Patents by Inventor Randall L. Force

Randall L. Force 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: 9650453
    Abstract: Methods for integrating aluminoxane production into catalyst production are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Timothy R. Lynn, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9181361
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for separating a purge gas recovered from a polyethylene product. The method includes recovering a polyethylene product containing one or more volatile hydrocarbons from a polymerization reactor and contacting the polyethylene product with a purge gas to remove at least a portion of the volatile hydrocarbons to produce a polymer product having a reduced concentration of volatile hydrocarbons and a purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons. The purge gas product is compressed to a pressure of 2,500 kPaa to 10,000 kPaa, and is then cooled and separated into at least a first product, a second product, and a third product. A portion of one or more of the first, second, or third products is then recycled as a purge gas, to the polymerization reactor, or to the purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons prior to compression, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Blood, Randall L. Force, Theodore D. Duncan, George W. Schwarz, Jr., Daniel W. Mosser, Donald A. Fischer, Robert D. Olson, James Leland Swecker, II, Cloid Russell Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20150315308
    Abstract: Methods for integrating aluminoxane production into catalyst production are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Timothy R. Lynn, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 9039333
    Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, settling vessels, discharge lines, primary discharge valves, vent lines, primary vent valves, crosstie lines, crosstie valves, and primary exit valves wherein the system is absent a transfer tank, and absent a filter element. The method provides for transferring a solid/gas mixture via a discharge line from the pressure vessel to a settling vessel, wherein gas is separated from the mixture, and the gas is transferred to at least one other settling vessel via a crosstie line. After the solids are transferred out of the settling vessel, the empty vessel then receives gas from other settling vessels in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
  • Patent number: 8876942
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for removing particulates from a cycle gas stream, e.g., in a reactor system, are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, William J. Blickley, Edward A. Leach, Robert O. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 8835576
    Abstract: Provided are processes and systems for recovering hydrocarbons in a vent stream from a polymerization process. The methods and systems may include the recovery of an olefin monomer from a polymerization vent gas using ethylene refrigeration to condense and recover the olefin monomers from the vent gas. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may also include compression and condensation of polymerization vent gas, recompression of ethylene refrigerant, and use of an expander compressor turbine device for ethylene refrigeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Donald A. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130291720
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for separating a purge gas recovered from a polyethylene product. The method includes recovering a polyethylene product containing one or more volatile hydrocarbons from a polymerization reactor and contacting the polyethylene product with a purge gas to remove at least a portion of the volatile hydrocarbons to produce a polymer product having a reduced concentration of volatile hydrocarbons and a purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons. The purge gas product is compressed to a pressure of 2,500 kPaa to 10,000 kPaa, and is then cooled and separated into at least a first product, a second product, and a third product. A portion of one or more of the first, second, or third products is then recycled as a purge gas, to the polymerization reactor, or to the purge gas product enriched in volatile hydrocarbons prior to compression, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Blood, Randall L. Force, Theodore D. Duncan, George W. Schwarz, JR., Daniel W. Mosser, Donald A. Fischer, Robert D. Olson, James Leland Swecker, II, Cloid Russell Smith, III
  • Patent number: 8557029
    Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating a purification bed take advantage of inert gas pressure, such as, for example, supplied by a pipeline. The inert gas (102) is provided at a first pressure and combined with a recycle composition (116) from the vessel (110, 110a) containing the material being regenerated. These streams form a regeneration fluid composition (114) at a second pressure less than the inert gas pressure, which is then routed to the vessel to regenerate the purification bed. A jet compressor (108) may be used for the combining of the inert gas and recycle streams. The recycled composition allows reduction in inert gas usage, while a portion is flared or otherwise disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Rachael L. Le Geyt
  • Publication number: 20130125581
    Abstract: Provided are processes and systems for recovering hydrocarbons in a vent stream from a polymerization process. The methods and systems may include the recovery of an olefin monomer from a polymerization vent gas using ethylene refrigeration to condense and recover the olefin monomers from the vent gas. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may also include compression and condensation of polymerization vent gas, recompression of ethylene refrigerant, and use of an expander compressor turbine device for ethylene refrigeration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Donald A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8129486
    Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
