Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies
-
Patent number: 8637615Abstract: Provided is a method for making a polyolefin comprising contacting one or more olefins in a reactor containing a catalyst; polymerizing the one or more olefins to produce an olefin polymer characterized by a first melt flow ratio (MFR) and a first haze; and altering the reaction temperature in the reactor to shift the first MFR to a MFR that is different than the first MFR and to shift the first haze to a haze that is different than the first haze.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Dongming Li, Ching-Tai Lue, Chi-I Kuo, Mark G. Goode, Stefan B. Ohlsson
-
Patent number: 8636138Abstract: A polymer finishing process including: recovering polymer powder from a polymerization reactor; feeding the polymer powder to an inlet of a mass flow screw conveyor and one or more mass measuring devices for determining a mass of polymer powder within at least a portion of the mass flow screw conveyor; measuring at least one of a mass of the polymer powder in the screw conveyor and a combined mass of the screw conveyor and the polymer powder within the screw conveyor with the one or more mass measuring devices; and determining a mass flowrate of polymer powder through the mass flow screw conveyor based on the at least one of the measured mass of the polymer powder in the mass flow screw conveyor and the measured combined mass. A method of controlling a polymerization process using a mass flow screw conveyor is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: William J. Blickley, Buddy L. Dearth
-
Patent number: 8633286Abstract: A catalyst composition that includes a support material having an improved particle-size distribution is provided. Processes for producing polyolefin composition also are provided. Polymers and films also are provided. An example of a catalyst composition is a supported multi-transition-metal catalyst composition that includes: (a) at least two catalyst components selected from the group consisting of: a nonmetallocene catalyst component and a metallocene catalyst component; (b) a support material that has a D50 of less than about 30 microns and a particle size distribution having a D90/D10 ratio of less than about 6; and (c) an activator.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Chi-I Kuo, Tae Hoon Kwalk, Dongming Li, Porter Clarke Shannon
-
Publication number: 20140005429Abstract: A process for the preparation of N-arylamine compounds, the process including: reacting a compound having an amino group with an arylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst under reaction conditions effective to form an N-arylamine compound; wherein the transition metal catalyst comprises a complex of a Group 8-10 metal and at least one chelating ligand comprising (R)—(—)-1-[(S)-2-dicyclohexylphosphino]-ferrocenyl]ethyldi-t-butylphosphine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Adam M. Johns
-
Patent number: 8598283Abstract: Methods for shutting down and restarting polymerization in a gas phase polymerization reactor are provided. The method can include introducing a polymerization neutralizer to the reactor in an amount sufficient to stop polymerization therein. The method can also include stopping recovery of a polymer product from the reactor and stopping introduction of a catalyst feed and a reactor feed to the reactor. The method can also include adjusting a pressure within the reactor from an operating pressure to an idling pressure. The method can also include adjusting a superficial velocity of a cycle fluid through the reactor from an operating superficial velocity to an idling superficial velocity. The method can also include maintaining the reactor in an idled state for a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty, Richard B. Pannell, Michael E. Sieloff, Jerome Holveck
-
Patent number: 8598287Abstract: A process for polymerizing olefin(s) utilizing a cyclic bridged metallocene catalyst system to produce polymers with improved properties is provided. The catalyst system may include a cyclic bridged metallocene, LA(R?SiR?)LBZrQ2, activated by an activator, the activator comprising aluminoxane, a modified aluminoxane, or a mixture thereof, and supported by a support, where: LA and LB are independently an unsubstituted or a substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand bonded to Zr and defined by the formula (C5H4-dRd), where R is hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl substituent, a substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, or a heteroatom substituent, and where d is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; LA and LB are connected to one another with a cyclic silicon bridge, R?SiR?, where R? are independently hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl substituents that are connected with each other to form a silacycle ring; and each Q is a labile hydrocarbyl or a substituted hydrocarbyl ligand.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Chi-I Kuo, Dongming Li, Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, Mark G Goode, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Tae Hoon Kwalk
-
Patent number: 8586685Abstract: A process for the polymerization of olefins is disclosed. The process may include: feeding a catalyst, a liquid diluent, and an olefin to a polymerization vessel having, from a polymerization vessel bottom to a polymerization vessel top, a vapor introduction zone, a three-phase reaction zone and a vapor disengagement zone; contacting the catalyst and olefin under conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of the liquid diluent as a continuous phase in the three-phase reaction zone to form a solid phase polyolefin; withdrawing a gas phase composition from an outlet in fluid communication with the vapor disengagement zone; circulating the gas phase composition through a gas circulation loop to an inlet in fluid communication with the vapor distribution zone at a rate sufficient to agitate the solid and liquid phases within the three-phase reaction zone; and withdrawing a reaction mixture comprising polyolefin and diluents from the three-phase reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: F. David Hussein, Michael E. Muhle, Ping Cai, Mark W. Blood
-
