Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20080045663
    Abstract: A process for the production of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed, the process including polymerizing ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin by contacting the ethylene and the at least one alpha-olefin with a metallocene catalyst in at least one gas phase reactor at a reactor pressure of from 0.7 to 70 bar and a reactor temperature of from 20° C. to 150° C. to form an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may have a density D of 0.927 g/cc or less, a melt index (I2) of from 0.1 to 100 dg/min, a MWD of from 1.5 to 5.0. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may also have a peak melting temperature Tmax second melt satisfying the following relation: Tmax second melt>D*398?245.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, Agaplos Agapiou, James Farley, Eric Markel, Bruce Savatsky, Christopher Davey, Richard Pannell
  • Publication number: 20080045676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous gas phase process comprising polymerizing one or more hydrocarbon monomer(s) in a fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta-type catalyst system and a condensable fluid for a period of at least 12 hours where the bed temperature is less than the Critical Temperature and the dew point temperature of the gas composition in the reactor is within 25° C. of the bed temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Hagerty, Kevin Stavens, Marc DeChells, D. Fischbuch, James Farley
  • Publication number: 20080033121
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for maintaining heat transfer capacity of a cycle cooler while polymerizing olefin(s) in the presence of catalyst and a carboxylate metal salt by controlling the amount of carboxylate metal salt present in the reaction system. In particular, the invention relates to maintaining a cycle cooler performance parameter substantially constant while polymerizing olefin(s) in the presence of a carboxylate metal salt and a conventional-type transition metal polymerization catalyst compound, or a metallocene-type polymerization catalyst compound. This invention further relates to a process wherein the cycle cooler performance parameter is a heat transfer capacity of the cycle cooler, a pressure drop across the cooler, or a cooler approach temperature of a cycle cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, Agapios K. Agapiou
  • Patent number: 7326760
    Abstract: Broad molecular weight polyethylene and polyethylene having a bimodal molecular weight profile can be produced with chromium oxide based catalyst systems employing alkyl silanols. The systems may also contain various organoaluminum compounds. Catalyst activity and molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene may also be tuned using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, Minghui Zhang, John H. Moorhouse, Maria A. Apecetche
  • Publication number: 20080027185
    Abstract: A method for controlling sheeting in a gas phase reactor that includes producing a polyolefin with at least one metallocene catalyst and at least one static control agent in at least one gas phase reactor, measuring entrainment static using a static probe, and adjusting the concentration of the static control agent in response to changes in the measured entrainment static is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty, F. David Hussein, Michael E. Muhle, Richard B. Pannell
  • Patent number: 7323526
    Abstract: A supported catalyst composition having improved flow properties is disclosed comprising an alkylalumoxane, a metallocene-alkyl an inorganic oxide support having an average particle size of from 0.1 to 50 ?m and calcined at a temperature greater than 600° C., and optionally an antifoulant agent and. In one embodiment, the metallocene-alkyl is a Group 4, 5 or 6 metallocene-alkyl, and in another embodiment is a hafnocene-alkyl. Also disclosed is a method of polymerization using such a supported catalyst composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios K. Agapiou, Phuong Anh Cao, Sun-Chueh Kao
  • Publication number: 20080021183
    Abstract: A process for the production of an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer is disclosed. The process includes polymerizing ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin by contacting the ethylene and the at least one alpha-olefin with a metallocene catalyst in at least one gas phase reactor at a reactor pressure of from 0.7 to 70 bar and a reactor temperature of from 20° C to 150° C to form an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The resulting ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer may have a density of 0.927 g/cc or greater and environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR) of 500 hr or more when measured according to ASTM 1693/B in 10% Igepal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Blair Graham, Mark Ossowski, James Farley, Rainer Kolb
  • Patent number: 7312279
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various compositions, including a high density polyethylene composition, comprising: (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; and (b) a unimodal polyethylene component that occupies more than 15 wt % of the composition; wherein: (c) the composition has a density of 0.935 g/cc or more, and a Maximum Line Speed of 170 feet per minute or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Kwalk
  • Patent number: 7307130
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brant Patrick, Michael Elroy Muhle, Matt Kuchta
  • Patent number: 7300988
