AU2023201725A1 - Bulk powder tank improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tank for the transport of bulk powders. In one aspect, the tank comprises an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, at least one aeration (or fluidisation not necessarily limited to use of air, although air is plentiful and convenient) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel, and wherein for the or each channel outlet there is provided at least one aeration (or fluidisation) slide, the or each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet. 4/5 -o 0 0+0 0 0 r .11; 114-J 4-j 00

Description

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BULK POWDER TANK IMPROVEMENTS PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022900692 titled "BULK POWDER TANK IMPROVEMENTS" and filed on 21 March 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a tank for the transport of bulk powders.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Bulk powders are commonly transported in a tank comprising a tank body and a fluidising system to assist the unloading and loading processes. The majority of the fluidising system is located inside of the tank body, consuming a portion of the volume of the tank, and thus reducing its payload.

[0004] It is common for tanks of this type to possess points in the interior thereof where the bulk powder material does not flow well when unloading, thereby resulting in relatively large amounts of residual bulk powder material in the tank which cannot be discharged efficiently. As a result, complete discharge of this material can be inefficient, time consuming and thus costly.

[0005] Some tanks comprise one or more discharge hoppers extending from the tank body with discharge outlets external to the tank to assist unloading. These hoppers increase the overall size of the tank.

[0006] It is also common to transport bulk powders in tanks comprising a tank body located within a frame which has the external dimensions of a standard ISO container, so that the tank can be handled by the same equipment, and in the same fashion as a standard ISO container. This imposes additional design, size and packaging constraints on the tank and fluidising system, which can be adverse to the functional and operational considerations.

[0007] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, at least one aeration (or fluidisation - not necessarily limited to use of air, although air is plentiful and convenient) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel, and wherein for the or each channel outlet there is provided at least one aeration (or fluidisation) slide, the or each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

[0009] In one form, for each channel outlet there is provided a pair of aeration (or fluidisation) slides, each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

[0010] The two aeration slides in a respective pair are inclined towards their respective channel outlet and each other.

[0011] In one form, the discharge channel projects from an underside of the tank body. That is to say, the discharge channel is in communication with the tank body so that bulk material may flow from the tank body to the discharge channel, but the discharge channel is physically external to the tank body.

[0012] In one form, the tank body comprises a shell wall comprising a plurality of apertures therethrough which are spaced apart along the body above the discharge channel, so that bulk material may flow from the container tank body into the discharge channel.

[0013] In one form, each of the apertures is elongate, and extends in the direction of elongation of the tank body.

[0014] In one form, each of the apertures is elliptical.

[0015] In one form, in an alternative the shell wall comprises a single elongate aperture therethrough which extends along the body above the discharge channel.

[0016] In one form, the discharge channel comprises a plurality of channel outlets, and for each channel outlet a pair of aeration slides.

[0017] In one form, the plurality of channel outlets are spaced apart along the discharge channel.

[0018] In one form, the tank body is cylindrical and comprises domed ends.

[0019] In one form, the tank body is a pressure vessel.

[0020] In one form, the discharge channel extends centrally along the tank body.

[0021] In one form, each elongate aeration bed is curved transversely.

[0022] In one form, in an alternative, each elongate aeration bed is uncurved (or straight) longitudinally.

[0023] In one form, each elongate aeration bed is curved around a portion of an interior of the tank body.

[0024] That is to say, each elongate aeration bed is concavely curved transversely.

[0025] In one form, in an alternative, each elongate aeration bed is uncurved (or straight) transversely.

[0026] While a transversely straight aeration bed will function, it will consume more space than one which is curved around a portion of an interior of the tank body, and thus reduce payload.

[0027] In one form, each elongate aeration bed comprises a perforated (or foraminous) panel which cooperates with the tank body to form a plenum between them and beneath the perforated panel. That is to say, each aeration bed is full of holes.

[0028] In one form, each elongate aeration bed supports at least one porous membrane.

[0029] In one form, the or each membrane is made from a porous material permitting gas to flow through it but being impervious to the bulk powder material. The membrane may be made of, for instance, woven fabric, porous metal sheet or porous plastic sheet.

