Organic Polymerization Patents (Class 422/131)
  • Publication number: 20130236366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a condensation and washing device with which in particular the process vapours which occur during the production of polylactide can be processed and cleaned. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polymerisation device for the production of polylactide and also to a method for processing process vapours which occur during the production of polylactide; possibilities for use of both the condensation and washing devices and of the method are likewise mentioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Hagen, Udo Muhlbauer
  • Publication number: 20130224078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin, comprising the steps of: thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes heat from said reaction, thermally contacting at least part of said cooling fluid with at least one absorption cycle thereby transferring heat from the cooling fluid to said absorption cycle, using said absorption cycle to produce steam from a condensate, wherein the cooling fluid is used as a hot source for heating at least one evaporator and at least one generator comprised in said at least one absorption cycle. The present invention also relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction using a process as described herein. Said invention also relates to a polyolefin producing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventors: Pierre Van Grambezen, Mourad Abouahi
  • Publication number: 20130217843
    Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Patent number: 8512642
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing hard polyurethane foam by a froth process having a foaming agent supply means that quantitatively supplies the inert gas as a foaming agent and a foaming means that discharges a hard polyurethane foam obtained by forming a foaming polyol composition, in which the foaming agent supply means has a pressure-reducing valve that reduces and adjusts the pressure of the inert gas and a needle valve that adjusts the flow rate of the inert gas, the foaming means has a compression cylinder for compressing and supplying the polyol composition, a regulation means that regulates the supply of the inert gas to the foaming means is provided between the foaming means and the foaming agent supply means, and a control means that controls the regulation means by sensing the operation of the compression cylinder is connected to the regulation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Fujio
  • Publication number: 20130211035
    Abstract: A method for producing a condensation polymerization reaction polymer, comprising a guide polymerization step in which a molten prepolymer is supplied to the top edge of a wire guide to obtain the condensation polymerization reaction polymer, the wire guide comprising a vertical wire group consisting of a plurality of vertical wires extending in the vertical direction, which are mutually spaced in alignment at an arrangement pitch L1 (mm). In the guide polymerization step, the molten prepolymer aggregates so that a molten prepolymer mass is formed on the vertical wire, and a molten prepolymer mass is formed wherein, the width of the molten prepolymer mass measured in an alignment direction of the vertical wires at a position 200 mm below the top edge being represented as L2 (mm), the width L2 of at least a portion of the molten prepolymer mass satisfies the inequality (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI CHEMICALS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoko Hachiya
  • Patent number: 8501883
    Abstract: Methods for supplying a catalyst to an ethylene slurry loop polymerization reactor and polymers formed therefrom are described herein. The method includes preparing a catalyst slurry in a preparation vessel. The slurry includes a hydrocarbon diluent liquid that contains a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The catalyst slurry is supplied to a buffer vessel, withdrawn therefrom and supplied to a slurry loop polymerization reactor in which ethylene is polymerized. A co-catalyst is mixed with the Ziegler Natta catalyst in the slurry prior to supplying the catalyst slurry to the slurry loop polymerization reactor. The transfer of the catalyst slurry from the preparation vessel to the buffer vessel and the withdrawal of catalyst slurry from the buffer vessel are controlled to maintain the level of catalyst slurry in the buffer vessel substantially constant relative to the level of catalyst slurry in the preparation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventor: Louis Fouarge
  • Patent number: 8497346
    Abstract: Polymer powder vessel having a silo including a main vertical cylinder and a hopper at the bottom of the cylinder, a polymer powder which occupies the full volume of the hopper and at least a part of the volume of the cylinder, a polymer powder silo inlet pipe connected to the silo at a height located above the polymer powder, and a polymer hopper withdrawal pipe is also connected to the hopper. The polymer powder hopper withdrawal pipe is also connected to the silo at a location above the polymer powder for recirculating a part of the polymer powder within the silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ineos Commercial Services UK Limited
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Chamayou, Kevin Peter Ramsay
  • Patent number: 8496882
    Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130184436
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the semi-automated parallel synthesis of multiple peptides. The apparatus includes an array of nozzles, each positioned above or adjacent a separate reaction container, two or more liquid reservoirs, each reservoir coupled to the liquid dispenser(s), and base chamber(s) connected to the reaction containers for removing liquid there from. The addition and removal of liquids may be controlled by programmable electromagnetic valves. The apparatus may also be used for other parallel solid phase reactions. A method is also provided for synthesizing multiple polypeptides or other macromolecules, for example by using the above apparatus, wherein multiple common steps are performed automatically while reactants are added manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Nanjingjinsirui Science & Technology Biology Corporation
    Inventor: Nanjingjinsirui Science & Technology Biology Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130175211
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
  • 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: 20130165605
    Abstract: A gas-phase polymerization reactor having interconnected polymerization zones comprising:—a riser through which the polymer particles flow upwards under fast fluidization conditions or transport conditions—a dowcomer through which the polymer particles flow downward in a densified form under the action of gravity, the bottom of said downcomer being connected to the lower region of said riser by means of a transport section, said transport section being designed as a bend descending from the downcomer to the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Basell Poliolefine Italia S.r.I.
