EP1625093B2 - Method of draining a flexible container housing a viscous product - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of emptying a flexible container containing a viscous product and an equipment for implementing it. The viscous product has a viscosity at least 10 Pa.s and preferably 10-200000 Pa.s. Products are silicone oils and gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) crosslinkable to elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogeno(poly)condensation, organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicon groups and filled polymers in an aqueous or organic solvent comprising an acrylic polymer and crosslinkable into elastomers by drying. The method consists essentially of (1) employing a flexible container; (2) optionally transporting it from its storage area to the emptying area; (3) ensuring that at least one opening, preferably located in the lower part of the container, permits the flowing out of the viscous product; (4) exerting pressure on at least one delimited zone of the container by a means of exerting pressure consisting of a pressure means and/or pressor fluid so as to maintain the container in an inflated or partially inflated state on the one hand and speed up the outflow on the other; (5) depressurize at the end of emptying. The method employs an equipment comprising a pressor means comprising one or more pistons and an emptying tank to accommodate the container, or optionally its inner liner and designed as a female element capable of acting as a guide for the piston during the application of pressure. In replacement for a piston the pressure may be applied by an expanding bag placed supplied by a source of hydraulic pressure. Alternatively the equipment comprises a pressor means comprising at least one roller and a counter roller, preferably two rollers parallel to one another and freely rotating on their axes and a means of suspending the container with the opening at its base. The rollers are driven down the container by a motor and compress it; this action being combined with or replaced by a raising of the container. The equipment feeds a packaging assembly or means for transporting the viscous fluid, such as pumps or double screws. A means of regulating the inter-axis gap of the rollers and thus the degree of squeezing obtained is provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of continuous or discontinuous emptying of viscous products contained in a flexible container, in particular of the "big bag" type, this emptying being effected by an opening provided in the lower part of the flexible container.

The invention also relates to a draining kit, including a device for emptying viscous products contained in flexible containers.

The viscous products referred to in the context of the invention are more particularly products whose viscosity is at least 10 Pa.s and preferably between 10 Pa.s and 200,000 Pa.s. viscosity being measured in a manner known per se at 25 ° C. and under a shear rate of 0.01.s ^-1 ,
namely silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) which can be crosslinked into elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogen (poly) condensation reactions, organic polymers comprising groups reactive organosilicics (called MS polymers) and charged compositions, in a solvent or aqueous medium, comprising an acrylic polymer and crosslinkable elastomers by drying. It may be in particular silicone sealants but also other viscous polymeric products such as polyurethanes or viscous inks.

Such viscous products can be stored in bulk in flexible containers of the "big bag" type, before being discharged or injected into other containers or before being packaged in other packages.

The high viscosity of these pasty products is naturally an important technical constraint for their emptying and transfer.

In a field similar to that of the invention, namely the field of granular / powdery materials with low flow, the patent application DE-A-34 29 167 discloses a method and a device for emptying flexible containers for bulk particulate products. According to this document, the flexible container of "big bag" type is, on the one hand, suspended via the handles of which it is equipped, and on the other hand housed in a hopper, on which shaking is carried out by means of a rotating eccentric foot and two other spring-mounted feet. This vibration-emptying device does not seem suitable for viscous products contained in flexible bags.
In addition, techniques are known for emptying rigid drums of viscous products using a drum press comprising a pressure plate intended to penetrate and move in a drum to pressurize the viscous product contained in a bag under pressure. fine plastic, for example polyethylene.

There are also flanging flushes containing a viscous silicone product using a device formed by a tube for receiving the flange and in which can move a piston for pressurizing the viscous product, thus allowing its expulsion out of the tube.

The remote technological background also includes container emptying systems consisting of a rigid cardboard box containing a thin polyethylene bag filled with viscous products. The emptying of this type of container is effected by means of a pressure plate capable of expelling the viscous product out of the polyethylene bag, said viscous product then being taken up by pumps provided for this purpose, to be conveyed to downstream elements.

These last three known technologies are outside the scope of invention which concern the emptying of flexible containers of "big bag" type, different from the specialized and expensive containers used in these technologies (drums, tanks, steel containers or special cartons) .

GB 2 159 583 A describes the emptying of a flexible container containing a beverage. The FLUID-BAG Info 94/95 leaflet of the company OY FLUID BAG Ab, describes a closed circuit lubrication system that supplies lubrication stations for the production of steel. This system called FLUID-BAG includes grease containers and rollers that make possible the complete emptying of said containers.

In this context, one of the essential objectives of the present invention is to provide a method of emptying flexible containers for viscous products, which process must be easy to implement and economical.

Another essential objective of the invention is to provide a method of emptying flexible containers for viscous products and whose capacity is greater than or equal to 250 liters.

Another essential objective of the present invention is to provide a method of emptying flexible containers for viscous products, which is simple, inexpensive, which causes little loss of material, for example less than or equal to 1.5%, or even 0 , 8%, and that requires very little or no cleaning of the equipment used.

Another essential objective of the present invention is to provide a kit for emptying flexible containers, such as "big bag", for viscous products which is of simple and economical structure, which makes it possible to empty flexible bags with a capacity greater than or equal to 250 liters which is easy to use, generates very little material loss (less than or equal to 1.5%) and requires little or no cleaning.

Another essential objective of the invention is to provide a kit for emptying flexible containers for viscous products, in which the flexible container optimally meets the industrial requirements of transport and logistics.

• le produit visqueux (2) est choisi dans le groupe des produits dont la viscosité est d'au moins 10 Pa.s et, de préférence comprise entre 10 Pa.s et 200 000 Pa.s,
  à savoir des huiles silicones, des gommes silicones, des compositions polyorgano-siloxanes (éventuellement sous forme d'émulsions aqueuses) réticulables en élastomères par des réactions de polyaddition, de polycondensation ou de déshydrogéno(poly)-condensation, des polymères organiques comprenant des groupes organosiliciques réactifs (appelés MS polymères) et des compositions chargées, en milieu solvant ou aqueux, comprenant un polymère acrylique et réticulables en élastomères par séchage;
• il consiste essentiellement à :
  • mettre en oeuvre un conteneur souple (3) comprenant une paroi mécaniquement résistante et, de préférence, étanche au produit visqueux (2) et essentiellement constituée :
    • ▪ par au moins un élément (25) assurant la résistance mécanique et comportant une ou plusieurs nappes de matériaux identiques ou différents entre eux, de préférence en toile ;
    • ▪ et éventuellement par au moins un élément d'étanchéité (26) formé (i) par au moins un film polymère, de préférence sous forme de revêtement et/ou (2i) par au moins un sac-doublure étanche composé d'une ou plusieurs couches de matériaux choisies dans le groupe comprenant : les films polymères synthétiques (en particulier les polyoléfines {et plus préférentiellement encore les polyéthylènes, les polypropylènes}, les polyesters, ou les polyamides), ou les métaux (en particulier l'aluminium) ; le (ou les) sac(s)-doublure(s), étant au moins en partie solidaire(s) de l'élément de paroi assurant la résistance mécanique, et, plus préférentiellement encore au moins en partie collé(s) et /ou cousu(s) sur ledit élément ;
  • éventuellement déplacer le conteneur (3) à vider de son site de stockage vers un site de vidange ;
  • faire en sorte qu'au moins une ouverture de sortie (9), disposée dans la partie inférieure du conteneur (3), permette l'écoulement du produit visqueux (2) hors du conteneur (3) ;
  • exercer une pression sur au moins une zone délimitée du conteneur souple (3) à l'aide de moyens de mise sous pression, constitués par au moins un organe-presseur (5,) et/ou par un fluide-presseur, de manière à, d'une part, maintenir le conteneur (3) à l'état gonflé ou partiellement gonflé, et, d'autre part, hâter l'écoulement ;
  • alimenter par le produit visqueux (2) expulsé du conteneur souple (3), ou éventuellement de son seul sac-doublure (26), au moins un ensemble de conditionnement du produit visqueux (2) dans un emballage approprié, selon un débit adapté supérieur ou égal à la consommation de l'ensemble de conditionnement ;
  • dépressuriser en fin de vidange;
• on met en oeuvre un dispositif de vidange comprenant, d'une part, au moins un organe-presseur (5) comportant au moins un piston (5.1) et, d'autre part, au moins une cuve de vidange (6) destinée à recevoir le conteneur souple (3) à vider ou éventuellement seulement son sac-doublure et conçue comme une pièce femelle apte à coopérer et à servir de guide pour le piston de l'organe-presseur (5) en déplacement, notamment dans le sens aller correspondant à la mise sous pression du conteneur souple (3) ou éventuellement de son seul sac-doublure.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de vidange d'un conteneur souple (3) de type "big bag" de contenance supérieure ou égale à 250 litres renfermant un produit visqueux, caractérisé par les points suivants :