[0030] In one form, in use, a supply of air (other inert gases may be employed though) is fed into this plenum and passed through the perforated panel to fluidise the bulk material.

[0031] In one form, in use, the bulk material is conveyed across the bed in a transverse direct towards the discharge channel.

[0032] In one form, in use, each of the aeration slides comprises a perforated (or foraminous) chute.

[0033] In one form, in use, a supply of air is fed beneath the aeration slide and passed through the perforated chute to fluidise the bulk material.

[0034] In one form, each aeration bed comprises a supporting structure comprising a plurality of perforated ribs.

[0035] In one form, the support structure supporting each aeration bed is constructed of perforated ribs to facilitate a free air flow which in turn creates balance air flow above and below, thus minimising structural stresses.

[0036] In one form, in an alternative, the discharge channel is located within the tank body.

[0037] In one form, the tank further comprises supply pipework via which air can be supplied to the aeration beds and the aeration slides.

[0038] In one form, the tank further comprises discharge pipework via which the contents of the tank can drawn from the discharge channel.

[0039] In one form, the tank body is supported within an ISO container sized framework.

[0040] In one form, in an alternative, the tank is supported on a set of wheels so as to form a tanker.

[0041] In one form, each elongate aeration bed is supplied separately, so that each maybe controlled separately.

[0042] In one form, in an alternative, each elongate aeration bed extends into at least one of the domed end portions of the tank body.

[0043] In one form, each elongate aeration bed extends into each of the domed end portions of the tank body.

[0044] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of an interior of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, at least one aeration (or fluidisation) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel.

[0045] In one form, for each channel outlet there is provided a pair of aeration (or fluidisation) slides, each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

[0046] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of an interior of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, and wherein for each channel outlet there is provided at least one aeration (or fluidisation) slide, the or each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

[0047] In one form, the tank further comprises at least one aeration (or fluidisation) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel.

[0048] For ease of description, a tank embodying the present invention is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal, etc. may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the tank may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a tank;

[0051] Figure 2 is an isometric longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1;

[0052] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1;

[0053] Figure 4 is an isometric transverse cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1; and

[0054] Figure 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the tank of Figure 1.

[0055] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a tank 1 comprising a tank body 2, which is generally elongate, comprising a cylindrical centre section 4, and a pair of domed ends 6.

[0057] Each end of the tank body 2 is supported in a rectilinear ISO dimensioned frame 8 comprising corner castings 10 for receiving twistlocks. Such an arrangement is commonly referred to as a 'tank container'. The tank 1 and the end frames 8 are sized so that the complete assembly can be handled in the same manner as an ISO container, although the inventive concept is not limited to use within such frames 8. Indeed, while the illustrated embodiment is ISO width, the inventive concept may be employed in a tank container that is wider than this, or 'over width".

[0058] The tank body 2 of the tank 1 comprises an inlet 12 (although more could be provided) via which bulk material may be loaded into the tank body 2, and a discharge channel 20 extending longitudinally and centrally along a bottom of the tank body 2 and in communication with an interior of the tank body 2.

[0059] The cylindrical centre section 4 of the tank body 2 comprises a shell wall comprising a plurality of apertures 5 therethrough which are spaced apart along the body 2 above the discharge channel 20, so that bulk material may flow from the tank body 2 into the discharge channel 20. Employing a plurality of apertures 5 in this fashion is preferable to slotting the shell wall as it maintains the structural integrity of the shell wall of the tank body 2.

[0060] Each of the apertures 5 is elliptical in shape and extends lengthwise along the tank body 2. Although other shapes (including but not limited to circles, squares or rectangles) may be employed, ellipses are preferred, as they are both elongated and have a curved edge profile.

[0061] The discharge channel 20 is connected to and projects from an underside of the tank body 2. The discharge channel 20 comprises a pair of sides 22 and a floor 24.

[0062] The discharge channel 20 comprises at least one channel outlet 26, and more particularly, a pair of channel outlets 26 spaced apart along the discharge channel 20 in the case of the illustrated embodiment.

[0063] The tank 1 further comprises an aeration (or fluidisation) bed 30 positioned on either side of the discharge channel 20, each aeration bed 30 extending longitudinally along the tank body 2 and alongside of the discharge channel 20. Each aeration bed 30 is straight (or uncurved) longitudinally.

[0064] Each aeration bed 30 comprises a perforated panel 32 (i.e. it is pierced with holes, or foraminous) which is curved transversely around a portion of an interior of the tank body 2 so as to slope towards the discharge channel 20. That is to say, the aeration bed 30 is curved concavely in a transverse direction to closely follow the curvature of the tank body 2.

[0065] Each aeration bed 30 cooperates with the tank body 2 to form a plenum 34 between them and beneath the perforated panel 32. Each aeration bed 30 is supported on a structure comprised of a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending perforated ribs 36. The ribs 36 are perforated to facilitate airflow between plenum sections divided by these.

[0066] The tank 1 further comprises, for each channel outlet 26 in the discharge channel 20, a pair of aeration slides 50. Each aeration slide 50 is positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel 20 and sloping towards its respective channel outlet 26, which is located in a side wall 22 of the discharge cannel 20 just above the point at which the aeration slides 50 converge. That is to say, the two aeration slides 50 in a respective pair are inclined towards their respective channel outlet 26 and each other.

[0067] In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the discharge channel 20 comprises two channel outlets 26, and for each channel outlet a pair of aeration slides 50.

[0068] Each of the aeration slides 50 comprises a perforated chute 54. The floor 24 of the discharge channel 20 closely follows the aeration slides 50, and so it too inclines longitudinally towards the channel outlets 26 in the same manner as the slides 50 disposed above it.

[0069] The tank 1 further comprises a supply pipework 60 comprising branches via which air can be supplied to the aeration beds 30 and the aeration slides 50. The supply pipework 60 comprises a longitudinally extending inlet line 62 which comprises an inlet connector 64 for attachment of a pump or blower thereto. Two transversely extending inlet pipes 65 extend from the longitudinally extending inlet line 62 at spaced apart locations therealong. Each of these transversely extending inlet pipes 65 extends to an inlet manifold 66. A first inlet manifold 66 supplies one (or a first) end of the tank 1, and a second inlet manifold 66 supplies the other (or second end) of the tank1 (although optionally the aeration beds 30 could be supplied independently). The first inlet manifold supplies air to a first end of the plenum 34 of each of the aeration beds 30, and to a nozzle 56 beneath each of the aeration slides 50 at this first end (so two nozzles 56 in this case), and the second inlet manifold 66 supplies air to a second end of the plenum 34 of each of the aeration beds 30, and to a nozzle 56 beneath each of the aeration slides 50 at this second end of the tank 1.

[0070] The tank 1 further comprises a discharge pipework 70 via which the contents of the tank 1 can be drawn from the discharge channel 20. This discharge pipework 70 includes a transversely extending discharge pipe 72 extending from each channel outlet 26 to a common longitudinally extending discharge line 74 on the outside of the tank body. The discharge line 74 comprises an outlet connector 76 for attachment of a transfer hose thereto. Each of the transversely extending discharge pipes 72 comprises a valve 78 so these can be opened up or closed off as required.

[0071] The supply pipework 60 further comprises a branch 63 directing air to the longitudinally extending discharge line 74 at an opposing end thereof to that of the outlet connector 76. A valve 63a permits control of the air supplied to the discharge line 74.

[0072] In use, a blower or fan (not illustrated) is connected to the supply pipework 60 via the inlet connector of the inlet line 62 and a supply of air is fed there through into the plenum 34 of each aeration bed 30 and passed through the perforated panel 32 to fluidise the bulk material inside of the tank body 2. The fluidised bulk material is conveyed across the bed 30 with the assistance of gravity in a transverse direct towards the discharge channel 20.

[0073] Air is also supplied to the nozzles 56 of the aeration slides 50, and passed through the perforated chutes 54 to fluidise the bulk material in the discharge channel 20. The fluidised bulk granular material is conveyed along the aeration slides 50 with the assistance of gravity to the channel outlets 26.

[0074] The fluidised bulk material travels through the transversely extending discharge pipes 72 to the common longitudinally extending discharge line 74, which itself is receiving air supply from the branch 63 to force material out at the outlet connector 76, from where it can be transferred to a further storage container via a hose.

[0075] The tank 1 further comprises an air supply line 80 extending to an upper part of the container via an internal filter to provide a supply of fluidising air for assisting loading, when required.

[0076] Advantageously, the tank 1 disclosed herein is designed to ensure efficient flow of bulk material throughout, and thus efficient discharge of contents.

[0077] An advantage of the tank 1 is that the aeration beds 30 occupy a minimum amount of the volume of the tank 1, thus maximising payload.

[0078] A further advantage of the tank 1 disclosed herein is achieved as a result of the discharge channel and the aeration slides 50 within the discharge channel 20 being positioned externally of the tank body 2. This arrangement too maximises the payload of the tank 1, without projecting from the tank to such an extent as to cause packaging problems or adversely impact tank volume if the tank 1 is to be incorporated in a tank container arrangement.

[0079] It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include" and any of their derivatives (eg comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0080] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0081] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (25)

1. A tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, at least one aeration bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel, and wherein for each channel outlet there is provided at least one aeration slide, the or each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

2. The tank of claim 1, wherein the discharge channel comprises a plurality of channel outlets spaced apart along the discharge channel, and for each channel outlet a pair of aeration slides.

3. The tank as in either of the preceding claims wherein for the or each channel outlet there is provided a pair of aeration slides, each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

4. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each elongate aeration bed is curved transversely.

5. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each elongate aeration bed is uncurved (or straight) longitudinally.

6. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank body is cylindrical and comprises domed ends.

7. The tank of claim 6, wherein each elongate aeration bed is curved around a portion of an interior of the tank body.

8. The tank of claim 7, wherein each elongate aeration bed comprises a foraminous panel which cooperates with the tank body to form a plenum between them and beneath the panel.

9. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each aeration bed comprises a supporting structure comprising a plurality of perforated ribs.

10. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each aeration bed is covered by at least one porous membrane.

11. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the aeration slides comprises a foraminous chute.

12. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the aeration slides is covered by at least one porous membrane.

13. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge channel is connected to and projects from an underside of the tank body.

14. The tank of claim 13, wherein the tank body comprises a shell wall comprising a plurality of apertures therethrough which are spaced apart along the body above the discharge channel, so that bulk material may flow from the container tank body into the discharge channel.

15. The tank of claim 14, wherein each of the apertures is elongate, and extends in the direction of elongation of the tank body.

16. The tank as in either of claims 14 or 15, wherein each of the apertures is elliptical.

17. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a supply pipework via which air can be supplied to the aeration beds and the aeration slides.

18. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising discharge pipework via which the contents of the tank can drawn from the discharge channel.

19. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge channel projects from the tank body.

20. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank body is a pressure vessel.

21. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank body is supported within an ISO container sized framework.

22. A tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of an interior of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, at least one aeration (or fluidisation) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel.

23. The tank of claim 22, wherein for each channel outlet there is provided a pair of aeration (or fluidisation) slides, each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

24. A tank for the transport of bulk powders, the tank comprising an elongate tank body, a discharge channel extending longitudinally along a bottom of an interior of the tank body, the discharge channel comprising at least one channel outlet, and wherein for each channel outlet there is provided at least one aeration (or fluidisation) slide, the or each aeration slide being positioned in and extending longitudinally along the discharge channel and sloping longitudinally towards its respective channel outlet to convey bulk powder to the channel outlet.

25. The tank of claim 24, wherein the tank further comprises at least one aeration (or fluidisation) bed positioned on either side of the discharge channel, each aeration bed extending longitudinally along the tank body and alongside of the discharge channel, each aeration bed sloping transversely toward the discharge channel to convey bulk powder to the discharge channel.