Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Towles

Thomas W. Towles 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: 9637570
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for operating a slurry polymerization reaction system to reduce, inhibit, and/or prevent fouling in the polymer recovery and separation apparatus, including one or more portions of a high pressure flash tank. The method generally comprises polymerizing a monomer feed in a slurry polymerization reactor in the presence of catalyst and diluent to produce a polymerization effluent; continuously discharging at least a portion of said polymerization effluent from the reactor through a discharge valve; combining a catalyst poison stream with the polymerization effluent downstream of said discharge valve, wherein the catalyst poison stream comprises a catalyst poison that is a gas at standard conditions; and flashing the combination of polymerization effluent and catalyst poison stream in a first flash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Towles
  • Publication number: 20100317812
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for operating a slurry polymerization reaction system to reduce, inhibit, and/or prevent fouling in the polymer recovery and separation apparatus, including one or more portions of a high pressure flash tank. The method generally comprises polymerizing a monomer feed in a slurry polymerization reactor in the presence of catalyst and diluent to produce a polymerization effluent; continuously discharging at least a portion of said polymerization effluent from the reactor through a discharge valve; combining a catalyst poison stream with the polymerization effluent downstream of said discharge valve, wherein the catalyst poison stream comprises a catalyst poison that is a gas at standard conditions; and flashing the combination of polymerization effluent and catalyst poison stream in a first flash tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas W. Towles
  • Patent number: 7691955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of hydrocarbon residues from a catalyst and more specifically the air activation of a catalyst containing hydrocarbon residues. It also relates to extruded pipe and utility conduit resins comprising polyethylene, household/industrial chemicals container resins, and to a polyethylene resin particularly suitable for large parts by blow molding and sheet extrusion procedures, wherein the resin is made by a process using an activated chromium and titanium-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Roger, Thomas W. Towles, Anthony N. Speca, Stanley J. Katzen
  • Patent number: 7575724
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Publication number: 20080234449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of hydrocarbon residues from a catalyst and more specifically the air activation of a catalyst containing hydrocarbon residues. It also relates to extruded pipe and utility conduit resins comprising polyethylene, household/industrial chemicals container resins, and to a polyethylene resin particularly suitable for large parts by blow molding and sheet extrusion procedures, wherein the resin is made by a process using an activated chromium and titanium-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Scott T. Roger, Thomas W. Towles, Anthony N. Speca, Stanley J. Katzen
  • Patent number: 7384885
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of hydrocarbon residues from a catalyst and more specifically the air activation of a catalyst containing hydrocarbon residues. It also relates to extruded pipe and utility conduit resins comprising polyethylene, household/industrial chemicals container resins, and to a polyethylene resin particularly suitable for large parts by blow molding and sheet extrusion procedures, wherein the resin is made by a process using an activated chromium and titanium-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Roger, Thomas W. Towles, Anthony N. Speca, Stanley J. Katzen
  • Patent number: 7381777
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling fouling in the reaction zone of slurry-type olefin polymerization reactors by measuring a process operating parameter and by responding to said process operating parameter, e.g., by introducing a gaseous poison for the polymerization catalyst in response to a comparison between said measured parameter and a fouling parameter limit for said measured parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Towles, James E. Skinner, Robert G. DePierri, James Austin Kendrick
  • Patent number: 7375169
    Abstract: A method for polymerizing ethylene is provided. The method can include preparing a supported catalyst composition comprising the steps of: (a) dehydrating a chromium impregnated support; (b) at least partially dissolving a titanium-containing compound in one or more inert solvents to provide a solution comprising the titanium-containing compound; (c) contacting the dehydrated chromium impregnated support with the titanium-containing solution to provide a mixture comprising the solvent, titanium-containing compound and chromium impregnated support; (d) removing the solvent from the mixture; and (e) activating the product of step (d) at a temperature of at least 800° F. (427° C.) to provide a supported titanated chrome catalyst composition. The supported titanated chrome catalyst composition can be feed to a slurry reactor, and contacted with an optional co-catalyst, under polymerization conditions, with ethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Smith, Stanley J. Katzen, Anthony N. Speca, Thomas W. Towles
  • Patent number: 7268194
    Abstract: A process of converting a loop reactor into multiple loop reactors comprising starting with a loop reactor comprising at least 8 vertical legs, at least two non-vertical conversion runs, each non-vertical run connected in fluid flow communication with two vertical legs; at least two feed inlets; and at least two continuous discharge conduits; disconnecting at least one connection of each conversion run; and reconnecting each conversion run in fluid flow communication with a different vertical leg in such a manner to form multiple loop reactors each having at least one feed inlet and at least one continuous discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Patent number: 6926868
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent of a slurry loop reactor containing a flow of slurry therein, comprising a discharge conduit extending a distance into the loop reactor; the conduit having a longitudinal axis and an opening inside the loop reactor; at least a portion of the conduit being curved along its longitudinal axis inside the loop reactor; and the opening substantially facing the flow of the slurry, wherein the discharge conduit is located within a lower leg of the loop reactor such that a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank wherein volatile inert diluent and unreacted monomers are removed and the polymer solids which remain after removal of about 50 to 100% of the inert diluent therefrom to a second flash tank at a lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger, Robert G. DePierri
  • Patent number: 6858682
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Patent number: 6833415
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Publication number: 20040198928
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Patent number: 6800698
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Publication number: 20040192864
    Abstract: This invention is related to conduit resins comprising ethylene made using an activated chromium and titanium-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Towles
  • Publication number: 20040192865
    Abstract: This invention is related to extruded pipe resins comprising polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Scott T. Roger, Thomas W. Towles, Anthony N. Speca, Stanley J. Katzen
  • Publication number: 20040192863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of hydrocarbon residues from a catalyst and more specifically the air activation of a catalyst containing hydrocarbon residues
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Towles
  • Patent number: 6670431
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Publication number: 20030204031
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to t
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Company
    Inventors: James A. Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
  • Publication number: 20030199645
    Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to th
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Company
    Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger