Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies
  • Patent number: 8088871
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Natarajan Muruganandam, Jeevan Abichandani, Kersten A. Terry, Hemant G. Patel, George Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8088704
    Abstract: Polymerization catalyst systems including three or more catalyst compounds are provided. Methods for olefin polymerization including the aforementioned catalyst systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, Dongming Li, Francis C. Rix, Cesar A. Garcia-Franco
  • Patent number: 8084560
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, Agapios K. Agapiou, James M. Farley, Eric J. Markel, Bruce J. Savatsky, Christopher R. Davey, Richard B. Pannell
  • Patent number: 8084554
    Abstract: A method of treating a gas phase fluidized bed reactor and a method of polymerizing olefins in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a catalyst prone to cause sheeting by introducing a chromium-containing compound into the reactor and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the walls of the reactor. Furthermore, a device for and method of introducing the chromium-containing compound into the fluidized bed reactor at a plurality of locations in proximity to a lower section of a bed section wall of the fluidized bed reactor, and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the bed section wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios K. Agapiou, David M. Glowczwski, Zerong Lin, Gary D. Mohr, Ted A. Powell, Michael E. Sieloff, Edward F. Smith, Kevin B. Stavens, Keith W. Trapp, Michael E. Muhle, F. David Hussein
  • Patent number: 8076262
    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: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cann, Minghui Zhang, John H. Moorhouse, Maria A. Apecetche
  • Publication number: 20110294973
    Abstract: A method for preparing a reactor for performance of a polymerization reaction, the method including providing at least one seed bed into the reactor; wherein the at least one seed bed includes at least one organometallic compound and polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: F. David Hussein, Mark G. Goode, Michael E. Muhle, David A. Yahn, Robert O. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 8067518
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. Davey, James M. Farley, Rainer Kolb, Mark P. Ossowski
  • Patent number: 8066423
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting polymer is provided. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, two or more rotatable members at least partially contained within the housing, where each rotatable member having a shaft coupled thereto. The apparatus also includes a motor having a drive shaft directly coupled to the shaft of the rotatable members such that the rotatable members rotate at a speed of the motor drive shaft. The rotatable members are preferably non-intermeshing and counter-rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Charles Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8067509
    Abstract: A process for the polymerization of olefin's, including: introducing an olefin and a polymerization catalyst into a polymerization reactor to form a polyolefin, the polymerization reactor including: a fluidized bed region having a top and a bottom; and a motive bed region; wherein a first end of the motive bed region is fluidly connected to the top of the fluidized bed region; and wherein a second end of the motive bed region is fluidly connected to the bottom of the fluidized bed region; and wherein a diameter of the fluidized bed region is greater than a diameter of the motive bed region; circulating at least a portion of the olefin, the catalyst, and the polyolefin through the fluidized bed region and the motive bed region; maintaining a dense-phase fluidized bed within the fluidized bed region; recovering polyolefin from the fluidized bed region, is provided. A reactor system directed to the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fathi D. Hussein, Ping Cai, Jose F. Cevallos-Candau, Ian D. Burdett, W. Scott Hamilton, Daniel N. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8058366
    Abstract: Embodiments of our invention relate generally to methods of monitoring and controlling polymerization reactions including reactions producing multimodal polymer products using multiple catalysts in a single reactor. Embodiments of the invention provide methods of rapidly monitoring and controlling polymerization reactions without the need to sample and test the polymer properties. The method uses reactor control data and material inventory data in a mathematical leading indicator function to control the reactor conditions, and thereby the products produced under those conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Sandell, Marjorie E. King, Fred D. Ehrman
  • Publication number: 20110275772
    Abstract: A method of performing a polymerization reaction in a gas phase polymerization reactor to produce a bimodal polymer while controlling activity of a bimodal polymerization catalyst composition in the reactor by controlling concentration of at least one induced condensing agent (‘ICA’) in the reactor is provided. In some embodiments, the ICA is isopentane (or another hydrocarbon compound) and the bimodal catalyst composition includes a Group 15 and metal containing catalyst compound (or other HMW catalyst for catalyzing polymerization of a high molecular weight fraction of the product), and a metallocene catalyst compound (or other LMW catalyst for catalyzing polymerization of a low molecular weight fraction of the product).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, John H. Oskam, Mark W. Blood, Mark B. Davis, Douglas H. Jackson, Timothy R. Lynn, Daniel P. Zilker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110256632
    Abstract: A polymerization process is disclosed, including: polymerizing at least one olefin to form an olefin based polymer in a polymerization reactor; and feeding at least one ethyleneimine additive to the polymerization reactor. The ethyleneimine additive may comprise a polyethyleneimine, an ethyleneimine copolymer, or a mixture thereof. The process may further comprise monitoring static in the polymerization reactor; maintaining the static at a desired level by use of at least one ethyleneimine additive, the at least one ethyleneimine additive present in said reactor in the range from about 0.1 to about 50 ppm, based on the weight of polymer produced by said combining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: F. David Hussein, Michael E. Muhle
  • Patent number: 8039562
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method in which at least one continuity additive (“CA”) and a seed bed are pre-loaded into a reactor, and a polymerization reaction is optionally then performed in the reactor. In other embodiments, at least one flow improver, at least one CA, and a seed bed are pre-loaded into a reactor. Pre-loading of a reactor with a CA can significantly improve continuity of a subsequent polymerization reaction in the reactor during its initial stages, including by reducing sheeting and fouling. The CA can be pre-loaded in dry form (e.g., as a powder), or in liquid or slurry form (e.g., as an oil slurry). To aid delivery of a dry CA to the reactor and combination of the dry CA with a seed bed in the reactor, the dry CA can be combined with a flow improver and the combination of CA and flow improver then loaded into the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Eric J. Markel, Agapios K. Agapiou
  • Publication number: 20110232768
    Abstract: A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20110237855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing a volatile catalyst poison from a liquid hydrocarbon are provided. In one embodiment, a process vent (106) can be introduced to a vent recovery system (108) to provide a recycle gas (110). A first portion of the recycle gas (112) and a liquid hydrocarbon (102) can be introduced to a stripper column (104) to provide a stripper vent gas (114) and a degassed liquid hydrocarbon (116) that can be introduced to a polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, James L. Swecker, Kevin D. Roy
  • Publication number: 20110237763
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods and systems for gas and liquid phase polymer production. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise manipulating properties of polymers produced by adjusting the hydrogen feed rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Maria Pollard, Kevin J. Cann, Ronald S. Eisinger, Barbara J. Kopp, John H. Moorhouse
  • Publication number: 20110219952
    Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes a barrier; an inverted cone in the barrier; and a member under the inverted cone and having dimensions that cause solids passing therealong between the member and the barrier to have about a constant velocity profile thereacross. A method for purging a gas from a solid/gas mixture according to one embodiment includes adding solids to a barrier having an inverted cone therein and a member under the inverted cone, wherein the solids passing along the member have about a constant vertical velocity profile thereacross; and injecting a purge gas into the solids from at least one point adjacent the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Blickley, Mark W. Blood, Glenn W. Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20110218307
    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: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Kevin J. Cann, Ronald S. Eisinger, Barbara J. Kopp, John H. Moorhouse
  • Patent number: 8012903
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maria A. Apecetche, Phuong A. Cao, Michael D. Awe, Ann M. Schoeb-Wolters, Ryan W. Impelman
  • Publication number: 20110207599
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Adam M. Johns