Patents by Inventor Scott E. Kufeld
Scott E. Kufeld 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: 20140171601Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LPInventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth Ann Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
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Publication number: 20140171602Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LPInventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth A. Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
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Publication number: 20140140894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LPInventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth An Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
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Publication number: 20140121334Abstract: Processes and systems for the production for pressure management of a polymerization product flowing from a loop polymerization reactor to a separation vessel in a slurry polymerization system are disclosed herein. For example, a process comprises withdrawing the polymerization product from a loop polymerization reactor, and conveying the withdrawn polymerization product to a separation vessel via a first pressure differential and a second pressure differential. The withdrawn polymerization product may flow through the first pressure differential before flowing through the second pressure differential, and the first pressure differential may be less than the second pressure differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LPInventors: Scott E. Kufeld, Bruce E. Kreischer, John D. Hottovy
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Publication number: 20140121335Abstract: Processes and systems for the production for pressure management of a polymerization product flowing from a loop polymerization reactor to a separation vessel in a slurry polymerization system are disclosed herein. For example, a process comprises withdrawing the polymerization product from a loop polymerization reactor, and conveying the withdrawn polymerization product to a separation vessel via a first pressure differential and a second pressure differential. The withdrawn polymerization product may flow through the first pressure differential before flowing through the second pressure differential, and the first pressure differential may be less than the second pressure differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LPInventors: Scott E. Kufeld, Bruce E. Kreischer, John D. Hottovy
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Publication number: 20140065024Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
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Publication number: 20140024788Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
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Patent number: 8597582Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
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Patent number: 8569433Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers
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Publication number: 20130005929Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
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Patent number: 8303899Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
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Publication number: 20120232231Abstract: A process for component separation in a polymer production system, comprising separating a polymerization product stream into a gas stream and a polymer stream, wherein the gas stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, distilling the gas stream into a light hydrocarbon stream, wherein the light hydrocarbon stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, contacting the light hydrocarbon stream with an absorption solvent system, wherein at least a portion of the unreacted ethylene from the light hydrocarbon stream is absorbed by the absorption solvent system, and recovering a waste gas stream from the absorption solvent system, wherein the waste gas stream comprises ethane, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LPInventors: Scott E. Kufeld, John D. Hottovy, Ai-fu Chang
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Publication number: 20120139149Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers
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Patent number: 8128877Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
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Publication number: 20110300025Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers
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Patent number: 8017701Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: Robert R. McElvain, John D. Hottovy, Ralph W. Romig, Donald W. Verser, David H. Burns, John H. Tait, Richard Peacock, James E. Hein, Scott E. Kufeld, Carl W. Fenderson, Anurag Gupta, Dale A. Zellers, Penny A. Zellers, legal representative
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Patent number: 7033545Abstract: A polymerization loop reactor including a loop reaction zone, a continuous takeoff, and a fluid slurry disposed in the reaction zone. A generally cylindrical wall defines the loop reaction zone. The length of the loop reaction zone and the nominal outside diameter of the generally cylindrical wall define a length/diameter ratio greater than 250. The reactor can be charged with a fluid slurry including an olefin monomer reactant, solid olefin polymer particles, and a liquid diluent. The concentration of the solid olefin polymer particles in the slurry can be greater than 40 weight percent based on the weight of polymer particles and the weight of liquid diluent. Also disclosed is a polymerization process carried out by polymerizing, in the loop reaction zone of a reactor as defined above, at least one olefin monomer in a liquid diluent to produce a fluid slurry as defined above.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Chevon Phillips Chemical Company, LPInventors: Scott E. Kufeld, Thomas A. Reid, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Harvey D. Hensley, David J. Przelomski, Teddy H. Cymbaluk, Robert K. Franklin, Ethelwoldo P. Perez, John D. Hottovy
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Patent number: 6967230Abstract: A process is provided that produces polyolefins.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: John D. Hottovy, Michael C. Carter, Robert W. Bohmer, Scott E. Kufeld, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Ragayan Vaidyanathan
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Patent number: 6953553Abstract: Polymer solids are maintained in an intermediate pressure zone for a desired polymer solids residence time and then transferred to a purge zone or other lower pressure zone. An increase in the polymer solids residence time in the intermediate pressure zone allows more diluent to flash or separate, thereby avoiding or reducing the need for a low pressure flash zone. A fluff chamber may be disposed between the intermediate pressure zone and a lower pressure zone. A transporter tank may be used to transport polymer solids after the intermediate pressure zones.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventors: Thomas A. Reid, Scott E. Kufeld, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser
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Patent number: 6838531Abstract: Polymer solids are maintained in an intermediate pressure zone for a desired polymer solids residence time and then transferred to a purge zone or other lower pressure zone. An increase in the polymer solids residence time in the intermediate pressure zone allows more diluent to flash or separate, thereby avoiding or reducing the need for a low pressure flash zone. A fluff chamber may be disposed between the intermediate pressure zone and a lower pressure zone transporter tank may be used to transport polymer solids after the intermediate pressure zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LPInventors: Thomas A. Reid, Scott E. Kufeld, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser