EP1890940A1

EP1890940A1 - Method and device for the low-emission emptying of contents from large soft packagings

Info

Publication number: EP1890940A1
Application number: EP06724717A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Hadley; Ulrich Gieg; Fritz Schaub
Original assignee: Novindustra AG; Bayer Technology Services GmbH
Current assignee: Novindustra AG; Bayer AG
Priority date: 2005-05-04
Filing date: 2006-05-04
Publication date: 2008-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-04
Also published as: WO2006117224A1; DE102005021368A1; ATE491643T1; EP1890940B1; DE502006008515D1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for reducing emissions once the transfer process is completed, comprising the following steps: positioning a large soft packaging (1 ) above a docking element (12) that can be closed by a flap device (22) fixed thereto, guiding a discharge tube (4) of the soft packaging (1 ) through a sealing device (18) of the docking element (12) in a release position in such a way that the sealing device (18) touches the outer side of the discharge tube (4), introducing the sealing device (18) in a operating mode within the connecting flange (14), and expanding the sealing device (18) so that the discharge tube (4) lies with its inner side sealingly at the interior walls of the connecting flanges (14).

Description

Method and device for low-emission emptying of ingredients from large soft packaging

The invention relates to a method and a device for low-emission emptying of ingredients from large soft packaging.

Field of the invention

In particular free-flowing powdery ingredients are for

Interim storage or for further processing in large quantities in large soft packaging known under the names "FIBC" (Flexible Intermediate BuIk container) or "Big-Bag" known. These big bags typically consist of an outer bag which provides mechanical protection and mechanical stability, and is preferably cut so that the filled container assumes approximately parallelepiped shape to allow good space utilization during transport and storage. Furthermore, such a big bag comprises an inner foil bag, which ensures a tight packaging. The material for the inner bag can be adapted to the male to be transported in its properties. The inner bag is to prevent transporting material passes through the bag to the outside, but also protect the cargo from environmental influences, in particular moisture. Usually, the dimensions of the big bags are matched to typical industrial pallet dimensions or the dimensions of europallets. As a result, filled big bags can be stored on such pallets and transported and loaded with conventional handling equipment such as forklifts. The take-up volume of such big bags may well be of the order of 1 to 2 m ³ .

Typical big bags have one tightly welded at one end

Outlet hose on. This end forms the lower end afterwards. Above the lower end of the big bag is usually tied to allow later after cutting off the welding a controlled emptying of the big-bag. At the other end, which later forms the upper end, is the Big-bag usually open. Typically, the big-bag is inflated with air or a gas prior to filling to approximate its final shape and then filled with special filling equipment. After filling, the big bag is tied off at the top and is thus closed.

Usually, big bags still have loops at the top, into which either forklift tines can be inserted directly or with which big bags can be hung in racks for emptying or trusses, with which such big bags can be handled, for example with overhead cranes.

The main advantage of big bags is the low weight in addition to the low space requirement for holding not yet filled big bags and also a low capital requirement, since typical big bags made of materials such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene. Finally, there is another advantage to be seen in the fact that big bags can serve as disposable containers cost-effectively. This can be advantageous if either extensive transport distances are covered, which make a return of the means of transport very expensive or particularly toxic, reactive or otherwise difficult to handle products should be operated for reusable containers a large cleaning effort, including environmentally sound disposal of cleaning residues. Big bags in which the critical products were transported can generally be easily disposed of in hazardous waste incineration plants.

From this particular suitability of such big bags for toxic, reactive or otherwise critical products, there is the problem that may possibly be prevented when filling and emptying of the big bag leakage of the ingredient into the environment as possible. A particularly great problem occurs during the filling, since when filling the big bag with the cargo at the same time in countercurrent, the gas that was used to inflate the big bag, must escape from the big bag and thereby relatively high amounts of dust with out of the container. This problem is basically also in the filling of solid containers, such as Silocontainern or the like, known and to solve the problem, appropriate methods and devices can be used.

However, the emptying process for a big bag is more problematic. So far, particularly critical products were preferably transported in solid containers, such as silo containers, since such containers are already known as technically dense docking and emptying systems that reliably prevent leakage of cargo before, during and after the emptying process into the environment. In this case, various closure systems are known which each allow a coupling with a docking station and ensure that both containers and docking station-side closure members are opened only after successful coupling. In this case, the closure members of the docking station and container are designed so that they have no sealed with the transport product outer surfaces after closing and uncoupling of the container from the docking station. These components for such evacuation systems are relatively expensive and expensive, so that disposable use is not economically viable.

Although various solutions have been proposed to allow a sometimes even designated as emission-free emptying of big-bags. However, the particular unsatisfactorily solved problem of avoiding contaminated areas that are subsequently exposed to the ambient air has hitherto severely limited the use of big-bags in the case of particularly environmentally critical products or those products in which there is insufficient knowledge of a hazard potential.

Numerous proposals have been made in the art for overcoming the known disadvantages.

State of the art

From DE 29 11 802 A1 a silo container is known in which a film inner bag is provided in the solid silo container. Such a container should be suitable in particular for the transport of melamine powder. To a good one To obtain handling when emptying the container, a special discharge funnel is proposed and a very specific inclination of the silo container for unloading. As a result, in particular the problem of clogging of the outlet by bridge formation of the melamine powder should be avoided. The discharge of the melamine powder is carried out by supplying compressed air and discharge via a cellular wheel.

From WO 02/18247 A1 and EP 1 083 137 A1 clutch devices are known, which allow a docking of a transport container to an unloading station, so that a tight connection between the transport container and the unloading station can be produced. The devices comprise a container-side part and a discharge station-side part. Each of these parts enables a tight closure of the transport container or the unloading station from the environment. The closure is produced by means of swiveling flaps in corresponding pipe connections. For this purpose, it is proposed to design the device in such a way that after docking, the flaps of container-side and unloading-station-side docking elements lie on top of each other so that no dead space is created between them or if this dead space is sealed in such a way that no product can settle in such a dead space. The proposed construction ensures that after closing the connection and the separation of transport container and removal station no or only to a very limited extent contaminated with the cargo surfaces of the environment are accessible. To further reduce such potential contaminants is also proposed to flush the flap area after closing the flaps.

A similar device is also known from DE 196 15 646 A1. The peculiarity of the arrangement proposed there is the fact that the two flaps of the docking elements are inclined relative to its axis of rotation, so that both axes coincide in the docked state and therefore results in a particularly simple kinematics when opening the flaps. The arrangement avoids dead space between the flaps where the product could settle. In addition, this design allows edgeless edge design, allowing exposure of contaminated surfaces after the separation of the docking elements to the ambient air is structurally practically excluded.

EP 0 380 255 A1 describes a different type of closure device for such a docking station. In this case, in a silo container containing the transported product, a funnel-shaped outlet section terminating in an opening is provided, wherein in the outlet section a conical valve body is provided, wherein the valve body is shaped so that the tip of the cone projects into the useful space of the transport silo and the valve body with its edge seals against the edge of the outlet opening. The valve body is hollow, so that a correspondingly shaped counterpart of the docking station of the removal device can engage in the valve body. In this case, the actuating element for the valve body is provided with a correspondingly formed cone and sealing means are provided which a coupling of the

Enable actuator and the valve body. The cone body of the docking station in turn seals with its outer edge a corresponding inlet opening in the removal station. In the docking process, the two conical body with their seal to each other so that the remaining between them gap-shaped dead space is reliably sealed against the environment. By raising the conical body in the removal device, the valve body is raised at the same time in the transport container, so that an annular gap opens around the valve body, through which the transported material can flow into the removal device. As a particular advantage is highlighted that this operation can be performed, for example, with pulsating compressed air, so that the valve body always shake freely an annular passage and so obstruction by bridge formation of the powder can be avoided. If the conical actuating body of the removal device is lowered back into its starting position, this closes both the inlet opening in the removal device and the outlet opening of the transport container. Thus, all contaminated with the product flow surfaces are again within the sealed areas of transport container and removal station. Once the transport container has been uncoupled from the removal station, practically none remains Exposure of contaminated with the product outer surfaces of both elements of the coupling device with respect to the ambient air.

As can be seen from the above, these docking devices, which enable a reliably dense and low-emission transfer of free-flowing products, must be manufactured with high precision and must be used to obtain the tightness of corrosion-prone and therefore expensive materials and high-quality seals. It also follows that a container-side docking element of the known type for integration into a disposable container, such as big bags, for economic reasons can not be seriously considered.

From DE 44 16 011 A1 a device for docking a container to a discharge hopper in the pharmaceutical industry is known, with the particular entry of germs from the outside of the transport container is to be prevented in the processing plant. For this purpose, it is proposed to provide the underside of the outlet of the transport container with an additional in a groove elastically held protective cover, which covers during transport the underside of a flap and the edge of the outlet opening from the environment. Similarly, a protective cover is proposed for the emptying funnel, which covers the emptying funnel. When docking the transport container to the emptying hopper, a vacuum gripper is moved between the two parts and withdrawn through this successively the two protective cover and moved out laterally from the gap existing between the transport container and emptying hopper. Then the docking process takes place. Although it may possibly be reduced by the proposed device, the entry of germs in the handled product stream, but the device offers no protection against the fact that after emptying outside adhering to the closure members of transport containers and feed hopper product residues can get into the environment.

From DE 43 09 706 A1 the same applicant for the device described above, an elastic sleeve is known, which is a possible through positioning and manufacturing accuracy gap between the transport container and Complete emptying funnel. The proposed sleeve should be characterized in that it comprises two relatively fixed parts for connection to each of the transport container and the emptying hopper and therebetween a flexible portion, so that a possible compensation of movement takes place within the sleeve and a relative movement between the sleeve and in particular transport container is avoided , This is intended to prevent germs adhering to the underside of the transport container from being scraped off during docking and to get into the product flow. The proposed device will also prevent leakage of product stream into the environment when docked, but provides no protection against exposure of contaminated parts of the container and the discharge hopper to each other after separation from the ambient air and, consequently, product residues may enter the environment.

In DE 102 23 220 B3, the problem of the escape of air laden with the product particles to be transported from a big bag is discussed. However, the teaching of the document relates to problems in filling such a big bag. The Big-Bags is first connected in a manner not described in detail sealed with a hopper. To ensure proper filling of the big-bag, the inner bag is first inflated with a filling gas, such as air or an inert gas, so that it assumes its final shape substantially. Subsequently, the contents are passed into the container in a known manner. So that no unacceptable overpressure arises in the container, the gas used for inflation must escape from the container through the filling opening in countercurrent to the filling material. The exiting filling gas will carry particles of the filling material out of the big bag to a considerable extent. The entrained amount of contents is so significant that in addition to the interest in avoiding the escape of dust into the environment, there is also an economic interest in retaining the leaked Füllgutstaub. For this purpose, a filling device is proposed in which the inlet for the filling gas for inflating the big-bag is also used as an emptying device for the escape of the gas during filling of the container. In this case, this opening is provided with a filter device which holds back the entrained product dusts. The special advantage the proposed solution is that the filter cake formed by the retained product dust on the filter does not need to be disposed of separately, since during inflation of the next big-bag, the filter is flushed out again by the reverse gas flow. This eliminates not only the otherwise time-consuming maintenance of such a filter and the disposal of the filter cake, but the existing of the product filter cake is so entered into the next big-bag. In fact, therefore, no amount of product is lost by the escape of the filling gas through the filling operations, since the filtered-off particles are in each case filled again into the following container. From the nature of the proposed solution, it follows that the teaching can only be applied if an identical product is to be filled into a plurality of big bags. Furthermore, the document contains no information as to whether and in what way it could be used to solve an emission problem when emptying such a big-bag.

DE 195 06 538 A1 deals with the problem of dust-tight discharge of powder from a big bag. According to the teaching of this document, emptying of big bags through the bottom outlet is disadvantageous, especially under handling aspects. Furthermore, it is stated as disadvantageous that the removal of the contents of a big-bag downwards causes a great deal of dust, which, in view of the color powder typically transported with big-bags, causes complex suction due to the unpleasant and unhealthy effects on persons working nearby. and cleaning work required. Furthermore, it is indicated as disadvantageous that for a reasonably low-dust removal a docking unit must be attached to the big bag, which claims unnecessary storage capacity especially for only partial emptying of the big bag and due to the high cost of a docking device and the required hangers is disadvantageous.

It is therefore proposed to empty such a big-bag by a suction device from above. Reference is made to the already known prior art, the prior art is criticized to the effect that with the previously known suction a considerable dust development is connected. To solve these problems, a lancet-type Injektorrohrsystem is proposed, which is introduced from above into the container and can be tracked according to the emptying level. The bag is to be connected dust-tight with a suction ring, which is displaceable relative to the Injektorrohrsystem and which can be connected to a suction device, so that the dust forming by injecting the conveying air can be sucked. Although the emptying process itself can be carried out by the proposed device so that practically no dust is emitted into the environment. After the emptying process, however, the big bag will collapse after separation from the suction ring and thus possibly still be discharged by escaping air volume dust in the environment. Furthermore, the outer sides of the injector lance contaminated with the product from the big-bag are exposed to the ambient air, so that an emission can also take place in this way.

DE 43 03 261 A1 describes a removal device for emptying big bags via the bottom outlet of such a big bag, ie its lower opening. The Big-Bag is hung on its upper loops in a transport rack. This frame can be moved, so that the Big-Bag can be stored, for example, in a partially changed color change in the automotive industry. The edge of a discharge nozzle of the big-bag is slipped radially on the outside via a connection channel and fixed with a tension lock on the connection channel, which is connected via a resilient support with a collecting tray, which is arranged downstream of a conveyor unit, the powder removed, for example, a via a connecting line Farbspritzkabine feeds. Furthermore, swivel arms are proposed, which can squeeze the outlet of the big bag without damage by a special design, so that the big bag can remain closed within the transport frame when the transport frame is stored together with the big bag. Due to the arrangement with the tight connection between the bag and outlet nozzle is largely ensured that during the discharge process no powder from the container into the Environment can reach. Furthermore, it is proposed that after the separation of the big-bag from the outlet unit, the outlet unit is replaced by another or subjected to a cleaning. However, this does not occur in terms of a possible emission of residues into the environment, but aims at avoiding contamination of new product with an old product, for example in a color change from. Furthermore, the outlet pipe of the big-bag is pulled outside over the connection channel and clamped from the outside. As a result, powder can enter the space between the outlet connection and the connection channel along the outer wall of the outlet connection of the big-bag and collect above the tension lock. If the clamp is released to remove the spout from the connection channel, the accumulated at this point content powder enters the environment. Furthermore, the inner sides of the big-bag or the discharge nozzle are contaminated below the proposed squeeze with the content of powder. If the Big-Bag is disconnected from the connection channel, these contaminated surfaces are exposed to the ambient air and powder residues can escape into the environment.

From DE 296 02 294 U1 a discharge device for big bags is known, which should allow a manual, complete and dust-free emptying of a big bag. It is expressly pointed out that a dust-free emptying of a big-bag in terms of usually transported in such big bags hazardous substances is important. It is proposed to provide a funnel-shaped inlet, which in his

Opening angle is adjusted approximately to the lower end of the big bag. Below the inlet funnel an iris seal is provided, which can be closed radially. The outlet of a big bag should be pulled into the funnel and passed through the iris cap. The iris closure is followed by a tubular outlet, to which a clamping device, for example for connection to a stationary container for receiving the filling material, is provided. It is found to be particularly essential that the outlet of the big-bag is passed through the iris seal into the connecting piece, so that the iris seal does not with the is applied to be transfilled. Furthermore, it is proposed to make the outlet nozzle permeable to air, so that escaping air can escape through the transfer of the cargo from the target container into which the cargo is filled. The air permeability should be designed so that this emerging air is filtered. Furthermore, it is specified as particularly advantageous that the emptying device can be used successively on a large number of big bags. Although the proposed solution largely avoids direct loading of the inside of the emptying device with the product stream, however, there is no special seal between the outlet nozzle and the emptying device, so that the resulting dust can pass between the outlet device and the outlet nozzle. This is particularly favored by escaping from the target container air, which moves in countercurrent to the product flow and thus such dust contamination of the outlet nozzle and the inside of the

Outfeed device favors. When the big-bag and outlet device are disconnected, the surfaces contaminated with dust are exposed to the ambient air and adhering product dust may be emitted into the environment.

