Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Enhanced ESCR bimodal HDPE for blow molding applications
    Patent number: 7432328
    Abstract: Bimodal polyethylene compositions and blow molded bottles made therefrom are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the composition includes at least one high molecular weight polyethylene component having a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of about 6 to about 9, a short chain branch content of less than about 2 branches per 1,000 main chain carbons, and a Mz of about 1,100,000 or more. The composition also includes at least one low molecular weight polyethylene component where a ratio of weight average molecular weight of the high molecular weight polyethylene component to weight average molecular weight of the low molecular weight polyethylene component is about 20 or less. The composition has a density of about 0.94 g/cc or more, an ESCR of about 600 hours or more, and a percent die swell of about 70% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Jaker
  • Hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalysts and their use in a gas-phase polymerization reactor
    Publication number: 20080242821
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, John Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Ronald S. Eisinger, Kevin J. Cann
  • Methods to prepare catalyst compositions comprising small silica support materials
    Publication number: 20080214388
    Abstract: Methods are provided to prepare a catalyst system that includes at least one titanium compound, at least one magnesium compound, at least one electron donor compound, at least one activator compound, and at least one silica support material, the at least one silica support material having a median particle size in the range of from 20 to 50 microns with no more than 10% of the particles having a size less than 10 microns and no more than 10% of the particles having a size greater than 50 microns and average pore diameter of at least ?220 angstroms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Phuong A. Cao, Michael D. Awe, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Ryan W. Impelman
  • Catalyst systems and their use in polymerization processes
    Publication number: 20080214753
    Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a hafnocene catalyst compound and zirconocene catalyst compound, wherein the hafnocene and/or zirconocene include(s) at least one ligand substituted with at least one linear or iso alkyl group having 3 or more carbon atoms is provided. A process for polymerizing olefin(s) using the same catalyst system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Loveday, Moses Olukayode Jejelowo, Sun-Chueh Kao
  • Catalyst composition and methods for its preparation and use in a polymerization process
    Publication number: 20080214385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a carboxylate metal salt. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, David Michael Glowczwski, Steven Kent Ackerman
  • Hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalysts and their use in a gas-phase polymerization reactor
    Patent number: 7414099
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, John Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Ronald S. Eisinger, Kevin J. Cann
  • Ziegler-Type Catalysts Having Increased Productivity
    Publication number: 20080194780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst systems for polyolefin production, and more particularly, to catalyst systems for polyolefins used in producing films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi-I Kuo, Steven K. Ackerman
  • Polymerization process using a supported, treated catalyst system
    Patent number: 7410926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supported, treated catalyst system and its use in a process for polymerizing olefin(s). More particularly, it provides a supported, treated catalyst system produced by a process comprising the steps of: (a) forming a supported bimetallic catalyst system comprising a first catalyst component and a metallocene catalyst compound; and (b) contacting the supported bimetallic catalyst system of (a) with at least one methylalumoxane-activatable compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sun-Chueh Kao
  • Method of reducing gels in polyolefins
    Patent number: 7393916
    Abstract: A process of producing a polyolefin, in one embodiment a polyethylene, and in a preferred embodiment a bimodal polyethylene comprising a high molecular weight component and a low molecular weight component, the process comprising providing a polyolefin having an I21 value of from 2 to 100 g/10 min and a density of from 0.91 to 0.97 g/cm3; followed by forming a melt of the polyolefin and passing the polyolefin through one or more active screen filter(s) having a mesh size of from 70 to 200 micron at a mass flux of from 5 to 100 lbs/hr/square inch; and isolating the polyolefin having passed through the screen filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Charles Neubauer, Fred D. Ehrman, H. Rodney Tunnell, III
  • Catalyst preparation method
    Patent number: 7384884
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to prepare a supported catalyst system comprising preparing a combination comprising 1) a first supported catalyst system comprising a support, an activator and a metal catalyst compound, and 2) a second supported catalyst system comprising a support, an activator and a metal catalyst compound and thereafter spray-drying the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy T. Wenzel, David James Schreck
  • Catalyst compositions comprising small silica support materials and methods of use in polymerization reactions
    Patent number: 7381780
    Abstract: Improved catalyst compositions, and polymerization processes using such improved catalyst compositions, are provided. An example of an improved catalyst composition is a supported catalyst system that includes at least one titanium compound, at least one magnesium compound, at least one electron donor compound, at least one activator compound, and at least one silica support material, the at least one silica support material having a median particle size in the range of from 20 to 50 microns with no more than 10% of the particles having a size less than 10 microns and no more than 10% of the particles having a size greater than 50 microns and average pore diameter of at least ?220 angstroms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Phuong A. Cao, Michael D. Awe, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Ryan W. Impelman