• le produit visqueux (2) est choisi dans le groupe des produits dont la viscosité est d'au moins 10 Pa.s et, de préférence comprise entre 10 Pa.s et 200 000 Pa.s,
  à savoir des huiles silicones, des gommes silicones, des compositions polyorgano-siloxanes (éventuellement sous forme d'émulsions aqueuses) réticulables en élastomères par des réactions de polyaddition, de polycondensation ou de déshydrogéno(poly)-condensation, des polymères organiques comprenant des groupes organosiliciques réactifs (appelés MS polymères) et des compositions chargées, en milieu solvant ou aqueux, comprenant un polymère acrylique et réticulables en élastomères par séchage ;
• il consiste essentiellement à :
  • mettre en oeuvre un conteneur souple (3) comprenant une paroi mécaniquement résistante et, de préférence, étanche au produit visqueux (2) et essentiellement constituée :
    • ▪ par au moins un élément (25) assurant la résistance mécanique et comportant une ou plusieurs nappes de matériaux identiques ou différents entre eux, de préférence en toile ;
    • ▪ et éventuellement par au moins un élément d'étanchéité (26) formé (i) par au moins un film polymère, de préférence sous forme de revêtement et/ou (2i) par au moins un sac-doublure étanche composé d'une ou plusieurs couches de matériaux choisies dans le groupe comprenant : les films polymères synthétiques (en particulier les polyoléfines {et plus préférentiellement encore les polyéthylènes, les polypropylènes}, les polyesters, ou les polyamides), ou les métaux (en particulier l'aluminium) ; le (ou les) sac(s)-doublure(s), étant au moins en partie solidaire(s) de l'élément de paroi assurant la résistance mécanique, et, plus préférentiellement encore au moins en partie collé(s) et /ou cousu(s) sur ledit élément ;
  • éventuellement déplacer le conteneur (3) à vider de son site de stockage vers un site de vidange ;
  • faire en sorte qu'au moins une ouverture de sortie (9), disposée dans la partie inférieure du conteneur (3), permette l'écoulement du produit visqueux (2) hors du conteneur (3) ;
  • exercer une pression sur au moins une zone délimitée du conteneur souple (3) à l'aide de moyens de mise sous pression, constitués par au moins un organe-presseur (5,) et/ou par un fluide-presseur, de manière à, d'une part, maintenir le conteneur (3,) à l'état gonflé ou partiellement gonflé, et, d'autre part, hâter l'écoulement ;
  • alimenter par le produit visqueux (2) expulsé du conteneur souple (3), ou éventuellement de son seul sac-doublure (26), au moins un ensemble de conditionnement du produit visqueux (2) dans un emballage approprié, selon un débit adapté supérieur ou égal à la consommation de l'ensemble de conditionnement ;
  • dépressuriser en fin de vidange;
• on met en oeuvre un dispositif de vidange qui comprend au moins une cuve de vidange (6) destinée à recevoir le conteneur souple (3) à vider ou éventuellement son seul sac-doublure et propre à être mise sous pression et en ce que l'on met sous pression cette cuve (6) au moyen d'un fluide-presseur, de manière à expulser le produit visqueux (2) hors de la cuve (6).

These objectives, among others, are achieved by the present invention, which firstly concerns a method of emptying a flexible container (3) of the "big bag" type with a capacity greater than or equal to 250 liters containing a viscous product. , characterized by the following points:

• the viscous product (2) is selected from the group of products having a viscosity of at least 10 Pa.s and preferably between 10 Pa.s and 200,000 Pa.s,
  that is to say silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) which can be crosslinked into elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogeno (poly) -condensation reactions, organic polymers comprising groups reactive organosilicon compounds (referred to as MS polymers) and charged compositions, in a solvent or aqueous medium, comprising an acrylic polymer and crosslinkable to elastomers by drying;
• it consists essentially of:
  • implementing a flexible container (3) comprising a mechanically resistant wall and, preferably, sealed to the viscous product (2) and consisting essentially of:
    • ▪ at least one element (25) ensuring the mechanical strength and comprising one or more sheets of identical or different materials, preferably canvas;
    • And optionally by at least one sealing element formed by (i) at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and / or (2i) with at least one waterproof lining bag composed of one or several layers of materials chosen from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins (and more preferably still polyethylenes, polypropylenes), polyesters or polyamides), or metals (in particular aluminum); the bag (s) -leaf (s), being at least partly integral with the wall element ensuring the mechanical strength, and more preferably still at least partially glued (s) and / or sewn on said element;
  • optionally moving the container (3) to empty from its storage site to a drain site;
  • ensuring that at least one outlet opening (9) disposed in the lower part of the container (3) allows the flow of the viscous product (2) out of the container (3);
  • exerting pressure on at least one defined zone of the flexible container (3) by means of pressurizing means constituted by at least one pressing member (5) and / or by a pressurizing fluid, so as to on the one hand, to maintain the container (3) in the inflated or partially inflated state, and, on the other hand, to hasten the flow;
  • supplying by the viscous product (2) expelled from the flexible container (3), or possibly from its single bag-lining (26), at least one packaging assembly of the viscous product (2) in a suitable packaging, at a higher adapted flow rate or equal to the consumption of the packaging unit;
  • depressurize at the end of emptying;
• a draining device is implemented comprising, on the one hand, at least one pressing member (5) comprising at least one piston (5.1) and, on the other hand, at least one emptying tank (6) intended to receiving the flexible container (3) to empty or possibly only its bag-lining and designed as a female part adapted to cooperate and serve as a guide for the piston of the presser member (5) on the move, in particular in the one-way direction corresponding to the pressurization of the flexible container (3) or possibly its only bag-lining.

The invention also relates to a method of emptying a flexible container (3) of "big bag" type with a capacity greater than or equal to 250 liters containing a viscous product, characterized by the following points:

• the viscous product (2) is chosen from the group of products whose viscosity is at least 10 Pa.s and preferably between 10 Pa.s and 200,000 Pa.s,
  that is to say silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) which can be crosslinked into elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogeno (poly) -condensation reactions, organic polymers comprising groups reactive organosilicon compounds (referred to as MS polymers) and charged compositions, in a solvent or aqueous medium, comprising an acrylic polymer and crosslinkable to elastomers by drying;
• it consists essentially of:
  • implementing a flexible container (3) comprising a mechanically resistant wall and, preferably, sealed to the viscous product (2) and consisting essentially of:
    • ▪ at least one element (25) ensuring the mechanical strength and comprising one or more sheets of identical or different materials, preferably canvas;
    • And optionally by at least one sealing element formed by (i) at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and / or (2i) by at least one a waterproof bag-lining composed of one or more layers of materials chosen from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins (and more preferably still polyethylenes, polypropylenes), polyesters, or polyamides), or metals (especially aluminum); the bag (s) -leaf (s), being at least partly integral with the wall element ensuring the mechanical strength, and more preferably still at least partially glued (s) and / or sewn on said element;
  • optionally moving the container (3) to empty from its storage site to a drain site;
  • ensuring that at least one outlet opening (9) disposed in the lower part of the container (3) allows the flow of the viscous product (2) out of the container (3);
  • exerting pressure on at least one defined zone of the flexible container (3) by means of pressurizing means constituted by at least one pressing member (5) and / or by a pressurizing fluid, so as to on the one hand, to maintain the container (3) in the inflated or partially inflated state, and, on the other hand, to hasten the flow;
  • supplying by the viscous product (2) expelled from the flexible container (3), or possibly from its single bag-lining (26), at least one packaging assembly of the viscous product (2) in a suitable packaging, at a higher adapted flow rate or equal to the consumption of the packaging unit;
  • depressurize at the end of emptying;
• a draining device is implemented which comprises at least one emptying tank (6) intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be emptied or possibly its only bag-lining and suitable for being put under pressure and in that the this vessel (6) is pressurized by means of a pressure fluid so as to expel the viscous product (2) from the vessel (6).

It is to the credit of the inventors to have developed a methodology for emptying flexible containers for viscous products, which makes it possible to dispense with conventional containers that are inconvenient, cumbersome and expensive.

The holding characteristic of the container or the flexible bag in the at least partially inflated state, among others, makes it possible to overcome the problem of clogging of the outlet orifice with conventional bags-liners, the problem of soiling the material and the problem of loss of material; the latter problem being at least partly solved by the technique according to the invention which allows a collapse in bellows (or "accordion") minimizing the loss of material.

Another advantage of the process of the invention is that it is possible to use containers whose capacity is greater than 250 liters, for example 1000 liters, which results in significant productivity gains both in terms of filling and cooling. draining viscous products.

It should be noted that all the viscosity values used in the present disclosure correspond to a viscosity measured in a manner known per se at 25 ° C. and under a shear rate of 0.01.s ^-1 .

