Patents by Inventor John F. Szul

John F. Szul 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: 20210047355
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards methods of adjusting melt index and/or density utilizing a metallocene complex represented by Formula (I): wherein each n-Pr is n-propyl, and each X is independently CH3, CI, Br, or F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, E.J. Markel, R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky
  • Publication number: 20210040249
    Abstract: A bimodal polyethylene composition, products made therefrom, methods of making and using same, and articles, including bottle caps and closures, containing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Nitin Borse, Swapnil B. Chandak, Yi Zhang, Timothy R. Lynn, Roger L. Kuhlman, John F. Szul
  • Publication number: 20210032377
    Abstract: A spray-dried zirconocene catalyst system comprising a zirconocene catalyst and a hydrophobic fumed silica, which supports the zirconocene catalyst. A spray-drying method of making same. Polyolefins; methods of making and using same; and articles containing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Wesley R. Mariott, Roger L. Kuhlman, Phuong A. Cao, C. Dale Lester, Chuan He, Swapnil B. Chandak, Pradeep Jain, John F. Szul
  • Publication number: 20200071509
    Abstract: Provided are various bimodal polyethylene, including but not limited to a bimodal polyethylene for a pipe having a density of from 0.9340 to 0.9470 gram/cubic centimeters (g/ccm), a melt index (12) of from 0.1 to 0.7 gram/10 minute, a melt flow ratio (121/12) of from 20 to 90. The bimodal polyethylene includes a high molecular weight polyethylene component and a low molecular weight polyethylene component which are a reaction product of a polymerization process performed in a single reactor and that employs a bimodal polymerization catalyst system. The bimodal polymerization catalyst system includes a bimodal catalyst system of bis(2-pentamethylphenylamido)ethyl)amine Zirconium dibenzyl and either (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(n-propylcyclopentadienyl)Zirconium dichloride or (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(n-propylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl in a 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nitin BORSE, Swapnil CHANDAK, Ayush A. BAFNA, Cliff R. MURE, Yi ZHANG, Timothy R. LYNN, Roger L. KUHLMAN, John F. SZUL
  • Publication number: 20200048384
    Abstract: A high density, high polydispersity polyethylene having improved properties, and a process of producing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter S. Martin, John F. Szul, Roger L. Kuhlman, Mahsa McDougal, C. Jeff Harlan, Timothy M. Boller
  • Publication number: 20200031958
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure directed towards polymerization catalysts having improved ethylene enchainment. As an example, the present disclosure provides a polymerization catalyst having improved ethylene enchainment, the polymerization catalyst comprising a zirconocene catalyst of Formula (I) where R1 is a C1 to C20 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, wherein R2 is an C1 to C20 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, and where R3 is a C1 to C20 alkyl or a hydrogen, and where each X is independently a halide, C1 to C20 alkyl, aralkyl group or hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger L. KUHLMAN, Mahsa McDOUGAL, Timothy M. BOLLER, C. Jeff HARLAN, Timothy R. LYNN, Cliff R. MURE, John F. SZUL, Daniel P. ZILKER, JR.
  • Patent number: 10471371
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and processes are provided for a condenser including flowing a vapor stream including formaldehyde into a tube bundle in a vertical upflow reflux condenser, where a tube in the tube bundle has a length to outside diameter ratio of greater than about 170:1, flowing a cooling fluid on a shell-side of the vertical upflow reflux condenser to condense at least a portion of the vapor stream, where the condensed portion of the vapor stream forms a wetted tube internal surface area on each tube in the generally upright tube bundle; and maintaining the vapor stream velocity at a rate that provides a liquid residence time where formaldehyde condensed on the wetted internal surface area of each tube can react with water to form methylene glycol, removing at least sixty percent (60%) of formaldehyde from the vapor stream fed to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: Fred A. Conneway, Clyde L. Rhodes, II, John F. Szul
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190256629
    Abstract: A bimodal linear polyethylene composition, products made therefrom, methods of making and using same, and articles containing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Swapnil B. Chandak, Nitin Borse, Ayush A. Bafna, Yi Zhang, Timothy R. Lynn, Roger L. Kuhlman, John F. Szul
  • Publication number: 20190256696
    Abstract: A bimodal linear polyethylene composition, products made therefrom, methods of making and using same, and articles containing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Swapnil B. Chandak, Nitin Borse, Ayush A. Bafna, Yi Zhang, Timothy R. Lynn, Roger L. Kuhlman, John F. Szul
  • Publication number: 20170239590
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and processes are provided for a condenser including flowing a vapor stream including formaldehyde into a tube bundle in a vertical upflow reflux condenser, where a tube in the tube bundle has a length to outside diameter ratio of greater than about 170:1, flowing a cooling fluid on a shell-side of the vertical upflow reflux condenser to condense at least a portion of the vapor stream, where the condensed portion of the vapor stream forms a wetted tube internal surface area on each tube in the generally upright tube bundle; and maintaining the vapor stream velocity at a rate that provides a liquid residence time where formaldehyde condensed on the wetted internal surface area of each tube can react with water to form methylene glycol, removing at least sixty percent (60%) of formaldehyde from the vapor stream fed to the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: Fred A. Conneway, Clyde L. Rhodes, II, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 8754177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polymerization