Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael A. Cromwell
  • Patent number: 7163989
    Abstract: This invention relates to processes and plants for continuous solution polymerization. Such plan and process include a pressure source, a polymerization reactor, downstream of said pressure source, pressure let-down device, downstream of said polymerization reactor, and a separator, downstream of said pressure let-down device, wherein said pressure source is sufficient to provide pressure to said reaction mixture during operation of said process plant to produce a single-phase liquid reaction mixture in said reactor and a two-phase liquid-liquid reaction mixture in said separator in the absence of an additional pressure source between said reactor and said separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Exxon Mobile Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Chris B. Friedersdorf
  • Patent number: 7135533
    Abstract: This invention relates to olefin polymerization processes for polymerizing ethylene, higher alpha-olefin comonomer and dienes, especially vinyl norbornene, and especially process for producing amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers such as EPDM. The invention also relates to the novel polymers produced by such processes. The invention furthermore relates to articles of manufacture with an improved balance of toughness and curing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Perigaram S. Ravishankar
  • Patent number: 7084223
    Abstract: The invention encompasses late transition metal catalyst systems immobilized on solid supports and their use in heterogenous polymerization processes, particularly in gas phase polymerization of olefin monomers. Preferred embodiments include a late transition metal catalyst system comprising a Group 9, 10, or 11 metal complex stabilized by a bidentate ligand structure immobilized on a solid porous metal or metalloid oxide particle support, particularly those comprising silica. The gas phase polymerization process for olefin monomers comprises contacting one or more olefins with these catalyst systems under gas phase polymerization conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: George Alan Vaughan, Jo Ann Marie Canich, Phillip T. Matsunaga, David Edward Gindelberger, Kevin Richard Squire
  • Patent number: 6992159
    Abstract: Improved thermoplastic polymer blend compositions comprising an isotactic polypropylene component and an alpha-olefin and propylene copolymer component, said copolymer comprising crystallizable alpha-olefin sequences. In a preferred embodiment, improved thermoplastic polymer blends are provided comprising from about 35% to about 85% isotactic polypropylene and from about 30% to about 70% of an ethylene and propylene copolymer, wherein said copolymer comprises isotactically crystallizable propylene sequences and is predominately propylene. The resultant blends manifest unexpected compatibility characteristics, increased tensile strength, and improved process characteristics, e.g., a single melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhin Datta, Avinash Chandrakant Gadkari, Charles Cozewith
  • Patent number: 6992160
    Abstract: Improved thermoplastic polymer blend compositions comprising an isotactic polypropylene component and an alpha-olefin and propylene copolymer component, said copolymer comprising crystallizable alpha-olefin sequences. In a preferred embodiment, improved thermoplastic polymer blends are provided comprising from about 35% to about 85% isotactic polypropylene and from about 30% to about 70% of an ethylene and propylene copolymer, wherein said copolymer comprises isotactically crystallizable propylene sequences and is predominately propylene. The resultant blends manifest unexpected compatibility characteristics, increased tensile strength, and improved process characteristics, e.g., a single melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhin Datta, Avinash Chandrakant Gadkari, Charles Cozewith
  • Patent number: 6673734
    Abstract: A catalyst component, a catalyst, and a process for making the component and catalyst are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a fluid catalytic cracking process for converting petroleum feedstocks to lower boiling products wherein the feedstock is contacted with the catalyst. The catalyst component is a crystalline microporous oxide catalyst to which a compound for promoting dehydrogenation and increasing Lewis acidity is effectively added. This catalyst component can be included in an inorganic oxide matrix material and used as a catalyst. Preferably, the compound for promoting dehydrogenation and increasing Lewis acidity is effectively added to a non-framework portion of the crystalline microporous oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William L. Schuette, Albert E. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6569316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting cycle oils produced in catalytic cracking reactions into light olefin, preferably propylene. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing a catalytically cracked light cycle oil, and then re-cracking in a second FCC reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: William E. Winter
  • Patent number: 6565739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stage catalytic cracking process for converting cycle oils to more valuable products. More particularly, the invention relates to a process that includes interstage hydroprocessing and a tailored catalyst mixture in a second catalytic cracking stage where the hydroprocessed cycle oil is re-cracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: William E. Winter
  • Patent number: 6521563
    Abstract: Disclosed are silicoaluminates (SAPOs) having unique silicon distributions, a method for their preparation and their use as naphtha cracking catalysts. More particularly, the new SAPOs have a high silica:alumina ratio and favorable Si atom distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Karl G. Strohmaier, David E. W. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6482313
    Abstract: A catalyst component, a catalyst, and a process for making the component and catalyst are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a fluid catalytic cracking process for converting petroleum feedstocks to lower boiling products wherein the feedstock is contacted with the catalyst. The catalyst component is a crystalline microporous oxide catalyst to which a compound for promoting dehydrogenation and increasing Lewis acidity is effectively added. This catalyst component can be included in an inorganic oxide matrix material and used as a catalyst. Preferably, the compound for promoting dehydrogenation and increasing Lewis acidity is effectively added to a non-framework portion of the crystalline microporous oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William L. Schuette, Albert E. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 6454933
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for atomizing a fluid is disclosed. The processes and apparatuses are useful for atomizing a feed oil for a fluid cat cracking (FCC) or other suitable process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jackson I. Ito, Leonard Schoenman, Dean C. Draemel, Teh C. Ho, George A. Swan, III
