EP0391686B1 - Sorbent, impact resistant container - Google Patents
Sorbent, impact resistant container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0391686B1 EP0391686B1 EP90303610A EP90303610A EP0391686B1 EP 0391686 B1 EP0391686 B1 EP 0391686B1 EP 90303610 A EP90303610 A EP 90303610A EP 90303610 A EP90303610 A EP 90303610A EP 0391686 B1 EP0391686 B1 EP 0391686B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- article
- container
- microfibers
- solidity
- particles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000002594 sorbent Substances 0.000 title claims description 11
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 75
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 claims description 75
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011344 liquid material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003197 catalytic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003472 neutralizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001474 Flashspun fabric Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004751 flashspun nonwoven Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 54
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 23
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 22
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 17
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 16
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 13
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 13
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 13
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 11
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000013056 hazardous product Substances 0.000 description 8
- VZGDMQKNWNREIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrachloromethane Chemical compound ClC(Cl)(Cl)Cl VZGDMQKNWNREIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000011094 fiberboard Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910021641 deionized water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 3
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012784 inorganic fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229940059904 light mineral oil Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002134 Carboxymethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229920000881 Modified starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001131 Pulp (paper) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M Sodium bicarbonate-14C Chemical compound [Na+].O[14C]([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229920006328 Styrofoam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003708 ampul Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013060 biological fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000872 buffer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001768 carboxy methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010948 carboxy methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008112 carboxymethyl-cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940105329 carboxymethylcellulose Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 206010061592 cardiac fibrillation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003518 caustics Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000748 compression moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012669 compression test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011096 corrugated fiberboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000280 densification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002600 fibrillogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012634 fragment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000383 hazardous chemical Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002906 microbiologic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010446 mineral oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019426 modified starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011105 molded pulp Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001748 polybutylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006327 polystyrene foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003307 slaughter Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GCLGEJMYGQKIIW-UHFFFAOYSA-H sodium hexametaphosphate Chemical compound [Na]OP1(=O)OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])O1 GCLGEJMYGQKIIW-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008261 styrofoam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009864 tensile test Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000000383 tetramethylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004584 weight gain Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019786 weight gain Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
- D04H1/558—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving in combination with mechanical or physical treatments other than embossing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
- B65D81/107—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material
- B65D81/113—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material of a shape specially adapted to accommodate contents
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
- D04H1/542—Adhesive fibres
- D04H1/544—Olefin series
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
- D04H1/56—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving in association with fibre formation, e.g. immediately following extrusion of staple fibres
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a container which is useful for shipping and storing hazardous fluid materials.
- the shipment of hazardous fluid materials requires the use of a shipping container or package which will protect the vessel holding the material from shock which can cause breakage as well as provide for containment or control of the fluid material should the vessel be broken.
- the shock protection and containment requirements are generally incompatible in that materials which provide good shock protection typically exhibit poor fluid containment or absorption properties and materials having good fluid containment or absorption properties exhibit poor shock protection properties.
- Hazardous fluid material shipping containers which offer both shock and containment protection which have evolved are a combination of a more rigid container which provides shock protection that is filled with an absorbent material. This combined structure results in a shipping package that is very large relative to the volume of hazardous material being shipped in the package.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,560,069 discloses a package assembly for transporting hazardous materials including a bottle containing the hazardous material disposed within a metal can wherein the bottle is surrounded on all sides by individual upper, lower and side absorbent non-resilient and frangible synthetic foam elements.
- the foam elements provide cushioning for the bottle and absorbency in the case of spillage.
- the individual foam elements are maintained out of contact with each other by means of a fiberboard spacers.
- the spacers are disposed to separate the upper and lower ends of the bottle from the resin foam and to protect the frangible foam from disintegration due to abrasion by the bottle.
- the metal can can be suspended within an outer corrugated fiberboard box by means of a fiberboard insert element for the outer box.
- the fiberboard insert element supports the can out of contact with the outer fiberboard box and provides a protecting buffer zone between the can and the walls of the outer fiberboard box for protection of the can.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,999,653 discloses a package containing a hazardous liquid which comprises a container which is generally impermeable to a hazardous liquid contained therein, the container being subject to discharge of its contents when subjected to impact.
- the container is disposed within a first jacket of a liquid permeable material of sufficient strength to contain fragments of the container on rupture thereof.
- a second jacket is provided over the first jacket, the second jacket having at least an inner wall and outer wall, the inner wall being liquid permeable, a hazardous liquid swellable body contained between the inner wall and outer wall and being generally co-extensive with the inner wall and outer wall, and a third jacket of hazardous liquid vapor imperious membrane.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,213,528 discloses a package for an acid container, such as an acid containing ampule or bottle, formed of an acid resistant envelope and a separate removable absorbent shield for enclosing the acid container, with the absorbent shield including a material to neutralize acid whereby any acid released from the container is absorbed and neutralized by the absorbent shield.
- the absorbent shield is generally porous, yet sufficiently absorbent to allow essentially instantaneous absorption of acidic liquids of high, medium and low viscosities.
- U.S. Patent No. Re 24,767 discloses a packaging container that provides uniform thermal, shock, impact, vibration, inertia and fluid impervious insulation for a fragile or delicate object or material.
- the object or material is completely encased in a yielding, flexible and resilient cellular or foamaceous sheath of selected thickness that is effective as a protection against shock, impact, vibration, inertia effects, etc. as well as being a good thermal insulating blanket, the sheath cradling and supporting the object or material, and a fluid-tight or impervious shell to protect the object or material against deterioration by temperature changes or moisture.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,929,425 discloses a protective pouch comprising an elongated cushioning strip having a series of pockets into which parts to be packaged may be inserted.
- the pouch is so constructed that one or more of the longitudinal edges of the cushioning strip may be folded over the pockets to cover them, and then the pouch is either rolled up or folded up for insertion into a shipping container such as a metal can, a wooden box or a carton.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,941,708 discloses a molded pulp set-up insulating container in which six integrally joined sections have rims disposed thereon to give locking contact where free section edges meet.
- the container is molded so as to have the minimum amount of pulp in direct contact with the goods held in the container to minimize heat transfer through the pulp.
- the container has sufficient rigidity to support the goods within the container and to also entrap a blanket of insulating air around the goods.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,309,893 (Heffler et al.) discloses an insulated shipping container which has an elongated body, quadrilateral in cross section, formed of a rigid, inflexible polyurethane foam, having a heat-conductivity factor in the range of 0.11 to 0.20 and integrally provided with a cavity of circular cross section opening at one end of the body and being closed at its other end and a closure for the cavity being of cylindrical form and having a diameter greater than that of the cavity and formed of resilient, flexible, and porous polyurethane foam for sealing engagement within the open end of the cavity for forming a tight joint with the walls thereof while permitting the escape of gases from within the container and having a heat conductivity factor in the range of 0.22 to 0.35.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,698,587 discloses a self-sealing wall for containers and conduits comprising a substantially rigid supporting layer of liquid impervious material, a layer of foam and at least one layer of a homogeneous elastomeric polyurethane adhered to the foam.
- U.S. Patent 3,895,159 discloses a cryogenic insulation material which is shaped in conformance with the the form of an article to be insulated and is made of a rigid polyurethane foam having a core layer including cells and inner and outer surface layers including hardly any cells. Glass fiber is embedded at least in the inner surface layer.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,124,116 discloses a liquid absorbing sectional pack consisting of upper and lower filter sheets bonded to each other at the outermost contiguous edges to form an enclosure.
- the enclosure is divided into a plurality of sectional compartments which are isolated from each other by dissolving barrier sheets.
- the dissolving barrier sheets consist essentially of a water soluble carboxy methyl cellulose compound.
- Each of the sectional compartments contain a predetermined quantity of absorbent granules.
- the barrier sheets function to dissolve when the granules have absorbed a predetermined amount of moisture so as to provide for increased space in which to contain moist granules.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,240,547 discloses a compact, reusable specimen mailer for safely shipping fragile specimen containers via the postal service.
- Two substantially identical L-shaped matable parts are each provided with a long leg having a flat free end and a flat inside face, and a short leg having a flat inside face, so that the two parts may be joined together with the free end of the long legs of the two parts flush against each other.
