Patents by Inventor Hugo Vandaele

Hugo Vandaele 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
  • 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: 8475720
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for removing and analyzing a sample from a polymerization reactor including one or more sample conduits for removing a sample from the reactor and transferring the sample to a sample flash tank, whereby the conduits are in communication with the reactor and are provided with at least two sampling valves; a sample flash tank for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby the sample flash tanks are connected to the conduits and provided with a device for analyzing evaporated gas, and including a sample receiver for purifying the solid particles. The receivers are connected to the sample flash tanks and provided with an apparatus for analyzing the solid particles. The disclosure includes a method for improving a polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Publication number: 20120316296
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for removing and analyzing a sample from a polymerization reactor including one or more sample conduits for removing a sample from the reactor and transferring the sample to a sample flash tank, whereby the conduits are in communication with the reactor and are provided with at least two sampling valves; a sample flash tank for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby the sample flash tanks are connected to the conduits and provided with a device for analyzing evaporated gas, and including a sample receiver for purifying the solid particles. The receivers are connected to the sample flash tanks and provided with an apparatus for analyzing the solid particles. The disclosure includes a method for improving a polymerization reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Patent number: 8252240
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple loop reactor suitable for polymerizing olefins comprising at least two interconnected loop reactors, whereby said connection essentially consists of one or more transfer lines suitable for transferring polymer slurry from a reactor to another reactor and whereby said transfer line extends substantially horizontally. The invention further relates to a process for producing olefin polymers in a multiple loop reactor according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of a transfer line for transferring polymer slurry from a reactor to another reactor in a multiple loop reactor comprising at least two interconnected loop reactors, whereby said transfer line extends substantially horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Patent number: 8192689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking out and analyzing a sample from a polymerization reactor comprising one or more sample conduits (2), for taking a sample out of said reactor and for conducting said sample to one or more sample flash tanks (3), whereby said conduits each are in communication with said reactor (19) and each are provided with at least two sampling valves (4, 5); comprising one or more sample flash tanks (3), for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby said sample flash tanks are connected to said conduits (2) and provided with means for analyzing said evaporated gas (7), and comprising one or more sample receivers (6), for purifying said solid particles, whereby said receivers are connected to said sample flash tanks (3) and provided with means (8) for analyzing said solid particles. The invention further relates to a method for improving a polymerization reaction in a polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Publication number: 20120093693
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple loop reactor suitable for polymerizing olefins comprising at least two interconnected loop reactors, whereby said connection essentially consists of one or more transfer lines suitable for transferring polymer slurry from a reactor to another reactor and whereby said transfer line extends substantially horizontally. The invention further relates to a process for producing olefin polymers in a multiple loop react or according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of a transfer line for transferring polymer slurry from a reactor to another reactor in a multiple loop reactor comprising at least two interconnected loop reactors, whereby said transfer line extends substantially horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110142720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking out and analysing a sample from a polymerisation reactor comprising one or more sample conduits (2), for taking a sample out of said reactor and for conducting said sample to one or more sample flash tanks (3), whereby said conduits each are in communication with said reactor (19) and each are provided with at least two sampling valves (4, 5); comprising one or more sample flash tanks (3), for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby said sample flash tanks are connected to said conduits (2) and provided with means for analysing said evaporated gas (7), and comprising one or more sample receivers (6), for purifying said solid particles, whereby said receivers are connected to said sample flash tanks (3) and provided with means (8) for analysing said solid particles. The invention further relates to a method for improving a polymerisation reaction in a polymerisation reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: HUGO VANDAELE
  • Patent number: 7745568
    Abstract: A process is provided for recovering polymer solids from a polymerisation reactor effluent. The process comprises extracting the polymerisation effluent from a polymerisation reactor; passing the effluent, or a part thereof, to a flash vessel for flashing liquid in the effluent to vapour, and removing said vapour from said flash vessel; passing the polymer solids from the flash vessel to a transfer apparatus which comprises a transfer vessel; passing the polymer solids from the transfer vessel to a purging means for removing residual liquid from the polymer solids; wherein the polymer solids are passed from the flash vessel to the purging means in a continuous flow such that a quantity of polymer solids is maintained in the transfer vessel. An apparatus for performing the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Publication number: 20090208375
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking out and analysing a sample from a polymerisation reactor comprising one or more sample conduits (2), for taking a sample out of said reactor and for conducting said sample to one or more sample flash tanks (3), whereby said conduits each are in communication with said reactor (19) and each are provided with at least two sampling valves (4, 5); comprising one or more sample flash tanks (3), for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby said sample flash tanks are connected to said conduits (2) and provided with means for analysing said evaporated gas (7), and comprising one or more sample receivers (6), for purifying said solid particles, whereby said receivers are connected to said sample flash tanks (3) and provided with means (8) for analysing said solid particles. The invention further relates to a method for improving a polymerisation reaction in a polymerisation reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080058481
    Abstract: A process is provided for recovering polymer solids from a polymerisation reactor effluent. The process comprises extracting the polymerisation effluent from a Slurry polymerisation reactor; passing the effluent, or a part thereof, to a flash vessel for flashing liquid in the effluent to vapour, and removing said vapour from said flash vessel; passing the polymer solids from the flash vessel to a transfer apparatus which comprises a transfer vessel; passing the polymer solids from the transfer vessel to a purging means for removing residual liquid from the polymer solids; wherein the polymer solids are passed from the flash vessel to the purging means in a continuous flow such that a quantity of polymer solids is maintained in the transfer vessel. An apparatus for performing the process is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele