Method and apparatus for separating vapor-grown carbon fibers from gaseous effluent

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for separating carbon fibers from gaseous effluent which fibers have been formed in a continuous gas phase reaction. The apparatus is a collection chamber including top and bottom portions and including exit tubes attached to the bottom portion. Carbon fibers enter the top portion of the chamber from a reactor and are collected in the bottom portion where they are forced into the exit tubes by a piston and then collected in bundles. As the fibers are compressed into the tubes, they form an airtight seal which prevents air from entering the chamber and prevents gas from exiting the chamber. The remaining gaseous effluent may then be removed from the chamber and processed for reuse.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.