EP3929105A1 - Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium - Google Patents

Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3929105A1
EP3929105A1 EP20182432.3A EP20182432A EP3929105A1 EP 3929105 A1 EP3929105 A1 EP 3929105A1 EP 20182432 A EP20182432 A EP 20182432A EP 3929105 A1 EP3929105 A1 EP 3929105A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
atmospheric
unit
measurement data
bulk container
sensor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20182432.3A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Juan David BERNAL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fps Investments BV
Original Assignee
Greif Flexibles Trading Holding BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Greif Flexibles Trading Holding BV filed Critical Greif Flexibles Trading Holding BV
Priority to EP20182432.3A priority Critical patent/EP3929105A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2021/066621 priority patent/WO2021259794A1/en
Priority to EP21734117.1A priority patent/EP4172070A1/de
Publication of EP3929105A1 publication Critical patent/EP3929105A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
    • B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/48—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D2590/0083—Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems

Definitions

  • the present application is directed towards a bulk container for storing flowable goods, a system for processing atmospheric measurement data, a method for analyzing atmospheric measurement data and a computer-readable medium.
  • FIBCs Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers
  • “Big Bags” are large-volume containers made of flexible material, typically an artificial fabric, which forms a stable and flexible outer shell of the bulk container.
  • Such containers are available in various designs and typically comprise a transport bag to which lifting loops are attached.
  • These containers are suitable for the storage and transport of large quantities of bulk material or flowable goods that can weigh several tons.
  • a flowable good can relate to liquid as well as to solid material, for example pellets or powders, that have a flowing capability.
  • flexible bulk containers can be folded up to save space.
  • FIBCs are also used for the transport of granular materials and powders for the chemical industry as well as for seeds, fertilizers and food.
  • a bulk container that can contain a controlled atmosphere.
  • a controlled atmosphere With this kind of bulk container, the amount of oxygen, the level of CO2 or other atmospheric parameters are strictly controlled.
  • An FIBC with a controlled atmosphere is also called a modified atmosphere package (MAP).
  • the oxygen may be sucked out of the container using a valve to control the atmosphere.
  • the oxygen may be sucked out through the valve using a pump.
  • a gas may be pumped into the container to replace oxygen within the bulk container.
  • a suitable gas is CO2 or nitrogen.
  • atmospheric sensors can be used. From US 2019375572 A1 it is known to insert sensors into a container that provides a visual indication of the oxygen level within a container through a transparent window. Thus, it is possible to monitor the oxygen level within a bulk container and to infer whether the stored goods are in an acceptable condition.
  • the present invention it is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the described drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the present invention has the object to allow monitoring multiple bulk containers in a user friendly way.
  • the object is solved by the bulk container according to claim 1, the system according to claim 10, the method according to claim 14 and the computer-readable medium according to claim 15.
  • a bulk container in particular a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), for storing flowable goods, comprising:
  • a core of the present invention is the wireless transfer of sensor data from the bulk container. This has many benefits. For examples, using a wireless communication link enables the supervision of the conditions in a bulk container without the need for manual inspection. Moreover, it is possible to monitor multiple bulk containers at the same time. Furthermore, it is possible to monitor bulk containers that do not provide direct access, for example when multiple containers are stacked on top of each other. Lastly, a wireless communication link allows remote monitoring such that clients or customers may monitor the current status of the cargo from a remote company site.
  • the flexible material of the shell may be made of a flexible fabric with gas barrier capabilities and/or water barrier capabilities, , in particular of a polymer type.
  • a gas barrier or water barrier capability may be present when the water and/or oxygen transmission rate is less than a predetermined value.
  • the water transmission rate is calculated as the grams of water permeating through the shell per square meter during a 24 hours period, measured at 30° C room temperature with 90% humidity.
  • the gas transmission rate is calculated as the grams of oxygen permeating through the shell per square meter over 24 hours period measure at 23°C room temperature with 75% humidity.
  • a water barrier capability is considered to be achieved when the water transmission rate is less than 1, preferably less than 0,5 and more preferably less than 0,05.
