Patents by Inventor Zhihui Gu

Zhihui Gu 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: 20250043037
    Abstract: Fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports have a bulk density from 0.15 to 0.37 g/mL, a total pore volume from 0.85 to 2 mL/g, a BET surface area from 200 to 500 m2/g, an average pore diameter from 10 to 25 nm, and from 80 to 99% of pore volume in pores with diameters of greater than 6 nm. Methods of making the fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports and using the fluorided silica-coated aluminas in catalyst compositions and olefin polymerization processes also are described. Representative ethylene-based polymers produced using the compositions and processes have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min and a density of 0.91 to 0.96 g/cm3, and contain from 70 to 270 ppm solid oxide and from 2 to 18 ppm fluorine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Eric D. Schwerdtfeger, Qing Yang, Carlos A. Cruz, Jinping J. Zhou, Anand Ramanathan, Kathy S. Clear, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 12146018
    Abstract: Fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports have a bulk density from 0.15 to 0.37 g/mL, a total pore volume from 0.85 to 2 mL/g, a BET surface area from 200 to 500 m2/g, an average pore diameter from 10 to 25 nm, and from 80 to 99% of pore volume in pores with diameters of greater than 6 nm. Methods of making the fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports and using the fluorided silica-coated aluminas in catalyst compositions and olefin polymerization processes also are described. Representative ethylene-based polymers produced using the compositions and processes have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min and a density of 0.91 to 0.96 g/cm3, and contain from 70 to 270 ppm solid oxide and from 2 to 18 ppm fluorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Eric D. Schwerdtfeger, Qing Yang, Carlos A Cruz, Jinping J. Zhou, Anand Ramanathan, Kathy S. Clear, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20240367155
    Abstract: Processes for producing activated chromium catalysts such as titanated chromium/silica catalysts are disclosed, and these processes utilize a multistep process involving exposure to inert and oxidizing atmospheres at specific temperature conditions. The resulting activated chromium catalysts have unexpectedly high melt index potential and can produce ethylene-based polymers with lower gel counts in addition to higher melt indices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Zhihui Gu, Ted H. Cymbaluk, Anand Ramanathan, Julian Abrego, Taryn L. Huber, David W. Dockter
  • Patent number: 12037421
    Abstract: Methods for preparing metallocene-based catalyst compositions include the steps of contacting an alcohol compound and an organoaluminum compound for a first period of time to form a precontacted mixture, and contacting the precontacted mixture with an activator-support and a metallocene compound for a second period of time to form the catalyst composition. Such catalyst compositions can contain an activator-support, a metallocene compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a dialkyl aluminum alkoxide, and these catalyst compositions have increased catalytic activity for the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Qing Yang, Ryan N. Rose, Max P. McDaniel, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20240150501
    Abstract: Fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports have a bulk density from 0.15 to 0.37 g/mL, a total pore volume from 0.85 to 2 mL/g, a BET surface area from 200 to 500 m2/g, an average pore diameter from 10 to 25 nm, and from 80 to 99% of pore volume in pores with diameters of greater than 6 nm. Methods of making the fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports and using the fluorided silica-coated aluminas in catalyst compositions and olefin polymerization processes also are described. Representative ethylene-based polymers produced using the compositions and processes have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min and a density of 0.91 to 0.96 g/cm3, and contain from 70 to 270 ppm solid oxide and from 2 to 18 ppm fluorine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Eric D. Schwerdtfeger, Qing Yang, Carlos A. Cruz, Jinping J. Zhou, Anand Ramanathan, Kathy S. Clear, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 11912809
    Abstract: Fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports have a bulk density from 0.15 to g/mL, a total pore volume from 0.85 to 2 mL/g, a BET surface area from 200 to 500 m2/g, an average pore diameter from 10 to 25 nm, and from 80 to 99% of pore volume in pores with diameters of greater than 6 nm. Methods of making the fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports and using the fluorided silica-coated aluminas in catalyst compositions and olefin polymerization processes also are described. Representative ethylene-based polymers produced using the compositions and processes have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min and a density of 0.91 to 0.96 g/cm3, and contain from 70 to 270 ppm solid oxide and from 2 to 18 ppm fluorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Eric D. Schwerdtfeger, Qing Yang, Carlos A. Cruz, Jinping J. Zhou, Anand Ramanathan, Kathy S. Clear, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20230416423
    Abstract: Methods for preparing metallocene-based catalyst compositions include the steps of contacting an alcohol compound and an organoaluminum compound for a first period of time to form a precontacted mixture, and contacting the precontacted mixture with an activator-support and a metallocene compound for a second period of time to form the catalyst composition. Such catalyst compositions can contain an activator-support, a metallocene compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a dialkyl aluminum alkoxide, and these catalyst compositions have increased catalytic activity for the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Qing Yang, Ryan N. Rose, Max P. McDaniel, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20230391897