DE 201 05 740 U1 describes a sack connection device for the dust-emission-free connection of a big-bag with a product outlet pipe, via which the contents of the sack can be supplied to the destination, for example a production plant.

For this purpose, an inflatable seal is proposed, which is dimensioned so that it can be arranged within the product outlet pipe and in an operating position presses the bag all around against the product outlet pipe, so that when the bag is opened in the bag contained product falls into the product outlet pipe without contaminating the outside of the product spout. The lower end of the bag should be performed by the free cross section of the inflatable seal and arranged outside around the product outlet pipe around. This is to ensure that when removing the bag from the product outlet pipe during the emptying outside the product discharge pipe fitting part of the bag end in the product outlet pipe must be pulled in and under the inflatable seal. This should ensure that no product dust can reach the outside of the product outlet pipe.

In the described device, however, there is the problem that in the described procedure for removing the sack outlet product residues can contaminate the inside of the sack outlet on the entire length and can get from there into the environment after pulling out of the bag. Product residues, in particular in the form of dust, can also escape into the environment from the upwardly open bag connection device.

From DE 94 03 824 U1 a double-ring docking device for dust-free connection of the outlet of a large bag is known. This device also serves to provide a dustproof connection between the big bag and a docking device, which can be connected to a piping system to supply the effluent from the big bag good destination. The device described here comprises two coaxially arranged tubes, wherein the bag end is pulled over the outside of the inner tube and the inner tube is subsequently driven with its end edge against a seal, so that a dust-tight connection between the interior of the bag outlet and the interior of the inner tube consists. From the inner tube, the product enters the outer tube and above in the described piping system. The device described in the document describes embodiments of the arrangement of the coaxial tubes, in particular, in order to drive them apart axially during the attachment of the bag. As an advantage, it is seen that the handling is improved by the personnel who must pull the bag spout over the inner tube, and also a better visual control of the proper attachment of the bag end over the coaxial inner tube is possible. However, as in other embodiments of the prior art, there is also the problem in the solution proposed here, that upon release of the sack end from the docking device located in the bag end product residues can reach after the release of the seal on the outside of the inner tube. An immediate exit into the environment can be prevented only by the coaxial outer tube, with the release of the bag no tightness, which would prevent leakage of product dust into the environment. Furthermore, when releasing the connection of the sack end of the device located in the sack outlet product residues contaminate the sack outlet as a whole with product residues and trickle out after separating the bag from there and get into the environment.

Description of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device and a method with which the product leakage of transported in big bags or similar soft packaging products can be largely prevented after completing a decanting process.

This object is achieved by the method described below and the apparatus described below.

The inventive method for low-emission emptying of free-flowing powder or the like from large soft packaging, especially FIBC or big bags, comprises the following steps: Positioning a large soft packaging on a first docking element, which is tightly closed by a first flap means arranged thereon, leading an outlet hose the soft packaging radially inwardly by a first annular sealing device of the first docking in a release position, so that the first sealing only touches the outside of the outlet hose, everting the outlet hose radially outward via a connecting piece of the first docking, so that the connecting piece only with the inside of the outlet hose comes into contact, driving the first sealing device into an operating position within the connecting piece, so that the outlet hose is S-shaped around the first sealing device and the edge of the connecting piece sets, and expanding the first sealing means, so that the outlet hose sealingly bears with its inside against the inner wall of the connecting piece. The inventive design of the method makes it possible for the first time to connect a conventional big bag with a tightly closable docking element, as is known, for example, from DE 196 15 646 A1, WO 02/18247 A1 or EP 1 083 137 A1, and even so that after emptying such a big bag and separating it from the docking member, only inner sides of the big bag may be contaminated with the powder previously contained in the big bag. In this case, no pockets or the like between the outlet hose of the big-bag and the connecting piece can form, in which powder residues could accumulate that trickle when loosening the connection between the big bag and the first docking or contaminate the outsides of docking or outlet hose. This provides an essential prerequisite for subsequent handling of the big-bag to be such that no remains of contents from the big-bag can emit into the environment, that is, a big-bag can be part of a closed-drain system. In particular, the method according to the invention is also suitable for emptying by means of vacuum suction.

In a preferred embodiment, the method is characterized in that the step of driving the first sealing device into the connecting piece takes place until a second sealing device comprises the outlet hose radially on the outside and sealingly abuts the end face of the connecting piece.

By means of this embodiment of the method according to the invention, on the one hand a clear positioning of the first sealing device via the principle of a stop is ensured and can therefore be reliably carried out by auxiliary staff or even automated. Furthermore, a second sealing surface is thereby provided, which is arranged downstream of the sealing surface of the first sealing device and still ensures a reliable seal against the environment if the first sealing device should fail. Due to the arrangement of the second sealing device, the advantage according to the invention is still given that there are no pockets or dead spaces in which powder residues could accumulate, which could emit into the environment after releasing the connection between the outlet hose of the big bag and the first docking element.

In an expedient embodiment of the method according to the invention, the expansion of the first sealing device takes place by inflation with compressed air or an inert gas. By using a pressurized gas to produce the sealing forces, the risk of damaging the discharge hose is minimized since no local force peaks or sharp-edged parts act on the discharge hose. Suitable compressed air sources are usually available in every commercial enterprise. In special cases, an inert gas may also be used if, for example, the powder to be replicated should be particularly susceptible to oxidation.

