Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140200317
    Abstract: Catalysts and methods for making and using the same are provided. The method for fabricating a catalyst may includes contacting a supported catalyst with a monomer under conditions that reduce an overall charge of the catalyst to less than about 75% of an initial charge of the catalyst. A method for polymerization may include introducing a pre-polymerized catalyst and one or more olefins into a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, operating the reactor at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the substantial absence of any continuity additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Maria Pollard, Robert O. Hagerty, Michael D. Awe, Kevin J. Cann, Jose F. Cevallos-Candau, F. David Hussein
  • Publication number: 20140179882
    Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to various methods and systems for gas and liquid phase polymer production. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as gas phase reactor system or liquid phase reactor system. The invention is also broadly directed to various systems in which polymer properties are manipulated by addition of DEALE directly to a polymerization reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Kevin J. Cann, Ronald S. Eisinger, Barbara J. Kopp, John H. Moorhouse
  • Patent number: 8754177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerization process, the polymerization process includes contacting a cyclic bridged metallocene catalyst represented by the following formula: LA(A)LBMQn wherein A is a divalent group bound to each of LA and LB; each of LA and LB are bound to M, and each Q is bound to M; LA and LB are independently selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl ligands and substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands; A is a divalent bridging group comprising a heterocyclic ring comprising from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and one silyl, thus forming a 4 to 7 member divalent ring; M is a Group 4, 5, or 6 transition metal; Q is independently a halogen, a hydride, or a hydrocarbyl radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein n is 1 or 2; with an activator, and optionally a support, to form an activated catalyst and, subsequently, contacting the activated catalyst with ethylene and optionally, at least one C3-C8 alpha olefin comonomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donna J. Crowther, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 8742039
    Abstract: A method for making a polyolefin composition according to one embodiment includes altering the concentration of the chain transfer agent present in the reactor to control the HMW and LMW fractions of the polyolefin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Davis, Sun-Chueh Kao, Tae Hoon Kwalk
  • Patent number: 8742041
    Abstract: Processes for the polymerization of olefins with extracted metal carboxylate salts are provided. The polymerization processes have increased productivity and/or increased resin bulk density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: R. Eric Pequeno, Fathi David Hussein, Kevin Joseph Cann, Chi-I Kuo, Bruce Jon Savatsky, Eric J. Markel, Daniel Paul Zilker, Jr., Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, David M. Glowczwski
  • Patent number: 8722818
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for monitoring and restoring electrical properties of polymerization reactor wall films. The method may comprise using a reactor wall monitor to monitor and determine an electrical property, such as the bed voltage or breakdown voltage, of the wall film. The method may further comprise adding continuity additive to the reactor and/or adjusting the feed rate of continuity additive being added to the reactor in response to the measured electrical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, William A. Lamberti, Harry W. Deckman
  • Patent number: 8722804
    Abstract: Polymer blends and films made therefrom are provided. The polymer blend can include a first polyethylene having a density of less than about 0.940 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) greater than 0.75 g/10 min, and a melt index ratio (I21/I2) of less than 30. The polymer blend can also include a second polyethylene having a density of less than about 0.940 g/cm, a melt index (I2) of less than 1 g/10 min, a melt index ratio (I21/I2) greater than 30, and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than 4.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Christopher R. Davey
  • Patent number: 8722820
    Abstract: Catalysts and methods for making and using the same are provided. The method for fabricating a catalyst may includes contacting a supported catalyst with a monomer under conditions that reduce an overall charge of the catalyst to less than about 75% of an initial charge of the catalyst. A method for polymerization may include introducing a pre-polymerized catalyst and one or more olefins into a gas phase fluidized bed reactor, operating the reactor at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the substantial absence of any continuity additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Maria Pollard, Robert O. Hagerty, Michael D. Awe, Kevin J. Cann, Jose F. Cevallos-Candau, F. David Hussein
  • Patent number: 8703884
    Abstract: A polymerization process is disclosed comprising polymerizing an olefin to form an olefin-based polymer in a polymerization reactor; and introducing a polyetheramine additive 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 polyetheramine additive, where the polyetheramine additive is 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, F. David Hussein