CN112969646A

CN112969646A - Multi-piece fitment for fluid container

Info

Publication number: CN112969646A
Application number: CN201980071964.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·里克特; A·科兰; D·D·韦尔
Original assignee: Entegris Inc
Current assignee: Entegris Inc
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-10-21
Publication date: 2021-06-15
Also published as: TWI725586B; KR20240104180A; TW202033423A; SG11202103524QA; US20200140175A1; WO2020092041A1; JP7132442B2; KR20210054013A; JP2022509350A; DE112019005470T5

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a containment system for containing a fluid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fitting for attaching a liner within a container and providing a fluid path from the liner to the exterior of the containment system. The liner and at least a portion of the fitment provide a wetted surface of the containment system, while the fitment has a portion that is joinable to an outer container that provides rigidity and light protection, for example. The fitment may be a two-piece fitment with a liner fitment engageable to the liner and a retainer engageable to a container, with the liner fitment and the retainer engaged to one another, such as by a mechanical connection. The liner and the liner fitment may be a fluoropolymer or other non-reactive polymer. The container and the holder may be UV blocking polymers.

Description

Multi-piece fitment for fluid container

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a containment system for containing a fluid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fitting for attaching a liner within a container and providing a fluid path from the liner to the exterior of the containment system.

Background

Some manufacturing processes utilize fluid chemistries. The fluid chemistry may include, for example, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, drugs, or the like. In using such chemicals, the carafe can be used to properly contain the chemicals during storage, transport, and ultimately during manufacture itself. Glass bottles are commonly used for containers because they provide Ultraviolet (UV) protection and chemical resistance to wet surfaces during storage and transport of fluid chemicals.

Disclosure of Invention

Glass bottles are currently used for many manufacturing chemicals. Plastic bottles may provide lower costs than glass bottles. Plastic bottles provide better resistance to falling particles and are safer and less difficult to clean after a fall or other accident. Plastic bottles may also provide reduced contamination of some sensitive chemicals than glass by using materials such as fluoropolymers.

Plastics having manufacturing properties suitable for use in bottles (e.g., stretch blow molded plastics) are susceptible to reaction with many chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Plastics suitable for containing these chemicals, such as, for example, fluoropolymers, are difficult or expensive to manufacture into bottles and may lack other important properties such as, but not limited to, resistance to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Embodiments of the present invention include a fitment that allows for attachment of a bag within a plastic bottle (e.g., bag-in-bottle) to allow for the wet side of the container to be made of a non-reactive material, while allowing for the use of a material with desired manufacturing properties and other properties (e.g., UV protection) for the exterior surface.

In an embodiment, a fitting for a fluid containment system includes a liner fitting having a liner engagement surface configured to engage to a liner and defining a liner fitting orifice, and the liner fitting is engaged to a retainer having a vessel engagement surface configured to engage to a vessel and defining a retainer orifice having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter at an end of the liner fitting.

In an embodiment, the liner engagement surface is disposed on an annular flange. In an embodiment, the liner engagement surface is disposed on one or more curved surfaces extending from a first end point to a second end point.

In an embodiment, the retainer includes one or more vents to allow fluid communication from a first side of the retainer to a second side of the retainer, the second side of the retainer being opposite the first side of the retainer.

In an embodiment, the liner fitting is made of fluoropolymer. In an embodiment, the holder is made of a UV blocking material.

In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a polymer that is ultrasonically weldable to the stretch blow molded polymer.

In an embodiment, the liner fitting includes one or more protrusions from an outer surface of the liner fitting and the retainer includes one or more grooves or openings configured to receive the one or more protrusions, and the liner fitting and the retainer are engaged via an interface of the one or more protrusions and the one or more grooves.

In an embodiment, an O-ring is located between the liner fitting and the retainer. In an embodiment, an annular groove is located on an outer surface of the liner fitting, and the O-ring is located within the annular groove.

In an embodiment, a fluid containment system includes a liner, a container surrounding the liner, and a fitment. The accessory includes: a liner fitting having a liner engagement surface engaged to the liner and defining a liner fitting aperture; and a retainer having a container engagement surface engaged to the container and defining a retainer orifice having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the liner fitting at an end of the liner fitting.

In an embodiment, the liner is joined to the liner-engaging surface of the fitting by welding. In an embodiment, the container is joined to the holder by welding.

In an embodiment, the container comprises a UV blocking material. In an embodiment, the container comprises a stretch blow molded polymer. In an embodiment, the liner comprises a fluoropolymer.

In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a containment system includes: welding the liner to the fitting at the liner engagement surface; placing the liner and the fitment inside a container; pressurizing the liner; and engaging the fitment to the container at a container engagement surface. In an embodiment, joining the fitment to the container is ultrasonic welding of the container and the fitment. In an embodiment, the liner is pressurized when the fitment is joined to the container.

Drawings

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification may be practiced.

Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an end of a fluid containment system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 1C shows a side view of a containment system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid containment system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a liner fitting according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a liner fitting according to the embodiment shown in fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a liner fitting according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a liner fitting according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

Fig. 4C shows a bottom view of the liner fitting according to the embodiment shown in fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of a retainer according to the embodiment shown in fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A shows a liner and a liner fitting according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6B shows a liner according to an embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a container according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a fitting according to an embodiment.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

Detailed Description

Some manufacturing processes utilize fluid chemistries. The fluid chemistry may include, for example, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, drugs, or the like. When using such chemicals, the fluid containment system may be used to properly contain the chemicals during storage, transport, and ultimately during the manufacturing process itself.

Fluids include, but are not limited to, substances that flow or deform when a shear stress is applied. The fluid may comprise, for example, a liquid.

Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an end of a fluid containment system 100, according to an embodiment. Fluid containment system 100 includes a vessel 102, a retainer 104, and a liner fitting 106.

Fluid containment system 100 is a system for containing a chemical substance such as, for example, an acid, a solvent, a base, a photoresist, a dopant, an inorganic solution, an organic solution, a drug, or the like.

The vessel 102 is a hollow vessel capable of holding a fluid within a liner (not shown), such as the liners to be described below and shown in fig. 6. The container 102 may be made of one or more polymers. The container 102 may be made, for example, from a stretch blow molded polymer. Examples of materials that may be used in container 102 include Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polycyclohexylene terephthalate (PCTA), polycyclohexylene terephthalate (PCTG), Polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA), Polyethersulfone (PEs), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), cyclic olefin polymers, cyclic olefin copolymers, or the like, and copolymers comprising the same.

The container 102 may be a bottle. In embodiments, the container 102 is a bottle having an internal volume of between 1 liter or about 1 liter to 20 liters or about 20 liters. Only the end of the container 102 is shown in fig. 1A. The entire container 102 is shown in fig. 1C and will be described below.

The container 102 may be made of a UV blocking material, such as by including additives, pigments, or the like in the material used for the container 102. Container 102 may be made of a material selected to resist shattering due to, for example, fluid containment system 100 dropping during disposal. In an embodiment, the container 102 is the outer layer of the containment system 100 and the liner is located inside the container 102. In an embodiment, the container 102 has an opening 144 (fig. 1C) at an end of the container 102, and the fitment is located at the opening 144. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the fitting at opening 144 is a fitting that includes retainer 104 and liner fitting 106. In an embodiment, liner fitting 106 is joined to the bottle at opening 144. In an embodiment, liner fitting 106 extends through opening 144.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, retainer 104 and liner fitting 106 engage one another. As shown in fig. 1A, retainer 104 is joined to liner fitting 106 by the interface of protrusion 108 from outer surface 110 (fig. 1B) of liner fitting 106 with groove or opening 112 on inner surface 114 of retainer 104. In an embodiment, the retainer 104 and the liner fitting 106 may be engaged by friction (e.g., sized to be a press fit with each other) or by friction at an O-ring 116 (visible in FIG. 1B) disposed in an O-ring groove (e.g., an O-ring groove 118 disposed on the outer surface 110 of the liner fitting 106). In an embodiment, an adhesive may be used to join retainer 104 to liner fitting 106. In an embodiment, welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) may be used to join retainer 104 to liner fitting 106. O-ring 116 may be made of a softer material than retainer 104 or liner fitting 106. O-ring 116 may be made of a material selected based on cleanliness and reduction of particulates generated by friction between O-ring 116 and retainer 104 and/or liner fitting 106.

The retainer 104 may be made of a material that is capable of being joined to the container 102 via, for example, ultrasonic welding, heating, or the like. The ability to bond may depend on the method of bonding, compatibility of the materials, and similarity between the melting points of the materials used for the container 102 and the holder 104. The retainer 104 may include additives or coatings, such as stabilizers, colorants, or UV blocking or absorbing materials.

Examples of materials for use in the retainer 104 may include, for example, PE, PET, PEN, and/or PEEK.

The retainer 104 includes a container engagement surface 120 configured to engage to the container 102 at a corresponding engagement surface 120 a. Retainer 104 can include an opening 112 having a width, height, and depth capable of receiving protrusion 108 from liner fitting 106 to secure liner fitting 106 and retainer 104 together. Retainer 104 defines an aperture through which liner fitting 106 may pass. An example of such an aperture is shown in fig. 5 and will be described below. In an embodiment, an O-ring groove is disposed on the retainer 104 on an inner surface facing the retainer bore. In an embodiment, the retainer 104 includes threads 122. In an embodiment, threads 122 are located at an end of retainer 104 that is located outside of vessel 102 when fluid containment system 100 is assembled. In an embodiment, the retainer 104 is configured to engage to the container 102 via a snap fit.

Liner fitting 106 is made of one or more materials that can be joined to a liner used with containment system 100. The liner and liner fitment 106 can be joined by, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, or the like. The engagement of liner with liner fitting 106 may form a fluid-tight seal between the liner and liner fitting 106, such that fluid within the liner may only escape via liner fitting aperture 146 in liner fitting 106.

The material selected for liner fitting 106 may be selected based in part on the reactivity of the material with the chemical species stored in fluid containment system 100. In an embodiment, the liner used with containment system 100 is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and liner fitting 106 is Perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA).

Liner fitting 106 defines a liner fitting aperture 146 having diameter 124 and passing through the entire liner fitting 106. When the containment system 100 is assembled, the liner fitting aperture 146 allows fluid communication from the first end 126 of the liner fitting 106 disposed outside of the vessel 102 to the second end 128 of the liner fitting 106 disposed inside of the vessel 102. Liner fitting 106 includes a liner engagement surface 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, liner engagement surface 130 is disposed on a flange 132 extending from liner fitting 106. In an embodiment, the liner engagement surface 130 is engaged to the liner via ultrasonic welding. In an embodiment, liner engagement surface 130 is engaged to the liner via heat sealing or heat welding.

A liner (not shown) may be joined to liner fitting 106 at liner engagement surface 130 such that fluid within container 102 is retained within the liner, the liner and liner fitting 106 providing a wetted surface having suitable and/or desired properties, such as resistance to or compatibility with fluid stored in fluid containment system 100. Other factors of liner selection of materials may include chemical compatibility with stored chemistries, cleanliness of materials (i.e., reduced material loss during storage or handling), ease of liner cleaning, purity of materials, or other such concerns regarding potential interactions between liners and stored chemistries.

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A. Fig. 1B shows an engagement between a retainer 104 and a container 102, according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1B, the retainer 104 includes a container engagement surface 120, and the container 102 has a corresponding engagement surface 120 a. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1B, the container 102 has an energy director 134 located at an inner circumferential portion of the corresponding engagement surface 120 a. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1B, the energy director 134 and the container engagement surface 120 are configured to be ultrasonically welded together. Embodiments may include a joining surface 120 and a corresponding joining surface 120a configured to be joined via other ultrasonic weld joining structures, such as step joining or tongue and groove ultrasonic welding, or the like. Embodiments may include an engagement surface 120 and a corresponding engagement surface 120a configured to be engaged by other engagement methods, such as thermal welding, mechanical connection (e.g., via snaps or threads), adhesives, or the like.

In FIG. 1B, retainer 104 and liner fitting 106 engage one another via an interface between opening 112 of retainer 104 and protrusion 108 from liner fitting 106. The protrusion 108 from the liner fitting 106 has angled sides 136 and an engagement surface 138 on which the retainer 106 can slide. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1B, the engagement surface 138 is parallel to the sides of the opening 112 of the retainer 104. Engaging surfaces 138 of protrusions 108 engage the sides of openings 112 in retainer 104 to secure liner fitting 106 to retainer 104.

Also in FIG. 1B, O-ring 116 can be seen in O-ring groove 118. The O-ring 116 may be made of a polymer, such as an elastomeric polymer (e.g., rubber or the like). O-ring 116 may provide a seal between retainer 104 and liner fitting 106. In an embodiment, an O-ring 116 is used to provide friction between the retainer 104 and the liner fitting 106 engaged with one another.

Fig. 1C shows the entire fluid containment system 100 including the entire container 102. As shown in fig. 1C, the container 102 may be, for example, a bottle, and the portion shown in fig. 1A may be a neck 142 of the bottle. Vessel 102 may have an opening 144 at the end where holder 104 and liner fitting 106 are connected. The container 102 may include features such as the recessed portion 140, raised portion, textured portion, handle, or other such features shown in fig. 1C. Surface features, such as recessed portions 140, may be added, for example, to increase aesthetics, facilitate handling, improve bottle strength, or suitable combinations thereof.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an end of a fluid containment system 200, according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the fluid containment system 200 includes the vessel 102 and the retainer 104, as well as all of the features of the elements shown in fig. 1A-1C and described above and the liner fitting 202.

Liner fitting 202 includes O-ring groove 118, as described above for liner fitting 106. The liner fitting 202 defines an aperture 210 extending from a first end of the liner fitting 202 to a second end of the liner fitting 202. Liner fitting 202 may be made of the same materials as liner fitting 106 described above. In liner fitting 202, liner engagement surface 204 is located on first end point 206, second end point 208, and one or more curved surfaces (not shown) extending from first end point 206 to second end point 208. Curved surfaces, such as those upon which the liner engagement surface 204 may be disposed, may be seen in fig. 4A and 4C and as will be described below.

Liner fitting 202 may include protrusions, such as protrusion 108 shown on liner fitting 106 in fig. 1A and 1B; however, these are not visible in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2. Such protrusions may engage retainer 104 to secure liner fitting 202 to retainer 104. Such protrusions can also be seen in the example liner fitting 400 shown in fig. 4A and 4C.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a liner fitting 300 according to an embodiment. The liner fitting 300 defines a liner fitting aperture 302 that extends through a length direction 304 (as seen in fig. 3B) of the liner fitting 300. Liner fitting 300 includes a flange 306. The liner engagement surface 308 is disposed on a surface of the flange 306. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, the boss 310 is disposed on an outer surface 312 of the liner fitting 300. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, an O-ring groove 314 is also disposed on the outer surface 312 of the liner fitting 300.

Liner fitting aperture 302 is an opening extending in a length direction 304 of liner fitting 300. When a liner (not shown) is attached to the liner fitting aperture 302 at the liner engagement surface 308, the liner fitting aperture 302 allows fluid communication into and out of the liner and provides a wet face between the interior of the liner and the exterior of a fluid containment system including the liner fitting 300. In embodiments, the wetted surface provided by the liner fitting 300 is one or more polymers that do not react with the chemicals stored in the fluid containment system including the liner fitting 300, such as fluoropolymers, including homopolymers and copolymers of fluoropolymers. In an embodiment, the liner fitting 300 is made entirely of one or more polymers (e.g., fluoropolymers, including homopolymers and copolymers of fluoropolymers) that do not react with the chemicals stored in the fluid containment system that includes the liner fitting 300.

A flange 306 extends from liner fitting 300. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the flange 306 is an annular protrusion from the end of the liner fitting 300. In an embodiment, the flange 306 is continuous. In embodiments where the flange is discontinuous, part or all of the width of the flange may comprise a discontinuity. In embodiments in which the flange is discontinuous, the flange includes one or more openings through the flange. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, a liner engagement surface 308 is disposed on an upper surface of the flange 306. The liner engagement surface 308 is a surface configured to engage to a liner. The connection between the liner and the liner engagement surface 308 may be fluid impervious and may be via welding, such as ultrasonic welding or thermal welding, for example. In an embodiment, the material at the liner engagement surface 308 is the same as the material in a liner for use with the liner fitting 300.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the liner fitting 300 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 3A. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the length direction 304 of the liner fitting can be seen. Liner fitting aperture 302 extends through the entire length of liner fitting 300 in this length direction 304. Liner fitting 300 has a first end inner diameter 316 and a first end outer diameter 318. In an embodiment, the first end inner diameter 316 is selected to allow insertion of a pipe into a liner attached to the liner fitting 300 to allow extraction of fluid from the liner via the pipe. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the retainer used with liner fitting 300 is selected to be greater than the first end outer diameter 318 of liner fitting 300.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a liner fitting 400 according to an embodiment. Liner fitting 400 defines a liner fitting orifice 402. Liner fitting aperture 402 is an opening in liner fitting 400 that extends in a length direction 404 (as shown in fig. 4B) of liner fitting 400.

The liner fitting 400 includes a liner engagement surface 410. The liner engagement surface 410 is configured to allow the liner fitting 400 to be engaged to a liner. The liner can be joined to the liner-engaging surface 410 via a fluid-impervious seal, such as by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing. Liner engagement surface 410 may be configured to be engaged to a liner by, for example, ultrasonic welding. In an embodiment, the material at the liner engagement surface 410 or for the entire liner fitting 400 is selected based on compatibility with the chemistry stored within the liner. For example, in an embodiment, when the liner fitting 400 is used with a liner made of PTFE, the liner fitting 400 is made of PFA.

Liner fitting 400 has an outer surface 412. An O-ring groove 414 may be disposed on the outer surface 412. O-ring groove 414 is an annular groove in outer surface 412 having a depth and width to receive an O-ring and in some embodiments allow a portion of the O-ring to protrude beyond outer surface 412 such that it can contact a retainer used with liner fitting 400 to, for example, form a seal between liner fitting 400 and a retainer used with liner fitting 400. The seal formed via the O-ring may be a fluid permeation resistant seal. The O-ring may be made of a polymer (e.g., an elastomeric polymer, such as rubber). The O-ring may be the same or similar to O-ring 116 shown in fig. 1B and described above.

The protrusion 416 may extend from the outer surface 412 of the liner fitting 400. The protrusion 416 may be configured to engage with a groove on a retainer used with the liner fitting 400.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the liner fitting 400 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. In a cross-sectional view, a length direction 404 of liner fitting 400 along which liner fitting orifice 402 extends can be seen. In a cross-sectional view, the inner diameter 418 of the liner fitting 400 is visible and defines the diameter of the liner fitting aperture 402 at the end of the liner fitting 400. The liner fitting 400 also has an outer diameter 420 at the end. The thickness of the liner fitting 400 at the end is half the difference between the inner diameter 418 and the outer diameter 420 of the liner fitting. The thickness of the liner fitting 400 may vary along the length 404 of the liner fitting 400. A retainer for use with liner fitting 400 will have an aperture with a diameter that is at least about the diameter of outer diameter 420 of the liner fitting such that liner fitting 400 can be inserted into the aperture of the retainer. In an embodiment, the retainer will have an aperture with a diameter selected to be about equal to or slightly less than the outer diameter 420 of the liner fitting such that when assembled, the retainer can be press-fit with the liner fitting 400.

Fig. 4C shows a bottom view of the liner fitting 400 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 4A. In fig. 4C, the protrusion 416 is visible. Two surfaces 422 extending from the first end point 406 to the second end point 408 are shown in fig. 4C. Liner engagement surfaces 410 are disposed on each of the surfaces 422 and at the first and

second endpoints

406, 408. Liner fitting orifice 402 extends through the entire liner fitting 400. As shown in fig. 4C, in a bottom or top view of the liner fitting 400, the surface 422 and the

end points

406, 408 form a regular dihedral shape, with the angles formed between the surface 422 at the

end points

406 and 408 being equal to each other, and the surface 422 having equal length and curvature.

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a retainer 500 according to an embodiment. The retainer 500 defines a retainer aperture 502 along a length direction 504 (fig. 5B) of the retainer 500. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5A, the retainer 500 includes a plurality of openings (shown as 506 in fig. 5B) configured to receive bosses from a liner fitting, such as the bosses 310 of the liner fitting 400 shown in fig. 3A or the bosses 416 of the liner fitting 400 shown in fig. 4A. The retainer 500 may include a container engagement surface (shown as 508 in fig. 5B). In the embodiment shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the container engagement surface 508 is located on a retainer flange 510.

The retainer orifice 502 is an opening defined by the retainer 500. Retainer bore 502 has an inner diameter 512 that is sized substantially the same as or larger than the outer diameter of a liner fitting (e.g., outer diameter 318 of liner fitting 300 or outer diameter 420 of liner fitting 400 used with retainer 500). This allows liner fitting 300 or 400 to be inserted into retainer aperture 502. In an embodiment, when

fluid containment system

100, 200 is assembled, liner fitting 300 or 400 may protrude through retainer 500 such that liner fitting 300 or 400 provides an entire wetted surface from the liner to the exterior of the fluid containment system, e.g., in fluid containment system 100 or fluid containment system 200.

The retainer 500 includes threads 514 on the outer surface of the retainer 500. Threads 514 may be used, for example, to attach a cap to close a containment system containing holder 500. In an embodiment, the retainer 500 may not include threads 514 at the ends. In an embodiment, another connector (e.g., a lip for engaging a lid) may be present on the retainer 500. In an embodiment, the retainer 500 can include features configured to engage with the lid to form a snap fit between the retainer and the lid.

A retainer flange 510 extends outwardly from the retainer 500. Retainer flange 510 may be an annular flange that surrounds the entire retainer 500. The retainer flange 510 may include one or more vents. The vent may allow fluid communication between the exterior of the fluid containment system including the retainer 500 and a space between a liner coupled to the liner fitting and a container coupled to the container engagement surface 508. In an embodiment, the vent is used to pressurize a space between the container and the liner when dispensing a chemical stored in the liner of the fluid containment system. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5, the retainer flange 510 is continuous. In an embodiment, when retainer flange 510 extends away from retainer 500, retainer flange 510 includes one or more discontinuities in part or all of retainer flange 510. In an embodiment, the discontinuity forms a vent hole at the edge of the retainer flange 510 and a gap in the container engagement surface 508 corresponding to the discontinuity in the flange 510. In embodiments, the vent allows air to escape or enter the container in response to a change in volume of the liner.

Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the retainer 500 according to the embodiment shown in fig. 5A. In the view of fig. 5B, the opening 506 and container engagement surface 508 described above can be seen. Fig. 5B shows a length direction 504 of the retainer 500 along which the retainer orifice 502 extends.

The container engagement surface 508 may be located on a flange 510 of the retainer 500. The container engagement surface 508 may be a surface configured to be engaged to a container, such as the container 102 shown in fig. 1A-1C and described above. In an embodiment, the container engagement surface 508 is positioned to be welded to the container. In an embodiment, the container engagement surface 508 is a flat surface configured to contact an energy director on a corresponding engagement surface of the container after ultrasonic welding.

In an embodiment, the container engagement surface 508 is the location of an adhesive for engaging the retainer 500 to a container. In embodiments, the container engagement surface 508 may be configured to mechanically engage to the container, such as via threads, snaps, interference fit, or the like. The container engagement surface 508 may be continuous, e.g., extending around the entire circumference of a flange 510, where the flange 510 is an annular flange. In an embodiment, the container engagement surface 508 is discontinuous to form a vent that allows fluid communication between a space outside the containment system and a space between the container and the liner of the containment system.

The opening 506 is an opening in the retainer 500 having a height 516, a width (not visible in the cross-sectional view of fig. 5B), an orientation, and a depth 518 configured to receive a protrusion of a liner fitting, such as the protrusion 310 or the protrusion 416 of the liner fitting 300 described above, for use with the retainer. The combination of the opening 506 of the retainer 500 and the protrusion 310 or protrusion 416 of the liner fitting 300 described above to provide a snap fit that engages the liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400 to the retainer 500.

Fig. 6A shows a liner 600 according to an embodiment. The liner 600 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6 may be used with the liner fitting 300, as described above and shown in fig. 3.

Liner 600 contains a fluid when the fluid is stored in a fluid containment system (e.g., fluid containment system 100 or fluid containment system 200) that contains liner 600. The liner 600 is formed from a topsheet and a backsheet. The topsheet, backsheet and liner assembly 300 are joined using a joining method that results in a fluid impervious seal, such as a welded (e.g., ultrasonically welded) seal or a heat seal.

The liner fitment 300 may be placed such that the flange 306 on which the liner engagement surface 308 is disposed is between the backsheet and the topsheet with the liner fitment 300 protruding through the opening 602 in the topsheet. The opening 602 has a diameter 608 that is greater than the diameter of the liner fitting 300 at the end of the liner fitting aperture 302, but less than the smallest diameter of the flange 306 of the liner fitting 300. In an embodiment, the liner fitting 300 protrudes out of the liner 600. In an embodiment, a seal may be formed that prevents fluid from escaping the liner 600, except through the liner fitting aperture 302 of the liner fitting 300.

The liner 600 may be closed by joining the edges 604 of the topsheet and backsheet to form a seal around the edges 604 and allow fluid to be stored in the space 606 between the topsheet and backsheet and between the sealed edges 604.

In an embodiment, the liner 600 is joined to a liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 400) having an engagement surface located on a curved surface between two end points rather than on a flange. When the liner 600 is used with a liner fitment, such as liner fitment 400, the bottom sheet, top sheet, and liner fitment 400 are arranged such that the edges of each of the bottom sheet and top sheet each contact the curved surface 422 of the liner engagement surface 410 on which the liner fitment 400 is disposed. The edges 604 of the top and bottom sheets are joined to each other and to the liner engagement surface 410. When the liner 600 is used with a liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 400), the openings 602 may be omitted from the sheets used to form the liner 600. When the liner 600 is used with a liner fitment, such as liner fitment 400, the top and bottom sheets and liner fitment 400 may be joined to each other during a joining process, such as ultrasonic or thermal welding.

The liner 600 may be made of a polymer. The liner 600 may be made of a polymer that is impermeable to the fluids contained by the containment system containing the liner 600. The liner 600 may be made of a flexible polymer such that the liner may expand when pressurized. In an embodiment, the liner 600 is made of a polymer selected based on chemical resistance or compatibility with the fluid contained by the containment system containing the liner 600. In an embodiment, the liner 600 is made of a fluoropolymer (which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of a fluoropolymer). In an embodiment, the liner 600 is PTFE. In an embodiment, when the liner 600 is PTFE, the liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400) is made of a material selected to be ultrasonically weldable to the liner 600 (e.g., PFA). In embodiments, the liner may be, for example, a polyolefin or any other polymer suitable for containing chemicals used with a containment system including the liner, based on, for example, chemical compatibility, purity, and cleanliness of the liner material.

Fig. 6B shows a liner 610 according to an embodiment. The liner 610 is configured for use with the fitment shown in figures 4A-4C. The liner 610 has a neck 612. When the edges 614 of the layers of the liner 610 are joined to form the liner, the edges at the end 616 of the neck 612 are not joined and allow fluid flow between the space 618 between the exterior of the liner and the joined layers of the liner. When liner 610 is used with liner fitment 400, inner surface 620 of neck 612 is joined to liner engagement surface 410 by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 700 of manufacturing a containment system, according to an embodiment. The liner is joined to at least a portion of the fitting 702. Fitting 704 is optionally fully assembled. The liner and fitment are placed 706 within the container. The liner is pressurized 708. The fitment is joined to the container 710.

The liner is joined to at least a portion of the fitting 702. In an embodiment, the liner is joined to an entire fitting, such as the assembly fitting shown in fig. 1A and 2 or the fitting 800 shown in fig. 8. In an embodiment, the liner is joined to only a portion of the fitting (such as liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400 shown in fig. 3A-3B and 4A-4C, respectively) prior to assembly of the fitting with a retainer (such as retainer 500 (fig. 5A-5B)). The liner may be the liner 600 described above. The liner can be joined to the fitment or portion of the fitment 702 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or the like. In an embodiment, the liner is assembled upon joining the liner to the portion of the fitting.

The fitting 704 can optionally be assembled while joining the liner to only a portion 702 of the fitting. The fitting is assembled by engaging components, such as a retainer (e.g., retainer 500) and a liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400). The components may include a liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400) and a retainer (e.g., retainer 500). The liner fitting and retainer may be joined by, for example, mechanical interference, such as snap or threads, friction (e.g., press fit), or an O-ring disposed between the liner fitting and retainer, or by an adhesive.

The liner and fitment are placed 706 within the container. The liner is placed completely within a container, such as the container 102 used in the containment system 100 described above and shown in fig. 1-3. The fitment is surrounded by the perimeter of the aperture of the container. In an embodiment, a container engagement surface (e.g., container engagement surface 120) is placed in contact with a corresponding engagement surface 120 a.

The liner is pressurized 708. Pressurizing the liner may be accomplished by providing gas to a liner fitting orifice (e.g., liner fitting orifice 302), for example, via a gas fill tube. When the container, liner, and fitment are located inside the ultrasonic welding device, pressurizing the liner may be performed, for example, by providing a gas source (e.g., a gas fill tube), an orifice in the bell of the ultrasonic welding device, or the like. Pressurizing 708 the liner expands the liner inside the container. In embodiments where the fitment is joined to the container by a hermetic seal, pressurizing the liner may be performed prior to joining the fitment to the container 710.

The fitment is joined to the container 710. The fitment and container may be joined by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or the like. In embodiments, the fitting and container may be joined by mechanical interference, such as snap or threads, friction (e.g., press fit), or an O-ring disposed between the liner fitting and the retainer, or by adhesives. The joining of the fitment to the container 710 can be performed while the liner is pressurized. In an embodiment, the liner is pressurized 708, and then the pressure is maintained while the fitting is engaged to the container 710. In an embodiment, liner is pressurized 708 when the container and fitment are in an ultrasonic welding device used to join the fitment to container 710. In an embodiment, the gas source used to pressurize 708 the liner continues to be used to maintain pressure in the liner while the ultrasonic welding device is used to form the ultrasonic weld joining the fitment to the container.

Fig. 8 shows a fitting 800 according to an embodiment. The fitting 800 defines an aperture 802 extending in a length direction 804 of the fitting 800. Fitment 800 may include a container engagement surface 808 and a liner engagement surface 810. In an embodiment, container engagement surface 808 is located on a flange 806 extending outwardly from fitment 800. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the liner engagement surface 810 is located on the first end 812 and the second end 814 and on a surface (not visible in the cross-sectional view of fig. 8) extending from the first end 812 to the second end 814, as described above and liner engagement surface 410 shown in fig. 4. In an embodiment, the liner engagement surface 810 may be located on a flange, similar to the liner engagement surface 308 and flange 306 described above and shown in fig. 3. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, fitting 800 is an integral fitting formed from a one-piece construction that includes both liner engagement surface 810 and container engagement surface 808, rather than separate retainers and liner fittings. The integral fitment may be made of a material that is weldable to both the container and the liner. The one-piece fitting can be used in containment systems for containing chemicals that are not particularly sensitive to the cleanliness or reactivity of the liner and fitting materials.

In embodiments, one or more vents may be formed in the fitting 800, such as in the flange 806. The vent may allow fluid communication between the exterior of a fluid containment system including fitting 800 and a space between a liner coupled to liner engagement surface 810 and a container coupled to container engagement surface 808 of fitting 800 to pressurize the space, for example, when dispensing a chemical stored in the liner of the fluid containment system. The vent may allow air to enter or exit the space between the liner and the container engaged by the fitment 800, for example, in response to a change in volume of the liner.

Fitment 800 may be made of one or more polymers having suitable engagement characteristics, chemical resistance or compatibility with respect to the container and liner, and/or other properties (e.g., UV blocking and the like) desired for the application of the fluid containment system. In an embodiment, a coating (e.g., a fluoropolymer, which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of fluoropolymer, such as PFA or the like) may be applied to a wet side of the fitting 800, such as an inner surface of the fitting 800 defining the orifice 802 of the fitting 800. In an embodiment, the entire fitting 800 is made of fluoropolymer (which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of fluoropolymer, such as PFA). In an embodiment, surface treatment is used to coat the fitting 800 (e.g., a UV absorbing coating or other coating) to improve cleanliness and/or chemical compatibility.

Fitting 800 may be used in a fluid containment system, for example, where the fitting material provides all of the properties required for the application in which the fluid containment system is used. For example, if a fluid containment system is used to store chemicals where UV protection is not important and a fluoropolymer (which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of fluoropolymer) may be successfully joined to the vessel 102, the unitary fitting 800 may be used to replace a system having a separate retainer (e.g., retainer 500) and a separate liner fitting (e.g., liner fitting 300 or liner fitting 400). The fitting 800 may include threads 816 for receiving a cap or the like.

The method comprises the following steps:

it should be noted that any of aspects 1-11 may be combined with any of aspects 12-17 or 18-20. Any of aspects 12-17 may be combined with any of aspects 18-20.

Aspect 1: a fitting for a fluid containment system, comprising:

a liner fitting including a liner engagement surface configured to be engaged to a liner, wherein the liner fitting defines a liner fitting aperture; and

a retainer including a container engagement surface configured to be engaged to a container, wherein the retainer defines a retainer orifice having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the liner fitting at an end of the liner fitting,

wherein the liner fitting and the retainer engage one another.

Aspect 2: the fitting of aspect 1, wherein the liner engagement surface is disposed on an annular flange.

Aspect 3: the fitting of aspect 1, wherein the liner engagement surface is disposed on one or more curved surfaces extending from a first end point to a second end point.

Aspect 4: the fitting of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the retainer includes one or more vents to allow fluid communication between a first side of the retainer and a second side of the retainer, the second side of the retainer being opposite the first side of the retainer.

Aspect 5: the fitting of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the liner fitting comprises a fluoropolymer.

Aspect 6: the fitting of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the retainer is threaded at an end of the retainer bore.

Aspect 7: the fitting of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the retainer is threaded at an end of the retainer bore.

Aspect 8: the fitment of any of aspects 1-7 wherein the retainer comprises a polymer ultrasonically weldable to a stretch blow molded polymer.

Aspect 9: the fitting of any of aspects 1-8, wherein the liner fitting includes one or more first connection features on the outer surface of the liner fitting and the retainer includes one or more second connection features, and the liner fitting and the retainer are engaged via an interface of the one or more first connection features and the one or more second connection features.

Aspect 10: the fitting of any of aspects 1-9, wherein an O-ring is located between the liner fitting and the retainer.

Aspect 11: the fitting of aspect 10, further comprising an annular groove in an outer surface of the liner fitting, wherein the O-ring is located within the annular groove.

Aspect 12: a containment system, comprising:

a liner;

an accessory; and

the container is a container, and the container is a container,

wherein the accessory comprises:

a liner fitting having a liner engagement surface engaged to the liner and defining a liner fitting aperture, an

A retainer having a container engagement surface engaged to the container and defining a retainer orifice having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the liner fitting at an end of the liner fitting, and

the container surrounds the liner.

Aspect 13: the containment system of aspect 12, wherein the liner is joined to the liner-engaging surface of the fitting by welding.

Aspect 14: the containment system of any of aspects 12-13, wherein the container is engaged to the retainer by a snap fit.

Aspect 15: the containment system of any of aspects 12-14, wherein the container comprises a UV blocking material.

Aspect 16: the containment system of any one of aspects 12-15, wherein the container comprises a stretch blow molded polymer and the holder comprises the same stretch blow molded polymer.

Aspect 17: the containment system of any of aspects 12-16, wherein the liner comprises a fluoropolymer.

Aspect 18: a method of manufacturing a containment system, comprising:

welding the liner to the fitting at the liner engagement surface;

placing the liner and the fitment inside a container;

pressurizing the liner; and

engaging the fitment to the container at a container engagement surface.

Aspect 19: the method of aspect 18, wherein joining the fitment to the container comprises ultrasonically welding the fitment to the container and pressurizing the liner when joining the fitment to the container.

Aspect 20: the method of aspect 18, wherein the accessory comprises:

a retainer including a container engagement surface configured to be engaged to a container, wherein the retainer defines a retainer orifice having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the liner fitting at an end of the liner fitting, and

the liner fitting and the retainer engage one another.

The terminology used in the description is intended to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" and "the" also include the plural forms unless specifically indicated otherwise. The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components.

With respect to the above description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail (especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of the parts) without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and described embodiments be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fitting for a fluid containment system, comprising:

wherein the liner fitting and the retainer engage one another.

2. The fitment of claim 1 wherein the liner engagement surface is disposed on an annular flange.

3. The fitment of claim 1 wherein the liner engagement surface is disposed on one or more curved surfaces extending from a first end point to a second end point.

4. The fitment of claim 1, wherein the retainer includes one or more vents to allow fluid communication between a first side of the retainer and a second side of the retainer, the second side of the retainer being opposite the first side of the retainer.

5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the liner fitting comprises a fluoropolymer.

6. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the retainer is threaded at an end of the retainer bore.

7. The fitment of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises a UV blocking material.

8. The fitment of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises a polymer ultrasonically weldable to a stretch blow molded polymer.

9. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the liner fitting includes one or more first connection features on the outer surface of the liner fitting and the retainer includes one or more second connection features, and the liner fitting and the retainer are engaged via an interface of the one or more first connection features and the one or more second connection features.

10. The fitting of claim 1, wherein an O-ring is located between the liner fitting and the retainer.

11. The fitting of claim 10, further comprising an annular groove in an outer surface of the liner fitting, wherein the O-ring is located within the annular groove.

12. A containment system, comprising:

a liner;

an accessory; and

the container is a container, and the container is a container,

wherein the accessory comprises:

the container surrounds the liner.

13. The containment system of claim 12, wherein the liner is joined to the liner-engaging surface of the fitting by welding.

14. The containment system of claim 12, wherein the container is engaged to the retainer by a snap fit.

15. The containment system of claim 12, wherein the container comprises a UV blocking material.

16. The containment system of claim 12, wherein the container comprises a stretch blow molded polymer and the holder comprises the same stretch blow molded polymer.

17. The containment system of claim 12, wherein the liner comprises a fluoropolymer.

18. A method of manufacturing a containment system, comprising:

welding the liner to the fitting at the liner engagement surface;

placing the liner and the fitment inside a container;

pressurizing the liner; and

engaging the fitment to the container at a container engagement surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein joining the fitment to the container comprises ultrasonically welding the fitment to the container and pressurizing the liner when joining the fitment to the container.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the accessory comprises:

the liner fitting and the retainer engage one another.