Patents by Inventor R. Eric Pequeno

R. Eric Pequeno 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: 11396561
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards methods for controlling a polymerization reaction including determining an instantaneous density model for a gas-phase polymerization, and utilizing the instantaneous density model to monitor the polymerization reaction to determine if a threshold instantaneous density is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, Daniel N. Thomas, Eric J. Markel, R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky
  • Patent number: 11384164
    Abstract: Methods and systems for olefin polymerization are provided. The method for olefin polymerization can include flowing a catalyst through an injection nozzle and into a fluidized bed disposed within a reactor. The method can also include flowing a feed comprising one or more monomers, one or more inert fluids, or a combination thereof through the injection nozzle and into the fluidized bed. The feed can be at a temperature greater than ambient temperature. The method can also include contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst within the fluidized bed at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno
  • Patent number: 11377460
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, E. J. Markel, R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky
  • Patent number: 11117991
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, ?1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, ?2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Patent number: 10995161
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a target value of a melt flow index of a polyethylene polymer product being synthesized with a metallocene catalyst in a fluidized bed gas phase reactor. The method includes producing the polyethylene polymer product at the target value of the melt flow index with a metallocene catalyst in a fluidized bed gas phase reactor at a steady state in which the fluidized bed gas phase reactor is at a first reactor temperature and receives feeds of hydrogen and ethylene at a hydrogen to ethylene feed ratio at a first ratio value. When a change in reactor temperature is detected, the hydrogen to ethylene feed ratio is changed from the first ratio value to a second ratio value so as to maintain the melt flow index value of the polyethylene polymer product at the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear, Jim Farley
  • 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: 20210047442
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards methods for controlling a polymerization reaction including determining an instantaneous density model for a gas-phase polymerization, and utilizing the instantaneous density model to monitor the polymerization reaction to determine if a threshold instantaneous density is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, Daniel Thomas, E.J. Markel, R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky
  • Publication number: 20200299418
    Abstract: Methods and systems for olefin polymerization are provided. The method for olefin polymerization can include flowing a catalyst through an injection nozzle and into a fluidized bed disposed within a reactor. The method can also include flowing a feed comprising one or more monomers, one or more inert fluids, or a combination thereof through the injection nozzle and into the fluidized bed. The feed can be at a temperature greater than ambient temperature. The method can also include contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst within the fluidized bed at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno
  • Patent number: 10711072
    Abstract: Methods and systems for olefin polymerization are provided. The method for olefin polymerization can include flowing a catalyst through an injection nozzle and into a fluidized bed disposed within a reactor. The method can also include flowing a feed comprising one or more monomers, one or more inert fluids, or a combination thereof through the injection nozzle and into the fluidized bed. The feed can be at a temperature greater than ambient temperature. The method can also include contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst within the fluidized bed at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno
  • Publication number: 20200140581
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a target value of a melt flow index of a polyethylene polymer product being synthesized with a metallocene catalyst in a fluidized bed gas phase reactor. The method includes producing the polyethylene polymer product at the target value of the melt flow index with a metallocene catalyst in a fluidized bed gas phase reactor at a steady state in which the fluidized bed gas phase reactor is at a first reactor temperature and receives feeds of hydrogen and ethylene at a hydrogen to ethylene feed ratio at a first ratio value. When a change in reactor temperature is detected, the hydrogen to ethylene feed ratio is changed from the first ratio value to a second ratio value so as to maintain the melt flow index value of the polyethylene polymer product at the target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear, Jim Farley
  • Publication number: 20190352440
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, ?1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, ?2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Patent number: 10400049
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, 1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, 2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Patent number: 10308742
    Abstract: Polymers, and systems and methods for making and using the same are described herein. A polymer includes ethylene and at least one alpha olefin having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The polymer is formed by a trimmed catalyst system including a supported catalyst including bis(n-propylcyclopentadienyl) hafnium (R1)(R2) and a trim catalyst comprising meso-O(SiMe2Ind)2Zr(R1)(R2), wherein R1 and R2 are each, independently, methyl, chloro, fluoro, or a hydrocarbyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Francis C. Rix, Timothy M. Boller, Garth R. Giesbrecht, Mark G. Goode, Sun-Chueh Kao, Dongming Li, R. Eric Pequeno, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10221254
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a gas phase polymerization reactor between metallocene catalysts is provided. The method comprises first reducing the superficial gas velocity and increasing the height of the fluidized bed within the reactor prior to stopping a feed comprising a first metallocene catalyst. The method further comprises introducing a first polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the first polymerization reactor does not comprise water, and then introducing a second polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the second polymerization neutralizer is different from the first polymerization neutralizer. After this, the method comprises purging the reactor with an inert gas and then introducing a feed comprising a second metallocene catalyst to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon C. Locklear, R. Eric Pequeno, Richard B. Pannell, Fathi David Hussein, Rich John Stolz, William A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 10174142
    Abstract: Polyolefin polymerization performed by contacting in a reactor an olefin monomer and optionally a comonomer with a catalyst system in the presence of induced condensing agents (ICA) and optionally hydrogen. The ICA may include two or more ICA components where the composition of the ICA (i.e., the concentration of each ICA component) may affect the polyolefin production rate. Changes to the relative concentration of the two or more ICA components may be according to ICA equivalency factors that allow for increasing the polyolefin production rate while maintain a sticking temperature, increasing polyolefin production rate while increasing the dew point approach temperature of the ICA, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, Brandon C. Locklear, R. Eric Pequeno, Abarajith S. Hari, David M. Glowczwski
  • Patent number: 9963528
    Abstract: Methods of making polyethylene resins are provided. More particularly methods of modifying the melt flow ratio and swell characteristics of polyethylene resins are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: R. Eric Pequeno, Bruce J. Savatsky, Peter S. Martin, Timothy R. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20180118862
    Abstract: Methods for olefin polymerization are described. The methods include a) forming a first polyolefin under a first set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a first catalyst composition and a first concentration of at least a first continuity additive composition, the first polyolefin composition having a target density, 1, and a target Flow Index, FI1; and b) forming a second polyolefin composition under a second set of polymerization conditions in the presence of a second catalyst composition and a second concentration of a second continuity additive composition, the second polyolefin composition having a target density, 2, and a target Flow Index, FI2; wherein the process is essentially free of providing a polymerization neutralizing composition between steps a) and b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno, Brandon C. Locklear
  • Publication number: 20180100031
    Abstract: Methods and systems for olefin polymerization are provided. The method for olefin polymerization can include flowing a catalyst through an injection nozzle and into a fluidized bed disposed within a reactor. The method can also include flowing a feed comprising one or more monomers, one or more inert fluids, or a combination thereof through the injection nozzle and into the fluidized bed. The feed can be at a temperature greater than ambient temperature. The method can also include contacting one or more olefins with the catalyst within the fluidized bed at conditions sufficient to produce a polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Savatsky, R. Eric Pequeno
  • Patent number: 9938361
    Abstract: Methods for producing catalyst systems with increased productivity are disclosed. The methods may comprise providing a catalyst composition comprising a solvent and a single-site catalyst component, heating an inert gas to a temperature in a range of from about 100° C. to about 150° C., and spray drying the catalyst composition in the presence of the inert gas to form a spray-dried catalyst system. Additionally, the methods may comprise providing a catalyst composition comprising a solvent, an activator, a filler material, a metallocene catalyst, and a Group 15-containing catalyst; heating an inert gas to a temperature in a range of from about 100° C. to about 150° C.; and spray drying the catalyst composition in the presence of the inert gas to form a spray-dried catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Lynn, F. David Hussein, R. Eric Pequeno, Daniel P. Zilker, Jr., Bruce J. Savatsky, Michael D. Awe
  • Publication number: 20180079836
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a gas phase polymerization reactor between metallocene catalysts is provided. The method comprises first reducing the superficial gas velocity and increasing the height of the fluidized bed within the reactor prior to stopping a feed comprising a first metallocene catalyst. The method further comprises introducing a first polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the first polymerization reactor does not comprise water, and then introducing a second polymerization neutralizer to the reactor, wherein the second polymerization neutralizer is different from the first polymerization neutralizer. After this, the method comprises purging the reactor with an inert gas and then introducing a feed comprising a second metallocene catalyst to the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon C. Locklear, R. Eric Pequeno, Richard B. Pannell, Fathi David Hussein, Rich John Stolz, William A. Matthews