Patents by Inventor Dale A. Zellers

Dale A. Zellers has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9610558
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Publication number: 20160101399
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 9266974
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers, Robert K. Franklin, III, Donald Paul Russell
  • Patent number: 9221920
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron Philips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Publication number: 20140256889
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8765884
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Publication number: 20140024788
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8569433
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8303899
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20120139149
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8128877
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110300025
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 8017701
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20100215550
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, Robert K. Franklin, III, Donald Paul Russell
  • Patent number: 7736597
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative, Robert K. Franklin, Donald Paul Russell
  • Patent number: 7645841
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for the prevention of reactor fouls in polymerization reactors. A technique is provided for limiting polymer particle size to prevent or limit the occurrence of reactor fouls associated with large polymer particles. A technique is also provided for measuring reactor temperature at one or more local hot spots of the reactor and for controlling the polymerization reaction based upon these temperature measurements. In particular, control of the reaction may be based on the hottest temperature, such that the hottest temperature in the reactor is maintained within the reactor fouling curve. A technique is also discussed for predicting reactor fouls by using statistical analyses, such as periodogram analysis, to identify leading indicators of impending fouls. Preventative measures may be performed upon identification of such a leading indicator. In addition, the statistical analyses may be used to identify catalysts having less propensity to foul.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Shaw, John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers
  • Publication number: 20090326168
    Abstract: Multiple components are selected, conveyed, and measured in a polymerization system. A control system adjusts the system variables to the desired values. Portions of the components can be fed to a pre-contactor before introduction into the polymerization reactor. The catalyst component concentrations and residence times are tightly controlled in the pre-contactor to affect product properties. The pre-contactor can be a single or multiple combinations of a CSTR or plug flow pre-contactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zeller, Clay K. Thurman, David A. Lockman, John O. Lawmaster, Matthew T. Haberly, Thomas H. Smith, Jerry T. Lanier, Matthew G. Thorn
  • Patent number: 7615596
    Abstract: Multiple components are selected, conveyed, and measured in a polymerization system. A control system adjusts the system variables to the desired values. Portions of the components can be fed to a pre-contactor before introduction into the polymerization reactor. The catalyst component concentrations and residence times are tightly controlled in the pre-contactor to affect product properties. The pre-contactor can be a single or multiple combinations of a CSTR or plug flow pre-contactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, John D. Hottovy, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative, Clay K Thurman, David A. Lockman, John O. Lawmaster, Matthew T. Haberly, Thomas H. Smith, Jerry T. Lanier, Matthew G. Thorn
  • Publication number: 20090264724
    Abstract: In a serum measurement device, an analyte concentration measurement apparatus facilitates sampling and analysis of analytes in body fluid and includes an implantable serum sampling catheter comprising a biocompatible tubing enclosing a vacuum release lumen and a serum lumen that are interconnected by a port. The serum lumen is separated from the sampling catheter exterior by a membrane barrier. The sampling catheter is configured for drawing a serum sample from a body fluid compartment by creation of suction in the serum lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen D. Walker, Peter E. Nelson, R. Dale Zellers, Charles W. Henry, John E. Repine
  • Publication number: 20090047177
    Abstract: A lactate concentration measurement apparatus comprising a housing enclosing a sample chamber configured for holding a body fluid sample and measurement photo-optics that generate light and monitor light intensity along a plurality of optical paths in the sample chamber. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of optical filters aligned in respective optical paths of the optical path plurality comprising at least a first optical filter with light absorption by lactate and water and a second optical filter with light absorption to water alone. A logic determines lactate concentration based on a ratio of intensities detected at a first detector in an optical path intersected by the first optical filter and detected at a second detector in an optical path intersected by the second optical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen D. Walker, Devon J. Dallmann, Charles W. Henry, Peter E. Nelson, R. Dale Zellers, John E. Repine