Patents by Inventor Richard B. Pannell

Richard B. Pannell 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: 10167350
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are provided. The catalyst systems can include a plurality of silica particles and a metallocene catalyst and an activator supported on the plurality of silica particles. The polymerization catalysts have a particle size distribution in which about 10% of the particles have a size less than about 17 to about 23 micrometers, about 50% of the particles have a size less than about 40 to about 45 micrometers, and about 90% of the particles have a size less than about 72 to about 77 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Dale Lester, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Abarajith S. Hari, F. David Hussein, Wesley R. Mariott, John H. Moorhouse, Richard B. Pannell, Bruce J. Savatsky, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Mark G. Goode
  • Publication number: 20180334517
    Abstract: Catalyst systems including a catalyst compound having a Group 3 through Group 12 metal atom or lanthanide metal atom, an activator, and a support material composition, are provided. The support material composition may have a volume percent of pores with a pore size of from 300 angstroms to 1500 angstroms of 10 vol % to 80 vol %. Processes for producing a polyolefin composition utilizing such catalyst systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Xuan Ye, Lubin Luo, Charles J. Harlan, Chi-I Kuo, Richard B. Pannell, William A. Lamberti
  • Patent number: 10035868
    Abstract: Continuity compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise metal carboxylate salts and fatty amines and find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo, Timothy R. Lynn, Fathi David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, Wesley R. Mariott, Michael D. Awe
  • Publication number: 20180134821
    Abstract: Supported catalyst compositions, useful in olefin polymerization, and having improved flow properties are disclosed. The catalyst compositions may be characterized by low macro pore volume and high bulk density. Methods for preparing the catalyst compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Chi-I Kuo, Shamah Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20180079836
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a gas phase polymerization reactor between metallocene catalysts is provided. The method comprises first reducing the superficial gas velocity and increasing the height of the fluidized bed within the reactor prior to stopping a feed comprising a first metallocene catalyst. The method further comprises introducing a first polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the first polymerization reactor does not comprise water, and then introducing a second polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the second polymerization neutralizer is different from the first polymerization neutralizer. After this, the method comprises purging the reactor with an inert gas and then introducing a feed comprising a second metallocene catalyst to the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon C. Locklear, R. Eric Pequeno, Richard B. Pannell, Fathi David Hussein, Rich John Stolz, William A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20180051111
    Abstract: Methods of preparing supported catalyst compositions using spray drying are disclosed. The supported catalyst compositions find use in the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9809656
    Abstract: Processes for making and using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive are disclosed herein. The process for making a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting a polymerization additive with a liquid to form a liquid slurry polymerization additive, and shearing the liquid slurry polymerization additive to increase its viscosity and thus form the viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive. The process for using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting, under polymerization conditions, in a reactor system: a catalyst system, one or more monomers, and at least one viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo
  • Publication number: 20170240674
    Abstract: Continuity compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise metal carboxylate salts and fatty amines and find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo, Timothy R. Lynn, Fathi David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, Wesley R. Mariott, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9718908
    Abstract: Multi-stage polymerization processes that produce polymers having controlled compositions and molecular weight with improved catalyst productivity are disclosed. An example method for producing a multi-modal polyolefin comprises polymerizing the multi-modal polyolefin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system in at least a slurry-phase polymerization stage and a gas-phase polymerization stage arranged in series in any order, wherein the multi-modal olefin comprises: (i) a first polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 940 kg/m3, and (ii) a second polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 930 kg/m3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard B. Pannell
  • Publication number: 20170183434
    Abstract: Polymerization catalyst compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise fatty amines and find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes. The catalyst composition comprises at least one supported polymerization catalyst wherein the catalyst composition is modified with at least one fatty amine wherein the fatty amine is substantially free of particulate inorganic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo, Timothy R. Lynn, F. David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, Wesley R. Mariott, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9676885
    Abstract: Continuity compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise at least one metal carboxylate salt which is modified with at least one molten fatty amine. These compositions find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo, Timothy R. Lynn, F. David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, Wesley R. Mariott, Michael D. Awe
  • Publication number: 20170081432
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are provided. The catalyst systems can include a plurality of silica particles and a metallocene catalyst and an activator supported on the plurality of silica particles. The polymerization catalysts have a particle size distribution in which about 10% of the particles have a size less than about 17 to about 23 micrometers, about 50% of the particles have a size less than about 40 to about 45 micrometers, and about 90% of the particles have a size less than about 72 to about 77 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Dale Lester, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Abarajith S. Hari, F. David Hussein, Wesley R. Mariott, John H. Moorhouse, Richard B. Pannell, Bruce J. Savatsky, Daniel P. Zilker, JR., Mark G. Goode
  • Publication number: 20170022310
    Abstract: Continuity compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise at least one metal carboxylate salt which is modified with at least one molten fatty amine. These compositions find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo, Timothy R. Lynn, F. David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, Wesley R. Mariott, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9540460
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are provided. The catalyst systems can include a plurality of silica particles and a metallocene catalyst and an activator supported on the plurality of silica particles. The polymerization catalysts have a particle size distribution in which about 10% of the particles have a size less than about 17 to about 23 micrometers, about 50% of the particles have a size less than about 40 to about 45 micrometers, and about 90% of the particles have a size less than about 72 to about 77 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Dale Lester, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Abarajith S. Hari, F. David Hussein, Wesley R. Mariott, John H. Moorhouse, Richard B. Pannell, Bruce J. Savatsky, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Mark G. Goode
  • Publication number: 20160311937
    Abstract: Processes for making and using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive are disclosed herein. The process for making a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting a polymerization additive with a liquid to form a liquid slurry polymerization additive, and shearing the liquid slurry polymerization additive to increase its viscosity and thus form the viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive. The process for using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting, under polymerization conditions, in a reactor system: a catalyst system, one or more monomers, and at least one viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo
  • Publication number: 20160009839
    Abstract: Multi-stage polymerization processes that produce polymers having controlled compositions and molecular weight with improved catalyst productivity are disclosed. An example method for producing a multi-modal polyolefin comprises polymerizing the multi-modal polyolefin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system in at least a slurry-phase polymerization stage and a gas-phase polymerization stage arranged in series in any order, wherein the multi-modal olefin comprises: (i) a first polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 940 kg/m3, and (ii) a second polyolefin fraction having a density of less than about 930 kg/m3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard B. PANNELL
  • Publication number: 20150368377
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are provided. The catalyst systems can include a plurality of silica particles and a metallocene catalyst and an activator supported on the plurality of silica particles. The polymerization catalysts have a particle size distribution in which about 10% of the particles have a size less than about 17 to about 23 micrometers, about 50% of the particles have a size less than about 40 to about 45 micrometers, and about 90% of the particles have a size less than about 72 to about 77 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale C. Lester, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Mark G. Goode, Abarajith S. Hari, David F. Hussein, Wesley R. Mariott, John H. Moorhouse, Richard B. Pannell, Bruce J. Savatsky, Daniel P. Zilker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150353651
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to processes for producing catalyst compositions having more consistent properties and improved flowability. The processes may involve combining, at a controlled temperature of 30° C. or higher, a metal carboxylate salt with an organic solvent having a dielectric constant at 25° C. of greater than or equal to 3.0 to produce an extracted metal carboxylate salt that is essentially free of carboxylic acids. The extracted metal carboxylate salt may then be combined with a catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi-I Kuo, Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski
  • Patent number: 8598283
    Abstract: Methods for shutting down and restarting polymerization in a gas phase polymerization reactor are provided. The method can include introducing a polymerization neutralizer to the reactor in an amount sufficient to stop polymerization therein. The method can also include stopping recovery of a polymer product from the reactor and stopping introduction of a catalyst feed and a reactor feed to the reactor. The method can also include adjusting a pressure within the reactor from an operating pressure to an idling pressure. The method can also include adjusting a superficial velocity of a cycle fluid through the reactor from an operating superficial velocity to an idling superficial velocity. The method can also include maintaining the reactor in an idled state for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty, Richard B. Pannell, Michael E. Sieloff, Jerome Holveck
  • Patent number: 8476392
    Abstract: A process for the production of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed, the process including polymerizing ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin by contacting the ethylene and the at least one alpha-olefin with a metallocene catalyst in at least one gas phase reactor at a reactor pressure of from 0.7 to 70 bar and a reactor temperature of from 20° C. to 150° C. to form an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may have a density D of 0.927 g/cc or less, a melt index (I2) of from 0.1 to 100 dg/min, a MWD of from 1.5 to 5.0. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may also have a peak melting temperature Tmax second melt satisfying the following relation: Tmax second melt>D*398?245.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, Agapios K. Agapiou, James M. Farley, Eric J. Markel, Bruce J. Savatsky, Christopher R. Davey, Richard B. Pannell