    Inventors: Silvia Soffritti, Riccardo Rinaldi, Maurizio Dorini, Giuseppe Penzo
  • Patent number: 8470250
    Abstract: A polyester production process employing an esterification system that utilizes a horizontally elongated esterification vessel as an esterification reactor and/or a vapor-liquid disengagement vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Bruce Roger DeBruin
  • Publication number: 20130149740
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for the production of a polymerized product comprising the following steps: providing a polymerization device to which a polymerization mixture and a separation medium can be applied and wherein flow of said mixture and medium can be conducted in appropriate ducts for said mixture and medium, transporting said polymerization mixture in a duct of said polymerization device thereby allowing the polymerization reaction, transporting said mixture in a duct of said polymerization device in a continuous flow, interrupting said continuous flow of said mixture with said separation medium so as to obtain consecutive volumes of said mixture and volumes of said separation medium, further transporting said consecutive volumes of said mixture and volumes of said separation medium in a duct of said polymerization device wherein said mixture further polymerizes to obtain a discontinuous polymerized product, and removing said discontinuous polymerized product from said polymerization devi
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Baxter Healthcare S.A., Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Yves Delmotte
  • Patent number: 8461278
    Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein heated water-absorbing polymer particles are remoisturized and cooled in a high-speed mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Rüdiger Funk, Thomas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8455595
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a slurry loop reactor comprising at least two loop reactors connected in series and wherein the line connecting the two loops is subject to a dynamic pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Total Research & Technology Feluy
    Inventors: Daan Dewachter, Louis Fouarge, Alain Brusselle
  • Publication number: 20130131300
    Abstract: A process for continuously mixing at least two fluid streams and splitting the stream of the mixture into at least two partial streams, comprising a) providing streams of the at least two fluids via separated conduits; b) combining the streams of the fluids and forming a homogeneous mixture; c) measuring the pressure in the conduit conveying the mixture of the fluids; d) splitting the stream of the mixture of the fluids into at least two partial streams and feeding each of the partial streams to a conduit equipped with a flow control device controlled by a controller; and e) adjusting the flow rates of the partial streams of the mixture of the fluids by feeding the pressure information measured in step c) as process variable to the controllers controlling the flow control devices, a process for feeding a mixture of at least two fluids via at least two feeding points, an apparatuses for carrying out such processes and a process for polymerizing olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: BASELL POLYOLEFINE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Olmscheid, Manfred Hecker, Rainer Karer, Paulus-Petrus Maria De Lange
  • Publication number: 20130130394
    Abstract: The present invention concerns devices and methods for controlling actin filaments growth and organization with micro patterned nucleation sites, their uses for studying actin network formation, for screening of drugs or for preparing complex structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIER- GRENOBLE 1, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Manuel Thery, Laurent Blanchoin, Rajaa Paterski
  • Patent number: 8445606
    Abstract: The invention relates to high pressure tubular reactor olefin polymerization plants having improved specific energy consumption. The plants may be newly constructed or made by de-bottlenecking an existing plant. The tube of the tubular reactor may have improved arrangements for cooling to increase conversion and optimized polymer-recycle gas separation arrangements using a jet pump for recycling unreacted monomer while permitting haze to be maintained. The improved cooling arrangements include a reduced pressure cooling zone forming the tail end of the tube and/or a shortened heating zone for the front feed and allowing more monomer to be fed as a side feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Henri A. Lammens, Tom Van Nuland, Ivo T. Goossens, Roger L. Claessens, Geert Vaes, Paul Jan Clymans
  • Patent number: 8444923
    Abstract: A continuous process wherein a mechanized and automated feeding system provides precision delivery of thermally and atmospherically conditioned components to a pelletization process including extrusion, pelletization, thermal processing, drying, and post-processing of the polymeric pellets formed. The components can be combined to form solutions, dispersions, emulsions, formulations, and the like. These components can further be reacted and thermally modified to form oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, copolymers, and many combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Persinger, Jeff Rose, J. Wayne Martin
  • Publication number: 20130116401
    Abstract: A production process of a poly(arylene sulfide) (PAS), including a polymerization step of forming a PAS from a sulfur source that is an alkali metal (hydro)sulfides and a dihalo-aromatic compound in an organic amide solvent; a separation step of PAS particles; a countercurrent washing step that is a step of washing the PAS particles with water and/or an organic solvent, wherein a downward current of a PAS particle-containing aqueous slurry is continuously brought into countercurrent contact with an upward current of a washing liquid; a PAS particle re-separation step of capturing a washing waste liquid by a PAS particle re-separating unit, in which a micro-slit filter has been installed, and then re-separating the PAS particles from the micro-slit filter, preferably using a backwashing unit, to discharge them; and a collecting step of the PAS particles discharged, and a production apparatus of a poly(arylene sulfide).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Takayuki Kimura, Tomoyoshi Koizumi, Mitsuhiro Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20130109818
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
  • Patent number: 8433443
    Abstract: Generally, a method of monitoring a polymerization reaction in a fluid bed reactor to generate, in on-line fashion, data indicative of the imminent occurrence of a discontinuity event (for example, sheeting) and optionally also control the reaction to prevent the occurrence of the discontinuity event is provided. Typical embodiments include the steps of generating in on-line fashion at least one of bed static data indicative of static charge in the fluidized bed and carryover static data indicative of carryover static; and generating at least one of temperature data (in on-line fashion using at least one monitored reaction parameter) indicative of a first temperature and acoustic emission data indicative of resin stickiness in the reactor, where the first temperature is indicative of at least one of degree of resin stickiness in the reactor and a characteristic of melting behavior of polymer resin in the reactor in the presence of at least one diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Ian D. Burdett, Marc L. DeChellis, F. David Hussein, Eric J. Markel, Michael E. Muhle, Richard B. Pannell, Daniel P. Zilker
  • Publication number: 20130102826
    Abstract: Methods for preparing selected oligomers from monomers utilize systems of equipment adapted to provide desired compositions in various streams. Representative equipment of an oligomerization system includes an oligomer synthesis reactor and, optionally, a gas/liquid phase separation system. A monomer feed stream and a catalyst feed stream are directed to the oligomer synthesis reactor. The reactor produces a vapor phase effluent and a liquid phase effluent. The selected oligomer product is withdrawn from the vapor phase effluent. When the gas/liquid phase separation system is included, it is adapted to form a first recycle stream and a separator product stream from the vapor phase effluent. The separator product stream includes the desired oligomer product. Additional equipment may be utilized to further refine the vapor phase effluent and/or the final product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: James R. Lattner, Michael W. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130099424
    Abstract: The present techniques provide an extruder screw comprising a high shear melting and mixing zone starting a distance away from an entry point of the screw corresponding to 35%-50% of the overall screw L/D. The extruder screw may also include elements capable of increasing a degree of fill of the high shear melting and mixing zone. In accordance with present techniques, the extruder screw is configured to blend two or more polyolefin polymers having greater than about a 200,000 difference in weight-average molecular weight in a single extrusion step. The extruder screw of the present techniques may be used in a single screw or twin screw extruder, and may be incorporated into a polyolefin production plant for producing multi-modal resins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Vivek Rohatgi, Ashish M. Sukhadia
  • Publication number: 20130101469
    Abstract: A method of treating a polymerization reactor effluent stream comprising recovering the reactor effluent stream from the polymerization reactor, flashing the reactor effluent stream to form a flash gas stream, separating the flash gas stream into a first top stream, a first bottom stream, and a side stream, wherein the side stream substantially comprises hexane, separating the first top stream into a second top stream and a second bottom stream, wherein the second bottom stream substantially comprises isobutane, and separating the second top stream into a third top stream and a third bottom stream; wherein the third top stream substantially comprises ethylene, and wherein the third bottom stream is substantially free of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
  • Patent number: 8425847
