Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 9902790
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The method comprises contacting ethylene and at least one comonomer with a catalyst system to produce a polyolefin polymer that is multimodal. The catalyst system comprises a first catalyst that promotes polymerization of the ethylene into a low molecular weight (LMW) portion of the polyolefin polymer and a second catalyst that promotes polymerization of the ethylene into a high molecular weight (HMW) portion of the polyolefin polymer. The first catalyst and at least a portion of the second catalyst are co-supported to form a commonly-supported catalyst system and at least a portion of the second catalyst is added as a catalyst trim feed to the catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel D. Vanderlende, C. Jeff Harlan, Haiqing Peng, Michael D. Awe, Roger L. Kuhlman, Ching-Tai Lue, Timothy R. Lynn, Wesley R. Mariott, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr.
  • SPRAY DRIED CATALYST COMPOSITIONS, METHODS FOR PREPARATION AND USE IN OLEFIN POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES
    Publication number: 20180051111
    Abstract: Methods of preparing supported catalyst compositions using spray drying are disclosed. The supported catalyst compositions find use in the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Michael D. Awe
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 9879106
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Ching-Tai Lue, Timothy M. Boller, Garth R. Giesbrecht, C. Jeff Harlan
  • METHODS FOR CONTROLLING POLYMER CHAIN SCISSION
    Publication number: 20180001537
    Abstract: Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (110) that utilize melt temperature to control molecular weight and also reduce gels. Disclosed herein is an example method for controlling polymer chain scission in an extrusion system (100), comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (110) in extruder (102) at a first melt temperature to form a first melt (112); passing the first melt (112) through a screen pack (106); forming the first melt 112) into a first polyolefin product (116, 118); melting additional polyolefin resin (110) of the same grade in the extruder (102) at a second melt temperature to form a second melt (112), wherein the second melt temperature differs from the first melt temperature by 5° C. or more to control chain scission in the extruder (102); passing the second melt (112) through the screen pack (106); and forming the second melt (112) into a second polyolefin product (116, 118).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Brandon C. Locklear
  • METHODS FOR GEL REDUCTION IN POLYOLEFINS
    Publication number: 20180001533
    Abstract: Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (112 ) that control specific energy input to the extruder (102 ) for gel reduction. Disclosed herein is an example method for forming plastic products (120, 208 ) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (112 ) in extruder (102 ) to form a melt; adjusting specific energy input in the extruder (102 ) to reduce gels in the melt; and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208 ). Disclosed herein is also an example method for forming plastic products (120, 20 ) with reduced gels, comprising: melting a polyolefin resin in extruder (102 ) to form a melt; selecting a throttle valve (104 ) position for gel reduction; setting the throttle valve (104 ) at the selected throttle valve (104 ) position to restrict flow of the melt out of the extruder (102 ); and forming the melt into a polyolefin product (120, 208 ).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Brandon C. Locklear, Yuet Meng Chu, T.R. Veariel
  • Polyethylenes with increased molecular weight distribution
    Patent number: 9856339
    Abstract: Methods for making olefin polymerization catalysts and methods for making polyethylene polymers using the catalysts are provided. The polyethylenes can have a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of about 4.5 to about 14, a slope of strain hardening greater than about 0.75, and a melt flow ratio (MFR) greater than or equal to 8.33+(4.17×MWD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • Producing polyolefin products with improved stiffness, toughness, and processability
    Patent number: 9850332
    Abstract: Polymers, and systems and methods for making and using the same are described herein. A polymer includes ethylene and at least one alpha olefin having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The polymer has a melt index ratio (MIR) greater than about 40. The polymer also has a value for Mw1/Mw2 of at least about 2.0, wherein Mw1/Mw2 is a ratio of a weight average molecular weight (Mw) for a first half of a temperature rising elution (TREF) curve from a cross-fractionation (CFC) analysis to an Mw for a second half of the TREF curve. The polymer also has a value for Tw1?Tw2 of less than about ?15° C., wherein Tw1?Tw2 is a difference of a weight average elution temperature (Tw) for the first half of the TREF curve to a Tw for the second half of the TREF curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, Timothy M. Boller, Garth R. Giesbrecht, Mark G. Goode, Sun-Chueh Kao, Dongming Li, R. Eric Pequeno, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr.
  • METHODS OF CONTROLLING POLYOLEFIN MELT INDEX WHILE INCREASING CATALYST PRODUCTIVITY
    Publication number: 20170362353
    Abstract: The catalyst productivity of a polyolefin catalyst in the methods disclosed herein may be increased by increasing the concentration of an induced condensing agent (ICA) in the reactor system. The effect the increased ICA concentration may have on a melt index may be counteracted, if necessary, in various ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Natarajan Muruganandam, Timothy R. Lynn, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Fathi David Hussein
  • METHODS OF CHANGING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTION CONDITIONS TO MITIGATE SMALL GELS IN A POLYOLEFIN ARTICLE
    Publication number: 20170355790
    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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr.
