Utilizing Material During Polymerization To Prevent Or Remove Reactor Buildup, E.g., Fouling, Clogging, Etc. Patents (Class 526/74)
  • Patent number: 7838607
    Abstract: Process for preparing an antistatic for olefin polymerization by contacting an antistatically acting compound comprising at least one hydrogen atom bound to a nonmetallic heteroatom with at least one metal alkyl in an amount which is sufficient to react completely with the at least one hydrogen atom bound to a heteroatom, wherein the antistatically acting compound and the metal alkyl are each present in a concentration of at least 0.01% by weight during contacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventor: Shahram Mihan
  • Patent number: 7834137
    Abstract: Provided is a process for producing an aqueous fluorinated polymer dispersion having a reduced content of a fluorinated emulsifier by using a weakly basic anion-exchange resin to adsorb and remove a fluorinated emulsifier with excellent efficiency from an aqueous fluorinated polymer dispersion. Also provided is a process for producing an aqueous fluorinated polymer dispersion having a reduced content of a fluorinated emulsifier, wherein the process includes: adding an organic carboxylic acid represented by the following formula (1): Q(CH2)m(CH(OH))nCOOH??(1) wherein Q is H, CH3 or COOH, m and n each independently represent 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4, and 4?n+m?1, to an aqueous fluorinated polymer dispersion containing a fluorinated emulsifier; and then contacting with a weakly basic anion-exchange resin to adsorb and remove the fluorinated emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Shinya Higuchi, Jun Hoshikawa, Hiroki Kamiya, Yasuhiko Matsuoka, Hiroki Nagai
  • Publication number: 20100280196
    Abstract: A method of producing a prepolymerized catalyst for olefin polymerization comprising a fine powder removal step of removing fine particles from olefin-prepolymerized catalyst particles for olefin polymerization. The prepolymerized catalyst having a low fine particle content is applicable suitably to the field of continuous polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Tomoaki Goto, Yoshimitsu Onodera
  • Patent number: 7812103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during polymerization of olefins, especially during the fluidized bed gas phase polymerization of olefins. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during the product grade transition and/or catalyst transitions occurring polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ineos Europe Limited
    Inventors: Jean-Richard Llinas, Jean-Loic Selo
  • Patent number: 7808227
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to various methods and systems for detecting at least one impurity in a bulk fluid. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty, Michael E. Muhle
  • Patent number: 7799876
    Abstract: A method for controlling sheeting in a gas phase reactor that includes producing a polyolefin with at least one metallocene catalyst and at least one static control agent in at least one gas phase reactor, measuring entrainment static using a static probe, and adjusting the concentration of the static control agent in response to changes in the measured entrainment static is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Markel, Robert O. Hagerty, F. David Hussein, Michael E. Muhle, Richard B. Pannell
  • Patent number: 7795359
    Abstract: The invention provides a continuous-flow process for producing a polymeric material. The process of the invention comprises the steps of: introducing at least two solutions, each comprising one or more reactants, into a microreactor to mix the two solutions to form a reacting solution, wherein the one or more reactants are selected from the group consisting of a monomer, an initiator, a coupling agent, a prepolymer, a macromer, and mixtures thereof; feeding continuously the reacting solution into a flow-through polymerization reactor in a coil form, wherein the flow-through polymerization reactor is capable of providing a residence time sufficient for (co)polymerizing the reactants to form a polymer with a desired polydispersity, wherein the flow-through polymerization reactor is immersed in an ultrasonic bath to minimize or substantially eliminate unwanted high-molecular-weight fractions of the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Brian Gerrard Devlin, Troy V. Holland, Dawn Alison Smith, Alexander Azzawi
  • Patent number: 7767769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing esters from alcohols and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids by reacting an alcohol with an olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid or a reactive derivative thereof, in the presence of between 1 ppm and 1 wt. % of at least one oxazoline of formula 1, in relation to the weight of the reaction mixture of alcohol and olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid/carboxylic acid derivative, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 representing hydrogen or branched, linear, cyclical, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals containing up to 25 C atoms that can be substituted by heteroatoms, and R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 being the same or different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Glos
  • Patent number: 7750095
    Abstract: The techniques disclosed provide a treatment method for passivating the interior surface of a polymerization reactor to minimize the formation of a polymer coating on the surface. The passivation is performed using a passivating agent that reacts with adsorbed water to form labile passivation products. Both the passivating agent and passivation products may be easily removed from the reactor prior to polymerization. Other embodiments provide a reactor system with a tank configured to automatically add a passivating agent to the reactor and processes for making polymers using a treated reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Joel L. Martin, Jim B. Askew
  • Patent number: 7705095
    Abstract: A process for the polymerisation of olefin monomers selected from (a) ethylene, (b) propylene (c) mixtures of ethylene and propylene and (d) mixtures of (a), (b) or (c) with one or more other alpha-olefins is performed in a polymerisation reactor in the presence of a supported polymerisation catalyst characterised in that prior to injection into the reactor said supported polymerisation catalyst in the form of a powder is contacted with an inert hydrocarbon liquid in a quantity sufficient to maintain said catalyst in powder form. The preferred inert hydrocarbon liquid is hexane. The supported polymerisation catalyst is preferably a supported metallocene catalyst. According to the process of the prescrit invention the level of fines associated with the polymer products is reduced in particular the level of fines having a diameter<125 ?m and microfines of diameter<50 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ineos Europe Limited
    Inventors: Brian Stephen Kimberley, Gerard Lacane, Sergio Mastroianni
  • Patent number: 7700699
    Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a fluorinated hydrocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and allows for the recovery of the fluorinated hydrocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for re-use in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of propylene polymers and copolymes using bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Randall B. Laird, Michael A. Risch, Pradeep P. Shirodkar, Peijun Jiang
  • Patent number: 7691956
    Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a hydrofluorocarbon or perfluorocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and to the recovery of the hydrofluorocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for reuse in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of ethylene based polymers using bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Hagerty, Chia S. Chee, Randall B. Laird, Michael A. Risch, Pradeep P. Shirodkar, Zerong Lin, Larry L. Iaccino
  • Publication number: 20100048837
    Abstract: The techniques disclosed provide a treatment method for passivating the interior surface of a polymerization reactor to minimize the formation of a polymer coating on the surface. The passivation is performed using a passivating agent that reacts with adsorbed water to form labile passivation products. Both the passivating agent and passivation products may be easily removed from the reactor prior to polymerization. Other embodiments provide a reactor system with a tank configured to automatically add a passivating agent to the reactor and processes for making polymers using a treated reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Joel L. Martin, Jim B. Askew
  • Patent number: 7655192
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of discharging polymer from a continuously operated gas phase reactor, wherein at least one monomer is polymerized in a bed containing active catalyst formed by catalyst and polymer particles suspended in a fluid, the bed defining a fluidized bed level in said reactor. The invention includes continuously withdrawing polymer powder from the reactor; and adjusting the discharge rate of the polymer powder so as to maintain a constant bed level during polymerization. By means of the invention the discharge of the polymer can be made truly continuous without any disturbance of the polymerization. The rate of withdrawn polymer can be flexibly adjusted depending on the progress of the polymerization and it can also easily be scaled up if the capacity of the reactor is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Borealis Technology Oy
    Inventors: Jouni Kivelä, Klaus Nyfors
  • Publication number: 20090318639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for oligomerization or polymerization of ethylene and/or alpha-olefins utilizing reactor equipment and other equipment wherein starting material comprising monomer(s), catalyst, cocatalyst and solvent is transferred to the reactor equipment via first piping, and product material comprising oligomer and/or polymer, non-reacted monomer(s), catalyst, cocatalyst and solvent is discharged from the reactor equipment via second piping, characterized in that the first piping, second piping, reactor equipment and/or other equipment are flushed with a product fraction obtained by said or a respective previous method prior to and/or after that oligomerization or polymerization method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Schneider, Peter M. Fritz, Sebastian Muschelknautz, Heinz Bölt, Talal Ali, Fuad Mosa
  • Patent number: 7598327
    Abstract: A method of starting up a gas phase polymerization reactor, comprising controlling an amount of hydrocarbon absorbed in a polymer seedbed during startup to avoid formation of agglomerates or sheeting on an interior wall of the reactor. A system for of starting up a gas phase polymerization reactor, comprising a controller coupled to the polymerization reactor and controlling an amount of hydrocarbon absorbed in a polymer seedbed during startup to avoid formation of agglomerates or sheeting on an interior wall of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20090214395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling product discharge from a fluidized bed reactor and for minimizing the loss of the unreacted monomer in the fluidizing gas upon removing the solid polymer product from the reactor. The method and apparatus utilize at least one detector in the product tank or its vent line and a control system in communication with the detector and the product tank fill valve, along with certain algorithms, to adjust by an iterative process, the product discharge time, thereby maximizing resin fill in the product tank and minimizing the lost reactor gas volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: John R. Parrish, Jeffrey B. Drabish, Oscar M. Longoria, JR., James L. Swecker, II
  • Publication number: 20090198025
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method in which at least one continuity additive (“CA”) and a seed bed are pre-loaded into a reactor, and a polymerization reaction is optionally then performed in the reactor. In other embodiments, at least one flow improver, at least one CA, and a seed bed are pre-loaded into a reactor. Pre-loading of a reactor with a CA can significantly improve continuity of a subsequent polymerization reaction in the reactor during its initial stages, including by reducing sheeting and fouling. The CA can be pre-loaded in dry form (e.g., as a powder), or in liquid or slurry form (e.g., as an oil slurry). To aid delivery of a dry CA to the reactor and combination of the dry CA with a seed bed in the reactor, the dry CA can be combined with a flow improver and the combination of CA and flow improver then loaded into the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Richard B. Pannell, Eric J. Markel, Agapios K. Agapiou
  • Publication number: 20090105414
    Abstract: Method for metering polar, antistatically acting process auxiliaries into a polymerization reactor in which the process auxiliaries are present in solution in a nonpolar solvent, wherein the electrical conductivity of the solution is measured and the amount of the process auxiliary metered in is determined from the electrical conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Shahram Mihan, Rainer Karer, Manfred Hecker
  • Patent number: 7476715
    Abstract: The use of high activity “Single Site” polymerization catalysts often causes the fouling of polymerization reactors. The problem is particularly acute with gas phase polymerizations. While not wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the fouling is initiated by the buildup of static charges in the reactor. The use of anti-static agents mitigates this problem, but typical antistatic agents contain polar species, which can deactivate the polymerization catalyst. We have now discovered that the use of a porous metal oxide support allows large levels of a selected antistatic agent to be used in a manner that reduces static/fouling problems in highly active polymerization catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignees: Nova Chemicals(International) S.A., Ineos Europe Limited
    Inventors: Ian McKay, Dusan Jeremic, Paul Mesquita, Grant Berent Jacobsen, Sergio Mastroianni
  • Patent number: 7470757
    Abstract: An olefin polymerisation process carried out in the presence of an anti-fouling agent and a chromium-type catalyst or Ziegler Natta catalyst; characterised in that the anti-fouling agent comprises an anti-fouling polymer having an average molecular weight (Mw) of greater than 1000 daltons and containing: (1) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH2—O)k— where each k is in the range from 1 to 50; and (2) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH(R)—(O)n? where R comprises an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and each n is in the range from 1 to 50, and terminated by a R? and a R? end groups, wherein R? is OH or an alkoxy having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R? is H or an alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Olivier Miserque, Daniel Siraux, Philippe Bodart
  • Patent number: 7439311
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a polymer by conducting polymerization in a polymerization reactor having an inner wall covered with an anti-fouling agent comprising an aqueous solution containing a polyvinyl alcohol obtained through saponification of a polyvinyl ester that contains monomer units having a silyl group. In the present invention, the polyvinyl alcohol satisfies the following formulae (I) and (II): 370<P×S<9000 ??(I) where P indicates the viscosity-average degree of polymerization of the polyvinyl alcohol, and S indicates the content (mole %) of the monomer units having a silyl group of formula (1) in the polyvinyl alcohol; 0.2/100?(A?B)/(B)?75/100 ??(II) where A indicates the content (ppm) of silicon atoms in the polyvinyl alcohol, and B indicates the content (ppm) of silicon atoms in the polyvinyl alcohol that was washed with sodium hydroxide-containing methanol and then washed with methanol by Soxhlet extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Kato, Kazuyuki Somemiya, Takeshi Kusudou, Naoki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7423103
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a polymerization process that is carried out at relatively high productivity levels and with relatively low fouling. The process includes mixing together a catalyst system, at least one monomer and a hydrofluorocarbon to produce the polymer. The reaction is carried out such that little to no chlorine containing hydrocarbons are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Stavens, Robert O. Hagerty, Randall B. Laird, Zerong Lin, Michael A. Risch, Larry L. Iaccino
  • Patent number: 7414100
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process to increase the amount of polymer solute in a polymerization medium or effluent comprising introducing a fluorocarbon into the polymerization medium or effluent in an amount effective to increase the amount of polymer solute in the polymerization medium or effluent by at least 3% without causing precipitation of polymer solute from the polymerization medium or effluent, as compared to the same polymerization medium or effluent without the fluorocarbon present. This invention also relates to a process to reduce the viscosity of a polymerization medium or effluent comprising introducing a fluorocarbon into the polymerization medium or effluent in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity of the polymerization medium or effluent by at least 3% without causing precipitation of polymer solute from the polymerization medium or effluent, as compared to the same polymerization medium or effluent without the fluorocarbon present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Peijun Jiang, John Richard Shutt, Charles Stanley Speed, Randall B. Laird, Kevin Bruce Stavens, Robert Olds Hagerty
  • Patent number: 7402636
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a slurry polymerization system and method to decrease polymer deposition on reactor surfaces using an oxygenate such as alcohol (16) supplied to the polymerization medium (32) separate from the catalyst feed (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc
    Inventors: Timothy D. Shaffer, Michael F. McDonald, David Y. Chung, Robert N. Webb, Deborah J. Davis, Pamela J. Wright
  • Publication number: 20080161510
    Abstract: The present invention regards to an antistatic composition obtained from the combination of two antistatic agents, and its application in polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the gas phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Brasken S/A
    Inventors: Alan Kardec Do Nascimento, Fabio Andre Kunrath, Cid Miro Neto
  • 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: 7338633
    Abstract: There is described a method for applying an aqueous solution to the internal walls of a reactor, before the start of the polymerization reaction of vinyl chloride and/or vinyl acetate, which aqueous solution contains a salt of an anti-scaling agent which comprises a product of condensation of an aldehyde, a phenolic compound and an aromatic carboxylic acid hydroxylated at the aromatic nucleus, wherein the pH-value of this aqueous solution is changed, during the application, to a pH-value of less than 5 and, preferably, in the range between 2.5 and 4.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: AKZO Nobel N.V.
    Inventor: Francesco Carlin
  • Publication number: 20080015317
    Abstract: To provide a relatively lightweight wall adhering material comprising a non-woven fabric or a water-resistant paper, having a specific coating weight as a substrate and provided thereon a specific amount of a porous layer, a water-discoloring wall adhering material which has excellent convenience at the time of production and use, promptly forms clear image to perceive, is difficult to fall down when adhered to a wall, and has high commercial value, and a water-discoloring wall adhering material set using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: THE PILOT INK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akio NAKASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20070270558
    Abstract: A method of preventing or inhibiting fouling in an olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactor is provided. The method involves varying the fluidization velocity inside the reactor over time about a set point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Keith Scherrer, Guy Glen Luneau, Kenneth Alan Dooley
  • Patent number: 7291685
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing an ?-olefin oligomer by subjecting an ?-olefin to oligomerization reaction in the presence of a catalyst and an organic solvent which comprises the step of spraying a solvent containing the organic solvent in the form of a linear or bar-like pressure fluid toward a wall surface of a vapor phase portion of a reactor from a nozzle fitted within a space of the vapor phase portion of the reactor to conduct the oligomerization reaction while cleaning the wall surface of the vapor phase portion of the reactor. In the production process of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent deposition of polymers onto the wall surface of the vapor phase portion of the reactor and stably operate the reactor for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kobayashi, Shigeki Kura
  • Patent number: 7282544
    Abstract: A propylene polymerisation process carried out in the presence of an anti-fouling agent; characterised in that the anti-fouling agent comprises an anti-fouling polymer containing: (1) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH2—O)k— where each k is in the range from 1 to 50; and (2) one or more blocks —(CH2—CH(R)—O)n— where R comprises an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and each n is in the range from 1 to 50; and terminated by a R? and a R? end groups wherein R? is OH or an alkoxy having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R? is H or an alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and the anti-fouling polymer is solvated in a solvent comprising cyclohexane when added to the polymerisation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventors: Olivier Miserque, Kal Hortmann, Pascal Folie, Renaud Oreins
  • Patent number: 7253239
    Abstract: A method for preventing or inhibiting fouling in a gas-phase polyolefin polymerization process. The method includes maintaining the inside surface temperature of the process equipment below the dew point temperature of the gas mixture passing through the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Westlake Longview Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Alan Dooley, Don Kent Farrer, Sandra Dorothy Holyfield, Glenn Edward Moore, Larry Allen Noble
  • Patent number: 6982307
    Abstract: Olefin-based materials react with a range of catalysts and catalytic systems to form catalytic matrices, which are employed in the production of a variety of polyolefin products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Lundquist, Jennifer A. Reichl, James C. Bohling
  • Patent number: 6930156
    Abstract: A single-site catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst comprises a transition metal complex, an activator, and an allylic alcohol-containing polymer. The catalyst has high activity and great capability to incorporate higher ?-olefins into polyethylene. The polyethylene produced has high molecular weight and low density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Shaotian Wang, Shao-Hua Guo
  • Patent number: 6861483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of thermally triggered compounds that when used with a polymerization catalyst in a polymerization process results in the controllable generation of one or more catalyst inhibitors that renders the polymerization catalyst substantially or completely inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy T. Wenzel, Dick Alan Nagaki, Thomas Henry Peterson, David James Schreck
  • Patent number: 6831140
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the condition of a fluidized bed reactor by examining the condition of the reactor wall. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for measuring static in the reactor using a static probe that is located at the distributor plate and comprises a distributor plate cap. The invention also relates to methods of determining a static level using a radio frequency (rf). The static measurements are provided to indicate or predict major continuity disturbances in the fluidized bed gas phase reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Elroy Muhle, Robert Olds Hagerty, John Francis Szul, Mark Gregory Goode, Laurence G. Britton
  • Patent number: 6800700
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing polymeric materials which are normally tenacious in their character to such degree that their processing by conventional means is not possible, for example substantially-amorphous polyolefins. By introducing a second catalyst capable of producing a powdery polymer into the polymerization system during production of the sticky polymers, these normally sticky, tenacious polymers are rendered into a form which may be processed using conventional means and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Huntsman Polymers Corporation
    Inventor: Lixin Sun
  • Patent number: 6743870
    Abstract: A process for early detection of reactor fouling occurring during a gas phase polymerization of olefin(s) using a fluidized bed reactor having a fluidization grid fitted with detection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: BP Chemical Limited
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Haardt, Hans-Peter Hemmersbach, Michael Muller, Hans-Ludwig Niederberger, Detlef Obermann, Johannes Schoofs, Karl-Heinz Werle
  • Patent number: 6743871
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers comprising at least 90 mol % of units derived from ethylene which consists in: contacting in polymerising conditions, the monomers with a catalytic system including: (a) a catalytic solid comprising a metallocene of a transition metal of groups 4 to 6 of the periodic table containing at least a cyclopentadiene ligand capable of being substituted and a support, (b) at least an organoaluminium compound selected among compounds of general formula (1): AlTx(Y′)yX′z wherein: T is a hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms; Y′ is a group selected among —OR′, —SR′ and NR′R″ with R′ and R″ independently representing a hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 30 carbons atoms; X′ is a halogen atom: x verifies the relationship 0<x≦3; y verifies the relationship 0≦y<3; z verifies the relationship 0≦2<3, and x+y+z=3, and (c) at least
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Solvay Polyolefins Europe-Belgium(S.A.)