process, the polymerization process includes contacting a cyclic bridged metallocene catalyst represented by the following formula: LA(A)LBMQn wherein A is a divalent group bound to each of LA and LB; each of LA and LB are bound to M, and each Q is bound to M; LA and LB are independently selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl ligands and substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands; A is a divalent bridging group comprising a heterocyclic ring comprising from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and one silyl, thus forming a 4 to 7 member divalent ring; M is a Group 4, 5, or 6 transition metal; Q is independently a halogen, a hydride, or a hydrocarbyl radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein n is 1 or 2; with an activator, and optionally a support, to form an activated catalyst and, subsequently, contacting the activated catalyst with ethylene and optionally, at least one C3-C8 alpha olefin comonomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donna J. Crowther, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 8497329
    Abstract: The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, James M. Farley, John F. Szul, Mark P. Ossowski
  • Patent number: 8476464
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide processes, columns, and systems for removing acetaldehyde from alkylene oxide in a feed stream and for providing an alkylene oxide-water stream that can be directly transferred to a glycol reaction process. The alkylene oxide purification column includes a first section to convert a feed stream into a gas phase portion and a liquid phase portion and a second section located in the column above the first section to separate alkylene oxide from the acetaldehyde, water, and other impurities that enter the second section from the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. McCain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
  • Patent number: 8399581
    Abstract: Metallocene catalyzed polyethylenes are found to have improved physical properties, improved processability and improved balance of properties. Surprisingly, there is a direct relationship between MD shrinkage, and MD tear. Additionally, MD tear is greater than TD tear, and MD tear is also greater than intrinsic tear. MD tear to TD tear ratios are above 0.9, and dart drop impact is above 500 g/mil. The polyethylenes have a relatively broad composition distribution and relatively broad molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James McLeod Farley, John F. Szul, Matthew Gary McKee
  • Publication number: 20120302776
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide processes, columns, and systems for removing acetaldehyde from alkylene oxide in a feed stream and for providing an alkylene oxide-water stream that can be directly transferred to a glycol reaction process. The alkylene oxide purification column includes a first section to convert a feed stream into a gas phase portion and a liquid phase portion and a second section located in the column above the first section to separate alkylene oxide from the acetaldehyde, water, and other impurities that enter the second section from the first section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: DOW TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. McCain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
  • Patent number: 8309771
    Abstract: A two-stage, gas phase process for manufacturing alkylene glycol (e.g., ethylene glycol) from an alkene (e.g., ethylene), oxygen and water, the process comprising the steps of: (A) Contacting under gas phase, oxidation conditions gaseous alkene and oxygen over a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst to produce a gaseous oxidation product comprising alkylene oxide, water and unreacted alkene; (B) Contacting under gas phase, hydrolysis conditions the gaseous oxidation product of (A) with added water over a heterogeneous hydrolysis catalyst to produce a gaseous alkylene glycol and unreacted alkene; and (C) Recycling the unreacted alkene of (B) to (A). The hydrolysis catalyst is selected from the group consisting of hydrotalcites, metal-loaded zeolites, phosphates, and metal-loaded ion-exchanged molecular sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Noronha, Elbert J. Campbell, Brian T. Keen, Dick A. Nagaki, Hwaili Soo, David A. Spears, John F. Szul
  • Patent number: 8257558
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide processes, columns, and systems for removing acetaldehyde from alkylene oxide in a feed stream and for providing an alkylene oxide-water stream that can be directly transferred to a glycol reaction process. The alkylene oxide purification column includes a first section to convert a feed stream into a gas phase portion and a liquid phase portion and a second section located in the column above the first section to separate alkylene oxide from the acetaldehyde, water, and other impurities that enter the second section from the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
  • Patent number: 8227552
    Abstract: The invention generally provides for methods for controlling polymer properties. In particular, invention provides for methods for controlling the comonomer composition distribution of polyolefins such as ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers by altering at least one or more of the following parameters: the molar ratio of hydrogen to ethylene, the molar ratio of comonomer to ethylene, the partial pressure of ethylene, and the reactor temperature without substantially changing the density and/or the melt index of the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Kolb, James M. Farley, John F. Szul, Mark P. Ossowski
  • Patent number: 8183400
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include processes and systems for recovering alkylene oxide. System embodiments include a stripping section located in an alkylene oxide recovery column to convert a feed stream comprising to a first gas phase portion comprising alkylene oxide, a condensing zone comprising at least a first condenser and a second condenser configured in series, and a reabsorption region located in the alkylene oxide recovery column above the last of the at least two condensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman