Patents by Inventor Louis Fouarge

Louis Fouarge 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: 9839892
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a mud pot and a reflectometer to monitor a level of an interface between liquid diluent and catalyst slurry in the mud pot using reflectometry. The apparatus may include a mixing tank and a conduit to transfer catalyst slurry from the mud pot to the mixing tank. The apparatus may include a polymerization reactor and a conduit to provide catalyst slurry from the mixing tank to the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Alain Brusselle
  • Patent number: 9840567
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polyolefin is disclosed. The process includes introducing one or more olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst into a first loop reactor, and while circulating the olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst in the first loop reactor. The method includes polymerizing the one or more olefin reactants to produce a polyolefin slurry comprising liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Annelies Horre, Geert Nauwelaerts, Marc Richet, Pascal Wilderiane
  • Patent number: 9765165
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polyolefin in a slurry loop reactor provided with settling legs may include introducing olefin reactants, diluents, and polymerization catalyst into the reactor while circulating. The process may include polymerizing the olefin reactants to produce a slurry, continuously withdrawing the slurry, via the settling legs, and transferring withdrawn solid olefin polymer particles to a recovery section. Each settling leg may have an inlet connected to the reactor and an outlet connected to the recovery section. At least one settling leg is continuously open, allowing continuous withdrawal of slurry. Each outlet of the settling legs may be connected to the recovery section by a conduit provided with a pressure control device. The pressure in the reactor may be controlled by operating the pressure control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Annelies Horre, Geert Nauwelaerts, Rudi Tanghe, Johan Janssens, Steven Beuckelaers, Marc Richet, Pascal Wilderiane
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9512245
    Abstract: A process includes preparing a diluted catalyst slurry in a catalyst slurry preparation system. The diluted catalyst slurry contains solid particulate catalyst and liquid hydrocarbon diluent. The catalyst slurry preparation system includes a mixing vessel with a top part, a bottom part and a rotatable impeller system which is actuated by a motor. The rotatable impeller system has a magnetic actuated agitator shaft which is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the mixing vessel and extends through the top part of the mixing vessel. At least two double-bladed hubs are fixed to the magnetic actuated agitator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Alain Brusselle, Louis Fouarge
  • Publication number: 20160152741
    Abstract: A process includes preparing a diluted catalyst slurry in a catalyst slurry preparation system. The diluted catalyst slurry contains solid particulate catalyst and liquid hydrocarbon diluent. The catalyst slurry preparation system includes a mixing vessel with a top part, a bottom part and a rotatable impeller system which is actuated by a motor. The rotatable impeller system has a magnetic actuated agitator shaft which is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the mixing vessel and extends through the top part of the mixing vessel. At least two double-bladed hubs are fixed to the magnetic actuated agitator shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Alain Brusselle, Louis Fouarge
  • 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: 9308514
    Abstract: The present invention relates the use of a pump in a loop reactor for the production of polyethylene, as well as a reactor comprising such pump and methods for producing polyolefin by means of such reactor. The pump according to the invention is characterized in that it is an axial flow impeller circulation pump, wherein the impeller comprises 6 blades and wherein the pump is fixed on a spring supported frame. Use of the pump according to the present invention allows for preparation of homogeneous polyethylene products that meet high quality standards from the complicated ethylene polymerization mixtures while at the same time being produced with low energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Frank Timmermans, Wouter Ooms, Daan Dewachter, Louis Fouarge
  • Patent number: 9303095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing a polyolefin in a loop reactor by introducing anti-fouling agent in by-pass pipes. Also, the invention relates to the use of anti-fouling agent to prevent blockage by feeding the anti-fouling agent into the by-pass pipes of the loop reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Siraux, Daan Dewachter, Louis Fouarge
  • Patent number: 9273157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a catalyst preparation system for the preparation of a diluted catalyst slurry. In particular, the invention relates to a catalyst preparation system comprising a mixing vessel for mixing a particulate catalyst and a liquid hydrocarbon diluent. According to the invention, diluted catalyst slurry is prepared in a mixing vessel comprising a rotatable axial impeller system comprising at least two double-bladed hubs. The invention also relates to a process for preparing diluted catalyst slurry for use in the preparation of a particulate polyethylene product in a loop reactor with the catalyst preparation system as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Alain Brusselle, Louis Fouarge