  • Patent number: 6409911
    Abstract: Disclosed are silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) having unique silicon distributions and high catalytic cracking activity a method for their preparation and their use as FCC catalysts. More particularly, the new SAPOs have a high silica:alumina ratio and favorable Si atom distribution. The new SAPOs may have a small crystal size and may be synthesized from a single-phase synthesis solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl G. Strohmaier, David E. W. Vaughan, Tan Jen Chen, Philip A. Ruziska, Brian Erik Henry, Gordon F. Stuntz, Stephen M. Davis
  • Patent number: 6388152
    Abstract: A process for producing polymers from olefins selectively produced from a catalytically cracked or thermally cracked naphtha stream is disclosed herein. The naphtha stream is introduced into a process unit comprised of a reaction zone, a stripping zone, a catalyst regeneration zone, and a fractionation zone. The naphtha feedstream is contacted in the reaction zone with a catalyst containing from about 10 to 50 wt. % of a crystalline zeolite having an average pore diameter less than about 0.7 nanometers at reaction conditions which include temperatures ranging from about 500° to 650° C. and a hydrocarbon partial pressure from about 10 to 40 psia. Vapor products are collected overhead and the catalyst particles are passed through the stripping zone on the way to the catalyst regeneration zone. Volatiles are stripped with steam in the stripping zone and the catalyst particles are sent to the catalyst regeneration zone where coke is burned from the catalyst, which is then recycled to the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Ladwig, John E. Asplin, Gordon F. Stuntz, Tan-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6352639
    Abstract: An atomizing gas, such as steam, and a hot fluid comprising a hot liquid to be atomized, are passed under pressure, through separate fluid conduits in a heat exchange means, in which the hot liquid heats the steam to a superheat temperature, by indirect heat exchange. The superheated steam is then injected into the hot fluid, which comprises a two-phase fluid comprising steam and the hot liquid, subsequent to the superheated steam injection. The two-phase fluid is passed through an atomizing means, such as an orifice, into a lower pressure atomizing zone, which causes the steam to expand and atomize the liquid into a spray of liquid droplets. The two-phase fluid is formed before or as a consequence of the superheated steam injection and is preferably steam-continuous when passed through the atomizing means. This process is useful for atomizing a hot feed oil for a fluid cat cracking (FCC) process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jackson I. Ito, Leonard Schoenman, Dean C. Draemel, Teh C. Ho, George A. Swan
  • Patent number: 6300537
    Abstract: Disclosed are silicoaluminates (SAPOs) having unique silicon distributions, a method for their preparation and their use as naphtha cracking catalysts. More particularly, the new SAPOs have a high silica:alumina ratio and favorable Si atom distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Karl G. Strohmaier, David E. W. Vaughan, Tan Jen Chen, Philip A. Ruziska, Brian Erik Henry, Gordon F. Stuntz, Stephen M. Davis
  • Patent number: 6258257
    Abstract: A process for producing polymers from olefins selectively produced by a two stage process for selectively producing C2 to C4 olefins from a gas oil or resid is disclosed herein. The gas oil or resid is reacted in a first stage comprising a fluid catalytic cracking unit wherein it is converted in the presence of conventional large pore zeolitic catalyst to reaction products, including a naphtha boiling range stream. The naphtha boiling range stream is introduced into a second stage comprising a process unit containing a reaction zone, a stripping zone, a catalyst regeneration zone, and a fractionation zone. The naphtha feed is contacted in the reaction zone with a catalyst containing from about 10 to 50 wt. % of a crystalline zeolite having an average pore diameter less than about 0.7 nanometers at reaction conditions which include temperatures ranging from about 500 to 650° C. and a hydrocarbon partial pressure from about 10 to 40 psia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: George A. Swan, III, Michael W. Bedell, Paul K. Ladwig, John E. Asplin, Gordon F. Stuntz, William A. Wachter, B. Erik Henry
  • Patent number: 6258990
    Abstract: A process for producing polymers from C2-C4 olefins selectively produced from a catalytically-cracked or thermally-cracked naphtha stream is disclosed herein. A mixture of the naphtha stream and a stream of steam is feed into a reaction zone where it is contacted with a catalyst containing from about 10 to 50 wt. % of a crystalline zeolite having an average pore diameter less than about 0.7 nanometers at reaction conditions that include temperatures from about 500° C. to 650° C. and a hydrocarbon partial pressure from about 10 to 40 psia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Shun C. Fung, Tan-Jen Chen, Marcel J. Janssen, William A. Wachter, B. Erik Henry, John E. Asplin
  • Patent number: 6238550
    Abstract: Disclosed are silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) having unique silicon distributions, a method for their preparation and their use as catalysts for the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feedstocks. More particularly, the new SAPOs have a high silica:alumina ratio, and may be prepared from single phase synthesis solutions or from microemulsions containing surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Karl G. Strohmaier, David E. W. Vaughan, William J. Murphy, Ian A. Cody, Sandra J. Linek
  • Patent number: 6225255
    Abstract: An additive catalyst for the cracking of heavy oil, characterized in that the additive catalyst includes: (i) a mixed metal oxide composed of an acidic metal oxide and a basic metal oxide, in which the proportion of the basic metal oxide is from 5 to 50 mole %, (ii) clay, and (iii) silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Masato Shibasaki, Nobuo Ootake, Kaori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6199768
    Abstract: A liquid atomization process comprises forming a two-phase fluid mixture of a liquid and a gas, under pressure, dividing the fluid into two separate streams which are passed into and through an impingement mixing zone in which they are impingement mixed to form a single stream of two-phase fluid. The mixed, single stream is then passed into and through a shear mixing zone and then into a lower pressure expansion zone, in which atomization occurs to form a spray of atomized drops of the liquid. The impingement and shear mixing zones comprise respective upstream and downstream portions of a single cavity in a nozzle. This is useful for atomizing the hot feed oil in an FCC process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Russell J. Koveal, Jackson I. Ito