Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP

Taryn L Huber

Max P McDaniel

Ted H Cymbaluk

Zhihui Gu

Anand Ramanathan

David W Dockter

Julian Abrego

Ravindranath Koyyalagunta

Marlon L Jordan

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.

Methods of chromium catalyst activation to reduce gels and improve melt index potential

Processes for producing activated chromium catalysts such as chromium/silica catalysts and 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. Related activation systems are provided in which the fluidizing gas entering the fluidized bed vessel can be adjusted between an inert gas, an oxygen-containing gas, or a mixture of the inert gas and the oxygen-containing gas to minimize or prevent exotherms.

Systems and methods for chromium catalyst activation

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Taryn L Huber