Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20150166699
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of preparing a catalyst system comprising a spray-dried activator and polymerization processes employing these catalyst systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sun-Chueh Kao, Phuong A. Cao, C. Jeff Harlan, Parul A. Khokhani, George Rodriguez, Francis C. Rix, Garth R. Giesbrecht
  • Patent number: 9039333
    Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, settling vessels, discharge lines, primary discharge valves, vent lines, primary vent valves, crosstie lines, crosstie valves, and primary exit valves wherein the system is absent a transfer tank, and absent a filter element. The method provides for transferring a solid/gas mixture via a discharge line from the pressure vessel to a settling vessel, wherein gas is separated from the mixture, and the gas is transferred to at least one other settling vessel via a crosstie line. After the solids are transferred out of the settling vessel, the empty vessel then receives gas from other settling vessels in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
  • Patent number: 9039811
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating volatiles from particulates are provided. The apparatus includes a separator having an internal volume and a fluid discharge outlet, a particulate discharge outlet, a particulate inlet, and a fluid inlet disposed on the separator and in fluid communication with the internal volume. The particulate inlet is disposed toward a first end of the separator and the fluid inlet is disposed toward a second end of the separator. The fluid inlet includes one or more openings disposed through a sidewall of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Eisinger, Bruce S. Holden, Timothy Charles Frank
  • Publication number: 20150133615
    Abstract: Spray-dried catalyst compositions comprising a transition metal complex and polymerization processes employing the same are disclosed herein. An embodiment provides a spray-dried catalyst composition comprising a transition metal catalyst component represented by the following formula: (I) and polymerization process employing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Phuong A. Cao, Daniel P. Zilker, JR., John H. Oskam, Cliff R. Mure
  • Publication number: 20150133614
    Abstract: A process for the production of ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers is disclosed. The process may include feeding a catalyst system comprising a supported metallocene, such as a hafnocene, having pores saturated with a selected liquid agent, to a gas phase polymerization reactor. Ethylene and an alpha-olefin may then be contacted with the supported metallocene in the gas phase polymerization reactor to produce an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The copolymer may have a density of less than 0.93 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) of less than 2 dg/min, and a melt flow ratio (I21/I2) of at least 28. To advantageously result in desired effects on catalyst properties and/or polymer properties, the liquid agent may be selected to advantageously manipulate catalyst temperature profiles and/or catalyst-monomer interaction during an initial heating period when the catalyst is first introduced to the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: F. David Hussein, Daniel P. Zilker, JR., Kevin J. Cann
  • Patent number: 9023958
    Abstract: A method for the delivery of a catalyst to a polymerization reactor is disclosed, comprising: contacting a catalyst with a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon in gaseous form, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.; and flowing the carrier fluid to the polymerization reactor such that the carrier fluid transports the catalyst to the polymerization reactor. A catalyst delivery system is disclosed, comprising: a catalyst vessel for containing a catalyst; a catalyst injection line for delivering the catalyst to a polymerization reactor, the catalyst injection line being in fluid communication with the catalyst vessel and the polymerization reactor; and a carrier fluid line in fluid communication with the catalyst injection line for delivering a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon to the catalyst injection line, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale A. Wright, John R. Parrish, James L. Swecker, II, Mark G. Goode
  • Patent number: 8981021
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for using oxygen in a polyolefin polymerization reactor system are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Eisinger, Mark G. Goode
  • Patent number: 8975427
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing an alkyl cyclopentadiene compound is disclosed. The method includes contacting at least one cyclopentadienyl anion source and at least one alkyl group source to form at least one alkyl cyclopentadiene compound. The method further includes extracting the alkyl cyclopentadiene compound with a hydrocarbon solvent. The alkyl cyclopentadiene compound may be converted to a metallocene catalyst compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: C. Jeff Harlan, Xianyi Cao, Francis C. Rix
  • Patent number: 8962510
    Abstract: The invention relates to catalyst compositions including at least one catalyst compound and at least one continuity additive such as poly-oxo-metal carboxylate compound and their use in the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios K. Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, David M. Glowczwski, Michael D. Awe, Ghanshyam H. Patel, Randy D. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 8957167
