Novel Bimodal Metallocene Polyethylene Production Technology

In the project a novel process for production of bimodal polyethylene (PE) based on metallocene catalyst will be developed; the process has good operability, high activity with lower costs and broader product window than the existing processes. The proces s is considered of high interest in commercial bimodal PE operation since this would highly improve the process operability and significantly reduce catalyst costs versus traditional metallocene catalysts. Besides, this will open up totally new product po ssibilities which is of high commercial interest.

Based on laboratory tests we have found that a novel process for production of bimodal polyethylene (PE) can be developed; the process has good operability, higher activity, with lower costs and broader product window than existing processes. Technical b reakthrough in cost effective metallocene catalyst based processes has since long been a challenge for the polyolefin industry. The key issue is that Norner has found that when dissolved single site polymerisation catalyst (SSC) together with dissolved co -catalyst (MAO) are used in slurry polymerisation process (without solid carrier) to make low molecular weight PE (LMW PE), high activity with no reactor fouling and good particle morphology is obtained. Also, when producing bimodal PE, these positive fea tures are maintained in a second reactor. This is considered of high interest when using SSC in commercial bimodal PE operation since this would highly improve the process operability and significantly reduce catalyst costs versus traditional carrier-bas ed SSC. Besides, this will open up totally new product possibilities with SSC which is of high commercial interest. Major R&D challenges are: - Avoid reactor fouling. - Be able to control the polymer particle morphology. - Properties of bimodal PE pipe p roduct (HMW PE). A preliminary patent search has been done which has not revealed any novelty-destructing documents to the present concept. Exploitation of the results: Norner has already created solid contacts and business with several polyolefin compan ies all over the world. Norner highly desires to earn revenue by licensing out, optionally selling technology. There are several options for the BIMEPP technology: A. Cooperate with a technology-ambitious polyolefin producing company to develop the techno logy further (upscale, develop detailed process and products). B. Sell licences to other polyolefin companies C. Sell the resulting patent(s)