In a particularly expedient embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of docking on a second docking element, which is tightly closed by a flap device complementary thereto to the first flap device, for at least partially emptying the soft packet, wherein the flap means comprises the first and second docking elements Close the docking step.

Such a second docking element may, for example, be connected to a pneumatic conveying system or similar device for conveying away the powder removed from the big bag. If the second docking element is provided with a sealing device complementary to that of the first docking element, as described for example in DE 196 15 646 A1, WO 02/18247 A1 or EP 1 083 137 A1, the method can be the prerequisite for technical measures for permanent tightness and ensure compliance with exposure limits in accordance with 28th ATP

Directive 67/548 / EEC on the transfer of potentially harmful powders with no reliable knowledge of the degree of potential health or environmental hazards. In contrast to known disposable tube systems for emptying big bags is suitable the device according to the invention also especially for a vacuum suction.

In a further expedient embodiment of the method according to the invention, this comprises the setting of the outlet tube after the at least partial emptying of the soft packaging. As a result, the essential part of the inner part of the soft packaging contaminated with the powder contained in the soft packaging is reliably sealed off from the environment, so that, moreover, exposure to the environment is to be prevented only for a small amount of residual contamination.

It is particularly useful in such a method, when the inside of the outlet hose is cleaned from its open end to the setting and the inside of the connecting piece of adhering contents residues. As a result, an emission of residual contents in the environment can be avoided. This makes it possible to use a big bag as part of a dust-tight emptying system as part of a "closed system" in accordance with the German Chemicals Act.The otherwise required additional costs for special packaging, protective equipment for operators etc. can be saved and the advantages of a big-bag can be used as one-way packaging. Furthermore, a health hazard for operators of a transfer plant under normal operating conditions is practically excluded.

It is particularly preferred if, prior to the cleaning step, the first docking element is separated from the second docking element and coupled to a third docking element, this docking element likewise comprising a complementary flap device as sealing device, as described, for example, in DE 196 15 646 A1, WO 02/18247 A1 or EP 1 083 137 A1, the flap means sealing the first and second docking members during the step of severing and the flap means sealingly closing the first and third docking members during the docking step. This makes it possible, in a hermetically shielded system to the outside, the cleaning of the inside of the outlet hose and the inside of the connecting piece in one to carry out a separate cleaning station. As a result, no residual detergent can enter the product stream during the further processing of a powder supplied, for example, with such a big-bag. It is particularly expedient if the cleaning step comprises a wet cleaning and subsequent drying. This makes it possible to bind the dust particles sufficiently to achieve a reliable cleaning.

In particular, when toxic or reactive powders have been transported in such a big bag, it is advantageous if, after setting of the

Outlet hose and the cleaning step, the first sealing device driven back into the release position and the soft packaging is separated from the first docking element and a further treatment or disposal is supplied, for example, a special waste incineration.

The inventive device for low-emission emptying of large soft packaging, especially FIBC or big bags, has a first docking element, which is tightly closed by a first flap means arranged thereon, a connecting piece for connecting a discharge hose of the soft packaging with the tightly closed by the flap means first Docking element, and a first annular sealing device which is movable from a release position to an operating position, wherein the first sealing device is in the operating position within the connecting piece to press against the parts of the inside of the outlet hose of the soft packaging with the inside of the connecting piece together.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the first sealing device for producing the tight connection of outlet hose and connecting piece is elastically expandable, in particular that the first sealing device is expandable by inflation. In a particularly expedient embodiment, a second sealing device is provided, which comprises a sealing ring, which is attached to a device for moving the first sealing device and has a larger diameter than the first sealing means, and the sealing ring on its first sealing means facing the axial end face a having elastic covering, with which a portion of the inside of the outlet hose is sealingly pressed against an axial end face of the connecting piece.

It is particularly useful if the first and the second

Sealing means are arranged on a device for moving the first and second sealing means from the release position to the operating position at a fixed distance from each other, in particular when the operating position is defined by the abutment of the second sealing means on the end face of the connecting piece.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention is characterized by a second sealing element which can be closed tightly and which can be closed tightly by a further flap device which is complementary to the first flap device and which can be coupled to the first docking element for emptying the soft pack, and a third sealable seal Docking element, which is also sealed by a complementary to the first flap device further flap means and to which the first docking element can be coupled, wherein in one by the other

Damper device or the like tightly closable interior of the third docking a cleaning head is arranged and the cleaning head is movable from a rest position in the third docking in a cleaning position, so that at least one Reinigungsmittelauslass is located within the first docking.

A particularly compact design and reduced costs for the construction of a device according to the invention can be obtained if the device is characterized by a second tightly sealable docking, the by a thereto arranged to the first flap means complementary further flap means is tightly closed and which can be coupled to the first docking element for emptying the soft packaging, wherein in the through the further flap means or the like tightly sealable interior of the second docking a cleaning head is arranged and the cleaning head a rest position in the second docking element is movable into a cleaning position, so that there is at least one Reinigungsmittelauslass within the first docking element.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

Figures 1 to 8, the steps of a preferred inventive

Method using devices according to the invention, each partially cut open;

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention of the device of Figure 5, in partial section;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a discharge station for carrying out the method according to the invention with a representation of a part of a device according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a detail view of a portion of an outlet hose and the first docking element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in partial section; and

Figure 12 is an overview of all the steps of the method according to the invention. Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a big-bag 1 which, for example, may comprise an outer bag 2 made of a solid polyester fabric with an inner film bag 3 made of polyethylene, aluminum or an aluminum-coated plastic. The big-bag 1 is filled, for example, with a toxic powder that is to be sent for further processing. At its lower end, the inner bag 3 has an outlet hose 4, which is tightly welded and tied above the weld 5 together with the outer bag 2. At its top, the outer bag 2 is provided with schematically illustrated loops 6 for hanging in a truss frame 7. The truss frame is connected to conventional hooks 8 (only shown in Figure 1, omitted in the remaining figures for clarity) with the hook 9 of a conventional overhead crane 10. The overhead crane 10 may be part of a frame 11, as can be seen in Figure 9.

In a first step to prepare the emptying of the big bag, the weld 5 of the outlet tube 4 is cut off.

Subsequently, the big-bag 1 is positioned over a first docking member 12, as shown in FIG. The first docking element 12, which is shown enlarged in FIG. 11, comprises a lower frame 13 to which a connecting piece 14 is attached. Furthermore, an upper frame 15 is provided, which is telescopable relative to the lower frame 13 along the axis 16 of the connecting piece 14. Two or more cantilevers 17 are connected opposite one another to the upper frame 15 and carry at their free end a first sealing device in the form of a radially outwardly expandable Blähmanschette 18. The outer diameter of the Blähmanschette 18 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the connecting piece 14 in the unexpanded state As a result, the first sealing device can be moved into the connection piece 14. At a fixed distance from the Blähmanschette 18 a second sealing means in the form of an annular disc 19 is provided above this, which has on its the Blähmanschette 18 facing axial end face an elastic coating 20. Of the Diameter of the annular disc 19 is determined so that this substantially corresponds to the diameter of the upper edge 21 of the connecting piece 14.

The fixed distance between the blowing collar 18 and the annular disc 19 is chosen in accordance with the desired immersion depth of the first sealing in the connecting piece 14. The annular disk 19 with its pad 20 thus also serves as a stop when driving in the Blähmanschette 18 in the connecting piece 14th

At the cantilever 17 with Blähmanschette 18 and washer 19 opposite lower end of the connecting piece 14, a connecting piece 14 down tightly sealing flap 22 is attached. This is a part of a flap arrangement of the type known, for example, from WO 02/18247 A1 or EP 1 083 137 A1. These are mutually complementary flaps which are each arranged in a docking element, such as here the first docking element 12, the second docking element 23, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, or the third docking element 24, as in FIGS and 7 to recognize. The flaps are designed so that they fit exactly to one another and are fixed when two docking elements 12, 23, 24 are docked. It is ensured by the shape or suitable seals that creates virtually no dead space in which dust or powder can accumulate when the flaps open and can get into the environment after the subsequent separation of the docking elements. Each one of the flaps has a drive over which the flap can be opened and closed. Such a flap 22 is referred to as active flap. An active flap can also, z. B. because of the electrical connections to the power supply and / or control, be arranged in a stationary docking element, as here the second docking element 23 or the third docking 24. By the construction of these flap systems when actuated an active flap 22 is coupled thereto or fixed thereto flap 25 with open or closed and therefore referred to as passive flap. Such a system can be further designed so that a separation of the docking elements is only possible with closed flaps, as shown in the figures. In a release position of the inflation sleeve 18 shown in FIG. 2, the upper frame 15 is telescoped to a maximum distance from the lower frame 13. As a result, the open end of the outlet hose 4 can be pulled radially inward through the annular disk 19 and the blowing collar 18 and be slipped over the outside of the connecting sleeve 14. In this way, the connecting piece 14 comes only with the inside, and the annular disk 19 as a second sealing device and the Blähmanschette 18 as a first sealing device only with the outside of the outlet hose 4 in contact.

Subsequently, the Blähmanschette 18 is moved into the connecting piece 14, so that the outlet hose 4 approximately 180 ° to the Blähmanschette 18 sets. For this purpose, the distance between the upper frame 15 and the lower frame 13 is reduced so far, until the elastic covering 20 of the annular disc 19 rests on the upper edge 21 of the connecting piece 14. As a result, the outlet hose 4 is already pressed sealingly against the edge 21 of the connecting piece 14. At the same time thereby the maximum insertion depth for the Blähmanschette 18 in the connecting piece 14 and thus its operating position is fixed. By dipping the Blähmanschette 18 in the loop forming the between Blähmanschette 18 and

Ring disc 19 located part of the outlet hose 4 tightened and thereby avoid wrinkles. Now, the Blähmanschette 18 can be increased radially by inflation with compressed air and thus press the outlet hose 4 radially sealing against the inside of the connecting piece 14. The connection between outlet hose 14 and connecting piece 14 is now sealed twice. (Figure 3 shows a less preferred embodiment without the second sealing means 19, 20.) Now, the setting of the outlet hose 4 can be solved.

Subsequently, the Big-Bag 1 with tightly attached first docking element 12 by means of the overhead crane 10 via a second docking element 23 is positioned (Figure 4) and lowered to dock on the second docking element 23 (Figure 5). The second docking element 23 comprises a passive flap 25, the top of an also telescopic subframe 26 and is connected tightly to a bellows nozzle 27. The bellows nozzle 27 is connected via a connecting line 35 with a pneumatic vacuum suction conveyor and serves as a so-called suction shoe for emptying the big-bag 1. The ability to use a vacuum suction conveyor for emptying the big-bag 1, is a significant advantage of the invention over disposable -Schlauchsystemen. The flaps 22 and 25 can now be opened in a coupled manner, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 5, and the powder can be removed from the big bag. The flaps of 22 and 25 lie on each other so that no dead space is created between them or this dead space is sealed so that no powder can settle in such a dead space. The proposed construction ensures that after closing the connection and the separation of docking element 12 and docking element 23 virtually no or only extremely minimal contaminated with the powder surfaces of the environment are accessible.

At the end of the emptying process, the outlet hose 4 of the big-bag 1 is tied off and after removal of the residual amounts from the connecting piece 14, the flaps 22 and 25 are closed. Now, the big bag 1 with the first docking element 12 can be separated from the second docking element 23, without which significant exposition of powder residues to the environment is to be expected.

The big bag 1 with the first docking element 12 can now be positioned above the third docking element 24 with the aid of the overhead crane 10 and lowered onto it for docking (FIG. 6). The third docking element 24 is part of a cleaning station and also has a passive flap 25. In the cleaning station is a cleaning head 28 in its rest position. After opening the flaps 22 and 25, the cleaning head 28 can be brought into a cleaning position in which at least one cleaning agent outlet 29 is located inside the first docking element 12, in particular inside the connecting pipe 14 (FIG. 7). Now, the inside of the connection piece 14 and outlet hose 4 can be cleaned to the setting of adhering residues of content, by a wet cleaning can also be bound and reliably removed dust particles become. Subsequent drying sensibly completes the cleaning process. The cleaning head 28 is moved back into its rest position, the flaps 22 and 25 are closed and the first docking element 12 separated from the third docking element 24.

The inflation sleeve 18 can now be vented and moved into the release position, so that the outlet hose 4 can be pulled out of the first docking. The big bag 1 can now be supplied for proper disposal or treatment (FIG. 8) and the first docking element 12 can be reused for the next big bag 1 to be emptied.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a second docking element 23 at a dump station. Here, in the region of the flaps, an additional suction 33 is provided around them over part of the circumference in order to readily suck off powder particles emitted when the first docking element 12 and the second docking element 23 are docked or separated.

Finally, FIG. 10 shows, in a schematic plan view, an arrangement for a delivery station 30, a discharge station 31 and a delivery station

Cleaning station 32. At the staging station 30, the Big-Bag 1 can be hung in the truss frame 7, or he will be delivered immediately with such a for example by a forklift. The big bag 1 is hooked there into the hook 9 of the crane 10. In the emptying station 31, the first docking member is attached in the manner described. Furthermore, the big-bag 1 is emptied as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Here is also good to see the additional suction 33 of Figure 9. In the cleaning station 32, the big-bag 1 can be cleaned as described for FIGS. 6 and 7. Subsequently, the first docking element 12 is removed from the big-bag 1 and the big-bag 1 fed to a disposal or treatment. The transport between the individual stations is expediently carried out via the overhead crane 10, but it can also take place with any other suitable conveying method known from operational practice, for example by a movable frame in which the big bag 1 stands or hangs. This will be the first Docking element expediently guided by rails 34, which significantly simplifies the positioning.

For a particularly compact design or reduced production costs, for example if the device according to the invention will only be used occasionally, a separate cleaning station 32 can be dispensed with and the cleaning head 28 can be integrated into the second docking element 23. In particular, when the device is not constantly needed, the device can be designed so very compact design and causes lower creation costs. However, to do this, e.g. by suitable

Valve devices are ensured that no detergent residues get into the product stream.

FIG. 12 again shows all the steps of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention in a compilation. At A, the

Welding 5 of the outlet hose 4 of the big-bag 1 cut off. At B, the end of the outlet hose 4 is sealed to the first docking member 12. The flaps 22 and 25 are closed. At C, the big-bag 1 is lowered with the first docking member 12 closely attached thereto for docking with the second docking member 23, which serves as a suction shoe and is connected to a vacuum conveyor or the like means for conveying the product to a point of use. At D, a hermetically sealed connection is made and the binding of the outlet hose 4 is opened. At E, the flaps 22 and 25 are opened and the contents can be removed from the Big-Bag 1. For an effective pneumatic conveying air can be supplied in a suitable manner, as indicated at F. At G, the Big-Bag 1 is completely emptied and the outlet hose 4 already tied again. Residual quantities are sucked out of the docking elements 12 and 23. At H, the flaps 22 and 25 are closed and the docking members 12 and 23 are separated. At I, the big-bag 1 is moved with the first docking element 12 to the cleaning station. At J, the first docking member 12 is connected to the third docking member 24 and the flaps 22 and 25 are opened. Now, the cleaning head 28 can be moved to its cleaning position and the inside of the first docking element 12 and outlet hose 4 are cleaned of residual contents, as shown at K. After cleaning, the flaps 22 and 25 are closed, the first docking member 12 separated from the third docking member 24 and the big bag 1 detached from the first docking member 12, as shown at L. The big bag 1 may now be discarded or reused and a new filled big bag 1 may be connected to the first docking member as shown at A and B.

