Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Patent number: 11945889
    Abstract: A bimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer consisting essentially of a higher molecular weight component and a lower molecular weight component and, when in melted form at 190 degrees Celsius, is characterized by a unique melt property space defined by a combination of high-load melt index, melt flow ratio, and melt elasticity properties. A blown film consisting essentially of the bimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer. A method of synthesizing the bimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer. A method of making the blown film. A manufactured article comprising the bimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Univation Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Joel D. Wieliczko, John F. Szul, Daudi A. Abe, Roger L. Kuhlman, Ayush A. Bafna, Timothy R. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20240076427
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • Patent number: 11845855
    Abstract: A bimodal linear polyethylene composition, products made therefrom, methods of making and using same, and articles containing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Swapnil Chandak, Nitin Borse, Ayush A. Bafna, Yi Zhang, Timothy R. Lynn, Roger L. Kuhlman, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 11827725
    Abstract: A bimodal polyethylene composition, products made therefrom, methods of making and using same, and articles, including bottle caps and closures, containing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nitin Borse, Swapnil B. Chandak, Yi Zhang, Timothy R. Lynn, Roger L Kuhlman, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 11767385
    Abstract: A bimodal ethylene-co-1-butene copolymer consisting essentially of a higher molecular weight component and a lower molecular weight component and, when in melted form at 190 degrees Celsius, is characterized by a unique melt property space defined by a combination of high-load melt index, melt flow ratio, and melt elasticity properties. A (blown) film consisting essentially of the bimodal ethylene-co-1-butene copolymer and having improved properties. Methods of synthesizing the bimodal ethylene-co-1-butene copolymer and making the blown film. A manufactured article comprising the bimodal ethylene-co-1-butene copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Chuan He, Daudi A. Abe, Roger L. Kuhlman, Ayush A. Bafna, Timothy R. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20230250204
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of polymerizing olefins to produce a polyolefin polymer with a multimodal composition distribution, includes contacting ethylene and a comonomer with a catalyst system. The catalyst system includes a first catalyst compound and a second catalyst compound that are co-supported to form a commonly supported catalyst system. The first catalyst compound includes a compound with the general formula (C5HaR1b)(C5HcR2d)HfX2. The second catalyst compound comprises the following formula: wherein each R3 or R4 is independently H, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or a heteroatom group, wherein each R3 or R4 may be the same or different, and each X is independently a leaving group selected from a labile hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a heteroatom group, or a divalent radical that links to an R3 group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sun-Chueh Kao, Francis C. Rix, Ching-Tai Lue, Mark G. Goode, Dongming Li
  • Patent number: 11708438
    Abstract: A system and method of producing polyethylene, including: polymerizing ethylene in presence of a catalyst system in a reactor to form polyethylene, wherein the catalyst system includes a first catalyst and a second catalyst; and adjusting reactor conditions and an amount of the second catalyst fed to the reactor to control melt index (MI), density, and melt flow ratio (MFR) of the polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Boller, Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., C. Jeff Harlan, James M. Farley, Fathi David Hussein, Dongming Li, Steven A. Best
  • Publication number: 20230192920
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a bimodal polyethylene composition may have a density (?) from 0.952 g/cm3 to 0.957 g/cm3, a high load melt index (I21) from 1 to 10 dg/min, and a z-average molecular weight (Mz(GPC)) from 3,200,000 to 5,000,000 g/mol. The bimodal polyethylene composition may also have a peak molecular weight (Mp(GPC)) defined by the equation: Mp(GPC)<?2,805.3 MWD+102,688, wherein MWD is a molecular weight distribution defined by the equation: MWD=Mw(GPC)/Mn(GPC), Mw(GPC) is a weight average molecular weight of the bimodal polyethylene composition, Mn(GPC) is a number average molecular weight of the bimodal polyethylene composition. Additionally, the bimodal polyethylene composition has a ratio of the (Mz(GPC)) to the Mw(GPC) from 8.5 to 10.5. Articles made from the bimodal polyethylene composition, such as articles made by blow molding processes, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Shadid Askar, Joel D. Wieliczko, Mridula Kapur
  • Publication number: 20230174694
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of polymerizing olefins to produce a polyolefin polymer with a multimodal composition distribution, includes contacting ethylene and a comonomer with a catalyst system. The catalyst system includes a first catalyst compound and a second catalyst compound that are co-supported to form a commonly supported catalyst system. The first catalyst compound includes a compound with the general formula (C5HaR1b)(C5HcR2d)HfX2. The second catalyst compound includes at least one of the following general formulas: In both catalyst systems, the R groups can be independently selected from any number of substituents, including, for example, H, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or a heteroatom group, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Ching-Tai Lue, C. Jeff Harlan, Laughlin G. McCullough