  • a oxygen barrier capability is considered to be achieved when the oxygen transmission rate is less than 0,6, preferably less than 0,06, more preferably less than 0,006.
  • the flexible fabric may be made with oxygen and/or water barrier capabilities.
  • the amount of oxygen stored within the bulk container is one key indicator for the current quality of the stored goods.
  • Polymer type materials can be made flexible such that the bulk container may be folded and stored in a compact fashion.
  • the shell may comprise at least one outer layer and at least one inner layer, wherein the inner layer may be made of a material with oxygen and/or water barrier capabilities, in particular of a polymer type, of a low density polyethylene type, of an ethylene vinyl alcohol type, of an aluminum type, of an antistatic and/or of an electrically conducting type, and wherein the valve unit is adapted to at least seal the inner layer.
  • the inner layer may be made of a material with oxygen and/or water barrier capabilities, in particular of a polymer type, of a low density polyethylene type, of an ethylene vinyl alcohol type, of an aluminum type, of an antistatic and/or of an electrically conducting type, and wherein the valve unit is adapted to at least seal the inner layer.
  • the shell may be made out of a single layer or of at least two layers.
  • an outermost layer may be made of a rugged material that can sustain heavy loads.
  • An inner layer may be made out of material with oxygen and/or water barrier capabilities and thus may guarantee the controlled atmosphere.
  • the layers may be attached to each other in attachment sections. For example, multiple layers of the shell may be sewn together, glued together and/or welded together.
  • each layer may fulfil a particular function with preferred properties, such as being very sturdy or blocking certain gases.
  • the shell and/or the outer layer of the shell may comprise lifting loops in a top section of the bulk container.
  • the lifting loops may be used to lift the bulk container for transport and thus ease the handling of the container.
  • an/the outer layer of the shell may be of a polypropylene type material.
  • Polypropylene type material has the advantage of being heat resistant and leads to sturdy material characteristics.
  • the bulk container may comprise a valve unit arranged on the shell to fill the load chamber with a gas or to vacuum the load chamber, thereby creating a controlled atmosphere within the load chamber.
  • the controlled atmosphere can be created by the using the valve. This is in particular beneficial as the atmosphere can be restored in case the atmospheric measurements indicate that this is required.
  • the at least one atmospheric sensor unit and/or the communication unit may be arranged inside a pocket formed on the inside of the shell, in particular on the inside of an/the inner layer.
  • a pocket to store the at least one atmospheric sensor unit and/or the communication unit has the advantage that the respective unit may be easily inserted or taken out of the bulk container for inspection. Moreover, it is easily possible to replace a malfunctioning unit. Lastly, using a pocket formed on the inside of the shell enables the use of flexible material to hold the sensor and/or communication unit in place.
  • the at least one pocket is made of a micro-perforated material, whereby gas flow is provided.
  • the at least one atmospheric sensor unit and/or the communication unit may be embedded, in particular interwoven, with the shell material, in particular interwoven with an/the inner layer.
  • Embedding the sensor and/or communication unit with the shell material has the advantage of shielding the respective unit from the goods stored in the bulk container. As a result, the functioning of the communication and/or sensor unit can easily be maintained.
  • the at least one atmospheric sensor unit and/or the communication unit may be at least partially arranged outside the inner layer and/or outside the shell, wherein a sensor probe of the at least one atmospheric sensor unit extends through a measurement opening of the shell and/or inner layer.
  • the aforementioned embodiment has the advantage that the sensor and/or communication unit may be shielded from the goods stored in the container and in addition allow easy maintenance and/or replacement of the respective unit.
  • a sensor probe may be injected into the inside of the bulk container using a rubber seal through which the sensor probe may be inserted into the inside of the bill container.
  • the at least one atmospheric sensor unit and/or the communication unit may further comprise a power unit, in particular a battery, preferably a removable battery.
  • a power unit may be provided.
  • the power unit may be attached or arranged in close range to the communication and/or sensor unit.
  • a/the power unit may comprise at least one coil or at least one capacitor, whereby the power unit is rechargeable using inductive and/or resonant charging.
  • inductive or resonant charging enables to store the power unit within the bulk container while retaining the ability to charge the power unit.
  • using a configuration that enables inductive or resonant charging provides more flexibility regarding the attachment or storage of the power unit as well as the communication and/or sensor unit.
  • At least one solar panel may be arranged on the outside of the shell, preferably on a top part of the shell, wherein the at least one solar panel may be electrically coupled with the power unit to supply power to the atmospheric sensor unit.
  • the respective embodiment provides great flexibility with regards to using the bulk container. For example, with such a configuration it is possible to store a bulk container on the outside for an extended duration.
  • the bulk container may comprise at least one antenna to broadcast and receive data, the at least one antenna being communicatively coupled to the communication unit.
  • the at least one antenna can be of different types.
  • the antenna may be a patch antenna, which may be glued on the outside of the shell or a rod antenna.
  • the antenna may be arranged inside a sensor case, wherein preferably a sensor case is made out of a non-conducting material.
  • the case may be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel in particular provides additional benefits in case the case may get into contact with perishable goods, like food.
  • a/the at least one antenna is arranged on the outside or inside wall of a sensor case, the communication unit, a control unit and/or the at least one atmospheric sensor unit being at least partially, preferably fully, arranged within the sensor case.
  • Arranging the antenna closely to the sensor case, the communication unit, a control unit and/or the at least one atmospheric sensor unit has the advantage of reducing the required cable lengths.
  • an integrated construction allows deploying with different bulk containers.
  • the different components may be arranged inside the sensor case using a potting process. Potting may refer to the filling of the sensor case with a solid or gelatinous compound.
  • epoxy resin, thermosetting plastics or silicone rubber may be used.
  • a/the at least one antenna may be arranged on the outside of the shell.
  • a/the at least one antenna may be embedded within the shell, preferably interwoven with the shell material, in particular an/the outer layer.
  • a very advantageous embodiment can be achieved when the antenna is embedded within the shell.
  • the antenna may easily radiate outside of the shell and still be in close proximity to the sensor and/or communication unit.
  • the antenna may be protected by the shell material.
  • the bulk container may comprise a control unit, wherein the control unit may be adapted to initiate measuring at least one measurement of the at least one atmospheric sensor unit, preferably at predetermined intervals.
  • a control unit may thus be used to control the measurements of the sensor unit.
  • the control unit may be used to initiate sensor readings at predefined intervals or at specific times.
  • the extended supervision of the atmospheric conditions within the bulk container can be ensured.
  • the bulk container may comprise a memory unit adapted to store the atmospheric measurement data, wherein the communication unit may be adapted to transfer the stored atmospheric measurement data at a predetermined time and/or at predetermined time intervals.
  • the memory unit may store one or more measurement values. Thus it is possible to only transfer the stored measurement data at predefined times and/or predefined intervals. As the transmission of the data consumes energy, a reduction in transmission intervals may reduce the overall energy consumption of the bulk container.
  • the at least one atmospheric sensor unit may be adapted to measure one or more of: gas type, preferably using spectroscopy, humidity, pressure, light, in particular light temperature and/or light intensity, temperature, mass, vibration, acceleration, location, time, current or voltage.
  • various different atmospheric indicators may be measured.
  • the measured indicators may be used to derive the status of the goods stored within the bulk container.
  • Such a computation may either be performed on the computation unit or on a unit receiving the measurement data.
  • the communication unit only transmits measurement data whenever a measurement value of the measurement data is below and/or above a predetermined threshold.
  • the energy consumption can be further reduced by reducing the number of times of transmitting the measurement data. As a result, only relevant data is transmitted.
  • the object of the present invention is further in particular solved by a system for processing atmospheric measurement data, in particular of flexible intermediate bulk containers, comprising:
  • the processing unit receives the atmospheric measurement data from a plurality of bulk containers.
  • a big cargo or all goods of a particular vendor and/or customer may be monitored using the aforementioned system.
  • the processing unit may be a server computer or a plurality of server computers. Moreover, it is conceivable that the processing unit is implemented as at least one processor. In addition, the processing unit may also refer to an entire network of interconnected processors/servers. As a result, the processing unit may also refer to an entire distributed computing system or a cloud infrastructure. Of course, further configurations of the processing unit are conceivable and the aforementioned list may not be understood in a limiting manner.
