AU2012100991A4 - A bin and an associated system and method for transporting and handling bulk materials - Google Patents

Abstract

- 11 A system for transport and handling of bulk materials comprises a plurality of bins 10, one or more vehicles 50 and a tipping frame 40. Each bin 10 5 comprises a base 12, a plurality of side walls 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d (hereinafter referred to in general as "side walls 14") extending up right from the base 12, and a top wall 28. An opening 16 is formed in side wall 14a and extends between two adjacent side walls 14b and 14d. The opening 16 has an edge 18 adjacent the base 12, and a lockable gate 20 operable to selectively 10 open and close the opening 16. The top wall 28 is provided with a sealable and lockable lid 30 operable to open and close a fill opening through which bin 10 can be filled. 34/76/ /.. (G-tMaIers) PS4986 AU 2 61, 0 k-0 c o

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent Applicant(s): Robert Brunalli Invention Title: A BIN AND AN ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AND HANDLING BULK MATERIALS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 A BIN AND AN ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AND HANDLING BULK MATERIALS Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a bin and an associated system and method for transporting and handling bulk materials, such as, but not limited to, ammonium nitrate. 10 Background of the Invention The present invention was derived from desire to find an alternate way of handling ammonium nitrate for the mining industry. Ammonium nitrate is used as a component of the explosive ANFO. As a result of this the transportation, 15 storage and handling of ammonium nitrate is carefully regulated. Ammonium nitrate is often in the form of prills. Current practice is to load prills into bags at a filling facility and transport the bags on trucks to a specialty built store room at a mine. Safety regulations prevent the bags being stacked when being transported. At every handling operation the prills are subject to degradation 20 and in particular disintegration where very small particles of ammonium nitrate break or wear off a prill to form a fine powder. The overall effect of this disintegration is that more ammonium nitrate than is necessary is used to charge a hole. 25 While the present invention was developed in the context of considering the transportation and handling of ammonium nitrate embodiments of the invention are not limited to use with ammonium nitrate or indeed in the context of mining. Rather as will be readily apparent from the following description embodiments of the invention may be used for the transport and handling of any bulk martial. 30 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the invention provides a bin comprising: a base; 3s a plurality of side walls extending up right from the base; 34 77677 . (GHMaller s) P84966 AU 2 -3 an opening formed in a first side wall and extending between two other side, the opening having an edge adjacent the base, and a lockable gate operable to selectively open and close the opening; and, a top wall provided with a sealable lid operable to open and close a fill opening 5 formed in the top wall wherein the bin can be filled through the fill opening. The gate may extend for a full width of the first wall between the two other side walls. 10 The gate may be coupled by a hinge to the first side wall. The hinge may be located along an edge of the opening opposite the base. Each bin may be provided with a detent capable of engaging a lock mechanism 15 to enable locking of the bin at the base to a support. Each bin may comprise a locating system configured to facilitate stacking of one bin on another wherein locating systems of respective stacked bins engage each other when the stacked bins are vertically aligned with each other. 20 Each bin may be provided with a tamper indicating seal on the gate. Each bin may be provided with a tamper indicating seal on the lid. 25 Each bin may be provided with an internal oxidation resistant coating. In a second aspect the invention provides a bulk materials transport and handling system comprising a plurality of bins in accordance with the first aspect; and, a tipping frame capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin 30 and tipping the bin to a tilted position which facilitates self opening of the gate when the gate is unlocked. Stated in an alternate way the bulk materials transport and handling system may comprise a tipping frame capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin, 35 and tipping the bin to a tilted position which inclines the first side at an acute angle to the ground. 3477677_1 (GHMIers) PS496 AU 2 -4 The tipping frame may comprise a lock mechanism operable to engage the detent. The bulk materials transport and handling system may comprise vibrator 5 coupled with the frame and capable of imparting vibrations to a bin supported on the frame. The bulk materials transport and handling system may comprise a ram capable of pivoting the frame between a horizontal position and the tilted position. 10 The bulk materials transport and handling system may comprise one or more vehicles capable of transporting the bin between a loading facility where the bins are loaded with a bulk material and a remote location at which the tipping frame is located. 15 In a third aspect the invention provides an ammonium nitrate transport and handling system comprising a bulk materials transport and handling system according to the second aspect and wherein each bin is capable of holding a quantity of ammonium nitrate. 20 Each bin may be dimensioned to hold up to 10 tonnes of ammonium nitrate prills. In a third aspect the invention provides a method of transporting and handling a 25 bulk material comprising: providing a plurality of bins in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; loading the bins at a filling facility; disposing at a location remote from the filling facility a tipping frame 30 capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin and tipping the bin; and, transporting one or more bins loaded with a bulk material at the filling facility to the remote location. The method may comprise selectively placing a filled bin transported to the remote location onto the tipping frame and operating the tipping frame to empty 3s the bulk material through the opening in the first wall. 3477677_1 (GHMaltter) P84966 AU 2 -5 The method may comprise vibrating the bin when supported on the tipping frame. The method may comprise locking a bin to the frame while the bin is being 5 tipped by the frame. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example 10 only in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of a first side of an embodiment of a bin in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a top elevation of the bin shown in Figure 1; 15 Figure 3 is a side view of a storage facility composed of a plurality of stacked bins shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a tipping frame of a bulk materials transport and handling system incorporating a plurality of bins as shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the tipping frame shown in Figure 4 but in a tilted 20 position; and, Figure 6 is a representation of road transport vehicles. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 25 Embodiments of the present invention enable the transport of bulk materials in bins in a manner where: the bulk material can be discharged by tipping of the bins: and, an onsite storage facility can be created by stacking of the bins. The accompanying Figures illustrate an example of a bin 10 that enables the transport and handling of bulk materials such as but not limited to ammonium 30 nitrate. The bin 10 comprises a base 12 and a plurality of side walls 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d (hereinafter referred to in general as "side walls 14") extending up right from the base 12. An opening 16 is formed in side wall 14a and extends between two adjacent side walls 14b and 14d. The opening 16 has an edge 18 adjacent the base 12, and a lockable gate 20 operable to selectively open and 3s close the opening 16. 3471617 1 (GHManlors) P84966.AU 2 -6 In one example the bins 10 may be made from steel and have dimensions of 2.5m x 2.5 m x 2.5m. Such a bin 10 could hold up to 10 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. Other embodiments of the bin 10 may be made from different materials such as plastics materials or polymer composites, and of different dimensions s dependant on the application at hand. The gate 20 extends for substantially a full width of side wall 14a. This assists in ensuring minimal retention of bulk material in the bin 10 following a discharge operation. The gate 20 is coupled by a hinge 22 to side wall 14a along an 10 upper edge 24 of opening 16 which is opposite to edge 18. Thus when the bin 10 is sitting on its base 12 in a horizontal plane the gate will hang vertically from hinge 22 closing or at least covering the opening 16. The upper edge 24 is about 1/3 to 1/4 of the height of the wall 14a from the base 12. Accordingly the gate 20 and opening 16 have a height of about 1/3 to 1/4 of the height of wall is 14a. The locking feature of the gate can be provided in a number of different ways. This is largely dependent on the level of security required for the bulk material being transported and/or stored in the bin 10. For example if ammonium nitrate 20 is held in bin 10 diablo locks can be used to maximize security. However if no or low security is required a simple slide bolt lock can be use. With reference to Figure 2, bin 10 has a top wall 28 provided with sealable lid 30 operable to open and close a fill opening through which bin 10 can be filled. 25 With the lip 30 opened bin 10 can be placed below a hopper (not shown) to dump the required material in bin 10. Again if high security is required a correspondingly high security locking system can be associated with the lid 30. To assist in stacking of a plurality of bins 10 to form a storage facility 32 as 30 shown in Figure 3, bins 10 are formed with a locating system configured so that the locating systems of respective stacked bins engage each other when the stacked bins are vertically aligned with each other. A simple locating system may be in the form of complimentary members on the top wall 28 and base 12. For example brackets 34 on top wall 28 that fit in recesses (not shown) on the 35 base 12. Alternately separate bosses 36 can be provided on the top wall 28 to seat in corresponding recess (not shown) in base 12. The brackets 34 are 347767_1 (CHMauer)P84966AU2 -7 provided with holes 38 to allow coupling with lifting machines such as cranes and jibs. An interior surface of bin 10 can be provided with various coating or linings to s protect the bin 10 from accelerated degradation. For example if bin 10 is used to hold an oxidizing agent such as ammonium nitrate then an oxidation resistant coating can be place over the interior surface of bin 10. Tamper indicating seals may be provided on one or both of the gate 20 and lid 10 30 to provide evidence of opening of gate 20 or lid 30 after filling of bin 10. The presence of these features is optional and largely dependent on the nature of the material being transported and/or stored in bin 10. If for example the material is very valuable or hazardous such tamper indicating seals may be incorporated in bin 10. 