ES347437A1 - Composite container and method of handling fluent materials - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for non-gaseous fluent materials includes a flexible lining and at least two connections for inflating the lining prior to filling while permitting escape of air from the lining. A further connection or opening permits escape of air from between the lining and outer wall. The connections may include an inlet tube perforated along its length within the container. In one form, Figs. 1, 3, the neck of the lining 28 is secured about a perforated tube 24 at the lower end of which is a lining positioning plate 25. The tube is secured to a head plate 20 which accommodates a valve 38 for relieving or permitting entry of air between the lining and container 15 and a pressure relief valve 39. A head at the upper end of the tube 24 houses a dip tube 33, a closable connection 32, a pressure relief valve 36 and a valved connection 37. To distend the lining, air or gas is forced in via the valve 37 and tube 24 or alternatively through the tube 33. The material being packaged is then passed in through the tube 33. Displaced air or gas exits through the tube 24 and valve 37. To discharge the material, the space between the lining and container may be pressurized, forcing material out through the tube 33. In another method, the space is merely connected to air via the valve 38 and the contents pumped out through the dip tube. Flowable solid material can be fluidized by a tube, Fig. 4 (not shown) passed through the connection 32 with its gas discharge exit angled to direct the flow out of one of the bottom openings 27 of the tube 24. A discharge pump can be mounted within the container at the bottom of the dip tube. The connection 32 permits a stirrer, heater, cooler &c. to be lowered into the contents. The contents can be withdrawn and returned to the container after treatment by a circulator and appropriate connections, Fig. 5 (not shown). In another form, Fig. 8 (not shown), a screwin plug for the container has the liner mouth secured to its inner end and houses only a dip tube with a plate similar to the plate 25 and a single aperture at its lower end. It has also a through bore serving the purposes ofthe tube 24. Another embodiment, Figs. 12, 15, includes a bottom discharge door 317a and a lining with a bottom opening. A cap 320 having the necessary connections 359, 360 may be replaced after filling by a plain closure, Fig. 14 (not shown). In a further embodiment, Figs. 11, 17 (not shown), the container is filled and discharged from a position adjacent the bottom and a flexible tube extending up to the top of the space within the lining permits gas entry and exit.