Nova launches high-activity gas-phase catalyst
The Advanced Sclairtech process combines a reactor modification with Nova's proprietary NovaCat T single-site Ziegler-Natta high-activity catalyst. The catalysts provide high activity, low catalyst residue, and excellent results in typical polyethylene performance measures
The versatile new technology produces Ziegler-Natta type polyethylenes with both broad and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD). Broad MWD resins typically go into geomembrane caps and liners.
Narrow MWD resins have lower hexane extractables and improved clarity for food packaging. Initial results indicate hexene film resins produced with the NovaCat T catalyst are fully competitive with benchmark hexene film resins.
"We believe this catalyst will outperform existing and recently announced catalyst technologies that are available on a worldwide basis, and we are confident this technology will work equally well on other commercially available gas-phase PE processes," says Nova Chemicals olefins/polyolefins business president Dan Boivin.
"As another benefit, significant increases in reactor throughput can be realized with minimal retrofitting costs because of improved resin composition."
Nova claims that numerous trials show the catalyst is a direct, superior replacement for conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts in commercial-scale production facilities.
Nova polyolefins R&D director Daryll Harrison says typical catalyst plants can manufacture the catalyst. Nova has also established a supply chain for producers that would rather outsource the catalyst than manufacture it.
For more information: Charles Russell, Manager, Catalyst Licensing & Supply, Nova Chemicals Corp., 2928 16th St. NE, Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 7K7. Phone: 403-250-0634.
Edited by Alan S. Brown
Managing Editor, Chemical Online
abrown@vertical.net
Subscribe to our free e-mail newsletter.
Click for a free Buyer's Guide listing.