Patent number: 8586497Abstract: Olefin polymerization catalyst systems including a high molecular weight catalyst compound and a low molecular weight catalyst compound, and methods of making same are provided. High molecular weight catalysts include metallocene catalysts and low molecular weight catalysts include non-metallocene compounds including biphenyl phenol compounds. Generally catalyst systems may include less than about 5.0 mol % of the high molecular weight catalyst compound relative to said low molecular weight catalyst. Methods for olefin polymerization including the aforementioned catalyst systems, and polyolefins and products made therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, Dongming Li, Francis C. Rix, Cesar A. Garcia-Franco
-
Publication number: 20130291720Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for separating a purge gas recovered from a polyethylene product. The method includes recovering a polyethylene product containing one or more volatile hydrocarbons from a polymerization reactor and contacting the polyethylene product with a purge gas to remove at least a portion of the volatile hydrocarbons to produce a polymer product having a reduced concentration of volatile hydrocarbons and a purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons. The purge gas product is compressed to a pressure of 2,500 kPaa to 10,000 kPaa, and is then cooled and separated into at least a first product, a second product, and a third product. A portion of one or more of the first, second, or third products is then recycled as a purge gas, to the polymerization reactor, or to the purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons prior to compression, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark W. Blood, Randall L. Force, Theodore D. Duncan, George W. Schwarz, JR., Daniel W. Mosser, Donald A. Fischer, Robert D. Olson, James Leland Swecker, II, Cloid Russell Smith, III
-
Patent number: 8563458Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins with catalyst systems, such as, for example, a multimodal catalyst system, wherein the catalyst system is stored at a controlled temperature to minimize loss of catalyst system productivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Natarajan Muruganandam, Jeevan Abichandani, Kersten A. Terry, Hement G. Patel, George Rodriguez
-
Patent number: 8557029Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating a purification bed take advantage of inert gas pressure, such as, for example, supplied by a pipeline. The inert gas (102) is provided at a first pressure and combined with a recycle composition (116) from the vessel (110, 110a) containing the material being regenerated. These streams form a regeneration fluid composition (114) at a second pressure less than the inert gas pressure, which is then routed to the vessel to regenerate the purification bed. A jet compressor (108) may be used for the combining of the inert gas and recycle streams. The recycled composition allows reduction in inert gas usage, while a portion is flared or otherwise disposed of.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Randall L. Force, Rachael L. Le Geyt
-
Patent number: 8557935Abstract: Bimetallic catalysts, methods of producing bimetallic catalysts comprising a modified Ziegler-Natta catalyst and a metallocene, and methods of olefin polymerization using such catalysts are provided. The method of producing the bimetallic catalyst may include combining (a) a Ziegler-Natta catalyst comprising a Group 4, 5 or 6 metal halide and/or oxide, optionally including a magnesium compound, with (b) a modifier compound (“modifier”), wherein the modifier compound is a Group 13 alkyl compound, to form a modified Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The modified Ziegler-Natta catalyst is preferably non-activated, that is, it is unreactive towards olefin polymerization alone. The molar ratio of the Group 13 metal (of the modifier) to the Group 4, 5 or 6 metal halide and/or oxide may be less than 10:1. The bimetallic catalysts are useful in producing bimodal polymers, particularly bimodal polyethylene, having a Polydispersity (Mw/Mn) of from 12 to 50, which may be used in pipes and films.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Sun-Chueh Kao, Michael D. Awe
-
Publication number: 20130267666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Wesley R. Mariott, F. David Hussein
-
Publication number: 20130253153Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: 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
-
Publication number: 20130245215Abstract: Catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins having improved flowability properties are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Chi-I Kuo, Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, David M. Glowczwski, Ghanshyam Ganu H. Patel
-
Patent number: 8501659Abstract: A process for the preparation of N-arylamine compounds, the process including: reacting a compound having an amino group with an acylating compound in the presence of a base and a transition metal catalyst under reaction conditions effective to form an N-arylamine compound; wherein the transition metal catalyst comprises a complex of a Group 8-10 metal and at least one chelating ligand comprising (R)-(?)-1-[(S)-2-dicyclohexylphosphino]-ferrocenyl]ethyldi-t-butylphosphine.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventor: Adam M. Johns
-
Patent number: 8496882Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8497329Abstract: The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, James M. Farley, John F. Szul, Mark P. Ossowski
-
Patent number: 8497330Abstract: Methods for gas phase olefin polymerization are provided. The method can include combining a spray dried catalyst system with a diluent to produce a catalyst slurry. The catalyst system can include a metallocene compound. Ethylene, a continuity additive, and the catalyst slurry can be introduced to a gas phase fluidized bed reactor. The reactor can be operated at conditions sufficient to produce a polyethylene. The spray dried catalyst system can have a catalyst productivity of at least 12,000 grams polyethylene per gram of the catalyst system.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: F. David Hussein, Kevin J. Cann, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Phuong A. Cao, Bruce J. Savatsky, Eric J. Markel, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Garth R. Giesbrecht
-
Patent number: 8476392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, Agapios K. Agapiou, James M. Farley, Eric J. Markel, Bruce J. Savatsky, Christopher R. Davey, Richard B. Pannell