  • 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: 20150361186
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polyolefin in at least two slurry loop reactors including a first loop reactor connected in series with a second loop reactor includes introducing olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst into the first loop reactor while circulating. The process includes polymerizing the olefin reactants to produce a polyolefin slurry, withdrawing the polyolefin slurry from the first loop reactor, and introducing withdrawn articles into the second loop reactor by means of settling legs. Each settling leg has an inlet connected to the first loop reactor and an outlet connected to the second loop reactor by means of a transfer line. At least one settling leg is continuously open allowing continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles from the first to the second loop reactor. The process includes controlling the continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles by the at least one continuously open settling leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Louis FOUARGE, Annelies HORRE, Geert NAUWELAERTS, Marc RICHET, Pascal WILDERIANE
  • Publication number: 20150361199
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polyolefin in a slurry loop reactor provided with settling legs may include introducing olefin reactants, diluents, and polymerization catalyst into the reactor while circulating. The process may include polymerizing the olefin reactants to produce a slurry, continuously withdrawing the slurry, via the settling legs, and transferring withdrawn solid olefin polymer particles to a recovery section. Each settling leg may have an inlet connected to the reactor and an outlet connected to the recovery section. At least one settling leg is continuously open, allowing continuous withdrawal of slurry. Each outlet of the settling legs may be connected to the recovery section by a conduit provided with a pressure control device. The pressure in the reactor may be controlled by operating the pressure control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Louis FOUARGE, Annelies HORRE, Geert NAUWELAERTS, Rudi TANGHE, Johan JANSSENS, Steven BEUCKELAERS, Marc RICHET, Pascal WILDERIANE
  • Patent number: 9126179
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyolefin in a loop reactor. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing olefin monomers in the presence of a catalyst to produce a polyolefin slurry while pumping said slurry through said loop reactor by means of a pump. The present process is characterized in that the catalyst is fed in the loop reactor at a distance to the pump. The invention allows production of the polymer with advantageous properties while leading to fewer blockages of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Eric Damme, Louis Fouarge, Jerome Bette, Alvaro Fernandez, Aurelien Vantomme, Renaud Oreins, Daniel Siraux
  • Publication number: 20150209749
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a mud pot and a reflectometer to monitor a level of an interface between liquid diluent and catalyst slurry in the mud pot using reflectometry. The apparatus may include a mixing tank and a conduit to transfer catalyst slurry from the mud pot to the mixing tank. The apparatus may include a polymerization reactor and a conduit to provide catalyst slurry from the mixing tank to the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Alain Brusselle
  • 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: 9050573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the level of an ethylene polymerization catalyst slurry in a mud pot (2), whereby said catalyst slurry is prepared by introducing a solid catalyst and a liquid diluent in said mud pot (2), and whereby through sedimentation an interface (35) is formed between said diluent and the obtained catalyst slurry, characterized in that said interface (35) is monitored with Time Domain Reflectometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY
    Inventors: Louis Fouarge, Alain Brusselle
  • Publication number: 20150073105
    Abstract: The present invention relates the use of a pump in a loop reactor for the production of polyethylene, as well as a reactor comprising such pump and methods for producing polyolefin by means of such reactor. The pump according to the invention is characterized in that it is an axial flow impeller circulation pump, wherein the impeller comprises 6 blades and wherein the pump is fixed on a spring supported frame. Use of the pump according to the present invention allows for preparation of homogeneous polyethylene products that meet high quality standards from the complicated ethylene polymerization mixtures while at the same time being produced with low energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Timmermans, Wouter Ooms, Daan Dewachter, Louis Fouarge
  • Publication number: 20150065666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparing a polyolefin in a loop reactor by introducing anti-fouling agent in by-pass pipes. Also, the invention relates to the use of anti-fouling agent to prevent blockage by feeding the anti-fouling agent into the by-pass pipes of the loop reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Siraux, Daan Dewachter, Louis Fouarge
  • 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