Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • 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
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20180105625
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are described. A method includes selecting a catalyst blend using a blend polydispersity index (bPDI) map. The polydispersity map is generated by generating a number of polymers for at least two catalysts. Each polymer is generated at a different hydrogen to ethylene ratio. At least one catalyst generates a higher molecular weight polymer and another catalyst generates a lower molecular weight polymer. A molecular weight for each polymer is measured. The relationship between the molecular weight of the polymers generated by each of the catalysts and the ratio of hydrogen to ethylene is determined. A family of bPDI curves for polymers that would be made using a number of ratios of a blend of the at least two catalysts for each of a number of ratios of hydrogen to ethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Ching-Tai Lue, Timothy M. Boller, Garth R. Giesbrecht, C. Jeff Harlan
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OLEFIN POLYMERIZATION
    Publication number: 20180100031
    Abstract: Methods and systems for olefin polymerization are provided. The method for olefin polymerization can include flowing a catalyst through an injection nozzle and into a fluidized bed disposed within a reactor. The method can also include flowing a feed comprising one or more monomers, one or more inert fluids, or a combination thereof through the injection nozzle and into the fluidized bed. The feed can be at a temperature greater than ambient temperature. The method can also include contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst within the fluidized bed at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno
  • Methods for preparing catalyst systems with increased productivity
    Patent number: 9938361
    Abstract: Methods for producing catalyst systems with increased productivity are disclosed. The methods may comprise providing a catalyst composition comprising a solvent and a single-site catalyst component, heating an inert gas to a temperature in a range of from about 100° C. to about 150° C., and spray drying the catalyst composition in the presence of the inert gas to form a spray-dried catalyst system. Additionally, the methods may comprise providing a catalyst composition comprising a solvent, an activator, a filler material, a metallocene catalyst, and a Group 15-containing catalyst; heating an inert gas to a temperature in a range of from about 100° C. to about 150° C.; and spray drying the catalyst composition in the presence of the inert gas to form a spray-dried catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Lynn, F. David Hussein, R. Eric Pequeno, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Bruce J. Savatsky, Michael D. Awe
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 9932426
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • BRIDGED BI-AROMATIC LIGANDS AND TRANSITION METAL COMPOUNDS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20180086685
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel bridged bi-aromatic phenol ligands and transition metal compounds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making the ligands and transition metal compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Anne Faler, Kevin P. Ramirez
  • CATALYSTS FOR CONTROL OF LONG CHAIN BRANCHING
    Publication number: 20180079838
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. A catalyst composition is provided that includes a catalyst compound supported to form a supported catalyst system, the catalyst compound including: where each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and X are as discussed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donna J. Crowther, C. Jeff Harlan, Jackie Lovell, Haiqing Peng
  • CLOSED REACTOR TRANSITIONS BETWEEN METALLOCENE CATALYSTS
    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
  • METHODS FOR PREPARING BRIDGED BI-AROMATIC LIGANDS
    Publication number: 20180079704
    Abstract: New methods of preparing bridged bi-aromatic ligands are disclosed. The methods employ direct di-ortho-lithiation of aromatic rings of bridged protected bi-aromatic diphenols. The ligands may be used to prepare transition metal compounds useful as catalysts in olefin polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Anne Faler, C. Jeff Harlan, Kevin P. Ramirez
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20180066088
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of polymerizing olefins to produce a polyolefin polymer with a multimodal composition distribution, includes contacting ethylene and a comonomer with a catalyst system. The catalyst system includes a first catalyst compound and a second catalyst compound that are co-supported to form a commonly supported catalyst system. The first catalyst compound includes a compound with the general formula (C5HaR1b)(C5HcR2d)HfX2. The second catalyst compound includes at least one of the following general formulas: In both catalyst systems, the R groups can be independently selected from any number of substituents, including, for example, H, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or a heteroatom group, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, C. Jeff Harlan, Laughlin G. McCullough
  • Forming different plastic products from a single melt
    Patent number: 9908276
    Abstract: Systems (200) and methods for making different plastic products (202, 204) in a single melting process are provided. A method includes melting a plastic resin in a first extruder (104) to form a melt (106) and transferring at least a portion of the melt to a second extruder (114). Any portion of the melt (106) that is not transferred to the second extruder (114) is formed into a first plastic product (202). Additives (116) are blended with the melt in the second extruder to form a second melt (118), and a second plastic product (204) is formed from the second melt (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Simon J. White