  • METHODS OF CHANGING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTION RATE WITH THE COMPOSITION OF THE INDUCED CONDENSING AGENTS
    Publication number: 20170355791
    Abstract: Polyolefin polymerization performed by contacting in a reactor an olefin monomer and optionally a comonomer with a catalyst system in the presence of induced condensing agents (ICA) and optionally hydrogen. The ICA may include two or more ICA components where the composition of the ICA (i.e., the concentration of each ICA component) may affect the polyolefin production rate. Changes to the relative concentration of the two or more ICA components may be according to ICA equivalency factors that allow for increasing the polyolefin production rate while maintain a sticking temperature, increasing polyolefin production rate while increasing the dew point approach temperature of the ICA, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Brandon C. Locklear, R. Eric Pequeno, Abarajith S. Hari, David M. Glowczwski
  • CHROMIUM-BASED CATALYST COMPOSITIONS FOR OLEFIN POLYMERIZATION
    Publication number: 20170327609
    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 16, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Parul A. Khokhani, Tomas T. Tamargo, Kevin R. Gross, Mark G. Goode
  • Systems and Methods for Measuring Particle Accumulation on Reactor Surfaces
    Publication number: 20170320034
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a particle/fluid mixture are provided. The method can include flowing a mixture comprising charged particles and a fluid past a particle accumulation probe. The method can also include measuring electrical signals detected by the probe as some charged particles pass the probe without contacting the probe while other charged particles contact the probe. The measured electrical signals can be manipulated to provide an output. The method can also include determining from the output if the charged particles contacting the probe have, on average, a different charge than the charged particles that pass the probe without contacting the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric J. Markel
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 9809667
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, C. Jeff Harlan, Laughlin G. McCullough
  • Feeding polymerization additives to polymerization processes
    Patent number: 9809656
    Abstract: Processes for making and using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive are disclosed herein. The process for making a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting a polymerization additive with a liquid to form a liquid slurry polymerization additive, and shearing the liquid slurry polymerization additive to increase its viscosity and thus form the viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive. The process for using a viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive comprises contacting, under polymerization conditions, in a reactor system: a catalyst system, one or more monomers, and at least one viscosified liquid slurry polymerization additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, David M. Glowczwski, Chi-I Kuo
  • CATALYST ACTIVATORS, METHODS OF PREPARATION AND USE IN POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES
    Publication number: 20170291973
    Abstract: Catalyst activators and methods for their preparation and their use in processes for polymerizing olefms are described. In particular, catalyst activators derived from aluminum alkyls and their use with metallocene type catalyst systems and/or conventional-type transition metal catalyst systems are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian M. Munro, Kevin J. Cann
  • POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTION WITH CHROMIUM-BASED CATALYSTS
    Publication number: 20170274356
    Abstract: A method including contacting a chromium-based catalyst with a reducing agent in a solvent to lower an oxidation state of at least some chromium in the chromium-based catalyst to give a reduced chromium-based catalyst, drying the reduced chromium-based catalyst at a temperature, and adjusting the temperature to affect the flow index response of the reduced chromium-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, Mark G. Goode, Kevin R. Gross, John H. Moorhouse
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING AN INSERT ASSEMBLY WITH STACKED GAS FLOW GAPS
    Publication number: 20170259235
    Abstract: Disclosed are insert assemblies with stacked gas flow gaps to add and/or remove gases from a solid/gas mixture travelling through a barrier. An example system may comprise a barrier and an insert assembly in the barrier defining an annulus between the insert assembly and the barrier, wherein the insert assembly comprises stacked flow gaps configured for addition and/or removal of gas from a solid/gas mixture flowing in the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William R. PECKOL, Donald A. FISCHER
  • FLUORINATED CATALYST SUPPORTS AND CATALYST SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20170260306
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method for making a catalyst support includes forming a mixture of a support material and a fluoride donor. The mixture is added to a fluidized bed reactor. The mixture is fluidized to form a fluidized bed while maintaining a flow rate of a fluidizing gas of about 0.1 ft./sec at less than about 370° C. and greater than about 0.35 ft./sec at temperatures greater than about 370° C. The mixture is calcined to decompose the fluoride donor, forming a fluorinated support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Moorhouse, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Mark G. Goode, C. Jeff Harlan, Wesley R. Mariott
  • METHODS OF CONTROLLING POLYOLEFIN MELT INDEX
    Publication number: 20170259236
    Abstract: The use of induced condensing agent (ICA) in fluidized bed gas phase reactor systems enables higher production rates but can affect the resulting polyolefins melt index. The effect the increased ICA concentration may have on a melt index may be counteracted, if necessary, by altering the concentration of olefin monomer within the reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Natarajan Muruganandam, Timothy R. Lynn, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Fathi David Hussein
  • FLUORINATED CATALYST SUPPORTS AND CATALYST SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20170247482
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method for making a catalyst support includes forming a mixture of a support material and a fluoride donor. The mixture is added to a fluidized bed reactor. The mixture is fluidized to form a fluidized bed while maintaining a ratio of a pressure drop across a distributor plate to a pressure drop across the fluidized bed of greater than about 7%. The mixture is calcined to decompose the fluoride donor, forming a fluorinated support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Moorhouse, Kevin J. Cann, Phuong A. Cao, Mark G. Goode, C. Jeff Harlan, Wesley R. Mariott