One of the essential characteristics of the invention is therefore the implementation of a flexible container of the "big bag" type. Advantageously, it is a container whose wall to be flexible does not remain less mechanically resistant and has moreover and preferably sealing properties vis-à-vis the viscous product considered.

• par au moins un élément assurant la résistance mécanique et comportant une ou plusieurs nappes de matériaux identiques ou différents entre eux, de préférence en toile ;
• et éventuellement par au moins un élément d'étanchéité formé (i) par au moins un film polymère, de préférence sous forme de revêtement et/ou (2i) par au moins un sac-doublure étanche composé d'une ou plusieurs couches de matériaux choisies dans le groupe comprenant : les films polymères synthétiques (en particulier les polyoléfines {et plus préférentiellement encore les polyéthylènes, les polypropylènes}, les polyesters, ou les polyamides), ou les métaux (en particulier l'aluminium) ; le (ou les) sac(s)-doublure(s), étant au moins en partie solidaire(s) de l'élément de paroi assurant la résistance mécanique, et, plus préférentiellement encore au moins en partie collé(s) et /ou cousu(s) sur ledit élément.

According to one characteristic of the invention, this wall essentially consists of:

• by at least one element providing mechanical strength and comprising one or more plies of materials that are identical or different from each other, preferably made of fabric;
• and optionally by at least one sealing element formed (i) by at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and / or (2i) by at least one waterproof lining bag composed of one or more layers of materials selected from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins (and more preferably still polyethylenes, polypropylenes), polyesters, or polyamides), or metals (in particular aluminum); the bag (s) -leaf (s), being at least partly integral with the wall element ensuring the mechanical strength, and more preferably still at least partially glued (s) and / or sewn on said element.

This container formed by such a flexible envelope is a sufficient packaging in terms of protection of the viscous product. It is an autonomous packaging that can be transported easily, for example by simply being placed on a pallet and attached, or even included in other containers that are not involved in the emptying process, unlike bags polyethylene, which, in known manner, are housed in rigid containers for both transport and emptying.

The flexible envelope container used in the process according to the invention may be for example a cloth bag (eg polypropylene) lined with a thin bag, for example multilayer (polyethylene / aluminum / polyethylene terephthalate) glued and / or stitched to the canvas, said container being optionally and advantageously provided with handles for suspending and handling with a hoist or forklift.
These flexible containers or "big bag" can have large capacities, for example between 500 and 2000 liters.

Advantageously, the flexible envelope container can be disposable, which is a source of economy, particularly in terms of transport and storage. This allows eg to avoid complicated "supply chain" rotations of metal containers.
As examples of viscous products concerned by the invention, mention may be made of products whose viscosity is of the order of 3000 Pa.s, such as silicone mastics.

The process according to the invention offers a wide range of emptying rates that can be varied depending on the viscosity of the product in question, the outlet diameter or the pressure value exerted.

Minimizing the surfaces of the material in contact with the product during the process is the cause of the desired cleaning economy.

• par découpe dans la paroi du conteneur,
• et/ou par enlèvement de bouchon(s) ou d'opercules équipant un (des) orifice(s), le(s)dit(s) orifice(s) pouvant être pourvu(s) de goulotte(s) de vidange de la paroi du conteneur,
• et/ou par enlèvement d'un (de) lien(s) fermant d'(ou des) ouverture(s) déjà prévue(s) sur le conteneur.

According to an interesting feature of the method according to the invention, the (or) opening (s) of the container outlet can be obtained (s):

• by cutting in the wall of the container,
• and / or by removal of plug (s) or operculum equipping an orifice (s), the said orifice (s) can be provided with discharge chute (s) of the wall of the container,
• and / or by removing a closing link (s) from (or) opening (s) already provided on the container.

In practice, it is therefore possible to cut a portion of the wall of the flexible container or any chutes fitted to the latter, or to untie links and / or nodes closing an opening.

According to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, there is provided a draining device comprising, on the one hand, at least one pressing member comprising at least one piston and, on the other hand, at least one a drain tank for receiving the flexible container to be emptied or possibly only its bag-lining and designed as a female part adapted to cooperate and serve as a guide for the piston of the presser member moving, especially in the one-way direction corresponding to the pressurization of the flexible container or possibly its only bag-lining.

• la cuve de vidange est conçue de manière à pouvoir être (hermétiquement) fermée
• et le piston est apte à se mouvoir sous l'action d'un fluide-presseur.

According to a variant of this first mode of implementation:

• the drain pan is designed so that it can be (hermetically) closed
• and the piston is able to move under the action of a pressure fluid.

In the context of this variant, it may be advantageous in accordance with the invention to use a pressure fluid contained in an inflatable cylinder, this cylinder being housed between the piston (5.1) and a reversible closure lid of the vessel. (6) and connected to pressurizing fluid supply means for inflating and subsequently displacing the piston (5.1), to allow the expulsion of the viscous product (2) out of the tank (6).

• il est prévu un dispositif de vidange qui comprend au moins une cuve de vidange destinée à recevoir le conteneur souple à vider ou éventuellement son seul sac-doublure et propre à être mise sous pression
• et on met sous pression cette cuve au moyen d'un fluide-presseur, de manière à expulser le produit visqueux hors de la cuve.

According to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention:

• there is provided a drain device which comprises at least one emptying tank intended to receive the flexible container to be emptied or possibly its only bag-lining and suitable to be pressurized
• and this vessel is pressurized by means of a pressure fluid so as to expel the viscous product out of the vessel.

The fluid used in the variant of the first mode and in the second embodiment can be a gas or a liquid. It can be a liquid having a viscosity less than or equal to 50 Pa.s. Water could be perfectly suitable for this purpose.

Although the process according to the invention is operational without mechanical recovery of the viscous product at the outlet of the container, it is quite possible to envisage the feeding of mechanical elements (for example: pumps, screws, double screws) by the viscous product. expelled in cases where it would be necessary to transport a great distance or through pipes generating high pressure losses, or even to derive an economic gain.
Alternatively, the viscous drained product can be routed to storage means or packaging means.

If in the case of a simple emptying, the flow is advantageously the highest possible, (for example greater than 50 liters per minute for a viscous product of 1000 Pa.s) so as to provide maximum productivity, in the case of the supply of a packaging machine, it is desirable to have high instantaneous flow rates (for example, may be greater than 1 liter per minute). The flow rate naturally depends on all the parameters of the Poiseuille law (viscosity, pressure difference, geometry of the outlet duct) and elements hindering the output of the viscous product: valves, filters, roughness.

By way of illustration, it may be stated that the packaging assembly could be in particular a cartridge dispensing device for viscous products, in particular silicone sealants ("encartoucheuse"), with a flowrate adapted at least to the consumption of the packaging set.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the viscous product expelled from the flexible container, or possibly its only bag-lining, feeds storage means and / or mechanical means for moving the viscous product to increase its flow, said mechanical means being preferably selected from the group consisting of: the pumps, the (double) -vis.

Naturally, the method according to the invention is not limited as to the number of emptying devices and means of conditioning, storage or mechanical recovery arranged downstream.

The method according to the invention consists in taking advantage of the flexibility of the container containing the viscous product, by applying to the wall of this flexible container, a pressure which is almost entirely transmitted to the viscous product, so that the container is maintained in a container. at least partially inflated state and the viscous product is expelled. This expulsion of the viscous, continuous or discontinuous product is effected by an opening in the flexible container (for example by cutting, unscrewing a cap, by a discharge chute), or by one or more openings provided in the means or the associated elements downstream of the emptying device. The inflated state of the flexible container which results from the pressure exerted on only part of its surface makes it possible to maintain a permanent tension of the wall of the container and thus eliminates the risk of an uncontrolled folding likely to result in clogging of the container. opening by which is evacuated the viscous product.

The pressure exerted is, for example, between 1 and 6 bars in the case of direct discharge, while it is adjusted so that the output flow rate of the viscous product is greater than or equal to the consumption of the means of the elements arranged downstream of the device. emptying.

At the end of emptying, knowing that it may be partial or total, it is realized according to the invention the depressurization of the flexible container (therefore the product).

In the case where the container to be emptied has a storage site different from the emptying site, the flexible container and any remaining viscous product it contains is routed to a storage site. This optional operation is fast enough so that it is possible to empty a new viscous product that is incompatible with the previous one after a period of not more than ten minutes, for example, from the end of the emptying of the product. previous to the beginning of the next product drain.

• 
  la maîtrise ou la conception du conteneur souple de sorte que ses dimensions et propriétés soient bien adaptées aux conditions de vidange;
• 
  du transfert du conteneur souple depuis son site de stockage et/ou son contenant de transport jusqu'à l'emplacement de vidange ;
• 
  de l'écrasement du conteneur souple au cours de sa vidange de sorte que la perte de matières soit minimisée et que le risque de bouchage de l'orifice de sortie soit évité;
• 
  de la résistance du conteneur souple, de sorte qu'il ne cède pas sous la pression;
• 
  des valeurs des paramètres pression et débit au cours de la vidange;
• 
  du temps de changement entre deux produits visqueux incompatibles;
• 
  et du trajet effectué par le produit visqueux, de telle sorte que celui-ci ne salisse qu'un minimum d'éléments dont le nettoyage est ensuite nécessaire, et si possible seulement des éléments jetables ou changeables (tels que le conteneur souple et/ou son sac-doublure jetable ainsi que les tuyaux flexibles de liaison qui doivent être remplacés quand on passe d'un produit visqueux à d'autres).

The method according to the invention involves:

• 
  control or design of the flexible container so that its dimensions and properties are well adapted to the emptying conditions;
• 
  transferring the flexible container from its storage site and / or transport container to the emptying location;
• 
  crushing the flexible container during its emptying so that the loss of materials is minimized and the risk of clogging of the outlet is avoided;
• 
  the resistance of the flexible container, so that it does not yield under pressure;
• 
  values of the pressure and flow parameters during emptying;
• 
  time of change between two incompatible viscous products;
• 
  and the path made by the viscous product, so that it only smudges a minimum of elements which are subsequently cleaned, and if possible only disposable or changeable elements (such as the flexible container and / or its disposable bag-liner as well as the flexible hoses that must be replaced when moving from a viscous product to others).

• ∼ un produit visqueux (2) choisi dans le groupe des produits de viscosité supérieure ou égale à 50 Pa.s, de préférence comprise entre 100 Pa.s et 10.000 Pa.s, à savoir des huiles silicones, des gommes silicones, des compositions organopolysiloxanes réticulables en élastomères par des réactions de polyaddition, de polycondensation ou de déshydrogéno-(poly)condensation et des polymères organiques comprenant des groupes organosiliciques réactifs ;
• ∼ un conteneur souple (3) de type "big bag" de contenance supérieure ou égale à 250 litres mécaniquement résistant et étanche au produit visqueux, pourvu d'une ouverture de sortie, disposée dans la partie inférieure du conteneur, et de préférence équipé d'anses (29) de levage et/ou de suspension ;
• ∼ au moins un ensemble de conditionnement du produit visqueux (2) dans un emballage approprié ;
• ∼ éventuellement des moyens mécaniques de mise en mouvement du produit visqueux permettant d'augmenter son débit, lesdits moyens mécaniques étant de préférence choisis dans le groupe comprenant : les pompes, les (doubles)-vis ;
• ∼ éventuellement des moyens de stockage,
• ∼ un organe-presseur (5) comportant au moins un piston (5.1) et,
• ∼ au moins une cuve de vidange (6) destinée à recevoir le conteneur souple (3) à vider et conçue comme une pièce femelle pour la pièce mâle qu'est le piston (5.1) de l'organe-presseur (5) en déplacement, notamment dans le sens aller correspondant à la mise sous pression du conteneur souple (3) ou de son seul sac-doublure (26).

L'invention concerne également un nécessaire pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé tel que défini ci-dessus comportant un dispositif de vidange comprenant au moins un organe-presseur (5) et/ou au moins un fluide-presseur, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

• ∼ un produit visqueux (2) choisi dans le groupe des produits de viscosité supérieure ou égale à 50 Pa.s, de préférence comprise entre 100 Pa.s et 10.000 Pa.s, à savoir des huiles silicones, des gommes silicones, des compositions organopolysiloxanes réticulables en élastomères par des réactions de polyaddition, de polycondensation ou de déshydrogéno-(poly)condensation et des polymères organiques comprenant des groupes organosiliciques réactifs ;
• ∼ un conteneur souple (3) de type "big bag" de contenance supérieure ou égale à 250 litres mécaniquement résistant et étanche au produit visqueux, pourvu d'une ouverture de sortie, disposée dans la partie inférieure du conteneur, et de préférence équipé d'anses (29) de levage et/ou de suspension ;
• ∼ au moins un ensemble de conditionnement du produit visqueux (2) dans un emballage approprié ;
• ∼ éventuellement des moyens mécaniques de mise en mouvement du produit visqueux permettant d'augmenter son débit, lesdits moyens mécaniques étant de préférence choisis dans le groupe comprenant : les pompes, les (doubles)-vis ;
• ∼ éventuellement des moyens de stockage ;
• ∼ et au moins une cuve de vidange (6) destinée à recevoir le conteneur souple (3) à vider ou éventuellement son seul sac-doublure (26) et propre à être mise sous pression au moyen d'un fluide-presseur, de manière à expulser le produit visqueux (2) hors de la cuve (6).

According to another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a kit for the implementation of the method as defined above comprising a draining device comprising at least one presser member (5) and / or at least one pressurizing fluid characterized in that it comprises:

• ~ A viscous product (2) selected from the group of products with a viscosity greater than or equal to 50 Pa.s, preferably between 100 Pa.s and 10,000 Pa.s, namely silicone oils, silicone gums, compositions organopolysiloxanes crosslinkable to elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogeno- (poly) condensation reactions and organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicon groups;
• ~ A flexible container (3) of the "big bag" type with a capacity greater than or equal to 250 liters, mechanically resistant and tight to the viscous product, provided with an outlet opening, arranged in the lower part of the container, and preferably equipped with lifting and / or suspending handles (29);
• At least one package for packaging the viscous product (2) in an appropriate packaging;
• ~ Possibly mechanical means for setting the viscous product in motion to increase its flow, said mechanical means being preferably selected from the group comprising: pumps, (double) -vis;
• ~ Possibly storage means,
• ~ A pressing member (5) comprising at least one piston (5.1) and,
• At least one emptying tank (6) intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be emptied and designed as a female part for the male piece that is the piston (5.1) of the presser member (5) in displacement , especially in the forward direction corresponding to the pressurization flexible container (3) or its only bag-liner (26).

The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the method as defined above comprising a draining device comprising at least one presser member (5) and / or at least one pressurizing fluid, characterized in that He understands :

• ~ A viscous product (2) selected from the group of products with a viscosity greater than or equal to 50 Pa.s, preferably between 100 Pa.s and 10,000 Pa.s, namely silicone oils, silicone gums, compositions organopolysiloxanes crosslinkable to elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydrogeno- (poly) condensation reactions and organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicon groups;
• ~ A flexible container (3) of the "big bag" type with a capacity greater than or equal to 250 liters, mechanically resistant and tight to the viscous product, provided with an outlet opening, arranged in the lower part of the container, and preferably equipped with lifting and / or suspending handles (29);
• At least one package for packaging the viscous product (2) in an appropriate packaging;
• ~ Possibly mechanical means for setting the viscous product in motion to increase its flow, said mechanical means being preferably selected from the group comprising: pumps, (double) -vis;
• Possibly storage means;
• ~ And at least one emptying tank (6) intended to receive the flexible container (3) to empty or possibly its only bag-lining (26) and adapted to be pressurized by means of a pressure-fluid, so to expel the viscous product (2) out of the tank (6).

• par au moins un élément assurant la résistance mécanique et comportant une ou plusieurs nappes de matériaux identiques ou différents entre eux, de préférence en toile ;
• et/ou par au moins un élément d'étanchéité formé par (i) au moins un film polymère, de préférence sous forme de revêtement et/ou (2i) par au moins un sac-doublure étanche composé d'une ou plusieurs couches de matériaux choisies dans le groupe comprenant : les films polymères synthétiques (en particulier les polyoléfines - et plus préférentiellement encore les polyéthylènes, les polypropylènes - les polyesters ou les polyamides), ou les métaux (en particulier l'aluminium) ; le (ou les) sac(s)-doublure(s), quand on en utilise, étant solidaire(s) de l'élément de paroi assurant la résistance mécanique, ce (ou ces) sac(s) étant de préférence au moins en partie collé(s) et /ou cousu(s) sur ledit élément.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the flexible container preferably comprises a wall constituted by:

• by at least one element providing mechanical strength and comprising one or more plies of materials that are identical or different from each other, preferably made of fabric;
• and / or by at least one sealing element formed by (i) at least one polymeric film, preferably in the form of a coating and / or (2i) with at least one waterproof lining bag composed of one or more layers of materials selected from the group consisting of: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins - and more preferably still polyethylenes, polypropylenes - polyesters or polyamides), or metals (in particular aluminum); the bag (s) -leaf (s), when used, being integral (s) of the wall element ensuring the mechanical strength, this (or these) bag (s) being preferably at least partially glued (s) and / or sewn (s) on said element.