  • Polymerization catalyst systems, their use, their products and articles thereof
    Patent number: 7381783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the polymerization of monomers utilizing a bulky ligand hafnium transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compound, to the catalyst compound itself and to the catalyst compound in combination with an activator. The invention is also directed to an ethylene copolymer composition produced by using the bulky ligand hafnium metallocene-type catalyst of the invention, in particular a single reactor polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Loveday, Moses Olukayode Jejelowo, Sun-Chueh Kao
  • Catalyst composition and methods for its preparation and use in a polymerization process
    Patent number: 7354880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a carboxylate metal salt. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, David Michael Glowczwski, Steven Kent Ackerman
  • Polyethylene blend compositions
    Publication number: 20080064817
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various processes, including a process for producing a film, comprising (including) forming a film from a blended polyolefin composition at a line speed of at least 170 feet per minute, wherein the blended polyolefin composition comprises: (a) a bimodal polyethylene component that includes a high molecular weight polyethylene component having a high average molecular weight (MWHMW) and a low molecular weight polyethylene component having a low average molecular weight (MWLMW), wherein the ratio of the high average molecular weight to the low average molecular weight (MWHMW:MWLMW) is 20 or more wherein the high and low molecular weight polyethylene components of the bimodal polyethylene component are formed in a single reactor; and (b) a unimodal polyethylene component that occupies more than 15 wt % of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tae Kwalk
  • Methods for on-line determination of degree of resin stickiness using a model for depression of melt initiation temperature
    Publication number: 20080065360
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method including the steps of: during a polymerization reaction producing a polymer resin in a fluid bed reactor, measuring reaction parameters including at least reactor temperature, at least one property of the resin, and amount of at least one condensable diluent gas in the reactor; determining from at least one measured resin property using a predetermined correlation, a dry melt initiation temperature value for a dry version of the polymer resin; and during the reaction, using a melt initiation temperature depression model to determine in on-line fashion a reduced melt initiation temperature for the resin (e.g., a temperature at which the resin is expected to begin to melt) in the presence of the at least one condensable diluent gas in the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Robert O. Hagerty, Eric J. Markel
  • Method for reducing off-grade product production during reaction transitions
    Patent number: 7343225
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for determining initial conditions for a transition from an initial reaction to a target reaction to minimize (or substantially minimize) the amount of off-grade material produced during the transition, and optionally also process control variables for implementing the transition. Some embodiments also include the steps of setting the reaction conditions to determined initial conditions and then implementing the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ivan J. Hartley, John R. Parrish, Rich John Stolz
  • Polymerization reactor operability using static charge modifier agents
    Publication number: 20080058487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a static charge modifier. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Brant, Michael Muhle, Matt Kuchta
  • Polymers made with metallocene catalysts, for use in rotomolding and injection molding products
    Publication number: 20080045679
    Abstract: Ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers formed by contacting at least one supported metallocene catalyst, ethylene, and an alpha-olefin in a gas phase reactor are disclosed. In some embodiments, the polymer may have: a density of between 0.890 and 0.970 g/cc; a melt index of between 0.7 and 200 dg/min; a melt index ratio of less than 30; an ESCR value of greater than 1000 hours; and a 1% secant modulus of greater than 75,000 psi. In other embodiments, the polymer may have: a density of between 0.930 g/cc and 0.970 g/cc; a melt index of between 10 dg/min and 200 dg/min; a melt index ratio of between 10 and 25; a part weight of greater than 3 g and a part length of greater than 38 cm in a spiral flow test, and; a zero shear viscosity of less than 150 Pa·s. Processes to produce these polymers are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. Davey, James M. Farley, Rainer Kolb, Mark P. Ossowski
  • Systems and methods for detecting impurities in reactor systems
    Publication number: 20080042655
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to various methods and systems for detecting at least one impurity in a bulk fluid. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Markel, Robert Hagerty, Michael Muhle
  • Polyethylene compositions having improved tear properties
    Publication number: 20080045647
    Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions, including but not limited to a high density multimodal polyethylene composition, that has a density of 0.935 g/cc or more, and that includes a blend of a first polyethylene component and a second polyethylene component, in which: the first polyethylene component includes a bimodal polyethylene; and the second polyethylene component includes a unimodal polyethylene that is made from a polymerization conducted in the presence of a metallocene having two cyclopentadienyl rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Kwalk