Patents by Inventor Joel Mutchler

Joel Mutchler 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).

  • Publication number: 20140179881
    Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20140171602
    Abstract: A technique for polymerizing ethylene on catalyst in a first polymerization reactor and in a second polymerization reactor to form polyethylene particles, and controlling particle size of the polyethylene particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth A. Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140171601
    Abstract: A system and method for discharging a transfer slurry from a first polymerization reactor through a transfer line to a second polymerization reactor, the transfer slurry including at least diluent and a first polyethylene. A product slurry is discharged from the second polymerization reactor, the product slurry including at least diluent, the first polyethylene, and a second polyethylene. The velocity, pressure drop, or pressure loss due to friction in the transfer line is determined, and a process variable adjusted in response to the velocity, pressure drop, or pressure loss not satisfying a specified value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth Ann Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140171603
    Abstract: A system and method for polymerizing olefin in the presence of a chain transfer agent in a first reactor to form a first polyolefin, discharging from the first reactor a transfer slurry having the first polyolefin and the chain transfer agent, and processing the transfer slurry in a separator to remove chain transfer agent and to provide a fluff slurry having the first polyolefin and a lower content of chain transfer agent than in the transfer slurry. The system and method provide for feeding the fluff slurry to a second reactor, polymerizing olefin in the second reactor to form a second polyolefin, and discharging from the second reactor a slurry having the second polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth A. Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140140894
    Abstract: A polyolefin production system including: a first reactor configured to produce a first discharge slurry having a first polyolefin; a second reactor configured to produce a second discharge slurry having a second polyolefin; and a post-reactor treatment zone having at least a separation vessel configured to receive the second discharge slurry or both the first discharge slurry and the second discharge slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth An Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Patent number: 8703883
    Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20130217843
    Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20110190465
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a method for manufacturing a polyolefin and a system for implementing the method. The method comprises combining a catalyst with a diluent mixture containing a diluent and an olefin monomer in a polymerization reactor. The diluent may comprise propane, butane, or isobutane, or a combination thereof. The polymerization reactor is operated at a pressure above a critical pressure of the diluent, but below the critical temperature of the diluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20050261471
    Abstract: A disengagement vessel employing a lock hopper effectively reduces concentration of non-polymer-associated components in the polymer product slurry of a first olefin slurry polymerization reactor, allowing cascading of a second slurry polymerization reactor operating at lesser concentration of comonomers, hydrogen, and other components to produce multicompositional polyolefin polymers and/or polymers having a multimodal monomer distribution, e.g. diblock polymers having substantially non-overlapping comonomer contents between the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Applicant: Equistar Chemicals L.P.
    Inventors: Joel Mutchler, Kiran Gupte, Michael Treptau
  • Publication number: 20050228156
    Abstract: A very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) film is disclosed. The film has a high average heat seal strength and physical strength. The VLDPE has a density within the range of about 0.880 to 0.914 g/cm3. The film has a seal initiation temperature lower than or equal to 95° C. and an average heat seal strength greater than or equal to 1.75 lb/in. The film has a machine-direction (MD) modulus greater than or equal to 12,000 psi. The film can be used as a monolayer film or as a layer of a multilayer film. It is suitable for heat sealable bags and many other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Charles Holland, Harilaos Mavridis, Joel Mutchler, Sandor Nagy
  • Patent number: 6921804
    Abstract: A disengagement vessel employing a lock hopper effectively reduces concentration of non-polymer-associated components in the polymer product slurry of a first olefin slurry polymerization reactor, allowing cascading of a second slurry polymerization reactor operating at lesser concentration of comonomers, hydrogen, and other components to produce multicompositional polyolefin polymers and/or polymers having a multimodal monomer distribution, e.g. diblock polymers having substantially non-overlapping comonomer contents between the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals L.P.
