Patents by Inventor Henrik Andtsjo

Henrik Andtsjo 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: 8916660
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering polymer from a gas phase reactor having a distribution plate via an outlet vessel comprising at least one apparatus for the breakup of polymeric agglomerates, the apparatus further comprising a feed pipe connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel a return gas line connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel, means for varying the flow rate through the return gas line from the outlet vessel to the gas phase reactor, and means for varying the outlet rate of polymer product from the outlet vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Klaus Nyfors, Jari Aarila, Jari Hatonen, Henrik Andtsjo, Eira Johansson, Mikko Lylykangas
  • Patent number: 8758573
    Abstract: The present application concerns a process for the removal of hydrocarbons from an aqueous stream, which process may include conducting a phenol-containing water stream into a separation column, separating the phenol-containing water in the column using heat to form an overhead portion and a bottoms portion, and collecting the overhead portion as well as the bottoms portion. Further, the process may include adding an eluent to an aqueous stream, thereby forming an aqueous mixture, subsequently conducting the aqueous mixture into a separation vessel, wherein it is allowed to settle into two phases, which form a hydrocarbon stream and a phenol-containing water stream, subsequently collecting the hydrocarbon stream, and conducting the phenol-containing water stream to the separation column for further separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjo, Maarit Aarni-Sirvio
  • Publication number: 20140171611
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering polymer from a a gas phase reactor having a distribution plate via an outlet vessel comprising at least one apparatus for the breakup of polymeric agglomerates, the apparatus further comprising a feed pipe connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel a return gas line connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel, means for varying the flow rate through the return gas line from the outlet vessel to the gas phase reactor, and means for varying the outlet rate of polymer product from the outlet vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BOREALIS AG
    Inventors: Klaus Nyfors, Jari Aarila, Jari Hatonen, Henrik Andtsjo, Eira Johansson, Mikko Lylykangas
  • Publication number: 20100282591
    Abstract: The present application concerns a process for the removal of hydrocarbons from an aqueous stream, which process may include conducting a phenol-containing water stream into a separation column, separating the phenol-containing water in the column using heat to form an overhead portion and a bottoms portion, and collecting the overhead portion as well as the bottoms portion. Further, the process may include adding an eluent to an aqueous stream, thereby forming an aqueous mixture, subsequently conducting the aqueous mixture into a separation vessel, wherein it is allowed to settle into two phases, which form a hydrocarbon stream and a phenol-containing water stream, subsequently collecting the hydrocarbon stream, and conducting the phenol-containing water stream to the separation column for further separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNOLOGY OY
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjo, Maarit Aarni-Sirvio
  • Patent number: 7816465
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for continuously producing olefin polymers in a slurry phase reactor in a hydrocarbon diluent or liquid monomer. The process comprises continuously withdrawing from the slurry phase reactor a polymer slurry containing polymer and a fluid phase, which contains hydrocarbons and optionally hydrogen, and concentrating the slurry with a self-cleaning screen by removing a part of the fluid phase to provide a concentrated slurry. The openings of the screen, which can have a planar or cylindrical configuration, are smallest at the inflow surface of the screen and increases towards the outflow surface. By the present invention, the need for service and maintenance is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventor: Henrik Andtsjö
  • Patent number: 7740808
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation of olefin monomers. In particular, the present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation olefin monomers like ethylene and other monomers, wherein an olefin monomer is polymerised in slurry phase in an inert hydrocarbon diluent in at least one loop reactor. According to the invention, a polymer slurry is continuously withdrawn from the loop reactor and concentrated. The concentrated slurry is conducted to a flash unit in order to remove the remaining fluid phase, and gas obtained is compressed in a flash gas compressor before it is being fed to a distillation section. By means of the present invention it is possible reduce the size of the flash gas compressor and the capacity of the distillation sections. This significantly reduces investment cost for a continuously operated polymerization apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventors: Marianna Vuorikari, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjö, Samuli Zitting
  • Publication number: 20090137753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of multimodal ethylene homo- or copolymers in at least two stages, the process comprising preparation of a first ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction in a loop reactor in slurry phase, preparation of a second ethylene homo- or copolymer fraction in a gas phase reactor, by using a catalyst not containing an inorganic oxide support, and operating the gas phase reactor in such conditions that at least part of the gas is recycled, and that at least a part of the recycled gas is condensed and the (partially) condensed gas is re-introduced into the gas phase reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNOLOGY OY
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjö, Michiel Bergstra, Ralf Karlsson, Klaus Nyfors, Urban Thorngren
  • Publication number: 20080045674
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for continuously producing olefin polymers in a slurry phase reactor in a hydrocarbon diluent or liquid monomer. The process comprises continuously withdrawing from the slurry phase reactor a polymer slurry containing polymer and a fluid phase, which contains hydrocarbons and optionally hydrogen, and concentrating the slurry with a self-cleaning screen by removing a part of the fluid phase to provide a concentrated slurry. The openings of the screen, which can have a planar or cylindrical configuration, are smallest at the inflow surface of the screen and increases towards the outflow surface. By the present invention, the need for service and maintenance is significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Borealis Technology oy
    Inventor: Henrik Andtsjo
  • Publication number: 20080039597
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation of olefin monomers. In particular, the present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation olefin monomers like ethylene and other monomers, wherein an olefin monomer is polymerised in slurry phase in an inert hydrocarbon diluent in at least one loop reactor. According to the invention, a polymer slurry is continuously withdrawn from the loop reactor and concentrated. The concentrated slurry is conducted to a flash unit in order to remove the remaining fluid phase, and gas obtained is compressed in a flash gas compressor before it is being fed to a distillation section. By means of the present invention it is possible reduce the size of the flash gas compressor and the capacity of the distillation sections. This significantly reduces investment cost for a continuously operated polymerization apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Borealis Technology OY