    Abstract: A polymerization process includes contacting the following in a gas-phase reactor system under polymerization conditions for making a polymer product: a metallocene-based catalyst system including a supported constrained geometry catalyst, at least one monomer, and an additive selected from a group consisting of an aluminum distearate, an ethoxylated amine, and a mixture thereof. The additive may be selected from a group consisting of an aluminum distearate, an ethoxylated amine, polyethylenimines, and other additives suitable for use in the production of polymers for food contact applications and end products, including a mixture of a polysulfone copolymer, a polymeric polyamine, and oil-soluble sulfonic acid, in a carrier fluid, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: F. David Hussein, Kevin J. Cann, F. Gregory Stakem, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Wesley R. Mariott, James M. Farley, Michael D. Awe
  • Publication number: 20150011719
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • Publication number: 20150001755
    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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Simon J. White
  • Publication number: 20140378640
    Abstract: A method for the delivery of a catalyst to a polymerization reactor is disclosed, comprising: contacting a catalyst with a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon in gaseous form, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.; and flowing the carrier fluid to the polymerization reactor such that the carrier fluid transports the catalyst to the polymerization reactor. A catalyst delivery system is disclosed, comprising: a catalyst vessel for containing a catalyst; a catalyst injection line for delivering the catalyst to a polymerization reactor, the catalyst injection line being in fluid communication with the catalyst vessel and the polymerization reactor; and a carrier fluid line in fluid communication with the catalyst injection line for delivering a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon to the catalyst injection line, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale A. Wright, John R. Parrish, James L. Swecker, II, Mark G. Goode
  • Publication number: 20140350199
    Abstract: A polymerization process is disclosed, including: polymerizing an olefin to form an olefin-based polymer in a polymerization reactor; and introducing a hindered amine light stabilizer to the polymerization reactor. The process may further comprise monitoring static in the polymerization reactor; maintaining the static at a desired level by use of a hindered amine light stabilizer, the hindered amine light stabilizer present in the reactor in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw, based on the weight of polymer produced by the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi-I Kuo, Ghanshyam Ganu H. Patel, R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky, F. David Hussein
  • Patent number: 8876942
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for removing particulates from a cycle gas stream, e.g., in a reactor system, are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, William J. Blickley, Edward A. Leach, Robert O. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 8852541
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing impurities from a feed fluid in a single vessel. A method generally includes, in single vessel, contacting a feed fluid passing through the vessel with a copper-based material for removing oxygen from the feed fluid; and contacting the feed fluid passing through the vessel with an adsorbent for removing at least one of water, carbon dioxide, and oxygenated hydrocarbons from the feed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Eisinger, David M. Gaines
  • Publication number: 20140288249
    Abstract: Described herein are methods comprising contacting one or more olefins with a catalyst system in a polymerization reactor at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin, wherein the catalyst system comprises a first metallocene catalyst compound comprising a first transition metal atom, two cyclopentadienyl ligands bound to the first transition metal atom, and two leaving groups bound to the first transition metal atom, wherein at least one leaving group is selected from the group consisting of a halo-phenoxy and a halo-alkoxy; wherein the first metallocene catalyst compound has a catalyst productivity that is at least 20% greater than a comparative metallocene catalyst compound used to produce the same polyolefin, wherein the comparative metallocene catalyst compound is the same as the first metallocene catalyst compound except neither leaving group is a halo-phenoxy or a halo-alkoxy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lixin Sun, Francis C. Rix, Sun-Chueh Kao, Parul A. Khokhani, Phuong A. Cao
  • Patent number: 8841393
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins having improved flowability properties are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi-I Kuo, Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, David M. Glowczwski, Ghanshyam Ganu H. Patel
  • Patent number: 8835582
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. The catalyst system can include a single site catalyst compound, a support comprising fluorinated alumina, and an aluminoxane. The aluminoxane can be present in an amount of about 10 mmol or less per gram of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, C. Jeff Harlan, Wesley R. Mariott, Lixin Sun, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., F. David Hussein, Phuong A. Cao, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode
  • Patent number: 8835577
    Abstract: A polymerization catalyst system and polymerization processes using the catalyst systems are disclosed. The polymerization catalyst systems may include a) a first catalyst compound, and b) a second catalyst compound, wherein the first catalyst compound comprises a biphenyl phenol compound having essentially no hydrogen response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Sun-Chueh Kao, Rainer Kolb, Dongming Li, Cesar A. Garcia-Franco