Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies
  • Supported catalyst compositions having improved flow properties and preparation thereof
    Patent number: 10519256
    Abstract: Supported catalyst compositions, useful in olefin polymerization, and having improved flow properties are disclosed. The catalyst compositions may be characterized by low macro pore volume and high bulk density. Methods for preparing the catalyst compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Chi-I Kuo, Shamah Lloyd
  • Process control for long chain branching control in polyethylene production
    Patent number: 10513572
    Abstract: Polymerization process control methods for making polyethylene are provided. The process control methods include performing a polymerization reaction in a polymerization reactor to produce the polyethylene, where ethylene, and optionally one or more comonomers, in the polymerization reaction is catalyzed by an electron donor-free Ziegler-Natta catalyst and an alkyl aluminum co-catalyst. A melt flow ratio (I21/I2) of the polyethylene removed from the polymerization reactor is measured and an amount of long chain branching (LCB) of the polyethylene from the polymerization reactor is controlled by adjusting a weight concentration of the alkyl aluminum co-catalyst present in the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Kevin J. Cann, John H. Moorhouse, Mark G. Goode, Thomas Oswald
  • PRODUCING POLYOLEFIN PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20190367650
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • Polyethylene copolymers having a particular comonomer distribution
    Patent number: 10494462
    Abstract: Novel polyethylene copolymers having a relatively high comonomer partitioning tendency are disclosed as are methods for their preparation. The comonomer partitioning tendency is the tendency for a copolymer to have comonomer in the higher molecular weight chains. Novel metrics for describing the comonomer partitioning tendency are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roger L. Kuhlman
  • METHODS OF MEASURING SOLIDS CONTENT IN A SLURRY CATALYST COMPOSITION
    Publication number: 20190360952
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a percent solids content (PSC) of solids by mass in a slurry catalyst composition, where the solids include a catalyst. The method includes obtaining a first time domain (TD) 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum using a time domain (TD)-NMR spectrometer and a test sample of the slurry catalyst composition from which a value of a voltage signal (a) that represents the slurry catalyst composition is determined. A second TD 1H-NMR spectrum using the TD NMR spectrometer is obtained for a neat sample of the suspension liquid for the solids of the slurry catalyst composition, where a value of a voltage signal (b) from the second TD 1H-NMR spectrum that represents the suspension liquid for the solids of the slurry catalyst composition is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kishori Deshpande, Gian C. Gobbi, Nathan Rau
  • METHODS FOR OPERATING A POLYMERIZATION REACTOR
    Publication number: 20190352440
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, ?1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, ?2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • CATALYSTS FOR CONTROL OF LONG CHAIN BRANCHING
    Publication number: 20190352436
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. A catalyst composition is provided that includes a catalyst compound supported to form a supported catalyst system, the catalyst compound including: where each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and X are as discussed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donna J. Crowther, C. Jeff Harlan, Jackie Lovell, Haiqing Peng
  • SYNTHESIS OF BENZYLOXYPHENOXY PHENOL LIGANDS
    Publication number: 20190352314
    Abstract: Synthetic methods for the preparation of ligands and metal-ligand complexes are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine A. Faler, C. Jeff Harlan
  • SYNTHESIS OF BENZYLANILINYL PHENYL PHENOL LIGANDS
    Publication number: 20190352252
    Abstract: Synthetic methods for the preparation of ligands and metal-ligand complexes are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine A. Faler, C. Jeff Harlan
  • Methods for controlling polymer chain scission
    Patent number: 10471641
    Abstract: Methods for extrusion of polyolefins (110) that utilize melt temperature to control molecular weight and also reduce gels. Disclosed herein is an example method for controlling polymer chain scission in an extrusion system (100), comprising: melting a polyolefin resin (110) in extruder (102) at a first melt temperature to form a first melt (112); passing the first melt (112) through a screen pack (106); forming the first melt 112) into a first polyolefin product (116, 118); melting additional polyolefin resin (110) of the same grade in the extruder (102) at a second melt temperature to form a second melt (112), wherein the second melt temperature differs from the first melt temperature by 5° C. or more to control chain scission in the extruder (102); passing the second melt (112) through the screen pack (106); and forming the second melt (112) into a second polyolefin product (116, 118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Polyolefin production with chromium-based catalysts
    Patent number: 10465026
    Abstract: A system and method for charging a chromium-based catalyst to a mix vessel; introducing a reducing agent through an entrance arrangement into the mix vessel, and agitating a mixture of the chromium-based catalyst, the reducing agent, and a solvent in the mix vessel to promote contact of the reducing agent with the chromium-based catalyst to give a reduced chromium-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Moorhouse, Kevin J. Cann, Mark G. Goode, Kevin R. Gross
  • CONTROLLING REACTOR SPLIT AND A PRODUCT PARAMETER
    Publication number: 20190330391
    Abstract: A method including a) polymerizing at least one monomer in a gas phase reactor in the presence of a supported multimodal catalyst system to form a multimodal polyethylene product having a reactor split equal to respective weight fractions of resin components in the polyethylene product; b) applying a predetermined formula for a product parameter of the multimodal polyethylene product; c) obtaining incorporation data and production rate data from the reaction based upon the predetermined formula; d) determining an actual hydrogen leading indicator; e) comparing the actual hydrogen leading indicator to a target value for a hydrogen leading indicator to determine a deviation of the actual hydrogen leading indicator from the target value; and f) adjusting an amount of a catalyst precursor being fed to the gas phase reactor to control reactor split and a product parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Lynn, Daniel N. Thomas, Jr., Bruce J. Savatsky, John F. Szul
  • METHOD TO PREPARE ETHYLENE COPOLYMERS
    Publication number: 20190322780
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of polymerizing olefins to produce a polyolefin polymer with a multimodal composition distribution, includes contacting ethylene and a comonomer with a catalyst system. The catalyst system includes a first catalyst compound and a second catalyst compound that are co-supported to form a commonly supported catalyst system. The first catalyst compound includes a compound with the general formula (C5HaR1b)(C5HcR2d)HfX2. The second catalyst compound includes at least one of the following general formulas: In both catalyst systems, the R groups can be independently selected from any number of substituents, including, for example, H, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or a heteroatom group, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Ching-Tai Lue, C. Jeff Harlan, Laughlin G. McCullough
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 10421829
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan
  • Spray dried catalyst compositions, methods for preparation and use in olefin polymerization processes
    Patent number: 10414843
    Abstract: Methods of preparing supported catalyst compositions using spray drying are disclosed. The supported catalyst compositions find use in the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Michael D. Awe
  • Methods for operating a polymerization reactor
    Patent number: 10400049
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, 1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, 2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Methods of controlling polyolefin melt index
    Patent number: 10399052
    Abstract: The use of induced condensing agent (ICA) in fluidized bed gas phase reactor systems enables higher production rates but can affect the resulting polyolefins melt index. The effect the increased ICA concentration may have on a melt index may be counteracted, if necessary, by altering the concentration of olefin monomer within the reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Natarajan Muruganandam, Timothy R. Lynn, James M. Farley, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Fathi David Hussein
  • POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS
    Publication number: 20190263944
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure directed towards polymerization catalysts having improved ethylene enchainment and/or improved catalyst productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger L. Kuhlman, Mahsa McDougal, Rachel E. Brooner, Matthew M. Yonkey
  • METHODS OF MONITORING AND CONTROLLING THE MELT INDEX OF A POLYOLEFIN PRODUCT DURING PRODUCTION
    Publication number: 20190263951
    Abstract: Methods for producing polyolefin polymers may use a predictive melt index regression to estimate the melt index of the polyolefin during production based on the composition of the gas phase and, optionally, the concentration of catalyst in the reactor or reactor operating conditions. Such predictive melt index regression may include multiple terms to account for concentration of ICA in the reactor, optionally concentration of hydrogen in the reactor, optionally concentration of comonomer in the reactor, optionally the catalyst composition, and optionally reactor operating conditions. One or more terms may independently be represented by a smoothing function that incorporates a time constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Daniel N. Thomas, JR., Timothy R. Lynn
  • Producing polyolefin products
    Patent number: 10392456
    Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method of methylating a catalyst composition while substantially normalizing the entiomeric distribution is provided. The method includes slurrying the organometallic compound in dimethoxyethane (DME), and adding a solution of RMgBr in DME, wherein R is a methyl group or a benzyl group, and wherein the RMgBr is greater than about 2.3 equivalents relative to the organometallic compound. After the addition of the RMgBr, the slurry is mixed for at least about four hours. An alkylated organometallic is isolated, wherein the methylated species has a meso/rac ratio that is between about 0.9 and about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis C. Rix, Alexander D. Todd, C. Jeff Harlan