  • Patent number: 11661466
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • Patent number: 11655316
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Lester, Mark G. Goode, Timothy R. Lynn, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, William Albert Matthews, Kefu Sun, Francois Alexandre
  • Patent number: 11649305
    Abstract: A unimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer that, when in melted form at 190 degrees Celsius, is characterized by a unique melt property space defined by combination of melt elasticity and complex viscosity ratio (shear thinning)properties. A blown film consisting essentially of the unimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer. A method of synthesizing the unimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer. A method of making the blown film. A manufactured article comprising the unimodal ethylene-co-1-hexene copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Yi Zhang, Ayush A. Bafna, François Alexandre, Robert N. Reib
  • Patent number: 11644404
    Abstract: An improved method of characterizing the PSD of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Zhenshuo Bobby Liu
  • Patent number: 11608396
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. A catalyst composition is provided that includes a catalyst compound supported to form a supported catalyst system, the catalyst compound including: where each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and X are as discussed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donna J. Crowther, C. Jeff Harlan, Jackie Lovell, Haiqing Peng
  • Patent number: 11518825
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards catalyst formulations including a metallocene and a stearic compound selected from bis 2-hydroxyethyl stearyl amine, aluminum distearate, and combinations thereof, where the metallocene is represented by the following formula: (Formula (I)) wherein each n-PR is n-propyl, and each X is independently CH3, Cl, or F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, John F. Szul, Haiqing Peng, James M. Farley, Bruce J. Savatsky, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Patent number: 11479573
    Abstract: A method comprising synthesizing a cyclic organic compound via reaction of an unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentene with an unsubstituted or substituted acrylic acid in the presence of phosphoric and/or sulfonic acid reagent to make the cyclic organic compound. Also, a method of synthesizing a ligand for a transition metal, and a related substituted ligand-metal complex and catalyst, from the unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentene and unsubstituted or substituted acrylic acid. Also, the cyclic organic compound, ligand, and substituted ligand-metal complex and catalyst synthesized thereby. Also a method of polymerizing an olefin with the catalyst to give a polyolefin, and the polyolefin made thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Angela I. Padilla-Acevedo, Roger L. Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 11459413
    Abstract: Polymerization process control methods for making polyethylene are provided. The process control methods include performing a polymerization reaction in a polymerization reactor to produce the polyethylene, where ethylene, and optionally one or more comonomers, in the polymerization reaction is catalyzed by an electron donor-free Ziegler-Natta catalyst and an alkyl aluminum co-catalyst. A melt flow ratio (I21/I2) of the polyethylene removed from the polymerization reactor is measured and an amount of long chain branching (LCB) of the polyethylene from the polymerization reactor is controlled by adjusting a weight concentration of the alkyl aluminum co-catalyst present in the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • Patent number: 11421054
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for producing a polyethylene polymer (PE) that includes measuring a melt flow index (MFI) of the PE, comparing the measured value of the MFI to a predetermined desired range for the MFI, changing a catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor based on the compared values of the MFI, where changes in the catalyst feed rate preemptively compensate for subsequent changes in an oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor that maintain a predetermined residence time and bring the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI; and changing the oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor thereby maintaining both the predetermined residence time and bringing the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI. The measuring and comparing steps are repeated to ensure the measured value of the MFI is within the predetermined desired range of the MFI at the predetermined residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Bernal, Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, William A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 11421100
    Abstract: A polyethylene blend comprising a uniform dispersion of constituents (A) and (B): (A) a Ziegler-Natta catalyst-made linear low density polyethylene and (B) a metallocene catalyst-made linear low density polyethylene, a composition comprising the polyethylene blend and at least one additive, methods of making and using same, and manufactured articles and films comprising or made from same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Swapnil B. Chandak, Nitin Borse
  • Patent number: 11414505
    Abstract: A polymerization catalyst system, a method of using the polymerization catalyst system, and a polymer produced with the catalyst system. The polymerization catalyst system has a non-metallocene catalyst and a metallocene catalyst. The metallocene catalyst has the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently, phenyl, methyl, chloro, fluoro, or a hydrocarbyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Jeff Harlan, Timothy R. Lynn, Fathi David Hussein, Timothy M. Boller