Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts to improve the performance of chromium-based catalysts. The aluminum alkyls allow for the variable control of polymer molecular weight, control of side branching while possessing desirable productivities, and may be applied to the catalyst directly or separately to the reactor. Adding the alkyl aluminum compound directly to the reactor (in-situ) eliminates induction times.

Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems that are incompatible with each other. In particular, the processes relate to transitioning from olefin polymerizations utilizing metallocene catalyst systems to olefin polymerizations utilizing traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling static charges in a fluidized bed olefin polymerization reactor. Static charges which develop in the polymer products are measured and, if they fall outside a predetermined range, static charge control agents are introduced into the reactor. By controlling the static charges in the reactor, sheeting and drooling can be controlled.

Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems that are incompatible with each other. In particular, the processes relate to transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, metallocene catalyst systems and other MAO-based single site catalyst systems.

Abstract: A magnesium halide composition comprising and/or made from a magnesium halide, a solvent suitable for an electron donor compound and an electron donor compound. The composition is characterized by enhanced solubility whereby it has a solubility in the solvent that does not decrease as a function of temperature up to the boiling point of the solvent and the solubility of the magnesium halide in the solvent is greater than 0.7 mol/liter. A polymerization catalyst precursor composition can be made from magnesium halide composition by mixing the magnesium halide composition with a transition metal compound.

Abstract: This invention is directed to cationic polymerization of olefins using catalysts comprising a Group 6 or 10 neutral transition metal cation composition having a cyclopropenyl ring, a pi-bonded cyclopentadienyl ligand or cyclopentadienyl group-containing ligand and an amido or imido ligand. The precursor of the neutral transition metal composition is activated to a catalytic state by exposure to an activator composition that may be any of the heretofore known activator compositions such as an alumoxane or a compatible non-coordinating anion (NCA).

Abstract: A catalyst composition for the polymerization of olefins is provided which comprises a catalyst compound and a co-catalyst or a support material or both a co-catalyst and a support material, wherein the catalyst compound comprises a transition metal of Group 4, 5 or 6, an organic compound containing at least one lone pair of electrons, a divalent radical and a Lewis basic group having the following formula: —C(R7)=Z1R8,  (i) wherein R7 and R8 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C8 hydrocarbyl groups, and wherein R7 and R8 are not linked or are linked to form a saturated or unsaturated ring; and Z1 is a nitrogen atom or a phosphorus atom, which bonds to M; or  wherein: Z2 is an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or a selenium atom, which bonds to the transition metal compound; and R9, R10 and R11 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C8 hydrocarbyl groups, wherein no pair or one pair of su

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and a method for controlling the static charge developed by a flowable solid as it passes through a conduit. The flowable solid is conveyed through the conduit in such a manner that the powder develops a static charge due to the triboelectric effect as it moves against the conduit walls. The static charge on the solid is then measured using a static charge measuring device such as a Faraday drum or cage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to start up an olefin polymerization process comprising: a. calculating a trajectory, from elements including catalyst deactivation rate constants (kd), for the rate of introduction of a catalyst system, into a reactor, said catalyst system comprising two different metal catalyst compounds (A and B) and at least one activator, wherein the ratio of the deactivation constants of the two different metal catalyst compounds kdA/kdB is not 1; and b. introducing olefin monomer, a catalyst system, optional co-monomer, and optional chain transfer or termination agents into a polymerization reactor in a manner such that the catalyst system introduction rate is manipulated to follow the trajectory until a desired production rate is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to support one or more catalyst compounds comprising contacting the catalyst compounds with a pretreatment agent comprising an aluminum alkyl and or an alumoxane in solution and thereafter contacting the combination with a supported activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling static charges in a fluidized bed olefin polymerization reactor. Static charges which develop in the polymer products are measured and, if they fall outside a predetermined range, static charge control agents are introduced into the reactor. By controlling the static charges in the reactor, sheeting and drooling can be controlled.