Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • 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