Patents by Inventor Elizabeth A. Benham

Elizabeth A. Benham 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).

  • Olefin polymerization processes and products thereof
    Patent number: 7119043
    Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra high molecular weight ethylene homopolymers and ultra high molecular weight ethylene copolymers. Catalyst systems used are selected from the group consisting of inorganic oxide supported titanium-containing catalyst systems, inorganic oxide supported organo-zirconium catalyst systems and inorganic oxide supported organo-hafnium catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Joel L. Martin, Joseph J. Bergmeister, Eric T. Hsieh, Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora
  • Polymers having low levels of long chain branching and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 7112643
    Abstract: Methods of producing a polymer include contacting at least one olefin with a catalyst prepared by contacting a support comprising alumina with a sulfating agent and with chromium. Polymer compositions produced in this manner may exhibit relatively low levels of long chain branching and relatively high molecular weights. In an embodiment, polymer compositions with a PDI in a range of from about 6 to about 15 have MW values greater than about 300,000 g/mol and Eo values less than about 1×106 Pa·s. The polymer compositions may further have Theological breadths greater than about 0.25 and relaxation times less than about 10 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Kathy S. Collins, Elizabeth A. Benham, Paul J. DesLauriers
  • Polymerization catalysts
    Patent number: 7109277
    Abstract: A process to produce a polymer is provided. The process comprising contacting a treated solid oxide compound, an organometal compound, and an organoaluminum compound in the presence of an alpha olefin under polymerization conditions to produce the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Gil R. Hawley, Max P. McDaniel, Christopher E. Wittner, Michael D. Jensen, Joel L. Martin, Elizabeth A. Benham, Anthony P. Eaton, Kathy S. Collins
  • Ethylene polymers and copolymers with high optical opacity
    Patent number: 7094857
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of metal-catalyzed olefin polymerization methods and the polymers and films prepared therefrom. In one aspect, this invention provides polyethylene and ethylene/?-olefin copolymers formed in the presence of tightly-bridged metallocene catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, and a chemically-treated solid oxide, and optionally in the presence of additional cocatalysts. The resins and films prepared from these polymers exhibit high haze values, low clarity values, and a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ashish M. Sukhadia, Jerry D. Stark, Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Michael D. Jensen, Joel L. Martin, Rajendra K. Krishnaswamy
  • Process for producing polymers
    Publication number: 20060155082
    Abstract: Catalyst systems for producing olefin polymers, methods of making such catalyst systems, and processes for producing olefin polymers using such catalyst systems are provided. The catalyst system comprises a first component and a second component, where the first component comprises chromium on a support, where the support comprises phosphated alumina, and the second component comprises: (1) a metal halide compound, a transition metal compound, and a precipitating agent, or (2) a substituted or unsubstituted dicyclopentadienyl chromium compound deposited onto a calcined oxide carrier, where the carrier includes silica, alumina, aluminophosphate, or any mixed oxide thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Al Wolfe
  • Process to produce polymers
    Patent number: 7071276
    Abstract: A process to produce ethylene polymers is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Al R. Wolfe
  • Resins that yield low haze films and the process for their production
    Publication number: 20060100401
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, a third metallocene compound, a chemically-treated solid oxide, and an organoaluminum compound are provided. Methods for preparing and using the catalyst and polyolefins are also provided. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers having decreased haze while minimizing impact on other properties, such as dart impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Joel Martin, Elizabeth Benham, Mark Kertok, Michael Jensen, Max McDaniel, Gil Hawley, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn, Ashish Sukhadia
  • Organometal catalyst compositions
    Patent number: 7041753
    Abstract: This invention provides oxide matrix compositions that can be utilized in catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. The oxide matrix composition comprises residual mineral components and an oxide precursor. The catalyst composition comprises contacting an organometal compound, an organoaluminum compound, and an oxide matrix composition. Processes for producing the oxide matrix composition and the catalyst composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joseph S. Shveima, James L. Smith, Kathy S. Collins, Elizabeth A. Benham, Anthony P. Eaton, Michael D. Jensen, Joel L. Martin, Gil R. Hawley
  • Catalyst compositions and polyolefins for extrusion coating applications
    Patent number: 7041617
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. The new resins were characterized by useful properties in impact, tear, adhesion, sealing, extruder motor loads and pressures at comparable melt index values, and neck-in and draw-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael D. Jensen, Max P. McDaniel, Joel L. Martin, Elizabeth A. Benham, Randy Muninger, Gary Jerdee, Ashish M. Sukhadia, Qing Yang, Matthew G. Thorn
  • Organochromium/metallocene combination catalysts for producing bimodal resins
    Publication number: 20060094590
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of at least one metallocene compound, at least one organochromium compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Kathy Collins, Joel Martin, Gil Hawley
  • Organometal catalyst compositions
    Publication number: 20060094841
    Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted fluorided silica-alumina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Gil Hawley
  • Olefin polymers, method of making, and use thereof
    Publication number: 20060079656
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to PE-100 ethylene copolymers and pipe made thereof having a Tabor abrasion between about 0.01 and about 0.001 grams lost/1000 revolutions. These copolymers are formed by contacting ethylene with at least one mono-1-olefin comonomer having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent, a catalyst system, and a cocatalyst. Additionally, the comonomers may be selected from mono-1-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as, 1-hexene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, and 1-decene. Further, these ethylene copolymers may be employed to produce PE-100 pipe having both small diameters and diameters in excess of 42 inches substantially without sagging or other gravitational deformation. Copolymers of ethylene and 1-hexene are disclosed which are used to produce PE-100 pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventors: Paul DesLauriers, Max McDaniel, Al Wolfe, Pamela Maeger, William Coutant, David Rohlfing, Steven Secora, William Beaulieu, Elizabeth Benham, David Register
  • Polymerization catalyst systems and processes using alkyl lithium compounds as a cocatalyst
    Patent number: 7022781
    Abstract: A catalyst system composition comprising a chromium compound supported on a silica-titania support, wherein said catalyst system has been reduced with carbon monoxide, and a cocatalyst selected from the group consisting of i) alkyl lithium compounds, ii) dialkyl aluminum alkoxides in combination with at least one metal alkyl selected from the group consisting of alkyl zinc compounds, alkyl aluminum compounds, alkyl boron compounds, and mixtures thereof and iii) mixtures thereof can be used to polymerize olefins to produce a low density polymer with a decreased melt index and/or high load melt index. This catalyst system also can be used with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to polymerize olefins. Polymerization processes using these catalyst system compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joseph S. Shveima, Elizabeth A. Benham, Rolf L. Geerts, James L. Smith
  • Olefin polymerization processes and products thereof
    Patent number: 7001968
    Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra-high molecular weight ethylene homopolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham
  • Catalyst compositions and polyolefins for extrusion coating applications
    Publication number: 20060025546
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. The new resins were characterized by useful properties in impact, tear, adhesion, sealing, extruder motor loads and pressures at comparable melt index values, and neck-in and draw-down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Max McDaniel, Joel Martin, Elizabeth Benham, Randy Muninger, Gary Jerdee, Ashish Sukhadia, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn
  • Organometal catalyst compositions
    Patent number: 6992032
    Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted fluorided solid oxide compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Kathy S. Collins, James L. Smith, Elizabeth A. Benham, Marvin M. Johnson, Anthony P. Eaton, Michael D. Jensen, Joel L. Martin, Gil R. Hawley
  • Method and system to contact an ionic liquid catalyst with oxygen to improve a chemical reaction
    Publication number: 20060020088
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is disclosed to increase the activity of an ionic liquid catalyst comprising contacting an ionic liquid catalyst with oxygen. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising introducing into a reaction zone a monomer feed and an ionic liquid catalyst and controlling the amount of oxygen present in the reaction zone to maintain a conversion reaction of the monomer. In another embodiment, a polyalphaolefin oligomerization system is disclosed comprising a reactor configured to receive and mix monomer, ionic liquid catalyst, and oxygen; and a controller coupled to an oxygen source and configured to control the amount of oxygen present in a catalyzed reaction zone to maintain a conversion reaction of the monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Hope, Donald Stern, Elizabeth Benham
  • Organometal catalyst compositions
    Patent number: 6984603
    Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted fluorided silica-alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Michael D. Jensen, Joel L. Martin, Gil R. Hawley
  • Acidic activator-supports and catalysts for olefin polymerization
    Publication number: 20050288178
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, typically using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, this invention encompasses precontacting a metallocene with an olefin or alkyne monomer and an organoaluminum compound, prior to contacting this mixture with the acidic activator-support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Gil Hawley, Max McDaniel, Tony Crain, Elizabeth Benham, Joel Martin, Qing Yang
  • Polymerization catalyst systems and processes therefor and therewith
    Publication number: 20050288470
    Abstract: A copolymer of ethylene and a higher alpha olefin, preferably 1-hexene, can be produced using an activated chromium containing catalyst system and a cocatalyst selected from the group consisting of trialkylboron, trialkylsiloxyalutninum, and a combination of trialkylboron and thalkylaluminum compounds. The polymerization process must be carefully controlled to produce a copolymer resin having an exceptionally broad molecular weight distribution, extremely high PENT ESCR values, and a natural branch profile that impacts branching preferably into the high molecular weight portion of the polymer. The resulting copolymer resin is especially useful in high stiffness pipe applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Elizabeth Benham, Paul DesLauriers, Max McDaniel, Al Wolfe