  • the system may further comprise at least one first gateway unit adapted to receive atmospheric measurement data from the plurality of bulk containers and/or from at least one second gateway unit, wherein a gateway unit may be adapted to transfer the received atmospheric measurement data to the processing unit.
  • a gateway unit may be used to collect the measurement data of several bulk containers that are in close proximity to the gateway unit.
  • the measurement data of several bulk containers may be grouped and sent to the processing unit together, which reduces the number of times data has to be transmitted, which in turn reduces the required energy consumption.
  • the at least one first and/or the at least one second gateway unit may be adapted to receive the atmospheric measurement data via a first communication link of a first communication technology and further adapted to transfer the received atmospheric measurement data to the processing unit using a second communication link of a second communication technology.
  • the first communication technology may refer to a short range wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi or a technology using Zig-Bee or Bluetooth.
  • the second communication technology may refer to a communication technologies used for long-range communication, such as mobile technologies such as LTE, UMTS or GSM or a 5G based technology.
  • a/the at least one first gateway is arranged on a bulk container.
  • the bulk container itself serves as the gateway such that no additional hardware systems are required.
  • the bulk container with the gateway serves as a master unit wherein the remaining bulk containers may serve as slave units.
  • the processing unit is further adapted to determine a value for at least one quality criteria based on the atmospheric measurement data, in particular based on a measured concentration of oxygen.
  • a quality criteria may refer to a degree of oxidation.
  • the processing unit may be adapted to compute a degree of infestation or a risk of infestation based on the degree of oxidation.
  • a quality criteria may also refer to monetary value of the goods stored in a bulk container or stored in multiple bulk containers.
  • a visualization unit may be adapted to visualize the stored atmospheric measurement data.
  • Providing a visualisation to the user enables a comfortable supervision of multiple containers.
  • bulk containers with measurements outside a defined range may be highlighted such that manual inspection of these containers may be initiated.
  • prioritization of the bulk containers during production is facilitated. For example, a bulk container for which the measurement data indicates a deviation of predetermined values may be used first during the production of an end product.
  • the object of the present invention is further in particular solved by a method for analyzing atmospheric measurement data, the method comprising the following steps:
  • the method may further comprise visualizing the determined value of the least one quality criteria, in particular on an end-user device.
  • An end-user device may be a smartphone or a tablet or any other personal computing device. Still, other devices are conceivable, for example a laptop.
  • the object of the present invention is further in particular solved by a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement a method as described above.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a bulk container 10.
  • the bulk container 10 comprises a shell 11 which defines a load chamber 12.
  • the load chamber 12 can be loaded using a loading opening 13 which is arranged on the top part of the bulk container 10.
  • flowable goods 2 are stored inside of the load chamber 12.
  • the flowable goods 2 are perishable goods that are sensitive to the presences of oxygen.
  • a discharge opening 14 is arranged on the bottom part of the bulk container 10. Using the discharge opening 14 the flowable goods 2 may be discharged.
  • the top part of the bulk container 10 comprises a valve 20.
  • the top part can be sealed and remaining oxygen and/or CO2 may be sucked out of the load chamber 12 using the valve 20.
  • an atmospheric sensor 30 is arranged on the shell 11 of the bulk container 10.
  • the atmospheric sensor 30 comprises a communication unit 31 with an antenna 45, whereby wireless communication is facilitated.
  • the atmospheric sensor 30 comprises a sensor probe 33, which is connected to the atmospheric sensor 30 with a sensor probe connection 32.
  • the sensor probe 32 may be adapted to measure the amount of oxygen.
  • various implementations of the sensor probe 32 are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the sensor probe 32 may be implemented with regards to the principles of electro-galvanic oxygen sensors. It is further conceivable that the sensor probe 32 is implemented using the principles of the clark electrode.
  • Measurement data transferred from the sensor probe 32 using the sensor probe connection 33 to the atmospheric sensor 30 may be analogue or digital.
