Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Process control for long chain branching control in polyethylene production
    Patent number: 10155831
    Abstract: Polymerization process control methods for making polyethylene are provided. The process control methods include performing a polymerization reaction in a polymerization reactor to produce the polyethylene, where ethylene, and optionally one or more comonomers, in the polymerization reaction is catalyzed by an electron donor-free Ziegler-Natta catalyst and an alkyl aluminum co-catalyst. A melt flow ratio (I21/I2) of the polyethylene removed from the polymerization reactor is measured and an amount of long chain branching (LCB) of the polyethylene from the polymerization reactor is controlled by adjusting a weight concentration of the alkyl aluminum co-catalyst present in the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • Chromium-Based Catalyst Compositions for Olefin Polymerization
    Publication number: 20180327521
    Abstract: Modified chromium-based catalyst compositions for olefin polymerization are disclosed. The modifiers prevent or reduce catalyst particle aggregation providing improved catalyst particle dispersion and consistent flow index response of the compositions in olefin polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Parul A. Khokhani, Tomas T. Tamargo, Kevin R. Gross, Mark G. Goode
  • OPERATING A POLYOLEFIN REACTOR
    Publication number: 20180326386
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a polymerization reactor in a non-sticking regime are disclosed. An exemplary method includes measuring parameters for the polymerization reaction including a reactor temperature and a concentration of an induced condensing agent (ICA) in a polymerization reactor. An equivalent partial pressure ((PICA)equiv) of the ICA is calculated. The polymerization reactor operation is located in a two dimension space defined by a reactor temperature dimension and a ((PICA)equiv) dimension. The location in the two dimensional space is compared to an non-sticking regime, defined as the space between an upper temperature limit (UTL) curve and a lower temperature limit (LTL) curve. Parameters of the polymerization reactor are adjusted to keep the reactor within the non-sticking regime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Abarajith S. Hari, Bruce J. Savatsky, David M. Glowczwski, Xianyi Cao
  • Methods of changing polyolefin production conditions to mitigate small gels in a polyolefin article
    Patent number: 10113019
    Abstract: The number of small gels that form in polyolefin thin films may be reduced by altering certain production parameters of the polyolefin. In some instances, the number of small gels may be influenced by the melt index of the polyolefin. However, in many instances, melt index is a critical part of the polyolefin product specification and, therefore, is not manipulated. Two parameters that may be manipulated to mitigate small gel count while maintaining the melt index are polyolefin residence time in the reactor and ICA concentration in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr.
  • BIS(AMINOPHENYLPHENOL) LIGANDS AND TRANSITION METAL COMPOUNDS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20180305324
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel bis(aminophenylphenol) ligands and transition metal compounds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making the ligands and transition metal compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Anne Faler, Kevin P. Ramirez
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20180298128
    Abstract: A polymerization catalyst system, a method of using the polymerization catalyst system, and a polymer produced with the catalyst system. The polymerization catalyst system has a non-metallocene catalyst and a metallocene catalyst. The metallocene catalyst has the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently, phenyl, methyl, chloro, fluoro, or a hydrocarbyl group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Jeff Harlan, Timothy R. Lynn, Fathi David Hussein, Timothy M. Boller
  • POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTION WITH CHROMIUM-BASED CATALYSTS
    Publication number: 20180223020
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a chromium-based catalyst to a mix vessel; introducing a reducing agent through an entrance arrangement into the mix vessel, and agitating a mixture of the chromium-based catalyst, the reducing agent, and a solvent in the mix vessel to promote contact of the reducing agent with the chromium-based catalyst to give a reduced chromium-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Moorhouse, Kevin J. Cann, Mark G. Goode, Kevin R. Gross
  • POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTION WITH CHROMIUM-BASED CATALYSTS
    Publication number: 20180223021
    Abstract: A system and method for feeding a chromium-based catalyst to a polymerization reactor; adding a reducing agent to the chromium-based catalyst, and polymerizing an olefin into a polyolefin in the polymerization reactor in the presence of the chromium-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin R. Gross, Kevin J. Cann, Mark G. Goode, John H. Moorhouse
  • Continuity compositions and methods of making and using the same