  • Patent number: 8129485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing a volatile catalyst poison from a liquid hydrocarbon are provided. In one embodiment, a process vent (106) can be introduced to a vent recovery system (108) to provide a recycle gas (110). A first portion of the recycle gas (112) and a liquid hydrocarbon (102) can be introduced to a stripper column (104) to provide a stripper vent gas (114) and a degassed liquid hydrocarbon (116) that can be introduced to a polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, James L. Swecker, Kevin D. Roy
  • Publication number: 20120024324
    Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating a purification bed take advantage of inert gas pressure, such as, for example, supplied by a pipeline. The inert gas (102) is provided at a first pressure and combined with a recycle composition (116) from the vessel (110, 110a) containing the material being regenerated. These streams form a regeneration fluid composition (114) at a second pressure less than the inert gas pressure, which is then routed to the vessel to regenerate the purification bed. A jet compressor (108) may be used for the combining of the inert gas and recycle streams. The recycled composition allows reduction in inert gas usage, while a portion is flared or otherwise disposed of.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Rachael L. Le Geyt
  • Publication number: 20110237855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing a volatile catalyst poison from a liquid hydrocarbon are provided. In one embodiment, a process vent (106) can be introduced to a vent recovery system (108) to provide a recycle gas (110). A first portion of the recycle gas (112) and a liquid hydrocarbon (102) can be introduced to a stripper column (104) to provide a stripper vent gas (114) and a degassed liquid hydrocarbon (116) that can be introduced to a polymerization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, James L. Swecker, Kevin D. Roy
  • Patent number: 7878431
    Abstract: A rotary feeder for feeding a particulate material including: a cylindrical housing comprising a feeder inlet, a first feeder outlet, and a second feeder outlet; a rotor mounted in the cylindrical housing including a plurality of substantially impeller blades defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets alignable with the feeder inlet, first feeder outlet, and second feeder outlet, and adapted to sweep a wall of the cylindrical housing as the rotor rotates in the cylindrical housing; a device for rotating the rotor; and a separating screen in the first feeder outlet to substantially prevent oversize material from exiting through the first feeder outlet, wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets will align with the feeder inlet to receive therein a particulate material and an oversize material through the feeder inlet, rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the first feeder outlet and discharge the particulate material therefrom, and rotate in the cylindrical housin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Blickley, Randall L. Force, David M. Gaines
  • Publication number: 20100282075
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for removing particulates from a cycle gas stream, e.g., in a reactor system, are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system for production of polyolefin polymers. The methods comprise the step of compressing a gas stream having particulates entrained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, William J. Blickley, Edward A. Leach, Robert O. Hagerty
  • Publication number: 20100264243
    Abstract: A rotary feeder for feeding a particulate material including: a cylindrical housing comprising a feeder inlet, a first feeder outlet, and a second feeder outlet; a rotor mounted in the cylindrical housing including a plurality of substantially impeller blades defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets alignable with the feeder inlet, first feeder outlet, and second feeder outlet, and adapted to sweep a wall of the cylindrical housing as the rotor rotates in the cylindrical housing; a device for rotating the rotor; and a separating screen in the first feeder outlet to substantially prevent oversize material from exiting through the first feeder outlet, wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets will align with the feeder inlet to receive therein a particulate material and an oversize material through the feeder inlet, rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the first feeder outlet and discharge the particulate material therefrom, and rotate in the cylindrical housin
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Blickley, Randall L. Force, David M. Gaines
  • Publication number: 20100143050
    Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, settling vessels, discharge lines, primary discharge valves, vent lines, primary vent valves, crosstie lines, crosstie valves, and primary exit valves wherein the system is absent a transfer tank, and absent a filter element. The method provides for transferring a solid/gas mixture via a discharge line from the pressure vessel to a settling vessel, wherein gas is separated from the mixture, and the gas is transferred to at least one other settling vessel via a crosstie line. After the solids are transferred out of the settling vessel, the empty vessel then receives gas from other settling vessels in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Univation Technologie, LLC.
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
  • Publication number: 20100092252
    Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
  • Patent number: 5391656
    Abstract: A method of recovering and recycling monomers from a gas phase olefins polymerization reactor through the use of the monomer feed stream. A high pressure monomer source is reduced in pressure so as to reduce the temperature of the monomer source. The monomer source is then used to cool and condense monomers contained in various vent gas streams. The condensed monomers are then separated from the gas stream and recycled back to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Campbell, Randall L. Force, Kelli L. Campbell