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).
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Publication number: 20120088940Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Fred A. Conneway, Clyde L. Rhodes II, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 8129551Abstract: The invention relates to improved systems for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column. The invention also relates to improved processes for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLCInventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
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Publication number: 20120041164Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, James M. Farley, John F. Szul, Mark P. Ossowski
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Patent number: 7985811Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to measuring and controlling static in a gas phase reactor polymerization. In particular, embodiments relate to monitoring carryover static in an entrainment zone during gas phase polymerization to determine the onset of reactor discontinuity events such as chunking and sheeting. Embodiments also relate to monitoring carryover static to determine the need for effective additions of continuity additives that minimize reactor static activity and thereby preventing discontinuity events.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Michael E. Muhle, Agapios K. Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, Mark G. Goode, F. David Hussein, Richard B. Pannell, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 7754840Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bimodal polyethylene comprising ethylene derived units and units derived from at least one of a C4 to C12 olefin; wherein the polyethylene has a density of from 0.940 to 0.970 g/cm3; an I21/I2 of 80 or more; a residual Group 4 metal content of 2.0 ppm or less: a Mw/Mn of from 20 to 60; and wherein the polyethylene comprises a high molecular weight component and a low molecular weight component, the high molecular weight component present from 40 to 60 weight percent based on the total polyethylene, and wherein the bimodal polyethylene has a weight avenge molecular weight Mw of 180,000 a.m.u. or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Donald R. Loveday, David H. McConville, John F. Szul, Kersten Anne Erickson, Simon Mawson, Tae Hoon Kwack, Frederick J. Karol, David James Schreck
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Publication number: 20100144989Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, James M. Farley, John F. Szul, Mark P. Ossowski
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Publication number: 20100036176Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Joseph C. Noronha, Elbert J. Campbell, Brian T. Keen, Dick A. Nagaki, Hwaili Soo, David A. Spears, John F. Szul
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Publication number: 20100029964Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
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Publication number: 20100029962Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
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Publication number: 20100029963Abstract: The invention relates to improved systems for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column. The invention also relates to improved processes for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. McCain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
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Publication number: 20090018279Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to measuring and controlling static in a gas phase reactor polymerization. In particular, embodiments relate to monitoring carryover static in an entrainment zone during gas phase polymerization to determine the onset of reactor discontinuity events such as chunking and sheeting. Embodiments also relate to monitoring carryover static to determine the need for effective additions of continuity additives that minimize reactor static activity and thereby preventing discontinuity events.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Michael E. Muhle, Agapios K. Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, Mark G. Goode, F. David Hussein, Richard B. Pannell, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 7300988Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 7223825Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 7179876Abstract: A polyethylene film having a balance of improved physical and mechanical properties and a method for making the same are provided. In one aspect, the film includes a 1% secant modulus of greater than 25,000 psi, a dart impact resistance of greater than 500 g/mil, and a MD tear strength of greater than 500 g/mil. In one aspect, the method comprises reacting ethylene derived units and a comonomer in the presence of a hafnium-based metallocene at a temperature of from 70° C. and 90° C., an ethylene partial pressure of from 120 psia and 260 psia, and a comonomer to ethylene ratio of from 0.01 to 0.02 to produce an ethylene based polymer. The method further comprises extruding the ethylene based polymer at conditions sufficient to produce a polyethylene film comprising a secant modulus of greater than 25,000 psi, a dart impact resistance of greater than 500 g/mil, and a MD tear strength of greater than 500 g/mil.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: John F. Szul, James McLeod Farley, Laughlin G. McCullough, Ryan Winston Impelman
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Patent number: 7172816Abstract: A polyethylene film having a balance of improved physical and mechanical properties and a method for making the same are provided. In one aspect, the film includes a 1% secant modulus of greater than 25,000 psi, a dart impact resistance of greater than 500 g/mil, and a MD tear strength of greater than 500 g/mil. In one aspect, the method comprises reacting ethylene derived units and a comonomer in the presence of a hafnium-based metallocene at a temperature of from 70° C. and 90° C., an ethylene partial pressure of from 120 psia and 260 psia, and a comonomer to ethylene ratio of from 0.01 to 0.02 to produce an ethylene based polymer. The method further comprises extruding the ethylene based polymer at conditions sufficient to produce a polyethylene film comprising a secant modulus of greater than 25,000 psi, a dart impact resistance of greater than 500 g/mil, and a MD tear strength of greater than 500 g/mil.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: John F. Szul, James McLeod Farley, Laughlin G. McCullough, Ryan Winston Impelman
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Patent number: 7157531Abstract: Methods for controlling a melt viscosity of a polyolefin, controlling comonomer distribution of a polyolefin, achieving a targeted melt viscosity of a polyolefin, and films made from such polyolefins are provided. The methods include contacting an olefin monomer and at least one comonomer with a catalyst system in the presence of a condensable fluid comprising a saturated hydrocarbon having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The catalyst system in one embodiment includes a hafnium metallocene catalyst component.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: John F. Szul, James McLeod Farley
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Patent number: 7141632Abstract: The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compounds, catalyst systems including these catalyst compounds, and to their use in the polymerization of ethylene and at least one comonomer. In particular, the invention provides a catalyst system comprising a poor comonomer incorporating catalyst compound and a good comonomer incorporating catalyst compound. Preferably, the low comonomer incorporating catalyst compound is a metallocene containing at least one substituted or unsubstituted fused ring cyclopentadienyl based ligand which is substantially directed to the front of the molecule, contains a long bridging group, or which contains a methyl substitution pattern which correlates to poor comonomer incorporation. The invention also provides methods of selecting the poor comonomer incorporating metallocene to pair with the good comonomer incorporating metallocene to produce polymers that are easy to process into a variety of articles, especially polyethylene based film, having enhanced properties.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: George Alan Vaughan, John F. Szul, Matthew Gary McKee, James McLeod Farley, Ching-Tai Lue, Sun-Chueh Kao
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Patent number: 7078467Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Rainer Kolb, John F. Szul
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Patent number: 6956088Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: James McLeod Farley, John F. Szul, Matthew Gary McKee
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Patent number: RE41897Abstract: Catalyst compositions and methods, useful in polymerization processes, utilizing at least two metal compounds are disclosed. At least one of the metal compounds is a Group 15 containing metal compound and the other metal compound is preferably a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst. The invention also discloses a new polyolefin, generally polyethylene, particularly a multimodal polymer and more specifically, a bimodal polymer, and its use in various end-use applications such as film, molding and pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Donald R. Loveday, David H. McConville, John F. Szul, Kersten Anne Terry, Simon Mawson, Tae Hoon Kwalk, Frederick J. Karol, David James Schreck