    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
  • Method for determining a stickiness temperature of a resin
    Patent number: 10029226
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a polymerization reactor in a non-sticking regime are disclosed. An exemplary method includes measuring parameters for the polymerization reaction including a reactor temperature and a concentration of an induced condensing agent (ICA) in a polymerization reactor. An equivalent partial pressure ((PICA)equiv) of the ICA is calculated. The polymerization reactor operation is located in a two dimension space defined by a reactor temperature dimension and a ((PICA)equiv) dimension. The location in the two dimensional space is compared to an non-sticking regime, defined as the space between an upper temperature limit (UTL) curve and a lower temperature limit (LTL) curve. Parameters of the polymerization reactor are adjusted to keep the reactor within the non-sticking regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Abarajith S. Hari, Bruce J. Savatsky, David M. Glowczwski, Xianyi Cao
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20180186912
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20180186911
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • POLYETHYLENE COPOLYMERS HAVING A PARTICULAR COMONOMER DISTRIBUTION
    Publication number: 20180155473
    Abstract: Novel polyethylene copolymers having a relatively high comonomer partitioning tendency are disclosed as are methods for their preparation. The comonomer partitioning tendency is the tendency for a copolymer to have comonomer in the higher molecular weight chains. Novel metrics for describing the comonomer partitioning tendency are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Kuhlman
  • BRIDGED BI-AROMATIC LIGANDS AND OLEFIN POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20180147562
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel bridged bi-aromatic phenol ligands and transition metal catalyst compounds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making the ligands and transition metal compounds, and polymerization processes utilizing the transition metal compounds for the production of olefin polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Anne Faler, C. Jeff Harlan
  • METHODS FOR PREPARING BRIDGED BI-AROMATIC LIGANDS
    Publication number: 20180141883
    Abstract: New methods for preparing bridged bi-aromatic ligands are disclosed. The methods employ aryl coupling of unprotected phenols. The ligands may be used to prepare transition metal compounds useful as catalysts in olefin polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Anne FALER, Kevin P. RAMIREZ
  • Methods for making catalyst compositions and polymer products produced therefrom
    Patent number: 9975974
    Abstract: Methods for making olefin polymerization catalysts and methods for making polymers using the catalysts are provided. The method for making the catalyst can include combining one or more supports with one or more magnesium-containing compounds under reaction conditions to form a first reacted product. One or more chlorinating compounds selected from the group consisting of aluminum alkyl chlorides and chloro substituted silanes can be combined with the first reacted product under reaction conditions to form a second reacted product. One or more titanium-containing compounds selected from the group consisting of titanium alkoxides and titanium halides can be combined with the second reacted product under reaction conditions to form a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • SUPPORTED CATALYST COMPOSITIONS HAVING IMPROVED FLOW PROPERTIES AND PREPARATION THEREOF
    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
  • Methods of modifying the melt flow ratio and/or swell of polyethylene resins
    Patent number: 9963528
    Abstract: Methods of making polyethylene resins are provided. More particularly methods of modifying the melt flow ratio and swell characteristics of polyethylene resins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky, Peter S. Martin, Timothy R. Lynn
  • METHODS FOR OPERATING A POLYMERIZATION REACTOR
    Publication number: 20180118862
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, 1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, 2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • METHOD FOR SYNTHESIS OF MONOCYCLOPENTADIENYL COMPLEXES OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM
    Publication number: 20180111953
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. In an example, a method of synthesizing a monocyclopentadienyl compound is provided. The method includes melting a dicyclopentadienyl compound including the following structure: (A). As used herein, M is hafnium or zirconium. Each R is independently an H, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, a heteroatom group. Each X is a leaving group selected from a halogen or a heteroatom group. A reaction melt is formed by adding a metal salt including the following structure: (B). A monocyclopentadienyl compound is deposited from a vapor formed over the reaction melt, wherein the monocyclopentadienyl compound includes the following structure: (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: C. Jeff Harlan