    Inventors: Marianna Vuorikari, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjo, Samuli Zitting
  • Patent number: 7115687
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation of olefin monomers in a cascade of polymerisation reactors. According to the process, an olefin monomer is polymerised first in slurry phase in an inert hydrocarbon diluent in at least one loop reactor and then, subsequently, in gas phase in at least one gas phase reactor. According to the invention, a polymer slurry is continuously withdrawn from the loop reactor and optionally concentrated. The concentrated slurry is conducted to a high pressure flash unit in order to remove the remaining fluid phase, and fed to the gas phase reactor. With the process described in this invention, it is possible to produce bimodal polyethylene with good properties. The operation of the process is stable because of the truly continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventors: Marianna Vuorikari, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjö, Samuli Zitting
  • Publication number: 20060052552
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuous polymerisation of olefin monomers in a cascade of polymerisation reactors. According to the process, an olefin monomer is polymerised first in slurry phase in an inert hydrocarbon diluent in at least one loop reactor and then, subsequently, in gas phase in at least one gas phase reactor. According to the invention, a polymer slurry is continuously withdrawn from the loop reactor and optionally concentrated. The concentrated slurry is conducted to a high pressure flash unit in order to remove the remaining fluid phase, and fed to the gas phase reactor. With the process described in this invention, it is possible to produce bimodal polyethylene with good properties. The operation of the process is stable because of the truly continuous operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Marianna Vuorikari, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjo, Samuli Zitting
  • Patent number: 6562914
    Abstract: A process for homo or copolymerizing propylene, wherein propylene is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst at an elevated temperature in a reaction medium in which a major part of the reaction medium is propylene and the polymerization is carried in at least one CSTR or loop reactor, where the polymerization is carried out at a temperature and a pressure which are above the corresponding critical temperature and the pressure of the reaction medium and were the residence time is at least 15 minutes. The process can also have a subcritical loop polymerization before the supercritical stage polymerization or gas phase polymerization after the supercritical stage polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Borealis A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjö, Ismo Pentti, Ali Harlin
  • Patent number: 6476161
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus of introducing polymer slurry obtained from a slurry reactor into a gas phase reactor containing a fluidized bed (C, D). According to the present invention, the content of the slurry reactor (R1) is conducted directly to the fluidized bed reactor (R2) as a multiphase stream comprising polymer, active catalyst and reaction medium using at least one feed line (10; 11; 12), and the stream is fed below a first fluidized zone (C) of the gas phase reactor via inlet pipe protruding into the fluidized bed in order to increase the once-through conversion of the process. By means of the invention, the amount of unreacted monomers which needs to be recirculated is minimized and investment and operation costs of the recovery section are greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventors: Ali Harlin, Jouni Kivelä, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjö
  • Patent number: 6084041
    Abstract: A process for homo or copolymerizing propylene, wherein propylene is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst at an elevated temperature in a reaction medium in which a major part of the reaction medium is propylene and the polymerization is carried in at least one CSTR or loop reactor, where the polymerization is carried out at a temperature and a pressure which are above the corresponding critical temperature and the pressure of the reaction medium and where the residence time is at least 15 minutes. The process can also comprise a supercritical loop polymerization before the supercritical stage polymerization or a gas phase polymerization after the supercritical stage polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Borealis A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Andtsjo, Ismo Pentti, Ali Harlin
  • Patent number: 5616662
    Abstract: A fluidized bed polymerization process in which a central mixing element sweeps the interior of the bed. The mixing element contains agitator arm which pass adjacent to the reactor walls and a have a perforated surface. Gas is directed to the central mixing shaft and distributed to the agitator arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Borealis Polymers Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Koskinen, Henrik Andtsjo, Jouni Takakarhu, Kari Sarantila
  • Patent number: 5391654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for homo- or copolymerizing ethene in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta or other catalyst and a possible comonomer and hydrogen for preparing a homo- or copolymer of ethene in particle form in propane. In accordance with the invention, the polymerization is performed in a loop reactor under such supercritical conditions where the temperature is higher than the critical temperature of the mixture formed by ethene, propane and a possible hydrogen and a comonomer, but lower than the melting temperature of the ethene polymer forming in the polymerization, and the pressure is higher than the critical pressure of said mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Neste OY
    Inventors: Antero Ahvenainen, Kari Sarantila, Henrik Andtsjo
  • Patent number: 5326835
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-stage process for producing polyethylene having a bimodal and/or broad molecular weight distribution in the presence of an ethylene polymerizing catalyst system in a multistep reaction sequence, in which the first reaction step is a liquid phase polymerization step and the second reaction step is formed by one or more gas-phase polymerization steps. According to the process of the invention in the first reaction step ethylene is polymerized in a loop reactor (10) in an inert low-boiling hydrocarbon medium the residence time being at least 10 minutes, reaction mixture is discharged from the loop reactor (10) and at least a substantial part of the inert hydrocarbon mixture is separated and the polymer is transferred into one or more gas-phase reactors (30), where the polymerization is completed in the presence of ethylene and optionally hydrogen and a comonomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Neste OY
    Inventors: Antero Ahvenainen, Kari Sarantila, Henrik Andtsjo, Jouni Takakarhu, Ari Palmroos