Patents by Inventor Andre Lewalle

Andre Lewalle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9567416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Publication number: 20160108149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 9221921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Publication number: 20150175720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 8956573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Publication number: 20140299208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for polymerizing olefins. One embodiment comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in a first loop reactor in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first polyolefin fraction. A portion of the first polyolefin fraction is transferred to a second loop reactor, connected in series with the first loop reactor. The process further comprises polymerizing in the second loop reactor at least one monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce a second polyolefin fraction in addition to the first polyolefin fraction. The combination of the first and second polyolefin fractions can produce a polymer resin fluff having bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 8796400
    Abstract: A method for the copolymerization of ethylene and a C3+ olefin in a loop reactor and polymers formed therefrom are described herein. The method generally includes introducing an ethylene monomer, a C3+ olefin and a diluent carrier liquid into a loop reactor. A catalyst system can be supplied to said loop reactor. The diluent liquid, ethylene monomer, and C3+ olefin can be circulated through said loop reactor, while copolymerizing said ethylene and C3+ olefin in the presence of said catalyst system to produce a slurry. The slurry can be diverted into a settling leg, and sequentially discharged therefrom and withdrawn from said loop reactor. An ethylene monomer co-feed can be introduced into said loop reactor at spaced locations downstream of the ethylene and diluent. The ethylene co-feed can be introduced in an amount effective to reduce the variation in the ratio of ethylene and C3+ olefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 8706304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the polymerization of olefin monomers in a slurry loop reactor and to a model for determining and optimizing the changes in operating conditions that need to be applied when changing from one polymer grade to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventor: André Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20130345374
    Abstract: A method for the copolymerization of ethylene and a C3+ olefin in a loop reactor and polymers formed therefrom are described herein. The method generally includes introducing an ethylene monomer, a C3+ olefin and a diluent carrier liquid into a loop reactor. A catalyst system can be supplied to said loop reactor. The diluent liquid, ethylene monomer, and C3+ olefin can be circulated through said loop reactor, while copolymerizing said ethylene and C3+ olefin in the presence of said catalyst system to produce a slurry. The slurry can be diverted into a settling leg, and sequentially discharged therefrom and withdrawn from said loop reactor. An ethylene monomer co-feed can be introduced into said loop reactor at spaced locations downstream of the ethylene and diluent. The ethylene co-feed can be introduced in an amount effective to reduce the variation in the ratio of ethylene and C3+ olefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 8492489
    Abstract: A method for the copolymerization of ethylene and a C3+ olefin copolymer in a loop reactor system and polymers formed therefrom are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, André Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 8344077
    Abstract: This invention is related to the field of olefin polymerisation in double loop reactors and especially to the polymerisation of olefins with very active catalyst systems. It discloses a method for reducing blockage when transferring polymer product from the first loop to the second loop of a double loop reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Daan Dewachter, Daniel Siraux, André Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20120053304
    Abstract: A method for the copolymerization of ethylene and a C3+ olefin copolymer in a loop reactor system and polymers formed therefrom are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ATOFINA Research S.A.
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, André Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 7902307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerization process for producing olefin polymers in a loop reactor comprising the steps of: introducing into the loop reactor one or more olefin reactants, polymerization catalysts and diluents, and while circulating said reactants, catalysts and diluents, polymerizing said one or more olefin reactants to produce a polymer slurry comprising essentially liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles, said process further comprising one or more cycles of: (a) allowing said polymer slurry to settle in one or more setting legs connected to said reactor, and (b) discharging from a setting leg a predetermined volume of polymer slurry substantially equal to the volume of polymer slurry settled in said settling leg since its previous discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Andre Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20100331500
    Abstract: This invention is related to the field of olefin polymerisation in double loop reactors and especially to the polymerisation of olefins with very active catalyst systems. It discloses a method for reducing blockage when transferring polymer product from the first loop to the second loop of a double loop reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Daan Dewachter, Daniel Siraux, Andre Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20100332433
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for predicting the melt index and density of the polymer in terms of the operating conditions in the reactor and vice-versa, to select the operating conditions necessary to obtain the desired product specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Andre Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20100324738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the polymerisation of olefin monomers in a slurry loop reactor and to a model for determining and optimising the changes in operating conditions that need to be applied when changing from one polymer grade to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Andre Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20100120999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerization process for producing olefin polymers in a loop reactor comprising the steps on introducing into the loop reactor one or more olefin reactants, polymerization catalysts and diluents, and while circulating said reactants, catalysts and diluents, polymerizing said one or more olefin reactants to produce a polymer slurry comprising essentially liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles, said process further comprising one or more cycles of: (a) allowing said polymer slurry to settle in one or more setting legs connected to said reactor, and (b) discharging from a setting leg a predetermined volume of polymer slurry substantially equal to the volume of polymer slurry settled in said settling leg since its previous discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: André Lewalle
  • Publication number: 20090183789
    Abstract: The present system discloses a transfer system devised in order to produce optimal flow from the first to the second loop reactor, by connecting the transfer lines to a by-pass line and by separating the connecting points of the transfer lines into the by-pass line by at least 70 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventors: Andre Lewalle, Denis Mignon, Sandra Davidts
  • Publication number: 20090143546
    Abstract: A method for controlling the injection of catalyst slurry in a polymerization reactor is described herein. The method includes the preparation of polyethylene with a solid catalyst and a hydrocarbon diluents. The method includes providing solid catalyst and a hydrocarbon diluent in one or more storage vessels such that a catalyst slurry is obtained in said vessel, transferring said catalyst slurry from said storage vessel to a mixing vessel wherein said catalyst slurry is diluted for obtaining a suitable concentration for use in a polymerization reaction, pumping said diluted catalyst slurry at a controlled flow rate from said mixing vessel to said polymerization reactor through one or more conduits, by means of a membrane pump provided in each of said conduits, and the membrane pump is controllable as a function of reactant concentration within the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ATOFINA RESEARCH S.A.
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Eric Damme, Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van den Brande, Giacomo Conti, Hugo Vandaele, Mark Verleysen, Carl Van Camp, Etienne Laurent, Philippe Marechal, Marc Moers, Leopold D'Hooghe, Marjan Sillis, Kai Hortman, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 7329712
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling the onset and development of swelling in a slurry loop reactor by progressively diluting the reactor, the amount of dilution being driven by the amplitude of the fluctuations measured on some plant measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Andre Lewalle, Marc Van der Auwera, Frans Van Den Brande