More preferably still, the flexible container has a mechanically resistant and watertight wall made from fabric (s) whose weight in the uncoated state is in the range of 100 to 300 g / m ² and that the bag-liner has a thickness in the range of 5 to 500 microns.

In practice, it may be polypropylene fabric with a density of 150-300 g / m ² for a 1000 liter container.

The bag-lining is for example glued or sewn inside or outside the mechanically resistant wall. This bag-lining end can have a thickness of between 10 and 250 microns. It should be noted that the fabric thicknesses of the wall and the liner-bag are a function of the desired mechanical strength and physicochemical protection.

Optionally, the flexible container is provided with one or more discharge chutes, identical or different structure to that of the flexible container.

Naturally, each chute optionally provided on the flexible container may be used for emptying or filling said container and may also act as a shutter of an opening for example by means of a plug or a knotted link. This plug could consist of a weld and / or a glue joint.

Each possible chute may furthermore constitute a connection element of the flexible container to a downstream mechanical recovery or conditioning storage means.

According to an advantageous variant, the flexible container comprises at least one large opening or so-called "total" opening facilitating the filling. This large opening may be closed by welding and / or by a knot and / or by an adhesive joint. It is preferable that such a large opening is used only for filling, unlike the openings and / or drain channels as described above.

• le piston de l'organe-presseur comporte une tête (de préférence circulaire) reliée à une tige destinée à coopérer avec un vérin fixe d'entraînement en mouvement alternatif de translation, ledit vérin étant monté sur une structure fixe, ladite tête étant destinée à pénétrer dans la cuve de vidange pour comprimer le conteneur souple ;
• et la cuve de vidange qui comprend au moins une ouverture de sortie du produit visqueux, et qui est éventuellement équipée de moyens de déplacement (de préférence des roulettes), est de préférence constituée par un cylindre creux destiné à recevoir le conteneur souple et dans lequel la tête du piston est apte à coulisser, cette tête étant de préférence circulaire et de diamètre suffisamment proche du diamètre intérieur de la cuve pour que l'étanchéité vis à vis du produit visqueux puisse être assurée, avantageusement à l'aide d'un joint torique périphérique en appui sur le bord préférablement chanfreiné de la tête du piston et sur la paroi intérieure de la cuve.

More preferably still in this first embodiment, the emptying device is such that:

• the piston of the pressing member comprises a head (preferably circular) connected to a rod intended to cooperate with a fixed drive cylinder reciprocating translation movement, said cylinder being mounted on a fixed structure, said head being intended for entering the drain tank to compress the flexible container;
• and the drain tank which comprises at least one outlet opening of the viscous product, and which is optionally equipped with displacement means (preferably rollers), is preferably constituted by a hollow cylinder intended to receive the flexible container and in which the piston head is slidable, this head being preferably circular and of sufficiently close diameter to the inside diameter of the tank so that tightness with respect to the viscous product can be ensured, advantageously with the aid of a seal peripheral ring bears on the preferably chamfered edge of the piston head and on the inner wall of the tank.

In the context of this variant, it is advantageously proposed, in accordance with the invention, for the emptying device to comprise an inflatable cylinder, housed between the piston and a reversible closure lid of the tank and connected to means for supplying fuel. pressurizing fluid allowing the inflation and consequently the displacement of the piston, to allow the expulsion of the viscous product out of the tank.

Preferably, the pressurizing-fluid supply means comprise at least one pressurizing fluid reservoir, at least one pressurizing fluid conveying means and a conduit equipped with these means and connecting the pressure-fluid reservoir to the inflatable cylinder.

In practice, the pressure-fluid is e.g. selected from the group of incompressible fluids, preferably in the subgroup comprising water or oil or in the group of compressible fluids, air being preferred.

According to a second embodiment, the emptying device comprises at least one emptying tank intended to receive the flexible container to be emptied or possibly its only bag-lining and suitable for being pressurized by means of a pressurizing fluid, to expel the viscous product out of the tank.

In the variant of the first embodiment and in the second embodiment, the partial pressure exerted on the flexible container results (respectively indirectly and directly) from a pressing fluid consisting of any liquid or gaseous fluid, advantageously liquid, of viscosity less than 50 Pa.s. This assumes that the drain tank is designed as an autoclave provided with at least one opening that can be open or closed and used to introduce and / or evacuate the pressure fluid. Naturally, this autoclave drain tank also includes at least one drain opening for the viscous product.

In the first and second embodiments according to which a drain tank comprises the device according to the invention, it is preferable that the dimensions of the flexible container and possibly of its bag-lining taken alone, are chosen so that when pressurized, the container is maintained in the inflated or partially inflated state. Only the flexible container and / or its bag-lining are thus kept under tension, which limits the risk of unwanted refolding leading to clogging of the drain or openings. Thus, assuming that the drain tank and the flexible container and / or the bag-liner have substantially the same shape, it is preferable that the dimensions of the flexible container and / or bag-lining are smaller in a proportion of 2 to 15% than those of the tank.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the flexible container and / or its bag-lining has no surface irregularity in the substantially vertical direction (for example vertical seam or vertical blister or vertical asperities) on at least part of their height so that the contact of the flexible container and / or bag-lining with the inner face of the drain tank creates a substantially ring-shaped contiguous area barrier to viscous products. This makes it possible to avoid the migration of the viscous product between the inner face of the tank and the upper part of the wall of the flexible container and / or bag-lining during the emptying, so that the inside of the tank is not not substantially soiled by the viscous product.

• ▪ la figure 1 représente un schéma synoptique d'une forme de réalisation du nécessaire de vidange selon l'invention ;
• ▪ la figure 2 , un schéma synoptique d'une variante de la forme de réalisation selon la figure 1 ;

The method and the emptying kit according to the invention will be better understood in the light of the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting examples, of two advantageous embodiments of said emptying kit, with certain variants, with reference in the accompanying drawings in which:

• ▪ the figure 1 represents a block diagram of one embodiment of the emptying kit according to the invention;
• ▪ the figure 2 , a block diagram of a variant of the embodiment according to the figure 1 ;

The figure 1 shows a viscous product emptying kit (viscosity ≥ at 50 Pa.s: for example 3000 Pa.s silicone sealant) comprising a viscous product 1 emptying device 2, included in a flexible container 3.

The emptying device 1 comprises a structure or frame 4 on which is fixed a jack 5 comprising a piston 5.1 and a cylinder body 5.2. The latter serves to actuate the pressure piston 5.1. The latter has a maximum outside diameter slightly smaller than the minimum inside diameter of the tank (lower by 0.1 to 2.5%).

The emptying tank 6 equipped with rollers 7 constitutes another element of the emptying device 1. This drain tank 6, which is open and generally cylindrical with a flat bottom, also has in its lower part an outlet pipe 8 of the viscous product 2. It is resistant to pressure and the presence of wheels 7 makes it easy to move.

The flexible container 3 is housed inside the emptying tank 6. This flexible container 3 has a drain opening 9 formed in its lower part and disposed facing the outlet duct 8 of the drain tank 6. This opening 9 is performed just before pressurization by the pressing member -5, 5.1, 5.2- and after having transported the flexible container 3 of its storage and / or transport site to the emptying site defined by the emptying tank 6.

• soit par un multicouche de parois résistantes mécaniquement (par exemple en toile de polypropylène) / sacs fins en polyéthylène, éventuellement cousus et/ou collés à l'intérieur de la paroi en toile ;
• soit par le sac-doublure seulement après que l'on ait extrait celui-ci de l'intérieur du conteneur souple 3. Le détail sur la structure de cette enveloppe 10 apparaît plus en détail sur la figure 2 décrite ci-après.

Le conteneur souple 3 doit être conçu de manière à assurer une perte de matière minimale, et notamment inférieure à 2 %.
De préférence, le conteneur souple 3 est un conteneur de type "big bag" à fond cylindrique, sans couture verticale, dont le diamètre est légèrement inférieur à celui de la cuve de vidange 6, de sorte que le gonflement subi par ce conteneur souple lors de la mise sous pression maintient sous tension la paroi du conteneur souple 2 pendant la vidange. En l'occurrence, cette paroi est constituée par une toile de polypropylène comportant une couche interne collée formée par un sac-doublure en polyéthylène fin collé. Ce type de paroi résistante mécaniquement a un rôle de protection pendant le transport et le stockage, tandis que sa couche interne ("inliner") assure l'étanchéité lors de la vidange, de sorte que le produit visqueux ne s'écoule que par l'ouverture de vidange de l'enveloppe du conteneur souple lorsque celle-ci est mise sous pression.The flexible container 3 has an envelope 10 which can consist of:

• or by a multilayer of mechanically resistant walls (for example made of polypropylene fabric) / thin polyethylene bags, optionally sewn and / or glued inside the canvas wall;
• either by the bag-liner only after one has extracted it from the inside of the flexible container 3. The detail on the structure of this envelope 10 appears in more detail on the figure 2 described below.

