Patents by Inventor William A. Matthews

William A. Matthews 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: 11421054
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for producing a polyethylene polymer (PE) that includes measuring a melt flow index (MFI) of the PE, comparing the measured value of the MFI to a predetermined desired range for the MFI, changing a catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor based on the compared values of the MFI, where changes in the catalyst feed rate preemptively compensate for subsequent changes in an oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor that maintain a predetermined residence time and bring the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI; and changing the oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor thereby maintaining both the predetermined residence time and bringing the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI. The measuring and comparing steps are repeated to ensure the measured value of the MFI is within the predetermined desired range of the MFI at the predetermined residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Bernal, Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, William A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 11267918
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling polymer properties in polymerization processes that use a chromium-based catalyst. An embodiment discloses a method of producing a polyolefin comprising: contacting a reaction mixture and a reduced chromium oxide catalyst in a gas-phase reactor to produce the polyolefin, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a monomer and a co-monomer; and changing a reaction temperature in the gas-phase reactor by about 1° C. or more whereby a gas molar ratio of the co-monomer to the monomer is changed by about 2% or more and a co-monomer content of the polyolefin at substantially constant density is changed by about 2% or more. Additional methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, Kevin J. Cann, Barbara J. Kopp, William A. Matthews, John H. Moorhouse, Cliff R. Mure
  • Patent number: 11014998
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for producing a polyethylene polymer (PE) that includes measuring a melt flow index (MFI) of the PE, comparing the measured value of the MFI to a predetermined desired range for the MFI, changing a catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor based on the compared values of the MFI, where changes in the catalyst feed rate preemptively compensate for subsequent changes in an oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor that maintain a predetermined residence time and bring the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI; and changing the oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor thereby maintaining both the predetermined residence time and bringing the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI. The measuring and comparing steps are repeated to ensure the measured value of the MFI is within the predetermined desired range of the MFI at the predetermined residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Bernal, Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, William A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20210047445
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for producing a polyethylene polymer (PE) that includes measuring a melt flow index (MFI) of the PE, comparing the measured value of the MFI to a predetermined desired range for the MFI, changing a catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor based on the compared values of the MFI, where changes in the catalyst feed rate preemptively compensate for subsequent changes in an oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor that maintain a predetermined residence time and bring the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI; and changing the oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor thereby maintaining both the predetermined residence time and bringing the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI. The measuring and comparing steps are repeated to ensure the measured value of the MFI is within the predetermined desired range of the MFI at the predetermined residence time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Bernal, Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, William A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20200079886
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for producing a polyethylene polymer (PE) that includes measuring a melt flow index (MFI) of the PE, comparing the measured value of the MFI to a predetermined desired range for the MFI, changing a catalyst feed rate to the polymerization reactor based on the compared values of the MFI, where changes in the catalyst feed rate preemptively compensate for subsequent changes in an oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor that maintain a predetermined residence time and bring the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI; and changing the oxygen flow rate to the polymerization reactor thereby maintaining both the predetermined residence time and bringing the MFI of the PE into the predetermined desired range for the MFI. The measuring and comparing steps are repeated to ensure the measured value of the MFI is within the predetermined desired range of the MFI at the predetermined residence time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Bernal, Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, William A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20190161568
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling polymer properties in polymerization processes that use a chromium-based catalyst. An embodiment discloses a method of producing a polyolefin comprising: contacting a reaction mixture and a reduced chromium oxide catalyst in a gas-phase reactor to produce the polyolefin, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a monomer and a co-monomer; and changing a reaction temperature in the gas-phase reactor by about 1° C. or more whereby a gas molar ratio of the co-monomer to the monomer is changed by about 2% or more and a co-monomer content of the polyolefin at substantially constant density is changed by about 2% or more. Additional methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, Kevin J. Cann, Barbara J. Kopp, William A. Matthews, John H. Moorhouse, Cliff R. Mure
  • Patent number: 10227428
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling polymer properties in polymerization processes that use a chromium-based catalyst. An embodiment discloses a method of producing a polyolefin comprising: contacting a reaction mixture and a reduced chromium oxide catalyst in a gas-phase reactor to produce the polyolefin, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a monomer and a co-monomer; and changing a reaction temperature in the gas-phase reactor by about 1° C. or more whereby a gas molar ratio of the co-monomer to the monomer is changed by about 2% or more and a co-monomer content of the polyolefin at substantially constant density is changed by about 2% or more. Additional methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, Kevin J. Cann, Barbara J. Kopp, William A. Matthews, John H. Moorehouse, Cliff R. Mure
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160297907
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling polymer properties in polymerization processes that use a chromium-based catalyst. An embodiment discloses a method of producing a polyolefin comprising: contacting a reaction mixture and a reduced chromium oxide catalyst in a gas-phase reactor to produce the polyolefin, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a monomer and a co-monomer; and changing a reaction temperature in the gas-phase reactor by about 1° C. or more whereby a gas molar ratio of the co-monomer to the monomer is changed by about 2% or more and a co-monomer content of the polyolefin at substantially constant density is changed by about 2% or more. Additional methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Goode, Francois Alexandre, Kevin J. Cann, Barbara J. Kopp, William A. Matthews, John H. Moorehouse, Cliff R. Mure
  • Patent number: 8496882
    Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120219463
    Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, JR.
  • Patent number: 8206654
    Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100324233
    Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Matthews, Michael I. Hurdle, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, Semra Gercek, George W. Schwarz, JR.
  • Patent number: 7714082
    Abstract: A process for increasing a granular particle density of a polymeric product using at least one particle density promoting agent is described. The process includes passing a gaseous stream comprising at least one monomer through a fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form a polymeric product having a first granular particle density of less than or equal to about 850 kg/m3, contacting the polymeric product with at least one particle density promoting agent to increase the granular particle density of the polymeric product by at least 2%, withdrawing the polymeric product having an increased granular particle density and a recycle stream comprised of unreacted monomers, and cooling and reintroducing the recycle stream into the fluidized bed reactor with sufficient additional monomer to replace the monomer polymerized and withdrawn as the polymeric product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ping P. Cai, William A. Matthews