- the long leg of each part forms apertures for receiving test tubes, which protrude from the free end of the long leg of the other part.
- the long leg forms an aperture opening out of its free end and its inside face, and connected with another cavity formed in the inside face of the short leg, for receiving a slide holder.
- a sheet of absorbent material is disposed within a recess in the inside face of the long leg for absorbing leaking fluids. The two parts are joined together and placed in a special envelope for mailing.
- U.S. Patent 4,481,779 discloses a storage container for shipping transportable materials at cryogenic temperatures including a vessel which opens to the atmosphere and contains a micro-fibrous structure for holding a liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen in adsorption and capillary suspension.
- the micro-fibrous structure comprises a core permeable to liquid and gaseous nitrogen and an adsorption matrix composed of a web of inorganic fibers surrounding the core in a multi-layered arrangement.
- U.S. Patent 4,495,775 discloses a container for shipping transportable materials at cryogenic temperatures including a vessel which opens to the atmosphere and contains a micro-fibrous structure for holding a liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen in adsorption and capillary suspension.
- the micro-fibrous structure comprises a core permeable to liquid and gaseous nitrogen and an adsorption matrix composed of randomly oriented inorganic fibers surrounding the core as a homogeneous body in stable confinement.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,584,822 discloses a cushion packing material for use in protecting objects from shock and vibrational loads.
- the cushion packing comprises a dimensionally stable thermoformed shell forming a chamber therein of a predetermined configuration and having a foam material, preferably low density polyurethane foam, disposed therewithin so as to provide a molded density of less than or equal to 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.
- the present invention in one aspect, provides an article comprising compressed particles comprising polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least 20%.
- the present invention in another aspect, provides a container comprising a shaped article of compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least about 20%.
- the container is absorbent, impact resistant and thermally insulating.
- the container is enclosed in an impermeable protective outer layer.
- Particulate and other fibrous material can also be incorporated in the compressed particles of polyolefin microfiber structure.
- the container has excellent structural rigidity, impact resistance, and compression resistance and provides both excellent cushioning properties and excellent sorbency.
- the container is particularly useful for storing and transporting hazardous liquid materials such as acidic materials, caustic materials, and biological fluids, particularly when such materials are packaged in breakable vessels.
- the preferred material for containment of hazardous liquid materials are rigid breakable materials such as glass or high density thermoplastic materials such as polyolefin, polycarbonate or polyester in the form of jars, bottles, vials, or test tubes.
- Such vessels are susceptible to breakage through impact. Breakage of the vessel creates the potential for contamination of the surrounding environment and the potential human risk associated in contacting the contaminated broken vessel and its contents.
- the excellent cushioning and sorbency properties of the containers of this invention provide an excellent means for safely storing and shipping hazardous liquid materials in breakable vessels.
- the container of the present invention is also useful for storing and shipping materials under cryogenic conditions.
- the container of the present invention also can provide excellent thermal insulation for vessels stored and shipped in the containers.
- the present invention in a further aspect, provides a process for preparing the compressed particles of polyolefin microfiber article of the present invention comprising providing particles of polyolefin microfibers to a mold, applying pressure to said particles, releasing said pressure, and removing said article from said mold, said pressure being sufficient to achieve a solidity of at least about 20% when said pressure is released.
- the present invention in another aspect, provides a process for preparing a container comprising providing particles of polyolefin microfibers to a mold, applying pressure to said particles to form said container, releasing said pressure, and removing said container from said mold, said pressure being sufficient to achieve a solidity of at least about 20% when said pressure is released.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another container of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further container of the present invention.
- the polyolefin fibers useful in the present invention can be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, blends thereof and copolymers of ethylene, propylene and/or butylene.
- the fibers are preferably less than about 50 microns, more preferably less than about 25 microns, most preferably less than about 10 microns, in diameter.
- the fibers are preferably prepared by melt blowing, flash spinning, or fibrillation. Particularly preferred are blown microfibers in web form which has been milled or divellicated to form the particles of polyolefin microfibers.
- the particles preferably are less than about 2 cm, more preferably less than about 1 cm, most preferably less than about 0.5 cm in average diameter, although a small amount, generally less than about 5 weight percent can range in size up to about 10 cm.
- microfiber webs can be prepared, for example, as described in Wente, Van A., "Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers," Industrial Engineering Chemistry , vol. 48, pp. 1342-1346, and in Wente, Van A. et al., "Manufacture of Superfine Organic Fibers," Report No. 4364 of the Naval Research Laboratories, published May 25, 1954, or from microfiber webs containing particulate matter such as those disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,373 (Braun), U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 (Anderson et al.) and U.S. Patent No. 4,429,001 (Kolpin et al.).
- microfiber webs are then formed into particles having a size of less than about 2 cm average diameter such as by, for example, milling or divellicating.
- Milling can be carried out using a hammer mill, a cryogenic mill or a shredder.
- Divellicating can be carried out using a lickerin as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,813,948 (Insley).
- Such divellicating produces microwebs having a relatively dense nucleus with fibers and fiber bundles extending therefrom.
- the nucleus of the microfiber microwebs is preferably in the range of about 0.05 to 4 mm, more preferably about 0.2 to 2 mm.
- the extending fibers and/or fiber bundles preferably extend beyond the nucleus to provide an overall diameter of about 0.07 to 10 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 5 mm.
- the articles and containers of the invention are formed by compressing the particles of polyolefin microfibers, i.e., the microfiber microwebs to a solidity of at least about 20%, preferably at least about 30%.
- the shaped article may require support, i.e., plastic casing, fiberboard box, or metal outer casing.
- the polyolefin fibers are compressed to a solidity of less than about 80%, more preferably less than about 70%.
- the solidity of the shipping container is greater than about 80%, the sorbency and cushioning properties of the shipping container may be insufficient.
- the solidity of the article is most preferably about 40 to 50% which provides a material which can be drilled or milled to the desired shape and has excellent sorbency and cushioning properties.
- Compression of the particles of polyolefin microfibers can be accomplished using conventional compression molding equipment such as, for example, flash molding, or powder molding equipment at ambient conditions. Generally, pressures in the range of about 2 to 25 MPa are sufficient to achieve the desired degree of solidity. When the particles are microfiber microwebs, pressures in the range of about 5 to 10 MPa can preferably be used to achieve the preferred solidity of about 40 to 50%. Although such pressures are used to compress the particles of microfibers to form the articles of the invention, there is no significant fusing of the microfibers and no reduction in the available microfiber surface area.
- the articles and containers of the invention have excellent sorbency.
- the articles and containers preferably exhibit a demand sorbency of at least about 0.5 l/m2/min, more preferably at least about 1.0 l/m2/min, most preferably at least about 2.0 l/m2/min.
- the articles and containers preferably exhibit an equilibrium sorption of at least about 0.25 cm3/cm3, more preferably at least about 0.40 cm3/cm3, most preferably at least about 0.60 cm3/cm3.
- the articles and containers preferably exhibit a centrifugal retention of at least about 0.15 cm3/cm3, more preferably at least about 0.20 cm3/cm3.
- the articles and containers of the invention possess good mechanical properties.
- the tensile strength of the article or container material is preferably at least about 9 KPa, more preferably at least about 20 KPa, most preferably at least about 50 KPa.
- the compressive strain energy of the article and container material is preferably at least about 5 KJ/m3, more preferably at least about 20 KJ/m3, most preferably at least about 40 KJ/m3.
- the containers of the invention have excellent insulation properties.
- the containers preferably have a thermal conductivity of less than about 1.5 x 10 ⁇ 4 cal/cm-sec-°C, more preferably less than about 1.0 x 10 ⁇ 4 cal/cm-sec-°C at a temperature of 76°C.
- the containers of the invention can serve as containers for storing and shipping materials under cryogenic conditions when imbibed with liquid nitrogen.
- the outside of the container is provided with insulation to reduce evaporation of the liquid nitrogen.
- Particulate and fibrous material can be introduced into the compressed polyolefin microfiber structure by introducing particulate or fibrous material into the microfiber web as it is being formed as described in U.S. Patents No. 3,971,373 (Braun), No. 4,118,531 (Hauser), No. 4,100,324 (Anderson et al.) and No. 4,429,001 (Kolpin et al.) or by mixing the particulate or fibrous material with the milled or divellicated microfibers prior to compression.
- the particulate is introduced into the microfiber web as it is being formed.
- Particulate materials useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to absorbent particulate materials, neutralizing particulate materials and catalytic agents.
- the amount of particulate incorporated in the compressed microfiber structure is less than about 90 weight percent, more preferably less than about 75 weight percent, most preferably less than 50 weight percent.
- Absorbent particulate materials useful with aqueous hazardous liquids include high sorbency liquid sorbent particles such as, for example, water-insoluble modified starches such as, for example, those sorbent particulates described in U.S. Patent No. 3,981,100, and high molecular weight acrylic polymers containing hydrophilic groups.
- sorbent particulate materials useful for sorbing liquids other than water are alkylstyrene sorbent particles, such as Imbiber BeadsTM, available from Dow Chemical Company.
- Other sorbent particulate materials include wood pulp and activated carbon, the activated carbon being particularly useful for absorbing vapors which might evolve from the hazardous material.
- Neutralizing particulate materials useful in the present invention include, for example, materials such as alumina, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, etc.
- Catalytic particulate materials which can be introduced into the compressed polyolefin microfiber structure include, for example, hopcalite and silver.
- Biological entities such as enzymes or microbiological species which can catalyze the conversion of a hazardous material into harmless by-products can also be incorporated into the articles and containers of the present invention.
- the container of the present invention includes an outer covering.
- the outer covering can be, for example, of fiberboard, metal, or thermoplastic material.
- the preferred outer covering material is shrinkable thermoplastic film which is well known in the art and can provide an additional, impervious layer to further ensure containment of the hazardous material.
- the containers of the present invention can be molded and, optionally, milled or drilled to a wide variety of shapes such that a package of hazardous material can be safely stored or shipped in the container.
- the size of the container is preferably such that there is sufficient sorptive microfiber and particulate, if present, to absorb, contain, or neutralize the hazardous material with some margin of safety.
- FIG. 1 shows a preferred container 10 of the invention encasing a bottle 12 of hazardous liquid.
- Container 10 has a lower section 14 and a lid 16, each of which are formed of compressed polyolefin microfibers.
- Lid 16 has a protruding portion 18 which snugly fits the cavity 22 of lower section 14.
- a covering of shrinkable thermoplastic film 20 is provided around the compressed polyolefin microfibers.
- FIG. 2 shows a container 26 of the invention adapted for storage of test tubes.
- a container is preferably molded as a block and then apertures 28 are drilled in the block for accommodating the test tubes.
- FIG. 3 shows a container 30 adapted for containing vials of hazardous liquid material.
- the container has a base 32 and a lid 34 of compressed polyolefin microfibers.
- Such a container is preferably molded as a block and base apertures 36 and lid apertures 38 are drilled into the block for accommodating vials 40.
- test sample of sorbent material was placed on a 25-50 micron porous plate in a filter funnel and a pressure of 1.0 KPa applied to the sample by a plunger which was freely movable in the barrel of the funnel.
- Deionized water at zero hydrostatic head was conducted from a reservoir through a siphon mechanism to the upper surface of the porous plate where the test sample sorbed the water.
- the initial lineal rate of absorbency was determined and reported in l/m2/min.
- a sample of sorbent material was placed in a bath of deionized water and allowed to saturate for 24 hours. The sample was then removed from the bath and placed on an open mesh screen for 10 minutes to allow for drainage of excess water. The amount of water sorbed by a unit volume of material was determined and the equilibrium sorption reported in cm3/cm3.
- Dog-bone shaped test specimens are molded having a total surface area of 66.8 cm2 and a test area of 25.5 cm2.
- the molded test specimens (face width 2.5 cm; length 10.2 cm) were tested for maximum tensile strength using an Instron Tensile test unit. Evaluations were conducted using a X-head speed of 1.0 cm/min in accordance with ASTM F152- 86 Method C.
- Cylindrical specimens of 4.4 cm in diameter were subjected to compressive stress using a Instron test unit incorporating a compression load cell. The deflection of the specimen, for a given load, was recorded using a uniform loading rate up to an ultimate loading of 689.5 KPa. The X-head speed of the test unit during the evaluation was 1.0 cm/min. Strain energy of the test specimen was determined by calculating the area under the stress/strain curve and is reported in KJ/m3.
- the impact energy density was determined according to ASTM Test Method D-3331.
- the cushioning efficiency is determined as described in "Shock Control,” Arimond, John, Machine Design , May 21, 1987. In this test, a 10 Kg weight is dropped from varying distances onto a given volume of material and the deceleration-time response is determined.
- a sample of sorbent material preconditioned at 100°C in a convection oven for 4 hours, was placed in a sealed dissector containing carbon tetrachloride on a porous ceramic plate positioned about 2 cm above the level of the carbon tetrachloride. Weight gain of the sample is determined gravimetrically after exposure to the vapor for 24 hours.
- a melt blown microfiber web was prepared as described in Wente, Van A., "Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers," Industrial Engineering Chemistry , vol. 48, pp.1342-1346 using polypropylene resin (DyproTM 50 MFR, available from Fina Oil & Chemical Co.,).
- the fibers were sprayed with a surfactant solution (AerosolTM OT, available from American Cyanamid Co.) at a rate to provide 2 percent surfactant based on the weight of the fibers.
- the microfibers were about 6 to 8 microns in average diameter.
- the web had a basis weight of 270 g/m2, a density of 5.2x10 ⁇ 2 g/cm3, a solidity of 5.7%, and a void volume of 18.1 cm3/g.
- the web was tested for sorbency properties. The results were demand sorbency: 4.95 l/m2/min; equilibrium sorption: 0.66 cm3/cm3; and centrifugal retention: 0.39 cm3/cm3.
- microfiber web was divellicated as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,813,948 (Insley) using a lickerin having a tooth density of 6.2 teeth/cm2 and a speed of 900 rpm to produce microfiber microwebs having an average nuclei diameter of 0.5 mm and an average microweb diameter of 1.3 mm.
- microfiber microwebs (587 g) were placed in a compression mold and compressed to form a cylindrical container having a solidity of 35%, an outside diameter of 14.2 cm, an inside diameter of 8.0 cm, and a height of 14.6 cm and top and bottom covers, each having a diameter of 14.2 cm and a thickness of 1.9 cm.
- a glass jar (0.47L capacity) containing 460 cm3 mineral oil was placed in the container, the covers were placed at the ends of the container, and the completed container was vacuum wrapped using 0.5 mm thick polyethylene film.
- the container was tested for durability using the National Safe Transit Association Preshipment Drop Test Procedure Project 1A for package-products weighing under 100 pounds (45 kg) wherein the container was subjected to falls from up to sixty inches without breakage of the glass jar. The container was also subjected to drops onto concrete from a height of 30 feet without breakage of the glass jar.
- the container without the top cover was tested for absorbency.
- the cavity of the container was filled with light mineral oil and the level maintained at the cavity top.
- the oil was poured from the cavity, the container weighed, and then the cavity refilled with oil.
- the rate of oil sorption and equilibrium sorbency were determined. The data is set forth in Table 1.
- the container had an excellent sorbency rate, sorbing close to 80% of its total capacity within fifteen minutes.
- the total sorption capacity of the container was about 1-1/2 times the weight of the container.
- Examples 2-46 compressed particulate polyolefin microfiber materials suitable for use in the articles and containers of the present invention were prepared using the microfiber material and solidity indicated in Tables 2-4.
- Uncompressed microfiber microweb material A was prepared according to the procedures of Example 1.
- the web for microfiber material B was prepared according to to the procedures of Example 1.
- the web was then introduced into a hammer mill (Champion Chop n ThrowTM Shreader, available from Champion Products, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN) operating at 500 rpm to produce highly milled microfiber particles 2 to 40 mm in size, predominantly about 10 mm in size.
- Material C was flash spun polyethylene fiber having a diameter of about 1 to 5 microns and an average particle size of 1 to 6 mm (TywickTM hazardous material pulp, available from New Pig Corp., Altoona, PA).
- Example 2-16 the particulate polyolefin microfiber materials were compressed to form samples for tensile strength tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample.
- the compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), actual solidity and tensile strength are reported in Table 2.
- Example 17-31 the particles of polyolefin microfiber were compressed to form samples for compression tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample.
- the compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), actual solidity and strain energy are reported in Table 3.
- Example 32-46 the particles of polyolefin microfiber materials were compressed to form samples for sorbency and retention tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample.
- the fiber weight, compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), and actual solidity are reported in Table 4.
- the equilibrium sorption, demand sorbency and centrifugal retention values for Examples 32-46 are reported in Table 5.
- Example 47-50 a melt blown microfiber web was prepared and divellicated as in Example 1 to form microfiber microwebs. Portions of the microfiber microwebs were molded under varying amounts of pressure as set forth in Table 6. The resulting compressed polyolefin microfiber materials were characterized and tested for equilibrium sorption with light mineral oil together with a sample of the melt blown microfiber web prior to divellication (Comparative Example C1) and a sample of the microfiber microwebs prior to compression (Comparative Example C2). The results are set forth in Table 6.
- Example 51-53 compressed polyolefin microfiber particles were prepared as in Examples 48-50, characterized and tested for equilibrium sorption with water. The results are set forth in Table 7.
- Examples 56-58 compressed polyolefin microfiber materials were prepared using fiber materials A, B, and C as described with regard to Examples 2-46 at a nominal solidity of 40%.
- the compressed thickness, recovered thickness, actual solidity are set forth in Table 8.
- the materials of each of Examples 56-58 were tested for cushion efficiency.
- the impact energy density, peak acceleration and cushion efficiency are set forth in Table 9.
- the impact energy density and cushion efficiency reported for various foam materials in U.S. Patent No. 4,584,822 including a urethane ester foam (Comparative Example C3), a polystyrene foam (Comparative Example C4), a polyethylene foam (Comparative Example C5), and a low density polyurethane foam (Comparative Example C6) are also reported in Table 9.
- the materials of the invention provided better cushioning efficiency than did the comparative foam materials, except the low density polyurethane foam. Although each of the foam materials of Comparative Examples C3-C6 provides some cushioning effect, each of the materials is substantially non-absorbent.
- a cylindrical container was prepared as in Example 1.
- the bottom cover was placed on the cylinder and a 0.5 mm thick layer of polyethylene was applied to the outer surface to unify the cylinder and cover and to provide a liquid barrier.
- Liquid nitrogen was charged into the open container until 450 g was imbibed and a thermocouple was placed in the open cavity.
- the liquid nitrogen imbibed container was placed in a secondary container of styrofoam having a wall thickness of 2.5 cm at an ambient room temperture of 21°C.
- the container was inverted after imbibation to allow any free liquid nitrogen to escape. In the inverted position, the temperature of the open cavity of the container was monitored with ambient room temperature maintained at 21°C. The resulting temperatures are set forth in Table 10.
- a microfiber web was prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,373 (Braun) having a total basis weight of 200 g/m2 and containing 60 weight percent activated carbon (PCB 30x140, available from Calgon Corp.) and 40 weight percent microfibers melt blown using polypropylene resin (DyproTM 50 MFR). The web was divellicated as described in Example 1 to form microfiber microwebs.
- the activated carbon retains sorptive effectiveness when loaded into a microfiber web which is then divellicated and molded. This retention of effectiveness is a result of the open pore structure of the microfiber component and the availability of activated carbon sorption surfaces even after molding.
- Compressed polyolefin microfiber particulate material was prepared as in Example 32 and tested for thermal conductivity.
- the thermal conductivity was 1.5 x 10 ⁇ 4 cal/cm-sec-°C at a temperature of 76°C.
- Compressed polyolefin microfiber particulate material was prepared as in Example 44 and analyzed for surface area.
- the surface area was 1.54 m2/g.
- the surface area of the microfiber web used to prepare the microfiber microwebs was also analyzed for surface area which was found to be about 1.2 m2/g. That the surface area of the compressed polyolefin microfiber material was not significantly different from that of the microfiber web tends to indicate that substantially no fiber bonding occurred during the molding process.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
- Buffer Packaging (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Reinforced Plastic Materials (AREA)
- Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Solid-Sorbent Or Filter-Aiding Compositions (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a container which is useful for shipping and storing hazardous fluid materials.
- The shipment of hazardous fluid materials requires the use of a shipping container or package which will protect the vessel holding the material from shock which can cause breakage as well as provide for containment or control of the fluid material should the vessel be broken. The shock protection and containment requirements are generally incompatible in that materials which provide good shock protection typically exhibit poor fluid containment or absorption properties and materials having good fluid containment or absorption properties exhibit poor shock protection properties. Hazardous fluid material shipping containers which offer both shock and containment protection which have evolved are a combination of a more rigid container which provides shock protection that is filled with an absorbent material. This combined structure results in a shipping package that is very large relative to the volume of hazardous material being shipped in the package.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,560,069 (Simon) discloses a package assembly for transporting hazardous materials including a bottle containing the hazardous material disposed within a metal can wherein the bottle is surrounded on all sides by individual upper, lower and side absorbent non-resilient and frangible synthetic foam elements. The foam elements provide cushioning for the bottle and absorbency in the case of spillage. The individual foam elements are maintained out of contact with each other by means of a fiberboard spacers. The spacers are disposed to separate the upper and lower ends of the bottle from the resin foam and to protect the frangible foam from disintegration due to abrasion by the bottle. The metal can can be suspended within an outer corrugated fiberboard box by means of a fiberboard insert element for the outer box. The fiberboard insert element supports the can out of contact with the outer fiberboard box and provides a protecting buffer zone between the can and the walls of the outer fiberboard box for protection of the can.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,999,653 (Haigh et al.) discloses a package containing a hazardous liquid which comprises a container which is generally impermeable to a hazardous liquid contained therein, the container being subject to discharge of its contents when subjected to impact. The container is disposed within a first jacket of a liquid permeable material of sufficient strength to contain fragments of the container on rupture thereof. A second jacket is provided over the first jacket, the second jacket having at least an inner wall and outer wall, the inner wall being liquid permeable, a hazardous liquid swellable body contained between the inner wall and outer wall and being generally co-extensive with the inner wall and outer wall, and a third jacket of hazardous liquid vapor imperious membrane.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,213,528 (Kreutz et al.) discloses a package for an acid container, such as an acid containing ampule or bottle, formed of an acid resistant envelope and a separate removable absorbent shield for enclosing the acid container, with the absorbent shield including a material to neutralize acid whereby any acid released from the container is absorbed and neutralized by the absorbent shield. The absorbent shield is generally porous, yet sufficiently absorbent to allow essentially instantaneous absorption of acidic liquids of high, medium and low viscosities.
- U.S. Patent No. Re 24,767 (Simon et al.) discloses a packaging container that provides uniform thermal, shock, impact, vibration, inertia and fluid impervious insulation for a fragile or delicate object or material. The object or material is completely encased in a yielding, flexible and resilient cellular or foamaceous sheath of selected thickness that is effective as a protection against shock, impact, vibration, inertia effects, etc. as well as being a good thermal insulating blanket, the sheath cradling and supporting the object or material, and a fluid-tight or impervious shell to protect the object or material against deterioration by temperature changes or moisture.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,929,425 (Slaughter) discloses a protective pouch comprising an elongated cushioning strip having a series of pockets into which parts to be packaged may be inserted. The pouch is so constructed that one or more of the longitudinal edges of the cushioning strip may be folded over the pockets to cover them, and then the pouch is either rolled up or folded up for insertion into a shipping container such as a metal can, a wooden box or a carton.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,941,708 (Crane et al.) discloses a molded pulp set-up insulating container in which six integrally joined sections have rims disposed thereon to give locking contact where free section edges meet. The container is molded so as to have the minimum amount of pulp in direct contact with the goods held in the container to minimize heat transfer through the pulp. The container has sufficient rigidity to support the goods within the container and to also entrap a blanket of insulating air around the goods.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,309,893 (Heffler et al.) discloses an insulated shipping container which has an elongated body, quadrilateral in cross section, formed of a rigid, inflexible polyurethane foam, having a heat-conductivity factor in the range of 0.11 to 0.20 and integrally provided with a cavity of circular cross section opening at one end of the body and being closed at its other end and a closure for the cavity being of cylindrical form and having a diameter greater than that of the cavity and formed of resilient, flexible, and porous polyurethane foam for sealing engagement within the open end of the cavity for forming a tight joint with the walls thereof while permitting the escape of gases from within the container and having a heat conductivity factor in the range of 0.22 to 0.35.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,698,587 (Baker et al.) discloses a self-sealing wall for containers and conduits comprising a substantially rigid supporting layer of liquid impervious material, a layer of foam and at least one layer of a homogeneous elastomeric polyurethane adhered to the foam.
- U.S. Patent 3,895,159 (Yoshimura) discloses a cryogenic insulation material which is shaped in conformance with the the form of an article to be insulated and is made of a rigid polyurethane foam having a core layer including cells and inner and outer surface layers including hardly any cells. Glass fiber is embedded at least in the inner surface layer.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,124,116 (McCabe, Jr.) discloses a liquid absorbing sectional pack consisting of upper and lower filter sheets bonded to each other at the outermost contiguous edges to form an enclosure. The enclosure is divided into a plurality of sectional compartments which are isolated from each other by dissolving barrier sheets. The dissolving barrier sheets consist essentially of a water soluble carboxy methyl cellulose compound. Each of the sectional compartments contain a predetermined quantity of absorbent granules. The barrier sheets function to dissolve when the granules have absorbed a predetermined amount of moisture so as to provide for increased space in which to contain moist granules.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,240,547 (Taylor) discloses a compact, reusable specimen mailer for safely shipping fragile specimen containers via the postal service. Two substantially identical L-shaped matable parts are each provided with a long leg having a flat free end and a flat inside face, and a short leg having a flat inside face, so that the two parts may be joined together with the free end of the long legs of the two parts flush against each other. Typically, the long leg of each part forms apertures for receiving test tubes, which protrude from the free end of the long leg of the other part. Also typically, the long leg forms an aperture opening out of its free end and its inside face, and connected with another cavity formed in the inside face of the short leg, for receiving a slide holder. A sheet of absorbent material is disposed within a recess in the inside face of the long leg for absorbing leaking fluids. The two parts are joined together and placed in a special envelope for mailing.
- U.S. Patent 4,481,779 (Barthel) discloses a storage container for shipping transportable materials at cryogenic temperatures including a vessel which opens to the atmosphere and contains a micro-fibrous structure for holding a liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen in adsorption and capillary suspension. The micro-fibrous structure comprises a core permeable to liquid and gaseous nitrogen and an adsorption matrix composed of a web of inorganic fibers surrounding the core in a multi-layered arrangement.
- U.S. Patent 4,495,775 (Young et al.) discloses a container for shipping transportable materials at cryogenic temperatures including a vessel which opens to the atmosphere and contains a micro-fibrous structure for holding a liquefied gas such as liquid nitrogen in adsorption and capillary suspension. The micro-fibrous structure comprises a core permeable to liquid and gaseous nitrogen and an adsorption matrix composed of randomly oriented inorganic fibers surrounding the core as a homogeneous body in stable confinement.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,584,822 (Fielding et al.) discloses a cushion packing material for use in protecting objects from shock and vibrational loads. The cushion packing comprises a dimensionally stable thermoformed shell forming a chamber therein of a predetermined configuration and having a foam material, preferably low density polyurethane foam, disposed therewithin so as to provide a molded density of less than or equal to 1.5 pounds per cubic foot.
- The present invention, in one aspect, provides an article comprising compressed particles comprising polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least 20%.
- The present invention, in another aspect, provides a container comprising a shaped article of compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least about 20%. The container is absorbent, impact resistant and thermally insulating. Preferably, the container is enclosed in an impermeable protective outer layer. Particulate and other fibrous material can also be incorporated in the compressed particles of polyolefin microfiber structure. The container has excellent structural rigidity, impact resistance, and compression resistance and provides both excellent cushioning properties and excellent sorbency.
- The container is particularly useful for storing and transporting hazardous liquid materials such as acidic materials, caustic materials, and biological fluids, particularly when such materials are packaged in breakable vessels. Generally, the preferred material for containment of hazardous liquid materials are rigid breakable materials such as glass or high density thermoplastic materials such as polyolefin, polycarbonate or polyester in the form of jars, bottles, vials, or test tubes. In handling and shipping, such vessels are susceptible to breakage through impact. Breakage of the vessel creates the potential for contamination of the surrounding environment and the potential human risk associated in contacting the contaminated broken vessel and its contents. The excellent cushioning and sorbency properties of the containers of this invention provide an excellent means for safely storing and shipping hazardous liquid materials in breakable vessels.
- The container of the present invention is also useful for storing and shipping materials under cryogenic conditions.
- The container of the present invention also can provide excellent thermal insulation for vessels stored and shipped in the containers.
- The present invention, in a further aspect, provides a process for preparing the compressed particles of polyolefin microfiber article of the present invention comprising providing particles of polyolefin microfibers to a mold, applying pressure to said particles, releasing said pressure, and removing said article from said mold, said pressure being sufficient to achieve a solidity of at least about 20% when said pressure is released.
- The present invention, in another aspect, provides a process for preparing a container comprising providing particles of polyolefin microfibers to a mold, applying pressure to said particles to form said container, releasing said pressure, and removing said container from said mold, said pressure being sufficient to achieve a solidity of at least about 20% when said pressure is released.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another container of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further container of the present invention.
- The polyolefin fibers useful in the present invention can be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, blends thereof and copolymers of ethylene, propylene and/or butylene. The fibers are preferably less than about 50 microns, more preferably less than about 25 microns, most preferably less than about 10 microns, in diameter. The fibers are preferably prepared by melt blowing, flash spinning, or fibrillation. Particularly preferred are blown microfibers in web form which has been milled or divellicated to form the particles of polyolefin microfibers. The particles preferably are less than about 2 cm, more preferably less than about 1 cm, most preferably less than about 0.5 cm in average diameter, although a small amount, generally less than about 5 weight percent can range in size up to about 10 cm.
- The microfiber webs can be prepared, for example, as described in Wente, Van A., "Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers," Industrial Engineering Chemistry, vol. 48, pp. 1342-1346, and in Wente, Van A. et al., "Manufacture of Superfine Organic Fibers," Report No. 4364 of the Naval Research Laboratories, published May 25, 1954, or from microfiber webs containing particulate matter such as those disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,373 (Braun), U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 (Anderson et al.) and U.S. Patent No. 4,429,001 (Kolpin et al.).
- The microfiber webs are then formed into particles having a size of less than about 2 cm average diameter such as by, for example, milling or divellicating. Milling can be carried out using a hammer mill, a cryogenic mill or a shredder. Divellicating can be carried out using a lickerin as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,813,948 (Insley). Such divellicating produces microwebs having a relatively dense nucleus with fibers and fiber bundles extending therefrom. The nucleus of the microfiber microwebs is preferably in the range of about 0.05 to 4 mm, more preferably about 0.2 to 2 mm. The extending fibers and/or fiber bundles preferably extend beyond the nucleus to provide an overall diameter of about 0.07 to 10 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 5 mm.
- The articles and containers of the invention are formed by compressing the particles of polyolefin microfibers, i.e., the microfiber microwebs to a solidity of at least about 20%, preferably at least about 30%. The solidity of the article or container is calculated according to the formula
When the solidity is less than about about 30%, the shaped article may require support, i.e., plastic casing, fiberboard box, or metal outer casing. Preferably, the polyolefin fibers are compressed to a solidity of less than about 80%, more preferably less than about 70%. When the solidity is greater than about 80%, the sorbency and cushioning properties of the shipping container may be insufficient. When the polyolefin fibers are provided as microfiber microwebs, the solidity of the article is most preferably about 40 to 50% which provides a material which can be drilled or milled to the desired shape and has excellent sorbency and cushioning properties. - Compression of the particles of polyolefin microfibers can be accomplished using conventional compression molding equipment such as, for example, flash molding, or powder molding equipment at ambient conditions. Generally, pressures in the range of about 2 to 25 MPa are sufficient to achieve the desired degree of solidity. When the particles are microfiber microwebs, pressures in the range of about 5 to 10 MPa can preferably be used to achieve the preferred solidity of about 40 to 50%. Although such pressures are used to compress the particles of microfibers to form the articles of the invention, there is no significant fusing of the microfibers and no reduction in the available microfiber surface area.
- The articles and containers of the invention have excellent sorbency. The articles and containers preferably exhibit a demand sorbency of at least about 0.5 l/m²/min, more preferably at least about 1.0 l/m²/min, most preferably at least about 2.0 l/m²/min. The articles and containers preferably exhibit an equilibrium sorption of at least about 0.25 cm³/cm³, more preferably at least about 0.40 cm³/cm³, most preferably at least about 0.60 cm³/cm³. The articles and containers preferably exhibit a centrifugal retention of at least about 0.15 cm³/cm³, more preferably at least about 0.20 cm³/cm³.
- The articles and containers of the invention possess good mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the article or container material is preferably at least about 9 KPa, more preferably at least about 20 KPa, most preferably at least about 50 KPa. The compressive strain energy of the article and container material is preferably at least about 5 KJ/m³, more preferably at least about 20 KJ/m³, most preferably at least about 40 KJ/m³.
- The containers of the invention have excellent insulation properties. The containers preferably have a thermal conductivity of less than about 1.5 x 10⁻⁴ cal/cm-sec-°C, more preferably less than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁴ cal/cm-sec-°C at a temperature of 76°C.
- The containers of the invention can serve as containers for storing and shipping materials under cryogenic conditions when imbibed with liquid nitrogen. Preferably the outside of the container is provided with insulation to reduce evaporation of the liquid nitrogen.
- Particulate and fibrous material can be introduced into the compressed polyolefin microfiber structure by introducing particulate or fibrous material into the microfiber web as it is being formed as described in U.S. Patents No. 3,971,373 (Braun), No. 4,118,531 (Hauser), No. 4,100,324 (Anderson et al.) and No. 4,429,001 (Kolpin et al.) or by mixing the particulate or fibrous material with the milled or divellicated microfibers prior to compression. Preferably, the particulate is introduced into the microfiber web as it is being formed.
- Particulate materials useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to absorbent particulate materials, neutralizing particulate materials and catalytic agents. Preferably, the amount of particulate incorporated in the compressed microfiber structure is less than about 90 weight percent, more preferably less than about 75 weight percent, most preferably less than 50 weight percent.
- Absorbent particulate materials useful with aqueous hazardous liquids include high sorbency liquid sorbent particles such as, for example, water-insoluble modified starches such as, for example, those sorbent particulates described in U.S. Patent No. 3,981,100, and high molecular weight acrylic polymers containing hydrophilic groups. Among sorbent particulate materials useful for sorbing liquids other than water are alkylstyrene sorbent particles, such as Imbiber Beads™, available from Dow Chemical Company. Other sorbent particulate materials include wood pulp and activated carbon, the activated carbon being particularly useful for absorbing vapors which might evolve from the hazardous material.
- Neutralizing particulate materials useful in the present invention include, for example, materials such as alumina, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, etc. Catalytic particulate materials which can be introduced into the compressed polyolefin microfiber structure include, for example, hopcalite and silver. Biological entities such as enzymes or microbiological species which can catalyze the conversion of a hazardous material into harmless by-products can also be incorporated into the articles and containers of the present invention.
- Preferably, the container of the present invention includes an outer covering. The outer covering can be, for example, of fiberboard, metal, or thermoplastic material. The preferred outer covering material is shrinkable thermoplastic film which is well known in the art and can provide an additional, impervious layer to further ensure containment of the hazardous material.
- The containers of the present invention can be molded and, optionally, milled or drilled to a wide variety of shapes such that a package of hazardous material can be safely stored or shipped in the container. The size of the container is preferably such that there is sufficient sorptive microfiber and particulate, if present, to absorb, contain, or neutralize the hazardous material with some margin of safety.
- FIG. 1 shows a
preferred container 10 of the invention encasing abottle 12 of hazardous liquid.Container 10 has alower section 14 and alid 16, each of which are formed of compressed polyolefin microfibers.Lid 16 has a protrudingportion 18 which snugly fits thecavity 22 oflower section 14. A covering of shrinkablethermoplastic film 20 is provided around the compressed polyolefin microfibers. - FIG. 2 shows a
container 26 of the invention adapted for storage of test tubes. Such a container is preferably molded as a block and then apertures 28 are drilled in the block for accommodating the test tubes. - FIG. 3 shows a
container 30 adapted for containing vials of hazardous liquid material. The container has abase 32 and alid 34 of compressed polyolefin microfibers. Such a container is preferably molded as a block andbase apertures 36 andlid apertures 38 are drilled into the block for accommodatingvials 40. - The following examples further illustrate this invention, but the particular materials and amounts thereof in these examples, as well as the conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. In the examples, all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.
- The following test methods were used to characterize the molded materials of the invention:
- A 4.45 cm (1.75 inch) in diameter test sample of sorbent material was placed on a 25-50 micron porous plate in a filter funnel and a pressure of 1.0 KPa applied to the sample by a plunger which was freely movable in the barrel of the funnel. Deionized water at zero hydrostatic head was conducted from a reservoir through a siphon mechanism to the upper surface of the porous plate where the test sample sorbed the water. The initial lineal rate of absorbency was determined and reported in l/m²/min.
- A sample of sorbent material was placed in a bath of deionized water and allowed to saturate for 24 hours. The sample was then removed from the bath and placed on an open mesh screen for 10 minutes to allow for drainage of excess water. The amount of water sorbed by a unit volume of material was determined and the equilibrium sorption reported in cm³/cm³.
- A sample of sorbent material, saturated to equilibrium (24 hr saturation time) with deionized water, was placed in a centrifuge tube which was in turn placed in a centrifuge and the sample subjected to a centrifugal force of 180 G for 10 minutes. The sample was removed from the centrifuge tube and the amount of water retained in the sample determined. Centrifugal retention values are reported in terms of the volume of water retained per unit volume of material (cm³/cm³).
- Dog-bone shaped test specimens are molded having a total surface area of 66.8 cm² and a test area of 25.5 cm². The molded test specimens (face width 2.5 cm; length 10.2 cm) were tested for maximum tensile strength using an Instron Tensile test unit. Evaluations were conducted using a X-head speed of 1.0 cm/min in accordance with ASTM F152- 86 Method C.
- Cylindrical specimens of 4.4 cm in diameter were subjected to compressive stress using a Instron test unit incorporating a compression load cell. The deflection of the specimen, for a given load, was recorded using a uniform loading rate up to an ultimate loading of 689.5 KPa. The X-head speed of the test unit during the evaluation was 1.0 cm/min. Strain energy of the test specimen was determined by calculating the area under the stress/strain curve and is reported in KJ/m³.
- Thermal conductivity analysis conducted under ASTM F-433 were performed on 5.1 cm diameter cylindrical specimens of 1.3 cm in height and are reported in cal/cm-sec-°C.
-
- The impact energy density was determined according to ASTM Test Method D-3331.
- The cushioning efficiency is determined as described in "Shock Control," Arimond, John, Machine Design, May 21, 1987. In this test, a 10 Kg weight is dropped from varying distances onto a given volume of material and the deceleration-time response is determined.
- Surface area determination were conducted using BET nitrogen adsorption method.
- A sample of sorbent material, preconditioned at 100°C in a convection oven for 4 hours, was placed in a sealed dissector containing carbon tetrachloride on a porous ceramic plate positioned about 2 cm above the level of the carbon tetrachloride. Weight gain of the sample is determined gravimetrically after exposure to the vapor for 24 hours.
- A melt blown microfiber web was prepared as described in Wente, Van A., "Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers," Industrial Engineering Chemistry, vol. 48, pp.1342-1346 using polypropylene resin (Dypro™ 50 MFR, available from Fina Oil & Chemical Co.,). The fibers were sprayed with a surfactant solution (Aerosol™ OT, available from American Cyanamid Co.) at a rate to provide 2 percent surfactant based on the weight of the fibers. The microfibers were about 6 to 8 microns in average diameter. The web had a basis weight of 270 g/m², a density of 5.2x10⁻² g/cm³, a solidity of 5.7%, and a void volume of 18.1 cm³/g. The web was tested for sorbency properties. The results were demand sorbency: 4.95 l/m²/min; equilibrium sorption: 0.66 cm³/cm³; and centrifugal retention: 0.39 cm³/cm³.
- The microfiber web was divellicated as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,813,948 (Insley) using a lickerin having a tooth density of 6.2 teeth/cm² and a speed of 900 rpm to produce microfiber microwebs having an average nuclei diameter of 0.5 mm and an average microweb diameter of 1.3 mm.
- The microfiber microwebs (587 g) were placed in a compression mold and compressed to form a cylindrical container having a solidity of 35%, an outside diameter of 14.2 cm, an inside diameter of 8.0 cm, and a height of 14.6 cm and top and bottom covers, each having a diameter of 14.2 cm and a thickness of 1.9 cm. A glass jar (0.47L capacity) containing 460 cm³ mineral oil was placed in the container, the covers were placed at the ends of the container, and the completed container was vacuum wrapped using 0.5 mm thick polyethylene film.
- The container was tested for durability using the National Safe Transit Association Preshipment Drop Test Procedure Project 1A for package-products weighing under 100 pounds (45 kg) wherein the container was subjected to falls from up to sixty inches without breakage of the glass jar. The container was also subjected to drops onto concrete from a height of 30 feet without breakage of the glass jar.
- The container without the top cover was tested for absorbency. The cavity of the container was filled with light mineral oil and the level maintained at the cavity top. At time intervals as set forth in Table 1, the oil was poured from the cavity, the container weighed, and then the cavity refilled with oil. The rate of oil sorption and equilibrium sorbency were determined. The data is set forth in Table 1.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 1, the container had an excellent sorbency rate, sorbing close to 80% of its total capacity within fifteen minutes. The total sorption capacity of the container was about 1-1/2 times the weight of the container.
- In Examples 2-46, compressed particulate polyolefin microfiber materials suitable for use in the articles and containers of the present invention were prepared using the microfiber material and solidity indicated in Tables 2-4. Uncompressed microfiber microweb material A was prepared according to the procedures of Example 1. The web for microfiber material B was prepared according to to the procedures of Example 1. The web was then introduced into a hammer mill (Champion Chop n Throw™ Shreader, available from Champion Products, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN) operating at 500 rpm to produce highly milled microfiber particles 2 to 40 mm in size, predominantly about 10 mm in size. Material C was flash spun polyethylene fiber having a diameter of about 1 to 5 microns and an average particle size of 1 to 6 mm (Tywick™ hazardous material pulp, available from New Pig Corp., Altoona, PA).
- In Examples 2-16, the particulate polyolefin microfiber materials were compressed to form samples for tensile strength tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample. The compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), actual solidity and tensile strength are reported in Table 2.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 2, increasing the solidity of the compressed polyolefin microfiber samples increased the tensile strength of the samples.
- In Examples 17-31, the particles of polyolefin microfiber were compressed to form samples for compression tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample. The compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), actual solidity and strain energy are reported in Table 3.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 3, as the solidity of the compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers increases, the strain energy decreases, indicating that as the void volume is reduced the material becomes more rigid.
- In Examples 32-46, the particles of polyolefin microfiber materials were compressed to form samples for sorbency and retention tests at nominal solidities of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% using a hydraulic press to compress each sample. The fiber weight, compressed thickness, recovered thickness (60 min after removal from the press), and actual solidity are reported in Table 4. The equilibrium sorption, demand sorbency and centrifugal retention values for Examples 32-46 are reported in Table 5.
- The data in Tables 4 and 5 demonstrate that as void volume is reduced in the molded material a reduction in both equilibrium sorbency and demand sorbency is experienced. Centrifugal retention is maintained essentially the same regardless of solidity indicating that the effective surface area of the materials is not reduced with densification.
- In Examples 47-50, a melt blown microfiber web was prepared and divellicated as in Example 1 to form microfiber microwebs. Portions of the microfiber microwebs were molded under varying amounts of pressure as set forth in Table 6. The resulting compressed polyolefin microfiber materials were characterized and tested for equilibrium sorption with light mineral oil together with a sample of the melt blown microfiber web prior to divellication (Comparative Example C1) and a sample of the microfiber microwebs prior to compression (Comparative Example C2). The results are set forth in Table 6.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 6, as the molding pressure increases, the solidity increases and the equilibrium sorbency decreases.
-
- As can be seen from the data in Table 7, as the molding pressure increases, the solidity increases and the equilibrium sorbency decreases.
- In Examples 56-58, compressed polyolefin microfiber materials were prepared using fiber materials A, B, and C as described with regard to Examples 2-46 at a nominal solidity of 40%. The compressed thickness, recovered thickness, actual solidity are set forth in Table 8. The materials of each of Examples 56-58 were tested for cushion efficiency. The impact energy density, peak acceleration and cushion efficiency are set forth in Table 9. The impact energy density and cushion efficiency reported for various foam materials in U.S. Patent No. 4,584,822 including a urethane ester foam (Comparative Example C3), a polystyrene foam (Comparative Example C4), a polyethylene foam (Comparative Example C5), and a low density polyurethane foam (Comparative Example C6) are also reported in Table 9.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 9, the materials of the invention provided better cushioning efficiency than did the comparative foam materials, except the low density polyurethane foam. Although each of the foam materials of Comparative Examples C3-C6 provides some cushioning effect, each of the materials is substantially non-absorbent.
- A cylindrical container was prepared as in Example 1. The bottom cover was placed on the cylinder and a 0.5 mm thick layer of polyethylene was applied to the outer surface to unify the cylinder and cover and to provide a liquid barrier. Liquid nitrogen was charged into the open container until 450 g was imbibed and a thermocouple was placed in the open cavity. The liquid nitrogen imbibed container was placed in a secondary container of styrofoam having a wall thickness of 2.5 cm at an ambient room temperture of 21°C. The container was inverted after imbibation to allow any free liquid nitrogen to escape. In the inverted position, the temperature of the open cavity of the container was monitored with ambient room temperature maintained at 21°C. The resulting temperatures are set forth in Table 10.
- As can be seen from the data in Table 10, the nitrogen remained imbibed in the container walls until it boiled off, maintaining its initial temperature for at least three hours.
- A microfiber web was prepared as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,373 (Braun) having a total basis weight of 200 g/m² and containing 60 weight percent activated carbon (PCB 30x140, available from Calgon Corp.) and 40 weight percent microfibers melt blown using polypropylene resin (Dypro™ 50 MFR). The web was divellicated as described in Example 1 to form microfiber microwebs. The microwebs (23 g) were then compressed under 8.4 MPa pressure in a 5.1 cm diameter mold to produce material 5.2 cm in diameter, 2.2 cm thick and having a solidity of 32% when calculated according to the formula
This molded material was then tested for carbon tetrachloride uptake capacity. Also tested were a sample of activated carbon (Comparative Example C7) and a sample of molded material containing no activated carbon prepared according to the procedure of Example 26 (Comparative Example C8) using 27.4 g microfiber microwebs to obtain material 2.7 cm thick, 4.5 cm in diameter, and having a solidity of 57%. The results are set forth in Table 11. - As can be seen from the data in Table 11, the activated carbon retains sorptive effectiveness when loaded into a microfiber web which is then divellicated and molded. This retention of effectiveness is a result of the open pore structure of the microfiber component and the availability of activated carbon sorption surfaces even after molding.
- Compressed polyolefin microfiber particulate material was prepared as in Example 32 and tested for thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity was 1.5 x 10⁻⁴ cal/cm-sec-°C at a temperature of 76°C.
- Compressed polyolefin microfiber particulate material was prepared as in Example 44 and analyzed for surface area. The surface area was 1.54 m²/g. The surface area of the microfiber web used to prepare the microfiber microwebs was also analyzed for surface area which was found to be about 1.2 m²/g. That the surface area of the compressed polyolefin microfiber material was not significantly different from that of the microfiber web tends to indicate that substantially no fiber bonding occurred during the molding process.
Claims (17)
- An article comprising compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least 20%.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said microfibers have a diameter of less than about 50 microns.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said particles have an average diameter of less than about 2 cm.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a solidity of at least about 30%.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said microfibers are divellicated or milled meltblown, flash spun or fibrillated fibers.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said microfibers are in the form of microfiber microwebs.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a demand sorbency of at least about 0.5 l/m² /min.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has an equilibrium sorption of at least about 0.25 cm³/cm³.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a centrifugal retention of at least about 0.15 cm³/cm³.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a tensile strength of at least about 9 KPa.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said article has a strain energy of at least about 5 KJ/m³.
- The article of claim 1 further comprising a sorbent particulate material, neutralizing particulate material or a catalytic agent.
- A container for shipping and storing hazardous liquid materials comprising a shaped article of compressed particles of polyolefin microfibers, said article having a solidity of at least about 20%.
- The container of claim 13 forther comprising an impermeable protective outer layer.
- A process for preparing an article comprising the steps ofi) divellicating or milling a polyolefin microfiber web to provide particles of polyolefin microfibers,ii) providing said particles to a mold,iii) applying pressure to said microfibers,iv) releasing said pressure, andv) removing said article from said mold, said pressure being sufficient to achieve a solidity of at least about 20% when said pressure is released.
- The process of claim 15 wherein said pressure is in the range of about 2 to 25 MPa.
- The process of claim 15 wherein said particles are microfiber microwebs.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US33520289A | 1989-04-07 | 1989-04-07 | |
US335202 | 1989-04-07 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0391686A2 EP0391686A2 (en) | 1990-10-10 |
EP0391686A3 EP0391686A3 (en) | 1990-11-22 |
EP0391686B1 true EP0391686B1 (en) | 1993-12-08 |
Family
ID=23310712
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP90303610A Expired - Lifetime EP0391686B1 (en) | 1989-04-07 | 1990-04-04 | Sorbent, impact resistant container |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0391686B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3206909B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100197316B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU623982B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9001639A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2011182C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69005008T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2046695T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4972945A (en) * | 1990-05-11 | 1990-11-27 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Container for transporting hazardous liquids |
JP2925394B2 (en) * | 1992-03-09 | 1999-07-28 | キヤノン株式会社 | Storage container |
CA2145528A1 (en) * | 1992-09-29 | 1994-04-14 | John Adrian Donkers | Containers for potentially hazardous substances |
GB0128405D0 (en) | 2001-11-27 | 2002-01-16 | Btg Int Ltd | Process for fabricating polyolefin sheet |
ES2805783T3 (en) | 2003-05-22 | 2021-02-15 | Canco Hungary Invest Ltd | Polymeric particles |
JP4881046B2 (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2012-02-22 | 独立行政法人海洋研究開発機構 | Cryopreservation |
JP4975554B2 (en) * | 2007-08-17 | 2012-07-11 | 富士通株式会社 | Portable sensor cooler using liquid nitrogen |
KR200448485Y1 (en) * | 2008-04-01 | 2010-04-14 | 주식회사 제이오텍 | Reagent container |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR1364117A (en) * | 1963-05-09 | 1964-06-19 | Hoechst Ag | Process for manufacturing cold-molded articles, particularly strong, from thermoplastic materials |
US3971373A (en) * | 1974-01-21 | 1976-07-27 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Particle-loaded microfiber sheet product and respirators made therefrom |
US4100324A (en) * | 1974-03-26 | 1978-07-11 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Nonwoven fabric and method of producing same |
CA1073648A (en) * | 1976-08-02 | 1980-03-18 | Edward R. Hauser | Web of blended microfibers and crimped bulking fibers |
US4357379A (en) * | 1979-03-05 | 1982-11-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Melt blown product |
FR2620113B1 (en) * | 1987-08-11 | 1989-11-17 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | CONVEYOR OF STACKS STACKED IN CASSETTES |
US4884684A (en) * | 1988-05-06 | 1989-12-05 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Containment device for biological materials |
-
1990
- 1990-02-28 CA CA002011182A patent/CA2011182C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-03-05 AU AU50707/90A patent/AU623982B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1990-04-04 ES ES199090303610T patent/ES2046695T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-04-04 EP EP90303610A patent/EP0391686B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-04-04 DE DE69005008T patent/DE69005008T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-04-06 BR BR909001639A patent/BR9001639A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-04-06 JP JP09199390A patent/JP3206909B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-04-06 KR KR1019900004862A patent/KR100197316B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR100197316B1 (en) | 1999-06-15 |
DE69005008T2 (en) | 1994-06-23 |
ES2046695T3 (en) | 1994-02-01 |
DE69005008D1 (en) | 1994-01-20 |
AU623982B2 (en) | 1992-05-28 |
JP3206909B2 (en) | 2001-09-10 |
BR9001639A (en) | 1991-05-07 |
AU5070790A (en) | 1990-10-11 |
KR900016023A (en) | 1990-11-12 |
JPH02296681A (en) | 1990-12-07 |
EP0391686A3 (en) | 1990-11-22 |
CA2011182A1 (en) | 1990-10-07 |
EP0391686A2 (en) | 1990-10-10 |
CA2011182C (en) | 1993-12-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5024865A (en) | Sorbent, impact resistant container | |
US5219504A (en) | Method of making sorbent, impact resistant container | |
US4964509A (en) | Universal shipping container for hazardous liquids | |
EP0705207B1 (en) | Method and article for protecting a container that holds a fluid | |
AU8654291A (en) | Impact resistant container for hazardous materials | |
US4927010A (en) | Shipping bag for containers of potentially biohazardous liquids | |
EP0341056B1 (en) | Containment device for biological materials | |
US5773105A (en) | Absorbent packet | |
US4747960A (en) | Water absorbent packet | |
EP0391686B1 (en) | Sorbent, impact resistant container | |
US6662941B2 (en) | Shipping package for hazardous material vials and other fragile items | |
US5080225A (en) | Universal diagnostic sample packaging tray and pouch | |
WO2008027126A1 (en) | Sharps container having absorbent pad and method of making the same | |
US6146725A (en) | Absorbent composition | |
US3464540A (en) | Protective packaging and method | |
CA2039862C (en) | Container for transporting hazardous liquids | |
JP2583297Y2 (en) | Heated evaporator | |
CN220282165U (en) | Buffering EPE lining | |
KR20220102734A (en) | Plate type dehumifying agent | |
JP2548886Y2 (en) | Dehumidifier | |
WO2021050920A1 (en) | Ethylene oxide scrubbing sheet | |
FI91735B (en) | Absorbent structure for packaging | |
WO2024097915A1 (en) | Cryogenic shipping container including two different adsorbent for liquid nitrogen | |
WO2003004380A2 (en) | Packaging for a solid | |
JP2010139064A (en) | Shock absorbing material |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19910102 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19930122 |
|
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed | ||
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB IT LI SE |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 69005008 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19940120 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2046695 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
EAL | Se: european patent in force in sweden |
Ref document number: 90303610.1 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: IF02 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20060417 Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20060424 Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20060426 Year of fee payment: 17 Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20060426 Year of fee payment: 17 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20060426 Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20060430 Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20060531 Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PFA Owner name: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY Free format text: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY#3M CENTER, 2501 HUDSON ROAD P.O. BOX 33427#SAINT PAUL/MN (US) -TRANSFER TO- MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY#3M CENTER, 2501 HUDSON ROAD P.O. BOX 33427#SAINT PAUL/MN (US) |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20070404 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20071101 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070430 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070430 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070404 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070405 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20070407 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070430 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070407 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20070404 |