. Designed for efficiency and precision, the system delivers a research scale capacity of up to 3 kilograms/day while optimizing product quality.

“Harper is pleased to have successfully commissioned our flexible scientific line which is tailored to Alberta Innovates’ goals, enabling both the production of carbon fiber derived from bitumen as well as testing and scale-up of standard and future carbonization processes,” says Briana Tom, Harper sales engineer. “This carbon fiber processing line opens the doors to reduce the cost of carbon fiber production and unlock new applications.”