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).

  • Publication number: 20140171601
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth Ann Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140171602
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth A. Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140140894
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: Maruti Bhandarkar, Elizabeth An Benham, Rebecca A. Gonzales, Scott E. Kufeld, Joel A. Mutchler, Catherine M. Gill, Thanh T. Nguyen, Timothy O. Odi
  • Publication number: 20140121334
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Scott E. Kufeld, Bruce E. Kreischer, John D. Hottovy
  • Publication number: 20140121335
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Scott E. Kufeld, Bruce E. Kreischer, John D. Hottovy
  • Publication number: 20140065024
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
  • Publication number: 20140024788
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8597582
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
  • Patent number: 8569433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20130005929
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Scott E. Kufeld
  • Patent number: 8303899
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20120232231
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Scott E. Kufeld, John D. Hottovy, Ai-fu Chang
  • Publication number: 20120139149
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8128877
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20110300025
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8017701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7033545
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Chevon Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 6967230
    Abstract: A process is provided that produces polyolefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, Michael C. Carter, Robert W. Bohmer, Scott E. Kufeld, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser, Ragayan Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 6953553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas A. Reid, Scott E. Kufeld, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser
  • Patent number: 6838531
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: Thomas A. Reid, Scott E. Kufeld, John H. Tait, David H. Burns, Donald W. Verser