15 Hermetic seals may be formed between one or both of: the opening 16 and gate 20; and the filling opening and lid 30 respectively. Provision of both of the hermetic seals prevents the ingress of fluids that may otherwise degrade or contaminate the contents of bin 10 when the openings are closed by gate 20 20 and lid 30. When the gate 20 and lid 30 are locked the bin 10 in effect forms a hermetically sealed strong box providing secure storage of its contents. Bin 10 is also provided with a detent capable of engaging a lock mechanism to enable locking of bin 10 at its base 12 to a support. In the present bulk 25 materials transport and handling system this support is in the form of a tipping frame 40 shown in Figures 4 and 5. The locking mechanism can be for example a twist lock system that comprises the detents on the base 12 and twistable arms/levers on the frame 40 which are turned into and out of engagement with the detents to lock and release a bin 10 from frame 40. 30 Tipping frame 40 is capable of supporting a bin 10 at its base 12 and tipping the bin from a horizontal position (shown in Figure 4) to a tilted position (shown in Figure 5) which inclines the first side at an acute angle to the ground. Prior to operating the tipping frame to pivot to the tilted position, the locking mechanism 35 is operated to lock bin 10 to frame 40. Assuming the gate 20 is not locked, when the bin 10 is moved to the tilted position, gate 20 will self open by action of gravity and the contents of bin 10 discharges from opening 16. 347767)1 (GHMaeIrs) P8496 AU.2 A ram (not shown) is operable to pivot the tipping frame 40 between the horizontal and tilted position. The ram can be in the form of a hydraulic ram or an electric jack. In one embodiment the ram can be a portable ram to enable to s be move easily from one tipping frame 40 to another at a different location. Also to assist in discharging all the contents of a bin 10 a vibrator (not shown) can be coupled with the tipping frame 40. The vibrator is operable to impart vibration to the bin 10 and its contents. This facilities a flow of the contents of the bin to the opening and dislodges hang-ups. The vibrator can also be 10 portable. The transport and handling system incorporates one or more vehicles 50 (see Figure 6) such as road trains of any configuration e.g. B-double, B-triple or Double-B-Double. Each vehicle 50 can carry a plurality of bins 10 and transport 15 the bins 10 from a filling facility to a remote location at which a tipping frame is disposed. Thus in one scenario, a plurality of bins 10 with their lids 30 open and gates 20 closed and locked can be loaded on to a vehicle 50 with say a fork lift truck. 20 The vehicle is now driven under a loading hopper which fills each bin 10 through its filling opening. The lids 30 are closed and if necessary locked. Also if required tamper indicating seals are applied to the gate 20 and/or lid 30. The vehicle 50 is now driven to a location where the material in the bins 10 is required for use and at which is disposed a tipping frame 40. Bins 10 are 25 unloaded for example by use of a fork lift truck and stacked to form a storage facility 32 near the tipping frame 40. As the contents of each bin 10 is required that bin is lifted by a fork lift truck onto frame 40 and locked in place. Gate 20 is unlocked and tipping frame operated to pivot the bin to the tilted position (shown in Figure 5). The vibrator can be operated during the pivoting of frame 30 40 and while the bin 10 is in the tilted position. The contents of the bin 10 flow from opening 16 to an adjacent hopper or bin 52. After the contents of bin 10 has been fully discharged, tipping frame 40 is pivoted back to the horizontal position, unlocked from frame 40 and lifted from frame 40 by a fork lift truck. 35 Modifications and variations to the present embodiments of the bin 10 and bulk materials transport and handling system and method which are obvious to persons of ordinary skill in the art are deemed to fall within the scope of the 34776771 (GHMatC) P84966 AU 2 -9 present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the above description and the appended claims. 3477677_1 (GHMatters) P84968 AU 2

Claims (5)

1. A bin comprising: a base; 5 a plurality of side walls extending up right from the base; an opening formed in a first side wall and extending between two other side, the opening having an edge adjacent the base, and a lockable gate operable to selectively open and close the opening; and, a top wall provided with a sealable lid operable to open and close a fill 10 opening formed in the top wall wherein the bin can be filled through the fill opening.

2. A bulk materials transport and handling system comprising: a plurality of bins as claimed in claim 1; and, 15 a tipping frame capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin and tipping the bin to a tilted position which facilitates self opening of the gate when the gate is unlocked.

3. A bulk materials transport and handling system comprising: 20 a plurality of bin as claimed in claim 1; and, a tipping frame capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin and tipping the bin to a tilted position which inclines the first side at an acute angle to the ground. 25

4. A method of transporting and handling a bulk material comprising: providing a plurality of bins in accordance with claim 1; loading the bins at a filling facility; disposing at a location remote from the filling facility a tipping frame capable of supporting a bin at the base of the bin and tipping the bin; and, 30 transporting one or more bins loaded with a bulk material at the filling facility to the remote location.

5. A bin substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 35 3477677_1 (GHMatters) P84906 AU 2