AU2014100919A4 - Apparatus and Method for Containerised bulk Handling to load and discharge dry bulk goods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is in the field of loading/unloading and transportation of dry bulk commodities such as grain, ores, chemicals et al Bulk goods are now generally transported and loaded to and from ships and other transport using conveyors, silos, storage sheds and other large infrastructure. This invention proposes to use a containerized method and container handling equipment to transport and stevedore the material. The invention uses specialized shipping containers and attachments to cranes to handle bulk goods using the cranes and equipment in existing container ports in the same way containers are transported and stevedored. These specialized containers and attachments to the cranes enable the handling of dry bulk goods, removing the need for dedicated bulk handling. More particularly, the present invention relates to how attachments to container cranes and containers can be used to handle bulk materials. b4l c' 20L.)

Description

1 Title: Apparatus and Method for Containerized Bulk Handling to Load and Discharge Dry Bulk Goods Technical Field In the field of loading/unloading and transportation of dry bulk commodities such as grain, ores, chemicals et al Background Art Bulk goods are now generally transported and loaded to and from ships and other transport using conveyors, silos, storage sheds and other large infrastructure. This system proposes to use a containerized method and container handling equipment to transport and stevedore the material. Summary of Invention. The invention uses specialized shipping containers and attachments to cranes to handle bulk goods using the cranes and equipment in existing container ports in the same way containers are transported and stevedored. These specialized containers and attachments to the cranes enable the handling of dry bulk goods, removing the need for dedicated bulk handling. More particularly, the present invention relates to how attachments to container cranes and containers can be used to handle bulk materials. Technical Problem Bulk goods are now generally transported and loaded to and from ships and other transport using conveyors, silos, storage sheds and other large infrastructure. This infrastructure has a high capital cost and long delivery time. Bulk handling infrastructure is permanently in place and limits the flexibility of the port or other facilities for moving or transporting bulk goods. Bulk handling infrastructure is often owned by one party who denies access to a competitor. Bulk handling infrastructure creates dust and stock piles leading to environmental problems Bulk handling infrastructure is not flexible when changing between commodities of a different nature and can require additional cleanup costs between commodities. Container rotators or tipplers such as US 374706 or WO 2012139156 go some way to solving the problem by rotating containers but they can only load cargos and are complex mechanical devices. Other inventors have used bottom dump containers which are prone to damage and require human intervention to close hatches when completed.

2 Rotating spreaders have the following limitations: Can't handle varying center of mass in container; can't handle different loads filling and loads in subsequent lifts; & are heavy and limit the handling capacity of cranes. It is the intention of this invention to provide a method for discharging bulk cargo to an integrated container and crane attachment which transfers material into a container whilst both are lowered into the bulk commodity in the hatch of the vessel. It is the intention of this invention to provide a loading method for bulk commodities using an integrated crane attachment which actuates a hatch in bottom and lower sides of the container when in position at a receiving location such as a ship hold or a factory silo. The invention provides a method for removing material from a container at a secondary facility such as a bagging plant, silo or factory so as to allow distribution direct in container from the port without need for permanent infrastructure or to a second ship should trans-shipment be required. Cited Documents 1. US4496275 (A) 2. W02011044613 3. EP0701956 4. CN202880508 5. US4350254 The advantageous Effects of Invention are the low cost as it allows stevedoring of bulk goods using existing container cranes without high capital costs. This is particularly important in developing countries to have a route to market for bulk goods without bulk handling infrastructure. The invention also allows reduced handling as dry bulk material is deposited into a container and delivered to end user directly without double or triple handling and the associated equipment. The invention also allows less pollution and chance of explosions.

3 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment Drawings Figure 1 & 2 are views of container handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It shows a container connected to a crane attachment (spreader) which is lowered into a pile of dry bulk material. The ends of the spreader are immersed in the dry bulk material which is transferred thru the spreader transfer tube to a cyclone for separation and depositing of the dry bulk in the container below. Figure 2 is a side view of the crane attachment (spreader) which shows the blower and the transfer tube of the bulk materials to the separation cyclone at the top of the spreader. Figure 3a is a view of the container and a simpler secondary crane attachment (spreader) used for distributing and emptying of the container once filled. The spreader attaches to the container using ISO standard comer castings and lifting twist locks on the spreader. Figure 3b shows the spreader locked onto the container. Figure 3c shows a close up of the male trapdoor actuator on the spreader interlocked with the female actuation point of the container which joins via a link bar 4-6. Figure 4 shows the internals of container and mechanism for discharge of the goods. It shows how a spreader can actuate trapdoors in a container to facilitate discharge including corner castings 4-1 , female actuation point 4-2, deflection baffles 4-3 on bottom of the container, sloped bottom 4-4 to allow simple discharge, trap door bottom 4-5 to allow material to discharge from the bottom of container, actuation link bar 4-6 from top rail to lower rail, rotary union 4-7 and link bar to trap door mechanism and the bottom trap door 4-8. The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. Referring specifically to Figure 1 we see a crane attachment or spreader attached to a crane and a shipping container. The lower portion of the shipping container and spreader are immersed in a dry bulk material. An ISO Shipping container 1-2 is connected to a container handling spreader by means of a twist lock 1-1 which locks into the ISO corner casting on container to facilitate lifting. The container and the Spreader are hoisted and then lowered into the pile of dry bulk material, most commonly in the hatch of a ship. The Spreader and container when lowered into the dry bulk material, will sink by self-weight partially into the pile of material submerging the inlet nozzle 1-6. The System is made up of a metal frame which connects to the container using twist locks 1-1. The spreader frame is connected to the crane by hoist ropes 1-4 which pass through sheave blocks to allow the crane to hoist the attachment. The spreader is also connected to the crane 4 with a power cable 1-7 to provide the spreader with power. Power is provided by electricity to electric motors or hydraulics using on board power pack 1-10. The Spreader is made up of a main frame which locks on the container. The frame also has perpendicular end beams 1-8 which protrude down the side of the container. The end beams comprise a transfer tube 1-5 at the bottom of these end beams which have an inlet nozzle 1-6 .The end beams are retractable to facilitate pick up of container and penetration to dry bulk. With reference to Figure 2 we can see the end beam is a steel fabrication that can enclose mechanical parts. Mounted above the end beam is a large blower 1-3 that takes power from the crane. The blower creates positive pressure at the entry point to I-I transfer tube. This allows the rapid transfer of dry bulk material from the pile to the Separation hopper 1-2. Once in the separation hopper the air and the dry bulk goods are separated and the dry bulk goods drop into the container 1-2 filling it. A sensor would advise when container is filled. Power would be transferred from the crane power cable 1-7 to the attachment which would have its own junction box and electrical control system. This would power a motor which would turn a blower 1-3 would create an air flow and positive pressure resulting in a vacuum at the inlet to the transfer tube 1-6. Once the materials are in the container they can then be transported to end user, stored in the shipping container, transhipped or transferred from the container to a variety of smaller storage options. Referring to Figure 3 a crane attachment (spreader) can land onto the container and lock onto it using ISO standard lifting twist locks 3-2 which locks into corner castings of the container allowing container to be lifted and transported. The female actuation point 1-3 on the container which is actuated from the mother spreader by the male actuation device 3-1. This actuation is achieved by powered motor or gear turning a shaft located within the spreader beam. Figure 3b is a view of the container. The spreader attaches to the container using ISO standard corner castings and lifting twistlocks on the spreader. Figure 3b shows the spreader locked onto the container. Figure 3c shows a close up of the male trapdoor actuator on the spreader interlocked with the female actuation point of the container which joins via a link bar 4-6. Once the actuation of the link bar 4-6 occurs it transfers the rotary torque to a rotary union at the bottom of the container 4-7. When actuated the rotary union will drive a push pull arm which opens a services of trap doors along the underside of the container which allows material to discharge.(Figure 5). The internal floor of the container has sloped bottom 4-4 similar to a hopper which allows smooth flow of any bulk goods to the trap door 4-5. Above the trap door is a baffle 4-3 which reduces the vertical load of the bulk material above the trapdoor, allowing the door to open easily with lower friction without a large pressure above the door.

5 Figure 5 shows the material flow from the container when doors are open. This material can flow into the hopper, silo, vessel hold or other storage or production facility. Once the material has been discharged from the container the mother spreader can be disconnected and the empty container sent back for refilling while the mother spreader handles additional containers.

Claims (21)

1. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for adapting container handling facility to handle bulk materials in a container using cranes and lifting equipment with attachments to interconnect with containers lifting and transporting them.

2. It is an object of this invention that the attachment and container could be lowered from the crane connected to the container into the pile of bulk materials. By use of suction or other methods a spout of the spreader attachment would protrude into the bulk material and transport the material through a tube in the spreader to the attached container filling the container. The attached container would be filled in a few minutes. It would then be removed from the hatch/or pile and placed at a second transport area, typically a wharf quay. The full container would be detached from the spreader attachment and transported to another location. The spreader attachment would then lock onto another container and repeat the process to fully discharge the load.

3. It is another object of the current invention that the attachment could lift a lid during the process and attach lid at the end of the load or discharge so that the cargo is contained and secure.

4. another object of the current invention that it would use pumps and blowers to transport the material from the stock pile into container

5. It is another object of the current invention that it would employ baffles on the crane attachment or spreaders to divert the bulk material into the container

6. It is another object of the current invention that material could be transported by use of an auger or screw conveyor.

7. It is another object of the current invention that the nozzle that protrudes into the bulk material to be transported could be retractable.

8. It is another object of the current invention that the nozzle that protrudes into the bulk material to be transported could be rotatable to penetrate the material.

9. It is another object of the current invention that the spreader could have a sensor to determine the level of material in the container.

10. It is another object of the current invention that flexible extensions could be fitted to the nozzle to allow cleanup of residue in the corners and difficult to reach areas.

11. It is another object of the current invention that the attachment could open an appature in the lid to allow the dry bulk to flow into container from the attachment.

12. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus where a crane attachment or spreader supported from a gantry, cantilever or any other crane used for handling containers can empty the contents of the container through a trapdoor in the bottom or side of the container where said trapdoors are opened and closed by actuation provided from the crane spreader. The opening of these trapdoors or portals allows for the discharge of the bulk material. Once material is discharged the portal in container is closed and it can be returned for filling without leakage.

13. It is an object of the present invention that the attachment would be able to connect and lock on to the container 7

14. It is another object of the current invention that power would be provided from the spreader rather than the container either by electrical connection or by hydraulic connection.

15. It is another object of the current invention that the spreader would be able to connect to the container via an actuation device such as a gear, shaft, spindle or pinion to provide a means to open the hatch in the container attached to the spreader and subsequently close it once contents are discharged

16. It is another object of the current invention that the container would be conducive to material flow toward the trap door via a sloped bottom.

17. It is another object of the current invention that the attachment/spreader could have a vibration device to allow sticky materials to fully discharge.

18. It is another object of the current invention that the machine would have a means of measuring the remaining load in the container and the rate of unloading.

19. It is another object of the current invention that the hatch could open by sliding or a hinged aperture. It would use features to reduce friction and prevent bulk materials from fouling the mechanism which are existing art in the bulk handling field.

20. It is another object of the current invention that the hatches could be mounted vertically or horizontally or a combination of both.

21. It is another object of the current invention that the container be fully enclosed with a lid and that a positive pressure is maintained in the container to force materials out the chute