The flexible container 3 must be designed to ensure a minimum loss of material, especially less than 2%.
Preferably, the flexible container 3 is a "big bag" container with a cylindrical bottom, without a vertical seam, whose diameter is slightly smaller than that of the emptying tank 6, so that the swelling undergone by this flexible container during pressurizing keeps the wall of the flexible container 2 under tension during emptying. In this case, this wall consists of a polypropylene fabric having a glued inner layer formed by a bonded polyethylene bag-lining. This type of mechanically resistant wall has a role of protection during transportation and storage, while its inner layer ("inliner") seals during the emptying, so that the viscous product flows only through the emptying opening of the envelope of the flexible container when it is pressurized.

The seal between the piston head 5.1 (pressure member) and the internal face of the drain tank 6 is provided by an O-ring 11 which forms a barrier to the migration of the viscous product 2 above the piston head 5.1. . O-ring 11 has, for example, a cross-section of a diameter equal to 50 mm, plus or minus 20 mm, and its length is equal to the perimeter of the inside of drain tank 6, so that by acting on compressibility of the material constituting the O-ring 11, preferably made of elastomeric material, the continuity of this O-ring 11 is ensured. It is housed in the space delimited by an annular zone of the internal face of the cylindrical emptying tank 6 and by the Chamfered face of piston 5.1 (chamfer at 45 °). This chamfer is used to exert an oblique force on the elastomer ring 11 so that it is perfectly pressed against the inner face of the tank to ensure a good seal.

The transport of the flexible container from its storage site to the emptying site can be achieved for example by means of a forklift or a mobile hoist. To do this, it is advantageous that the flexible container has for example one or more resistant handles allowing it to be lifted by the means of transport.

According to a variant, the outlet duct 8 could be arranged on the piston head 5.1. This outlet duct 8 allows the viscous fluid to be expelled from the emptying tank 2.2 because of the pressure difference between the inside of the flexible container 3 and the external pressure. The diameter of this outlet duct is for example 76 mm.

This outlet duct 8 may comprise a hose for transporting the viscous product 2 to storage conditioning or mechanical recovery means arranged downstream. Advantageously, this hose is removable so that it can be changed for each drained product.

According to other variants, several outlet orifices could be provided for distributing the viscous product 2 over a plurality of storage conditioning or mechanical recovery means.

According to the flow rate absorbed by the receiver downstream of the outlet / flexible conduit 8 (for example a packaging machine (eg a stamper), a recovery pump, a mixing screw, a container under particular pressure or at atmospheric pressure), and according to the dimensions of the elements of the downstream receiver traversed, a certain pressure is available at the outlet 8. This pressure is less than or equal to that to which the viscous product 2 is subjected in the flexible container 3.

Thanks to the pressurization assembly 5 (piston 5.1 and cylinder 5.2), it is possible to impose on the flexible container, a pressure that is greater as the product 2 is viscous (for example up to 6.5 bars without technical difficulties) and that the required flow is high. By relying in particular on the empirical law of Poiseuille, as a first approach, the product 2 contained in the flexible container 3 is therefore subjected to a pressure P = (8.QNL) /π.R ⁴ , with P = relative pressure by relative to the atmospheric pressure in Pascal, Q = desired volume flow in m ³ / s, N = dynamic viscosity of the product in Pa s, L = length of the outlet duct 8 in meters and R = radius of said duct 8.

According to the method according to the invention, it controls the deformation of the flexible container during emptying, so that the container does not tear, folds optimally without plugging the outlet orifice 9. The volume flow rates are measured at from the mass passed in a given time and the density of the viscous product 2.

• Perçage du conteneur souple 2 avec un outil coupant (lame de couteau par exemple) en introduisant l'outil par le conduit de sortie 8. Ce perçage est avantageusement effectué lorsque le conteneur souple 2 n'est pas encore sous pression, en prenant les précautions requises pour le positionnement du perçage à réaliser.
• Utilisation d'une goulotte de vidange faisant partie intégrante du conteneur souple 2 (goulotte qui peut avoir auparavant servi de goulotte de remplissage), l'ouverture de cette goulotte étant par exemple réalisée en découpant son extrémité fermée, ladite goulotte pouvant avantageusement être enfilée dans le conduit de sortie 8, le raccordement de cette goulotte au conduit de sortie 8 étant une opération de routine à la portée de l'homme du métier.
• Ouverture d'un bouchon prévu sur le conteneur souple 2, avec possibilité de brancher une goulotte de vidange sur le goulot libéré par enlèvement du bouchon ; il peut aussi être envisagé de brancher directement le conduit de sortie 8 sur le goulot libéré par l'enlèvement du bouchon.

To achieve the outlet opening 9, several possibilities are available to the skilled person:

• Drilling the flexible container 2 with a cutting tool (knife blade for example) by introducing the tool through the outlet duct 8. This drilling is advantageously performed when the flexible container 2 is not yet under pressure, taking the precautions required for positioning the drilling to be performed.
• Use of a discharge chute forming an integral part of the flexible container 2 (chute which may have previously served as a filler neck), the opening of this chute being for example made by cutting off its closed end, said chute being advantageously able to be slipped into the outlet duct 8, the connection of this chute to output duct 8 being a routine operation within the scope of the skilled person.
• Opening a stopper provided on the flexible container 2, with the possibility of connecting a discharge chute on the neck liberated by removing the stopper; it can also be envisaged to directly connect the outlet duct 8 to the neck freed by the removal of the plug.

The figure 2 shows a device similar to that of the figure 1 as described above, wherein the pressurizing fluid for carrying out the pressurization is contained in a flexible inflatable jack 12 housed in the drain tank 60, between a piston separating plate 5.10 and a cover 13. The latter can be reversibly fixed to the top of the emptying tank 60 by means of reversible joining means 14 represented symbolically on the figure 2 . These means 14 are for example bolts.

The inflatable jack 12 inflatable can be for example of the type marketed by the company PRONAL.

The emptying tank 60 may be for example a stainless steel tank with a capacity of e.g. 1000 liters.

Opposite the flexible inflatable cylinder 12, relative to the separation plate / piston 5.10, the emptying tank 60 contains in its lower part a flexible container 30 of viscous products 2. The bottom of the flexible container has a drain opening 90 In the same way as for the embodiment according to the figure 1 this drain opening 90 is formed in the flexible container 30 just before pressurization using the inflatable flexible cylinder 12.
An elastomeric seal 110 is interposed between the separation plate / piston 5.10. This elastomer seal 110 is an O-ring which plays the same role as that referenced 11 in the figure 1 described above. The sealing on either side of the piston plate 5.10 is thus provided vis-à-vis the viscous product 2 contained in the flexible container 30. The flexible inflatable cylinder 12 is connected to a pressure fluid reservoir 16, by the intermediate of a pipe 17, equipped with routing means 17.

According to the invention, the pressure fluid may be an incompressible fluid, namely a liquid such as water or oil, or a compressible fluid such as air.
In the case where it is incompressible fluid, for example water or oil, the means 17 for conveying the fluid contained in the reservoir 15 to the flexible inflatable cylinder 12 via the pipe 16 are constituted for example by a suitable pump. Since the pressure fluid is formed by compressed air, said conveying means 17 correspond to a compressed air circuit comprising all the suitable components known in themselves (valve, valve ...).

Preferably, the pressure fluid is an incompressible fluid of the oil or water type. It is then advantageous to provide, in the flexible inflatable cylinder 12, a cushion filled with compressible gas (for example air). Such a cushion behaves as a buffer to smooth the flow of the fluid and to limit or eliminate the flow latency of the viscous product at the opening of the drain tank.

The advantage of using an inflatable flexible cylinder 12 is expressed in particular in economic terms and in terms of simplicity of implementation. In addition, this inflatable cylinder 12 does not add any space in addition to the drain tank. It is therefore possible to easily implement a dual system to operate in masked time, resulting in significant productivity gains.

Another advantage offered by this variant of the figure 2 is related to the ease and speed of assembly and disassembly of such a device.

According to an optional feature, but nevertheless interesting of the device according to the figure 2 , the lid 13, or even the drain tank 60, is equipped with a safety valve for the evacuation of air overpressures.

In the same way as for the device of the figure 1 , the device of the figure 2 is for example disposed upstream of the viscous product conditioning means, for example in cartridges.

The operation of this device for emptying the figure 2 is very simple The flexible jack 12 is inflated with the aid of the conveying means 17 as a function of the pressure required for the expulsion of the viscous product contained in the flexible container 30.