    Inventors: Giuliano Bertozzi, Fabian Siberdt
  • Publication number: 20040087743
    Abstract: A process for producing polymer particles in a gas phase polymerization reaction using a group 4 metal complex containing delocalized &pgr;-electrons and optionally a flow aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Xinlai Bai, Maria A Apecetche, Kevin J Cann, David L Ramage, Natarajan Muruganandam, Ardenhu Sen, Matthew J Fedec, Woo Min Song, David M Rebhan, Albert L Widmar
  • Patent number: 6727333
    Abstract: There are disclosed: (i) a first solid catalyst component (A1) obtained by contacting (a) a carrier of carboxyl group-carrying polymer particles having an average particle size of from about 1 to 200 &mgr;m, (b) an organometallic compound of the number 1, 2 or 13 group of metals in the periodic table of elements, and (c) a transition metal compound of the number 4 group of metals of the periodic table of elements, and a second solid catalyst component (A2) obtained by contacting (a), (b), (c) and (d) a phenol compound, and production processes of the solid catalyst components (A1) and (A2), (ii) a catalyst obtained by combining the solid catalyst component (A1) or (A2) with an organoaluminum compound (B); and (iii) a process for producing an olefin polymer with a catalyst of the invention, wherein the polymer produced is extremely low in its content of lower molecular weight components and low crystallinity components, and superior in its powder properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kotohiro Nomura, Seiki Kiuchi, Tatsuya Miyatake
  • Publication number: 20040077804
    Abstract: A scale adhesion preventing agent for use in a polymerization reactor, consisting essentially of a condensate of a phenol represented by the following formula (1), a 1-naphthol and an aldehyde, which is soluble in an alkaline aqueous solution: 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kunio Kamata, Kazuhiko Kanawa, Kikuo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040072974
    Abstract: An antifoulant composition comprising (meth)acrylic acid and one or more (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide antifoulant polymers and a method of preventing fouling in (meth)acrylic acid processes comprising adding the (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide antifoulant polymers to the (meth)acrylic acid process stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: David Youdong Tong
  • Patent number: 6716951
    Abstract: A process for production of methacrylic copolymers, characterized by charging a monomer mixture comprising from 70 to 95% by weight of methyl methacrylate, from 0 to 15% by weight of &agr;-methylstyrene, from 0 to 20% by weight of styrene and from 2 to 15% by weight of maleic anhydride at a molar ratio of the sum of &agr;-methylstyrene and styrene to maleic anhydride laying within the range of 1.0 to 2.5 into a polymerizing vessel containing at least one polymeric membrane layer having an oxygen permeability of 1.5×10−13 (mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1) or below, sealing the polymerizing vessel, and polymerizing the monomer mixture under heating in a gas phase; a methacrylic copolymer obtained by the production process which is reduced yellowing and shows excellent transparency and heat resistance; and an optical element composed of the methacrylic copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Marutani, Hiroki Hatakeyama, Yoshiko Sano
  • Patent number: 6706836
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of gel-free poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate substantially in the absence of a chain transfer agent, comprising introducing monomeric 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate containing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate impurities in the range of about 0.05 to 0.1% by weight into alcohol, polymerizing the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to form a polymerization mixture, and removing the alcohol. Hydrophilic pressure sensitive adhesives are provided by adding polyethylene glycol to the polymerization mixture prior to removing the alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Holguin, H. Paul Barker, Ivan S. P. Lee, Kenneth S. Lin
  • Patent number: 6686743
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and a method for controlling the static charge developed by a flowable solid as it passes through a conduit. The flowable solid is conveyed through the conduit in such a manner that the powder develops a static charge due to the triboelectric effect as it moves against the conduit walls. The static charge on the solid is then measured using a static charge measuring device such as a Faraday drum or cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John James Weick, Robert Olds Hagerty, Per K. Husby, Frederick Yip-Kwai Lo
  • Publication number: 20030144432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during polymerisation of olefins, especially during the fluidised bed gas phase polymerisation of olefins. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for reducing/suppressing sheeting or agglomerates during the product grade transition and/or catalyst transitions occuring polymerisation of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: JR Llinas, JL Selo
  • Publication number: 20030134990
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing polymeric materials which are normally tenacious in their character to such degree that their processing by conventional means is not possible, for example substantially-amorphous polyolefins. By introducing a second catalyst capable of producing a powdery polymer into the polymerization system during production of the sticky polymers, these normally sticky, tenacious polymers are rendered into a form which may be processed using conventional means and equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Huntsman Polymers Corporation
    Inventor: Lixin Sun
  • Patent number: 6586539
    Abstract: A process for controlling a continuous fluidised bed reactor (co-)polymerisation process which comprises (1) withdrawing from the reactor a hot recycle stream containing a principal monomer and at least one other unreacted reactant, (2) cooling part or all of the recycle stream withdrawn from the reactor, and (3) recycling part or all of the cooled recycle stream containing the principal monomer and the unreacted reactant(s) through the polymerisation zone in the reactor in the presence of a polymerisation catalyst under reactive conditions, wherein the controlling process consists in maintaining at least one of the reactant gradients (Gri) within a range of values outside which sheeting or unstable operations would otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Eric Cassisa, Jean-Claude Chinh, Stephen Kevin Lee