    Inventors: Joel A. Mutchler, Kiran M. Gupte, Michael H. Treptau
  • Patent number: 6908972
    Abstract: A method for making ethylene polymers and copolymers is disclosed. The method uses a catalyst system comprising a low level of an aluminum-containing activator, a bridged indenoindolyl transition metal complex, and a treated silica support. The method enables economical preparation of ethylene copolymers having very low density. The silica-supported, bridged complexes incorporate comonomers efficiently and are valuable for a commercial slurry loop process. Use of a bridged indeno[2,1-b]indolyl complex provides exceptionally efficient comonomer incorporation, and gives polymers with a substantial and controlled level of long-chain branching. The method facilitates the production of a wide variety of polyolefins, from HDPE to plastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Barbara M. Tsuie, Karen L. Neal-Hawkins, Sandor Nagy, Michael W. Lynch, Mark P. Mack, Shaotian Wang, Jean A Merrick-Mack, Clifford C. Lee, Joel A. Mutchler, Kenneth W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6812183
    Abstract: Catalysts useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise an activator and a triple-decker bimetallic complex. The complex includes two Group 3-10 transition metals and a delocalized dianionic ligand that is pi-bonded to each of the metals. The behavior of the catalysts can be modified by choice of each metal, by the choice of the dianionic ligand, or by choice of the ancillary ligands. The invention provides a new way to make a large variety of catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Sandor Nagy, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20040214716
    Abstract: Catalysts useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise an activator and a triple-decker bimetallic complex. The complex includes two Group 3-10 transition metals and a delocalized dianionic ligand that is pi-bonded to each of the metals. The behavior of the catalysts can be modified by choice of each metal, by the choice of the dianionic ligand, or by choice of the ancillary ligands. The invention provides a new way to make a large variety of catalyst systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Sandor Nagy, Joel A. Mutchler
  • Publication number: 20040192861
    Abstract: A disengagement vessel employing a lock hopper effectively reduces concentration of non-polymer-associated components in the polymer product slurry of a first olefin slurry polymerization reactor, allowing cascading of a second slurry polymerization reactor operating at lesser concentration of comonomers, hydrogen, and other components to produce multicompositional polyolefin polymers and/or polymers having a multimodal monomer distribution, e.g. diblock polymers having substantially non-overlapping comonomer contents between the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Equistar Chemicals L.P.
    Inventors: Joel A. Mutchler, Kiran M. Gupte, Michael H. Treptau
  • Patent number: 6713585
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ethylene copolymer resin that has unique melt elastic properties not observed in ethylene copolymers heretofore known. Specifically, the ethylene copolymer resin of the present invention when in pelletized form has a reduction in melt elasticity (ER) of 10% or more to a final value of 1.0 or less upon rheometric low shear modification or solution dissolution. Moreover, the resin of the present invention when in reactor-made form exhibits at least a partially reversible increase of 10% or more in ER when pelletizing the same. An ethylene polymerization catalyst, a process of preparing the ethylene copolymer resin and a high-impact film are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Harilaos Mavridis, Mark K. Reinking, Ramesh N. Shroff, Joel A. Mutchler, Charles S. Holland, Keta M. Lindstrom, Kiran M. Gupte, Michael H. Treptau, Francis M. Mirabella
  • Publication number: 20030195306
    Abstract: A method for making ethylene polymers and copolymers is disclosed. The method uses a catalyst system comprising a low level of an aluminum-containing activator, a bridged indenoindolyl transition metal complex, and a treated silica support. The method enables economical preparation of ethylene copolymers having very low density. The silica-supported, bridged complexes incorporate comonomers efficiently and are valuable for a commercial slurry loop process. Use of a bridged indeno[2,1-b]indolyl complex provides exceptionally efficient comonomer incorporation, and gives polymers with a substantial and controlled level of long-chain branching. The method facilitates the production of a wide variety of polyolefins, from HDPE to plastomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Barbara M. Tsuie, Karen L. Neal-Hawkins, Sandor Nagy, Michael W. Lynch, Mark P. Mack, Shaotian Wang, Jean A. Merrick-Mack, Clifford C. Lee, Joel A. Mutchler, Kenneth W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6630548
    Abstract: A gas-phase process for polymerizing an olefin is disclosed. The process involves feeding the catalyst into the reactor in a stream of gas that comprises at least 75 volume % of a noble gas in order to reduce static.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Kiran M. Gupte, Kevin Tolley, Joel A. Mutchler, Charles S. Holland
  • Publication number: 20020034464
    Abstract: A device and method allow a dry catalyst to be delivered to a liquid-filled polymerization reactor, thus avoiding problems associated with catalyst-liquid contact or with undesired addition of gases to the reactor. A quantity of dry catalyst is transferred from a catalyst reservoir maintained under dry conditions to a catalyst chamber. An inert fluid then enters the chamber to flush the catalyst charge toward the reactor. Optional embodiments include means for precontacting the dry catalyst with a modifier and for removing gas from the fluid line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: EQUISTAR CHEMICALS, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Glenn, Nadim F. Yaacoub, Joel A. Mutchler, Charles S. Holland, Dennis D. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 6319995
    Abstract: A device and method allow a dry catalyst to be delivered to a liquid-filled polymerization reactor, thus avoiding problems associated with catalyst-liquid contact or with undesired addition of gases to the reactor. A quantity of dry catalyst is transferred from a catalyst reservoir maintained under dry conditions to a catalyst chamber. An inert fluid then enters the chamber to flush the catalyst charge toward the reactor. Optional embodiments include means for precontacting the dry catalyst with a modifier and for removing gas from the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Thomas A. Glenn, Nadim F. Yaacoub, Joel A. Mutchler, Charles S. Holland, Dennis D. Gottschalk