  • the atmospheric sensor 30 is further adapted to wirelessly transfer the recorded measurement data by the sensor probe 32 using a communication unit 31 via the antenna 45 to an external device, for example a smartphone.
  • the communication unit 31 may be adapted to transmit the measurement data wirelessly using the antenna 45.
  • the communication unit 31 may be adapted to use any communication technology enabling the transmission of the measurement data.
  • the communication unit 31 may be adapted to use a GSM, UMTS or LTE -based technology.
  • the communication unit 31 uses the ZigBee, Z-Wave standard or Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth Smart or Thread standard. These technologies differ with regard to the supported range .
  • Bluetooth Smart may support the transmission of data in an area of less than 10 m.
  • ZigBee, Thread, and Z wave are usually adapted for ranges of less than a hundred meters around the communication unit 31.
  • Traditional mobile technologies like GSM, UMTS or LTE are adapted for the transmission of data over distances spanning up to several kilometers.
  • Wi-Fi standards like IEEE 802.11n or similar standards may be supported by the communication unit 31.
  • FIG. 2 shows a more detailed schematic of the atmospheric sensor 30.
  • the atmospheric sensor 30 according to figure 2 comprises a sensor case 39.
  • the communication unit 31, a sensor processing unit 34 as well as a sensor memory unit 35 are arranged.
  • a battery compartment 37 is arranged within the sensor case 39.
  • the sensor processing unit 34 is connected to the sensor probe 32 via a sensor probe connection 33. As a result, measurement data may be transmitted from the sensor probe 32 to the processing unit 34.
  • the processing unit 34 may analyze the measurement data to determine whether the measured atmospheric conditions within the load chamber 12 fulfil a preset requirement. For example, the processing unit 34 may be adapted to compare a measurement value of the measurement data with a predetermined threshold value, for example for the amount of oxygen. As such, the processing unit may be adapted to identify an increase in the oxygen concentration within the load chamber 12, which may indicate a defect in the shell 11 of the bulk container 10.
  • the predetermined threshold value together with a respective quality criteria may be stored in the sensor memory unit 35.
  • the sensor processing unit 34 in the present embodiment is implemented as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Still, other implementations of the sensor processing unit 34 are possible, for example as application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) or general-purpose processors, for example using an x86 or ARM architectu re.
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • the sensor processing unit 34 is communicatively connected with the sensor memory unit 35.
  • the measurement data may be stored within the sensor memory unit 35.
  • the sensor memory unit 35 is adapted to store application instructions that are used by the sensor processing unit 34 to analyze the measurement data.
  • the sensor processing unit 34 is communicatively coupled with the sensor communication unit 31. As a result, the sensor processing unit 34 is adapted to initiate the transfer of measurement data using the sensor communication unit 31. In addition or alternatively, the sensor processing unit 34 may be adapted to initiate the transfer of measurement data at predetermined intervals or at predetermined times.
  • the sensor case 39 further comprises a battery compartment 37, which comprises a battery compartment opening 37.
  • a battery 38 When opening the battery compartment opening 37, a battery 38 may be inserted into the battery compartment 37 to provide power to the atmospheric sensor 30.
  • the battery 38 is at least electrically coupled to the sensor processing unit 34.
  • the battery 38 may be rechargeable and of any type of battery.
  • the battery 38 may be a lithium ion battery.
  • FIG 3 shows a different embodiment of the battery compartment 37.
  • the battery 38 is inserted into the battery compartment 37.
  • a battery plug 40 is provided in order to recharge the battery 38.
  • the power unit 30 that provides power to the atmospheric sensor 30 may be charged without having to eject the battery 38.
  • FIG 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the battery recharge mechanism.
  • the embodiment shown in figure 4 comprises a battery compartment 37 with a battery 38 therein.
  • a coil 41 is connected to the battery 38.
  • a charging plate 42 is arranged, such that the battery 38 may be charged using induction.
  • the charging plate 42 is not part of the sensor unit 30 but is a separate device.
  • FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of how the battery 38 may be recharged.
  • the bulk container 10 comprises a solar panel 43, which is attached on the outside of the shell 11.
  • the solar panel 43 is electrically coupled with the atmospheric sensor 30 using a solar panel connection 44.
  • the atmospheric sensor 30 can either be directly powered using the solar panel 43 or the battery 38 stored within the atmospheric sensor 30 may be recharged using the power provided by the solar panel 43.
  • figure 5 shows an embodiment, where in the atmospheric sensor 30 is attached on the outside of the shell 11.
  • Figure 6 shows an embodiment, wherein the antenna 45 of the atmospheric sensor 30 is arranged on the outside of the atmospheric sensor 30, i.e. on the outside of the sensor case 39.
  • the antenna 45 may be a rod antenna.
  • FIG 7 shows a different embodiment, wherein the antenna 45 is implemented as a patch antenna 45 which may be arranged on the outside of the shell 11.
  • the patch antenna 45 may be flexible and thus allow for a compact storage of an empty bulk container 10.
  • Figures 8 and 9 illustrate further embodiments how the atmospheric sensor 30 may be arranged on the bulk container 10.
  • Figure 8 shows that the atmospheric sensor 30 may be arranged inside a pocket 16 on the inside 15 of the shell 11.
  • the shell 11 may be made of at least two layers.
  • the pocket 16 may be arranged on the inside of the innermost layer 15 of the shell 11.
  • the pocket 16 may be made out of stretch material, such that the atmospheric sensor is solidly arranged.
  • the pocket 16 may comprise an opening or may be fully closed.
  • Figure 9 shows an embodiment, wherein the atmospheric sensor 30 is interwoven in a weave area 17 with the material of the shell 11. This embodiment has the advantage that the atmospheric sensor 30 is fixated on the inside 15 of the shell 11.
  • Figure 10 shows how the sensor probe 32 may be connected to the atmospheric sensor 30 in case the atmospheric sensor 30 is arranged on the outside 19 of the shell 11.
  • Figure 10 shows that the atmospheric sensor 30 is arranged on the outside 19 of the shell 11 covering a measurement opening 18.
  • the sensor probe 32 may be connected to the atmospheric sensor.
  • the measurement probe 32 is arranged on the inside 15 of the shell 11.
  • the measurement opening 18 may be filled with a rubber seal, that prevents goods 2 from the inside of the lower chamber 12 to get in contact with the atmospheric sensor 30.
  • the rubber seal may provide gas and/or water blocking capabilities, while at the same time allowing a connection between the sensor probe 32 with the atmospheric sensor 30.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a system 1 that comprises a plurality of bulk containers 10, 10'.
  • the bulk containers 10, 10' differ in that they are arranged at different locations.
  • a first set of bulk containers 10 uses a first communication link 3.
  • a second set of bulk containers 10' uses a second communication link 3'.
  • the first set of bulk containers 10 is adapted to communicate with a first gateway 50 using the first communication link 3. As a result, measurement data transmitted from the first set of bulk containers 10 may be aggregated using the first gateway 50.
  • the second set of bulk containers 10' is adapted to communicate with a second gateway 50' using the second communication link 3'.
  • the first and second set of bulk containers 10, 10' are each adapted to communicate with the first gateway 50 and second gateways 50', using a short range communication technology like ZigBee, respectively.
  • the gateways 50, 50' may be arranged separate from the bulk containers 10, 10' but may also be arranged on bulk containers 10, 10', respectively.
  • the second gateway 50' is further adapted to transmit received measurement data to the first gateway 50 using a communication link 60' that is based on a communication technology that is different from the technology of the first and second communication link 3, 3'.
  • a communication link 60' that is based on a communication technology that is different from the technology of the first and second communication link 3, 3'.
  • the first gateway 50 is adapted to transmit the measurement data of the first set of bulk containers 10 as well as the measurement data received from the second gateway 50' to a processing unit 80 using a communication link 60, for example using a mobile technology standard, like GSM or LTE.
  • the processing unit 80 is a computing center providing computing resources in a cloud infrastructure.
  • the processing unit 80 is connected to a storage system 70, which in the present embodiment is implemented as a relational database, like SQL. In other embodiments, schema less databases are possible as well.
  • the processing unit 80 is adapted to collect the measurement data of multiple bulk containers 10, 10' and is adapted to analyze the received data.
  • the processing unit 80 is configured to identify bulk containers 10, 10', whose atmospheric conditions deteriorate.
  • an end user using a mobile device 90 may be informed that the particular bulk container 10, 10' needs a manual inspection to identify the problem.
  • the end user could use/consume the contents the bulk container 10, 10'.
  • the processing unit 80 is further adapted to perform various computation tasks.
  • the processing unit 80 may be adapted to compute a monetary value for the goods 2 stored in each bulk container 10, 10'.
  • a monetary value may be computed.
  • the amount of oxygen within the bulk container 10, 10' influences the probability of infestation and/or product oxidation within the bulk container 10, 10'.
  • the processing unit 80 may be adapted to run a Web server such that a mobile device 90 may access a website that is hosted by the processing unit 80.
  • the website may show the status of all bulk containers 10, 10' using a dashboard. As a result, a user may easily retrieve information on the status of his/her cargo.
  • FIG 12 shows a flow diagram of a method 100 processing measurement data 111.
  • a measuring step 110 atmospheric measurement data 111 is obtained using an atmospheric sensor 30 in a bulk container 10, 10'.
  • the atmospheric measurement data 111 is subsequently transferred to either one or more gateways 50, 50' or directly to a processing unit 80 in a transfer step 120.
  • the processing unit 80 receives the atmospheric measurement data 111 in a receiving step 130.
  • the atmospheric measurement data 111 is processed. For example, quality indicators are computed by the processing unit 80 during the processing step 140 as described above. A value 141 of this computation is subsequently visualized in a visualization step 150.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
EP20182432.3A 2020-06-26 2020-06-26 Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium Pending EP3929105A1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20182432.3A EP3929105A1 (de) 2020-06-26 2020-06-26 Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium
PCT/EP2021/066621 WO2021259794A1 (en) 2020-06-26 2021-06-18 A bulk container for storing flowable goods, a system for processing atmospheric measurement data, a method for analyzing atmospheric measurement data and a computer-readable medium
EP21734117.1A EP4172070A1 (de) 2020-06-26 2021-06-18 Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium

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EP21734117.1A Pending EP4172070A1 (de) 2020-06-26 2021-06-18 Schüttgutbehälter zur lagerung fliessfähiger güter, system zur verarbeitung atmosphärischer messdaten, verfahren zur analyse atmosphärischer messdaten und computerlesbares medium

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WO2023193005A2 (en) * 2022-03-31 2023-10-05 Agile Equipment, LLC System and method for improved grease handling

Citations (5)

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WO2005002992A1 (de) * 2003-07-04 2005-01-13 Storsackeurea Technology Gmbh Transportsack
DE102004026879A1 (de) * 2003-07-04 2005-02-17 Eurea Verpackungs Gmbh & Co Kg Flexibler Schüttgutbehälter mit Transponder
US20060237490A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-10-26 Seekernet Incorporated Keyhole communication device for tracking and monitoring shipping container and contents thereof
WO2009070754A1 (en) * 2007-11-26 2009-06-04 Karr Lawrence J Anti-tamper cargo container locator system
US20190375572A1 (en) 2018-03-05 2019-12-12 Thomas M. Nelson System supporting filling and handling bulk bag apparatus containing torrefied materials

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005002992A1 (de) * 2003-07-04 2005-01-13 Storsackeurea Technology Gmbh Transportsack
DE102004026879A1 (de) * 2003-07-04 2005-02-17 Eurea Verpackungs Gmbh & Co Kg Flexibler Schüttgutbehälter mit Transponder
US20060237490A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-10-26 Seekernet Incorporated Keyhole communication device for tracking and monitoring shipping container and contents thereof
WO2009070754A1 (en) * 2007-11-26 2009-06-04 Karr Lawrence J Anti-tamper cargo container locator system
US20190375572A1 (en) 2018-03-05 2019-12-12 Thomas M. Nelson System supporting filling and handling bulk bag apparatus containing torrefied materials

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EP4172070A1 (de) 2023-05-03

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