The description of the first embodiment is completed by the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Example of encapsulation of silicone sealant from a pressed flexible envelope

The device implemented is the one represented at figure 1 and described above. More precisely, in this example, use is made of a bowl press intended for emptying viscous products contained in tanks of diameter up to 1240 mm, said tanks being resistant to the working pressure.
This press has a steel structure, the structure maintains a cylinder in a vertical position. The 20 cm diameter cylinder is hydraulic and operates with 0 to 250 bar of hydraulic pressure supplied by a hydraulic unit. The pressure piston, actuated by the cylinder has a diameter of 1220 mm, plus or minus 3 mm. A control cabinet is used to control the raising and lowering of the cylinder.
The tank used with an internal diameter of 1235 mm, plus or minus 10 mm, a depth of 1000 mm, is made of stainless steel and withstands a pressure greater than 7 bar.
The outlet opening of the product is located in the bottom of the tank, on the side.
A flexible, pressure-resistant hose connects the bowl port to the flap dispenser. The hose has a length of one meter and an inside diameter of 76 mm. The "big bag" tested is a "big bag" circular fabric whose perimeter is 3640 mm, significantly lower than the inner perimeter of the tank. This "big bag" has a flat cylindrical bottom, a polyethylene bag with total opening 100 microns thick, not glued to the "big bag", but stitched to it at the intersection between the cylinder (body of "big bag"") and the upper disc closing the upper part of the" big bag ". The "big bag" has a filling chute placed on the top disc of the "big bag", 5 cm from the edge (this chute can be used to perform a "clean" drain by serving as a drain chute, thus protecting against dirt and grease. orifice in the pressure plate). The top disc and the chute are made of a polyethylene coated canvas, impervious to the contained product. The flexible container contains 680 kg of product at the beginning of emptying.
The product contained in the flexible container for the test is a silicone sealant type Oxime.
The bowl has casters allowing it to move on flat ground.
The product contained in the flexible container for the test is a silicone sealant of Acetoxy type.

The flexible container is placed in the tank with a forklift. On the flexible container, a polyethylene film is placed, then the rubber seal against the edges of the tank. The flexible container is drilled through the outlet: the slit is approximately 10 cm.
Connect the hose to the outlet, then pressurize down the cylinder.
The feeder of the Milling Machine fills up quickly (time less than 1 second, close to 0.5 seconds). The flossing machine normally operates at 30 strokes per minute.
The material loss in the bottom of the flexible container is 8.6 liters or 1.26%.
The tank is mostly clean: only the parts near the outlet are soiled, or on a radius of 25 cm.

EXAMPLE 2 Example of emptying silicone sealant from a pressed flexible envelope

The device implemented is the one represented at figure 1 and described above. More precisely, in this example, use is made of a bowl press intended for emptying viscous products contained in tanks of diameter up to 1240 mm, said tanks being resistant to the working pressure.
This press has a steel structure, the structure maintains a cylinder in a vertical position. The 20 cm diameter cylinder is hydraulic and operates with 0 to 250 bar of hydraulic pressure supplied by a hydraulic unit. The pressure piston, actuated by the cylinder has a diameter of 1220 mm, plus or minus 3 mm. A control cabinet is used to control the raising and lowering of the cylinder.
The tank used with an internal diameter of 1235 mm, plus or minus 10 mm, a depth of 1000 mm, is made of stainless steel and withstands a pressure greater than 7 bar.
The outlet opening of the product is located in the pressure plate, on the side, about 15 cm from the edge of the plate. A pressure-resistant steel pipe serves as a conveyor from the outlet port of the tray to the top of a discharge vessel. The pipe is attached to the orifice of the pressure plate by a sealing connection. The pipe has a total length of 2.5 meters and an inside diameter of 76 mm.
The "big bag" tested is a "big bag" circular fabric with staggered straps, height 1100 mm, its perimeter is 3640 mm, significantly lower than the inner perimeter of the tank. This "big bag" has a flat cylindrical bottom, a full opening polyethylene bag 100 microns thick, not glued to the "big bag" but stitched to it at the intersection between the cylinder (body of "big bag" ) and the upper disc closing the upper part of the "big bag". The "big bag" has a filler neck placed on the top disk of the "big bag", 5 cm from the edge of the "big bag". The top disc and the chute are made of a polyethylene coated canvas, impervious to the contained product. The container contains 680 kg of product at the beginning of emptying.
The bowl has wheels to move it. The product contained in the flexible container for testing is an acetoxy silicone sealant.
The flow rate obtained at the outlet of the pipe is greater than 70 liters per minute, it oscillates especially around the value 120 liters per minute with a maximum of 145 liters per minute, for an oil pressure in the jack of 220 bars (this which corresponds to about 5.7 bars in the tank).
The presence of a filter grid in the pipe also limits the flow which could therefore be higher without this grid.
The flexible container weighed after emptying to a mass of 12 kg. The flexible container weighs 2 kg empty. The material loss is therefore 10 kg or 1.47%.

EXAMPLE 3 Example of encapsulation of silicone sealant from a pressed flexible envelope

The device implemented is the one represented at figure 1 and described above. More specifically, in this example, a bowl press is used which is resistant to working pressure and has a diameter of up to 1240 mm.
This press has a steel structure, the structure maintains a cylinder in a vertical position. The 20 cm diameter cylinder is hydraulic and operates with 0 to 250 bar of hydraulic pressure supplied by a hydraulic unit. The pressure piston, actuated by the cylinder has a diameter of 1220 mm plus or minus 3 mm. A control cabinet is used to control the raising and lowering of the cylinder.
The tank used with an internal diameter of 1235 mm, plus or minus 10 mm, a depth of 1000 mm, is made of stainless steel and withstands a pressure greater than 10 bar.
The outlet opening of the product is located in the bottom of the tank, on the side.
A flexible, pressure-resistant hose connects the bowl port to the flap dispenser. The hose has a length of one meter and an inside diameter of 76 mm.

The "big bag" tested is a "big bag" circular fabric whose perimeter is 3640 mm, significantly lower than the inner perimeter of the tank. This "big bag" has a flat cylindrical bottom, a polyethylene bag of thickness 100 microns, not glued to the "big bag" but sewn to it at the intersection between the cylinder (body of the "big bag") and the upper disc closing the upper part of the "big bag". The "big bag" has a filler neck that serves as a drain chute, placed on the upper disk of the "big bag", 5 cm from the edge, for emptying from above through an orifice in the pressure plate. The top disc and the chute are made of a polyethylene coated canvas, impervious to the contained product.
The product contained in the flexible container for the test is a silicone sealant type Oxime.

Claims (15)

1. Method of draining a flexible container (3) of the big-bag type having a capacity of greater than or equal to 250 litres and holding a viscous product, characterized by the following points:

   • the viscous product (2) is selected from the group of products whose viscosity is at least 10 Pa.s, and preferably between 10 and 200,000 Pa.s, i.e. silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) which can be crosslinked to form elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydro(poly)condensation reactions, organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicic groups (referred to as MS polymers) and compositions which are charged, in a solvent or aqueous medium, comprising an acrylic polymer and that can be crosslinked to form elastomers by drying;

   • it consists essentially in:

   - using a flexible container (3) comprising a mechanically strong wall and preferably leaktight for the viscous product (2), and essentially consisting

   • of at least one element (25) which provides the mechanical strength and includes one or more sheets of materials which are identical to or different than one another, preferably of fabric;

   • and optionally of at least one sealing element (26) formed (i) by at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and/or (2i) by at least one leaktight lining bag composed of one or more layers of materials selected from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins {and even more preferably polyethylenes, polypropylenes}, polyesters or polyamides) or metals (in particular aluminum); the lining bag(s) being at least partially secured to the wall element providing the mechanical strength, and even more preferably at least partly adhesively bonded and/or stitched onto said element;

   - optionally moving the container (3) to be drained from its storage site to a drainage site;

   - ensuring that at least one outlet opening (9), arranged in the lower part of the container (3), allows the viscous product (2) to flow out of the container (3);

   - exerting a pressure on at least one delimited region of the flexible container (3) with the aid of pressurization means, which consist of at least one pressure member (5) and/or a pressure fluid, so as on the one hand to keep the container (3) in the inflated or partially inflated state and, on the other hand, to accelerate the flow;

   - feeding the viscous product expelled from the flexible container (3), or optionally only from its lining bag (26), to at least one assembly for packaging said product (2) in suitable packaging, at a suitable flow rate greater than or equal to the consumption of the packaging assembly;

   - depressurizing at the end of draining;

   • using a draining device comprising, on the one hand, at least one pressure member (5) having at least one piston (5.1) and, on the other hand, at least one drainage vessel (6) which is intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be drained, or optionally only its lining bag, and is designed as a female part capable of interacting and acting as a guide for the piston of the pressure member (5) as it moves, particularly in the forward direction corresponding to pressurization of the flexible container (3) or optionally only of its lining bag.
2. Method of draining a flexible container (3) of the big-bag type having a capacity of greater than or equal to 250 litres and holding a viscous product, characterized by the following points:

   • the viscous product (2) is selected from the group of products whose viscosity is at least 10 Pa.s, and preferably between 10 and 200,000 Pa.s, i.e. silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions (optionally in the form of aqueous emulsions) which can be crosslinked to form elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydro(poly)condensation reactions, organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicic groups (referred to as MS polymers) and compositions which are charged in a solvent or aqueous medium, comprise an acrylic polymer and can be crosslinked to form elastomers by drying;

   • it consists essentially in:

   - using a flexible container (3) comprising a mechanically strong wall and preferably leaktight for the viscous product (2), and essentially consisting

   • of at least one element (25) which provides the mechanical strength and includes one or more sheets of materials which are identical to or different than one another, preferably of fabric;

   • and optionally of at least one sealing element (26) formed (i) by at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and/or (2i) by at least one leaktight lining bag composed of one or more layers of materials selected from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins {and even more preferably polyethylenes, polypropylenes}, polyesters or polyamides) or metals (in particular aluminum); the lining bag(s) being at least partially secured to the wall element providing the mechanical strength, and even more preferably at least partly adhesively bonded and/or stitched onto said element

   - optionally moving the container (3) to be drained from its storage site to a drainage site;

   - ensuring that at least one outlet opening (9), arranged in the lower part of the container (3), allows the viscous product (2) to flow out of the container (3);

   - exerting a pressure on at least one delimited region of the flexible container (3) with the aid of pressurization means, which consist of at least one pressure member (5) and/or a pressure fluid, so as on the one hand to keep the container (3) in the inflated or partially inflated state and, on the other hand, to accelerate the flow;

   - feeding the viscous product expelled from the flexible container (3), or optionally only from its lining bag (26), to at least one assembly for packaging said product (2) in suitable packaging, at a suitable flow rate greater than or equal to the consumption of the packaging assembly;

   - depressurizing at the end of draining;

   • using a draining device which comprises at least one pressurizable drainage vessel (6) which is intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be drained, or optionally only its lining bag, and in that this vessel (6) is pressurized by means of a pressure fluid so as to expel the viscous product (2) out of the vessel (6).
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet opening(s) (9) of the container (3) is or are obtained:

   - by cutting out the wall of the container (3);

   - and/or by removing plugs(s) or capsules fitted to one or more orifice(s), in which case said orifice(s) may be provided with spout(s) for draining the wall of the container (3);

   - and/or by removing tie(s) closing opening(s) already provided on the container (3).
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drainage vessel (6) is designed so that it can be closed, and in that the piston (5.1) can be moved under the action of a pressure fluid so as to expel the viscous product (2) out of the vessel (6).
5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that a pressure fluid contained in an inflatable jack is used, this jack being housed between the piston (5.1) and a reversible closure lid of the vessel (6) and connected to pressure fluid supply means for inflating it and consequently moving the piston (5.1), in order to make it possible to expel the viscous product (2) out of the vessel (6).
6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the viscous product (2) expelled from the flexible container, or optionally only from its lining bag, is fed to means for storing the viscous product and/or mechanical means for moving the viscous product in order to increase its flow rate, said mechanical means preferably being selected from the group comprising: pumps, (double) screws.
7. A kit for carrying out the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 including a draining device comprising at least one pressure member (5) and/or at least one pressure fluid, characterized in that it comprises:

   ∼ a viscous product (2) selected from the group of products whose viscosity is greater than or equal to 50 Pa.s, preferably between 100 Pa.s and 10,000 Pa.s, i.e. silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions which can be crosslinked to form elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydro(poly)condensation reactions, and organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicic groups;

   ∼ a mechanically strong flexible container (3) of the big-bag type having a capacity of greater than or equal to 250 litres and which is leaktight for the viscous product, provided with an outlet opening, arranged in the lower part of the container, and preferably equipped with handles (29) for lifting and/or suspension;

   ∼ at least one assembly for packaging the viscous product (2) in suitable packaging;

   ∼ optionally mechanical means for moving the viscous product in order to increase its flow rate, said mechanical means preferably being selected from the group comprising: pumps, (double) screws;

   ∼ optionally storage means,

   ∼ a pressure member (5) having at least one piston (5.1) and,

   ∼ at least one drainage vessel (6) which is intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be drained and is designed as a female part for the male part constituted by the piston (5.1) of the pressure member (5) as it moves, particularly in the forward direction corresponding to pressurization of the flexible container (3) or only its lining bag (26).
8. A kit for carrying out the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 including a draining device comprising at least one pressure member (5) and/or at least one pressure fluid, characterized in that it comprises:

   ∼ a viscous product (2) selected from the group of products whose viscosity is greater than or equal to 50 Pa.s, preferably between 100 Pa.s and 10,000 Pa.s, i.e. silicone oils, silicone gums, polyorganosiloxane compositions which can be crosslinked to form elastomers by polyaddition, polycondensation or dehydro(poly)condensation reactions, and organic polymers comprising reactive organosilicic groups;

   ∼ a mechanically strong flexible container (3) of the big-bag type having a capacity of greater than or equal to 250 litres and which is leaktight for the viscous product, provided with an outlet opening, arranged in the lower part of the container, and preferably equipped with handles (29) for lifting and/or suspension;

   ∼ at least one assembly for packaging the viscous product (2) in suitable packaging;

   ∼ optionally mechanical means for moving the viscous product in order to increase its flow rate, said mechanical means preferably being selected from the group comprising: pumps, (double) screws;

   ∼ optionally storage means,

   ∼ at least one drainage vessel (6) which is intended to receive the flexible container (3) to be drained, or optionally only its lining bag (26), and can be pressurized by means of a pressure fluid so as to expel the viscous product (2) out of the vessel (6).
9. Kit according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the flexible container (3) has a wall consisting:

   • of at least one element (25) which provides the mechanical strength and includes one or more sheets of materials which are identical to or different than one another, preferably of fabric;

   • and/or of at least one sealing element (26) formed by (i) at least one polymer film, preferably in the form of a coating and/or (2i) by at least one leaktight lining bag composed of one or more layers of materials selected from the group comprising: synthetic polymer films (in particular polyolefins - and even more preferably polyethylenes, polypropylenes - polyesters or polyamides) or metals (in particular aluminum); the lining bag(s), when employed, being secured to the wall element providing the mechanical strength, this (or these) bag(s) being preferably at least partly adhesively bonded and/or stitched onto said element.
10. Kit according to Claim 9, characterized in that the flexible container (3) has a mechanically strong and leaktight wall (25) made on the basis of fabric(s) whose weight in the uncoated state lies in the interval ranging from 100 to 300 g/m², and in that the lining bag (26) has a thickness lying in the interval ranging from 5 to 500 microns.
11. Kit according to Claim 7, characterized in that:

    • the piston of the pressure member (5) has a (preferably circular) head (5.1) connected to a stem intended to interact with a fixed jack (5.2) for driving in reciprocating translational movement, said jack (5.2) being mounted on a fixed structure (4), said head (5.1) being intended to penetrate into the drainage vessel (6) in order to compress the flexible container (3);

    • and the drainage vessel (6), which comprises at least one outlet opening (9) for the viscous product (2) and which is optionally equipped with movement means (preferably rollers (7)), preferably consists of a hollow cylinder which is intended to receive the flexible container (3) and in which the head (5.1) of the piston can slide, this head (5.1) preferably being circular and with a diameter sufficiently close to the interior diameter of the vessel (6) so that leaktightness vis-à-vis the viscous product (2) can be ensured, advantageously with the aid of a peripheral O-ring seal (11) bearing on the preferably chamfered edge of the head (5.1) of the piston and on the interior wall of the vessel (6).
12. Kit according to Claim 11, characterized in that the drainage vessel (6) is designed so that it can be closed, and in that the piston (5.1) can be moved under the action of a pressure fluid.
13. Kit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the draining device comprises an inflatable jack (12), which is housed between the piston (5.10) and a reversible closure lid (13) of the vessel (60) and connected to pressure fluid supply means for inflating it and consequently moving the piston (5.10), in order to make it possible to expel the viscous product (2) out of the vessel (60).
14. Kit according to Claim 13, characterized in that the pressure fluid supply means comprise at least one pressure fluid reservoir (15), means (17) for conveying the pressure fluid and a pipe (16), which is equipped with these means (17) and connects the pressure fluid reservoir (15) to the inflatable jack (12).
15. Kit according to Claim 14, characterized in that the pressure fluid is selected from the group of incompressible fluids, preferably from the subgroup comprising water or oil, or from the group of compressible fluids, air being preferred.

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