Process for transitioning between incompatible polymerization catalysts
AssigneeExxon Chemical Company
InventorsAgapios K. Agapiou, Michael E. Muhle, Gary T. Renola
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Abstract
This invention relates to a process for transitioning between incompatible polymerization catalyst systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a process for transitioning from an olefin polymerization reaction utilizing a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to a metallocene-olefin polymerization reaction.
Claims15
A process for transitioning from a polymerization reaction catalyzed by a first catalyst to one catalyzed by a second catalyst comprising a metallocene catalyst wherein said first and second catalysts are incompatible, said process comprising the steps of:
- a) discontinuing the introduction of the first catalyst into a reactor;
- b) introducing into the reactor an irreversible catalyst killer in an amount greater than about 1 molar equivalent based on the total gram atom metal of the first catalyst in the reactor;
- and
- c) introducing the second catalyst into the reactor.
A process for transitioning from a polymerization reaction catalyzed by a first catalyst to one catalyzed by a second catalyst comprises a metallocene catalyst wherein said first and second catalysts are incompatible, said process comprising the steps of:
- a) discontinuing the introduction of the first catalyst into a reactor;
- b) rendering the first catalyst substantially incapable of polymerization;
- c) introducing into the reactor an irreversible catalyst killer in an amount sufficient to inactivate substantially all of said first catalyst;
- and
- d) introducing the second catalyst into the reactor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.