Overall, in order to reduce emissions, a method comprising the following steps is proposed even after completion of a transfer process: Positioning a large soft package 1 over a docking element 12 which can be closed by a flap device 22 arranged thereon, guiding a discharge tube 4 of the soft packaging 1 through a sealing device 18 of FIG Docking element 12 in a release position, so that the sealing device 18 touches the outside of the outlet hose 4, driving the sealing device 18 into an operating position within the connecting piece 14, and expanding the sealing device 18, so that the outlet hose 4 with its inner side sealingly against the inner wall of the connecting piece 14 is applied, and a device with a

Docking element 12, which is tightly closed by a flap device arranged thereon 22, a connecting piece 14 for connecting a discharge hose 4 of the soft packaging 1 with the tightly closed by the flap means 22 docking element 12, with a sealing device 18 which is movable from a release position into an operating position , wherein the sealing device 18 is located in the operating position within the connecting piece 14 to press parts of the inside of the outlet hose 4 of the soft packaging 1 with the inside of the connecting piece 14 sealingly together.

Claims

claims

1. A method for low-emission emptying of free-flowing powder or the like from large soft packaging, in particular FIBC or big bags, characterized by the following steps:

Positioning a large flexible packaging (1) above a first docking element (12), which can be closed tightly by a first flap device (22) arranged thereon, guiding an outlet tube (4) of the soft packaging (1) radially inwardly through a first annular sealing device (18) the first docking element (12) in a release position, so that the first sealing device (18) touches only the outside of the outlet hose (4), everting the outlet hose (4) radially outwardly via a connecting piece (14) of the first docking element (12), so that the connection piece (14) only comes into contact with the inside of the outlet hose (4),

Driving the first sealing device (18) into an operating position within the connection piece (14) so that the outlet hose (4) extends in an S-shape around the first sealing device (18) and the edge (21) of the connection piece (14) and expanding the first sealing device (18), so that the outlet hose (4) with his

Inside sealing against the inner wall of the connecting piece (14).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of driving in the first sealing device (18) in the

Connecting piece (14) so far takes place until a second sealing device (19,20) has the outlet hose (4) radially outside and axially frontally on the connecting piece (14) has brought sealingly to the plant.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expansion of the first sealing device (18) by inflation with compressed air or an inert gas.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of docking to a second docking element (23) which is tightly closed by a thereto arranged to the first flap means (22) complementary flap means (25) at least partial emptying of the

Soft packaging (1), wherein the flap means (22, 25) sealingly close the first and second docking members (12, 23) during the docking step.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that after the at least partially emptying of the soft packaging (1) of the outlet hose (4) is tied off.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the inside of the outlet hose (4) is cleaned from its open end to the setting and the inside of the connecting piece (14) of adhering residues of contents.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that before the cleaning step, the first docking element (12) of the second

Docking element (23) is separated and with a third docking element (24), which is also tightly closed by a valve means (22) complementary further flap means (25) is coupled, wherein the flap means (22, 25) the first and second docking member (12, 23) tightly close during the separation step and the flap means (22, 25) sealing the first and third docking members (12, 24) during the docking step.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the cleaning step comprises a wet cleaning and subsequent drying.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that after the setting of the outlet hose (4) and the cleaning step, the first sealing device (18) moved back to the release position and the soft packaging (1) of the first docking element (18) is separated and a further treatment or disposal is supplied.

10. An apparatus for low-emission emptying of large soft packaging, in particular FIBC or big-bags, with a first docking element (12), which by a first arranged thereon

Valve device (22) is tightly closable, a connecting piece (14) for connecting a discharge hose (4) of the soft packaging (1) with the by the flap means (22) tightly sealable first docking element (12), and with a first annular sealing device (18) which can be moved from a release position into an operating position, wherein the first sealing device (18) is located in the operating position within the connecting piece (14), around parts of the inside of the outlet hose (4) of the soft packaging (1) with the inside of the connecting piece ( 14) to press together sealingly.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first sealing device (18) for producing the tight connection of outlet hose (4) and connecting piece (14) is elastically expandable.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first sealing device (18) is expandable by inflation.

13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a second sealing device is provided, which is a sealing ring

(19) attached to a means (17) for moving the first sealing means (18) and having a larger diameter than the first sealing means (18), and the sealing ring (19) on its first sealing means (18) facing axial end face an elastic covering (20), with which a portion of the inside of the outlet hose (4) sealingly against an axial end face of the connecting piece (14) can be pressed.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first (18) and the second (19,20) sealing device on a device (13,15,17) for moving the first (18) and second sealing device (19,20) are arranged from the release position in the operating position at a fixed distance from each other.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the

Operating position is defined by the system of the second sealing device (19,20) on the end face (21) of the connecting piece (14).

16. The device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by a second sealable docking element (23) which is tightly closed by a thereto arranged to the first flap means (22) further flap means (25) and with the first docking element ( 12) can be coupled to empty the soft packaging (1), as well as a third tightly sealable

Docking element (24), which can also be closed by a further flap device (25) complementary to the first flap device (22) and to which the first docking element (12) can be coupled, wherein in a further tightly closed by the further flap device (25) or the like Interior of the third docking element

(24) a cleaning head (28) is arranged and the cleaning head (28) from a rest position in the third docking element (24) is movable to a cleaning position, so that at least one Reinigungsmittelauslass (29) within the first docking element (12).

17. Device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by a second sealable docking element (23), which by a thereto arranged to the first flap means (22) complementary further flap means (25) is tightly closed and which can be coupled to the first docking element (12) for emptying the soft packaging (1), wherein in the by the further flap means (25) or the like tightly closed interior of the second docking element (23) a cleaning head (28) is arranged and the cleaning head (28) from a rest position in the second docking element (23) is movable to a cleaning position, so that at least one Reinigungsmittelauslass (29) within the first docking element (12).