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 7300987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous gas phase process comprising polymerizing one or more hydrocarbon monomer(s) in a fluidized bed reactor in the presence of catalyst system or polymerization catalyst and a condensable fluid for a period of at least 12 hours where the bed temperature is less than the Critical Temperature and the dew point temperature of the gas composition in the reactor is within 25° C. of the bed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Kevin B. Stavens, Marc L. DeChellis, D. Brett Fischbuch, James M. Farley
  • Publication number: 20070265402
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Maria Apecetche, Phuong Cao, Michael Awe, Ann Schoeb-Wolters, Ryan Impelman
  • Patent number: 7294679
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to support one or more catalyst compounds comprising contacting the catalyst compounds with a pretreatment agent comprising an aluminum alkyl and or an alumoxane in solution and thereafter contacting the combination with a supported activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Peterson, Eric Lucas
  • Patent number: 7288596
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Kwalk
  • Publication number: 20070244271
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring a resin-producing polymerization reaction in a fluid bed reactor system to generate reaction parameter data in on-line fashion, determining an indicator of at least one of entropy and complexity (for example, Kolmogorov or Shannon entropy) of each of at least two subsets of the reaction parameter data, and optionally also determining from at least one value of the indicator (for example, from a time series of Kolmogorov or Shannon entropy values) an indication of at least one of degree of resin stickiness, an approach to or imminence of resin stickiness, and an approach to or imminence of an unsafe or undesired reactor operating condition (e.g., that can result in sheeting or chunking). Optionally also, the reaction is controlled in response to at least one value of the indicator, for example, in an effort to prevent the occurrence of sheeting or another discontinuity event or to maintain the reactor in a stable, non-sticking condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Muhle, Ke Nguyen, Charles Finney, C. Daw
  • Patent number: 7276566
    Abstract: A method for preparing a spray dried catalyst and a low viscosity, low foam spray dried catalyst system for olefin polymerization are provided. In one aspect, the method includes preparing a catalyst system including one or more components selected from metallocenes, non-metallocenes, and activators, adding mineral oil to the catalyst system to form a slurry, and adding one or more liquid alkanes having three or more carbon atoms to the slurry in an amount sufficient to reduce foaming and viscosity of the slurry. In one aspect, the catalyst system includes one or more catalysts selected from metallocenes, non-metallocenes, and a combination thereof, wherein the catalyst system is spray dried. The system further includes mineral oil to form a slurry including a catalyst system, and one or more liquid alkanes having three or more carbon atoms in an amount sufficient to reduce foaming and viscosity of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Natarajan Muruganandam, Kersten Anne Terry, Michael D. Awe, John H. Oskam
  • Patent number: 7270791
    Abstract: An improved angled annular deflector for a gas-phase polymerization reactor and improved method for delivery of a stream of polymerizable fluid to a gas-phase polymerization reator. The angled annular deflector has an outer surface with a conical shape, an inner surface, and an inner cavity along a central axis, said cavity open at both ends, the inner surface having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the inner surface mated to the apex end of the outer surface: and an upper surface mated to the base end of the outer surface and to the second end of the inner surface; wherein the outer surface, the inner surface, and the upper surface form a substantially closed chamber. The angled annular deflector being adapted to associate with a cone-shaped bottom portion of a fluidized bed polymerization reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Bradley Davis, Wesley James Perry
  • Patent number: 7259125
    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: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Phuong A. Cao, Michael D. Awe, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Ryan W. Impelman
  • Publication number: 20070191215
    Abstract: A method for preparing a spray dried catalyst and a low viscosity, low foam spray dried catalyst system for olefin polymerization are provided. In one aspect, the method includes preparing a catalyst system including one or more components selected from metallocenes, non-metallocenes, and activators, adding mineral oil to the catalyst system to form a slurry, and adding one or more liquid alkanes having three or more carbon atoms to the slurry in an amount sufficient to reduce foaming and viscosity of the slurry. In one aspect, the catalyst system includes one or more catalysts selected from metallocenes, non-metallocenes, and a combination thereof, wherein the catalyst system is spray dried. The system further includes mineral oil to form a slurry including a catalyst system, and one or more liquid alkanes having three or more carbon atoms in an amount sufficient to reduce foaming and viscosity of the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Natarajan Muruganandam, Kersten Terry, Michael Awe, John Oskam
  • Publication number: 20070191559
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, John Szul