    Abstract: Fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports have a bulk density from 0.15 to g/mL, a total pore volume from 0.85 to 2 mL/g, a BET surface area from 200 to 500 m2/g, an average pore diameter from 10 to 25 nm, and from 80 to 99% of pore volume in pores with diameters of greater than 6 nm. Methods of making the fluorided silica-coated alumina activator-supports and using the fluorided silica-coated aluminas in catalyst compositions and olefin polymerization processes also are described. Representative ethylene-based polymers produced using the compositions and processes have a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 min and a density of 0.91 to 0.96 g/cm3, and contain from 70 to 270 ppm solid oxide and from 2 to 18 ppm fluorine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Eric D. Schwerdtfeger, Qing Yang, Carlos A. Cruz, Jinping J. Zhou, Anand Ramanathan, Kathy S. Clear, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 11753488
    Abstract: Methods for preparing metallocene-based catalyst compositions include the steps of contacting an alcohol compound and an organoaluminum compound for a first period of time to form a precontacted mixture, and contacting the precontacted mixture with an activator-support and a metallocene compound for a second period of time to form the catalyst composition. Such catalyst compositions can contain an activator-support, a metallocene compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a dialkyl aluminum alkoxide, and these catalyst compositions have increased catalytic activity for the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Qing Yang, Ryan N. Rose, Max P. McDaniel, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20230159669
    Abstract: Processes for producing an activated chromium catalyst are disclosed, and these processes comprise contacting a supported chromium catalyst with a gas stream containing from 25-60 vol % oxygen at a peak activation temperature of 550-900° C. to produce the activated chromium catalyst. The linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.18-0.4 ft/sec, and the oxygen linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.05-0.15 ft/sec. The resultant activated chromium catalyst and an optional co-catalyst can be contacted with an olefin monomer and an optional olefin comonomer in a polymerization reactor system under polymerization conditions to produce an olefin polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Ralph W. Romig, James E. Hein, Troy Bretz, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 11584806
    Abstract: Processes for producing an activated chromium catalyst are disclosed, and these processes comprise contacting a supported chromium catalyst with a gas stream containing from 25-60 vol % oxygen at a peak activation temperature of 550-900° C. to produce the activated chromium catalyst. The linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.18-0.4 ft/sec, and the oxygen linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.05-0.15 ft/sec. The resultant activated chromium catalyst and an optional co-catalyst can be contacted with an olefin monomer and an optional olefin comonomer in a polymerization reactor system under polymerization conditions to produce an olefin polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Ralph W Romig, James E. Hein, Troy Bretz, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20220267485
    Abstract: Processes for producing an activated chromium catalyst are disclosed, and these processes comprise contacting a supported chromium catalyst with a gas stream containing from 25-60 vol % oxygen at a peak activation temperature of 550-900° C. to produce the activated chromium catalyst. The linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.18-0.4 ft/sec, and the oxygen linear velocity of the gas stream is 0.05-0.15 ft/sec. The resultant activated chromium catalyst and an optional co-catalyst can be contacted with an olefin monomer and an optional olefin comonomer in a polymerization reactor system under polymerization conditions to produce an olefin polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Ralph W Romig, James E. Hein, Troy Bretz, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 10011493
    Abstract: Methods for purifying a halosilane-containing process stream include a process stream purified by removing arsenic and phosphorous impurities by use of distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: CORNER STAR LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhihui Gu, Gianluca Pazzaglia, Puneet Gupta
  • Patent number: 9174848
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams and, in particular, for purifying silane-containing streams that also contain ethylene are disclosed. The processes and systems may be arranged such that one or more ethylene reactors are downstream of light-end distillation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SunEdison, Inc.
    Inventors: Baisheng Zou, Zhihui Gu
  • Patent number: 9061916
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams and, in particular, for purifying silane-containing streams that also contain ethylene are disclosed. The processes and systems may be arranged such that one or more ethylene reactors are downstream of light-end distillation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SunEdison, Inc.
    Inventors: Baisheng Zou, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20150075969
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams and, in particular, for purifying silane-containing streams that also contain ethylene are disclosed. The processes and systems may be arranged such that one or more ethylene reactors are downstream of light-end distillation operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SunEdison, Inc.
    Inventors: Baisheng Zou, Zhihui Gu
  • Publication number: 20130284585
    Abstract: Methods for purifying a halosilane-containing process stream are disclosed. In some embodiments, arsenic and phosphorous impurities are removed from halosilane-containing process streams by use of distillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Zhihui Gu, Gianluca Pazzaglia, Puneet Gupta
  • Patent number: 8551298
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dinh Truong, Zhihui Gu, Puneet Gupta
  • Patent number: 8524045
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dinh Truong, Zhihui Gu, Puneet Gupta
  • Patent number: 8524048
    Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihui Gu, Timothy D. Truong, Puneet Gupta