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a plant for the continuous solution polymerization of a feed comprising one or more olefin monomers in a solvent, e.g., hydrocarbon solvent, in which the plant comprises means for separating solvent from the polymer including a flash tank and a vacuum devolatilizer. The plant also includes in a first aspect stabilizer addition means for adding a stabilizer to the concentrated polymer fines at a location downstream of the flash and upstream of the vacuum devolatilizer. In another aspect the plant comprises means to add a molten stabilizer to the polymer at a location downstream of the reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Devoy, Vetkav R. Eswaran, Chris B. Friedersdorf
  • Patent number: 8425856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing starting materials, combustible substances and fuels from organic substances. Said claimed device comprises a reactor (10) that comprises an introduction device (11) for the organic substances, an evacuation device (12) for the reaction products and a device (13) for feeding reaction energy for the transformation of organic substances into reaction products. The invention is characterized in that the introduction device (11) comprises pneumatic means (24) for the supply of solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Werke Ludwigshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Berger, Thomas Willner, Walter Vanselow
  • Patent number: 8425848
    Abstract: A multi-chamber reactor (1) comprises an outer chamber (2) and at least one inner chamber (3), wherein the at least one inner chamber (3) is formed by a reactor/liner (6), which is closed by a closure (7), in particular a septum or a disk that can be penetrated with a needle, and the outer chamber is an autoclave, wherein the autoclave is composed of an autoclave body (4) and an autoclave cover (5), wherein the autoclave cover (5) has at least one first opening (8) for a needle (9), and preferably a second opening (10), which opens into the outer chamber. Said multi-chamber reactor (1) is suited for carrying out reactions with positive or negative pressure and under complete exclusion of air and/or moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Premex Reactor AG
    Inventor: Klaus Preuss
  • Patent number: 8420703
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting effective components from polyester fiber waste containing polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component, more specifically to provide a method for separating and removing foreign matters (mainly cotton) contained in polyester fiber waste. The purpose of the invention can be achieved by a method for separating and removing foreign matters from polyester waste, which includes throwing polyester fiber waste that contains polyalkylene telephthalate as the main component and foreign matters other than the polyalkylene telephthalate into a depolymerization reaction tank, subjecting a part or all of the polyester fiber to a depolymerization reaction with alkylene glycol to give a depolymerization reaction liquid, and then continuously or intermittently feeding the liquid to a foreign matter-separating and removing apparatus having specified characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Teijin Fibers Limited
    Inventors: Kouji Mukai, Minoru Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8420752
    Abstract: An apparatus (2) includes a neutralization tank (3), a pump (4), a heat exchanger (6), a line mixer (8), a polymerizer (10), a first pipe (12), a second pipe (14), a third pipe (16), a fourth pipe (18), and a fifth pipe (20). Continuously supplied into the neutralization tank (3) are a monomer aqueous solution and a basic aqueous solution, so as to prepare a mixture solution. The mixture solution is circulated through the first pipe (12), the pump (4), the second pipe (14), the heat exchanger (6), and the third pipe (16). The mixture solution is supplied to the polymerizer through the fourth pipe (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takaai, Yorimichi Dairoku, Shinichi Fujino
  • Patent number: 8415138
    Abstract: Provided are improved processes and apparatuses for solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis, the improvements comprising carrying out detritylation of the nascent oligonucleotide using a composition of an organic solvent, a protic solvent and a selected concentration, or selected concentration range, of water. In some embodiments, an oligonucleotide synthesis apparatus includes means for adding water to a detritylation reagent. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a water detector for analyzing the water concentration of a detritylation reagent to be reacted with a nascent oligonucleotide. An apparatus can comprise a feedback loop to control the concentration of water at the point of the detritylation reaction and/or to control the detritylation reaction time. The apparatuses and methods reduce batch-to-batch variations in the manufacture of oligonucleotides immobilized on the surface of various substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Leproust
  • Patent number: 8410329
    Abstract: A polyethylene production process, comprising contacting ethylene and a polymerization catalyst under suitable reaction conditions to yield a polymerization product stream, separating a light gas stream from the polymerization product stream, wherein the light gas stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, contacting the light gas stream with an absorption solvent system, wherein at least a portion of the ethylene from the light gas stream is absorbed by the absorption solvent system, removing unabsorbed gases of the light gas stream from contact with the absorption solvent system to form a waste gas stream, and recovering ethylene from the absorption solvent system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Ted Cymbaluk
  • Patent number: 8399580
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Philips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 8394912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the pretreatment of material surfaces in order to minimize the interaction between polycarbonate and metal and, in the processing and synthesis of polycarbonate, to obtain a high-quality polymer which in particular does not become discolored and is free of insoluble constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Frank Doebert, Andreas Stremmel, Christoph Biedron, Stephan Laue, Johann Rechner, Torsten Hagen, Frank Bruynseels, Frank Quaeyhaegens, Johan Decloedt, Paul Van Dorst, Uwe Arndt, Johan Vanden Eynde, Ursula Tracht, Thomas König, Ulrich Liesenfelder
  • Publication number: 20130056211
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a composition comprising a polymer and one or more chelators covalently coupled to polymer, wherein the one or more chelators has a benzene ring with more than one hydroxyl group at any position that is free, or a derivative of the chelator, or a salt of the chelator and methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Cory Berkland, Zahra Mohammadi
  • Publication number: 20130058837
    Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein a polymer gel is removed from a polymerization reactor, stored intermediately as a particulate polymer gel in a delay vessel, removed by means of a first conveying device at the lower end of the delay vessel and dried, the intermediately stored particulate polymer gel being conveyed within the delay vessel by means of at least one second conveying device above the first conveying device in the direction of the first conveying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventor: BASF SE
  • Patent number: 8378039
    Abstract: [Summary] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing polymer particles and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides an apparatus and a method, by which polymer particles having excellent monodispersity and homogeneous physical properties, such as homogeneous cross-linking degree and polymerization degree, may be efficiently prepared. In the present invention, particles having excellent monodispersity with the desired particle diameter, and also having a high cross-linking degree or a core-shell or core-double shell structure may also be effectively prepared. In addition, the processes for manufacturing said polymer particles are exceptionally reproducible in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Choe, Chang Houn Rhee, Jung Hyun Seo, Yoo Seok Kim, In Hyoup Song, Jung Uk Choi, Kwang Ho Song
  • Patent number: 8367004
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that utilize microreactor technology to achieve desired mixing and interaction at a micro and/or molecular level between and among feed stream constituents. Feed streams are fed to an intensifier pump at individually controlled rates, e.g., based on operation of individually controlled feed pumps. The time during which first and second feed streams are combined/mixed prior to introduction to the microreactor is generally minimized, thereby avoiding potential reactions and other constituent interactions prior to micro- and/or nano-scale interactions within the microreactor. Various microreactor designs/geometries may be employed, e.g., “Z” type single or multi-slot geometries and “Y” type single or multi-slot geometries. Various applications benefit from the disclosure, including emulsion, crystallization, encapsulation and reaction processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Microfluidics International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomai Panagiotou, Steven Vincent Mesite, Robert John Fisher
  • Patent number: 8361396
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to automated-polymer-synthesis systems that include discrete reagent-solution-addition, wait-time, and reagent-solution-draining sub-systems which together significantly increase throughput and decrease sub-system idle time. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention additionally include switches at points in which carriers can be received from multiple input paths or output to multiple different output paths. The automated-polymer-synthesis systems that represent embodiments of the present invention generally include an input spur and output spur in addition to a main loop, allowing carriers containing only completed polymers to be removed and new carriers input, so that carriers traverse the automated-polymer-synthesis systems independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Oligoco, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsing-Yeh Parker, John C. Tabone, John Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8362160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for delivering granulated material to a reactor for use in the polymerization of alpha-olefin comprising the steps of: providing a first conduit having a granulated material inlet, the conduit being operably connected to a pocket ball valve comprising at least one pocket, said pocket ball valve being operably connected to a second conduit, said second conduit being operably connected to a polymerization reactor; introducing a granulated material to the first conduit through said inlet; metering the granulated material through the pocket ball valve; and passing said material through the second conduit to the polymerization reactor. The present invention also relates to polyolefin production processes and polyolefin producing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Yahya Bouquoyoue, Claude Queyrel
  • Publication number: 20130017124
    Abstract: Polymerization apparatus for dental technology, having a housing; a partition wall disposed in the housing so as to form a polymerization space where polymerization is carried out; a rotating table, which is arranged on a lower side of the polymerization space and on which the dental prosthesis is disposed directly or via other members; and a plurality of LED light sources which irradiate a light for the curing to a polymerization region, which is formed on the upper side of the rotating table and where the dental prosthesis can be disposed, wherein at least one of the plurality of LED light sources is disposed such that a light axis thereof is inclined obliquely upward to be directed toward the polymerization region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukie NOGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8354063
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, Lawrence Pump Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Robert K. Franklin, Donald Paul Russell, Penny A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8349264
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Ted H. Cymbaluk, Charles K. Newsome, Charles R. Nease, H. Kenneth Staffin, Thomas R. Parr
  • Publication number: 20130005905
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for producing a polyvinyl alcohol that can remove unreacted monomers from the polymerization solution efficiently and reduce the amount of methanol injected. A polymerization solution obtained by polymerization of one or more vinyl esters or copolymerization of a vinyl ester with other monomers copolymerizable therewith is adjusted to a particular concentration by addition of liquid methanol and then brought into contact with methanol vapor in counter-current flow for separation into a monomer-free polymer solution and a monomer/methanol mixture. The monomer-free polymer solution is then saponified in the presence of a catalyst to give a polyvinyl alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DENKI KAGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Kozuka
  • Patent number: 8344036
    Abstract: A method of processing polymer materials, highly filled or otherwise to recover cyclic structures or monomers. The method involves providing a vessel having a heated side wall, an agitator, and at least one of an additional heated structure, other than the heated side wall, within the vessel and means for forming a thin coat of material processed in the vessel on said heated side wall. A polymer material is fed into the vessel and heated to a sufficient temperature to cause depolymerization of the polymer material into cyclic structures or monomers. The cyclic structures or monomers are removed from the vessel and collected. The method does not require the use of a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Heritage Environmental Services, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Eyster, James Bratina, Thomas Roberts, Christian Peregrine
  • Patent number: 8344078
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for producing a polyolefin using reactors in series are described. Described embodiments include techniques and systems for polymerizing a monomer in a first polymerization reactor to form a first polyolefin, discharging a first slurry continuously from the first polymerization reactor to a second polymerization reactor, and discharging a second slurry continuously from the second polymerization reactor. Using continuous take-off devices disposed on either or both reactors, pressure control may be attained such that the rate of transfer between and withdrawal from both reactors are within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: John D. Hottovy
  • Patent number: 8334117
    Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Akonni Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Belgrader, Christopher G. Cooney, Robert Doebler, Anna Hickerson, Bruce Irvine, Ali Nadim, James Sterling, Reza Miraghaie
  • 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: 8329433
    Abstract: A method for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method comprises the step of maintaining a reaction mixture in a PCR reaction chamber alternatively at a first temperature and a second temperature using a device comprising a first heater for heating a temperature-control substance to a first temperature, a second heater for heating said temperature-control substance to a second temperature, a pump located in between and connected in series with the first heater and the second heater; and a bladder unit connected to the first and second heaters via different ports. The pump introduces the temperature-control substance into the bladder unit at the first temperature and the second temperature alternatively with a regular interval to enable the PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Akonni Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Belgrader