GB2372076A

GB2372076A - The discharge of bulk containers using a compressed air supply pipe

Info

Publication number: GB2372076A
Application number: GB0210055A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Richardson
Original assignee: TRANSPAK IBC Ltd
Current assignee: TRANSPAK IBC Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-24
Filing date: 2002-05-02
Publication date: 2002-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-02
Also published as: GB2372076B; GB0210055D0; GB0112570D0

Abstract

A compressed air extension pipe 11 has at one end a pressurisation coupling 12, with a one way valve, connectable to a venting/ compressed air fitting 9 of an Intermediate Bulk Transport Container (IBC) 1 and has at its other end a fitting 13 for connection to a compressed air supply. Fitting 13 is located at the lower end of the container in the vicinity of the container's discharge fitting 10. The extension pipe may be housed at least partly within a column 15 whose height approximates that of the container and having at its lower end a mounting foot 17 and at its upper end a location head 21, 25. The column may be telescopic so that its height can be adjusted to accommodate different height containers.

Description

Title of the Invention

Bulk Container etc Field of the Invention This invention relates to an accessory for fitting to a bulk container, such as a so-called intermediate bulk container (IBC) for use in the transportation and storage of hazardous liquids, and to a bulk container provided with such an accessory.

Background of the Invention IBCs are in extensive use and due to the nature of the liquids being transported are of certified construction, being basically of upright, cylindrical configuration with a lower, discharge fitting and two upper fittings, being a 2"fitting for filling and a 1'4"fitting serving both for venting via a scrubber during filling and, when discharge/decanting is required, for connection of a compressed air supply line. Legs extend from the lower end of the IBC, whilst a crown ring is carried, on upwardly extending arms, above the upper fittings. For ease of handling, the legs are pallet-mounted for fork lift loading onto the deck of a lorry or trailer after being filled at a chemical supply company, so that the discharge fitting would then be located at approximately shoulder height of a driver when standing alongside a trailer or lorry deck. As the compressed air supply fitting is at an elevated location, the current discharge/decanting procedure requires the lorry driver to climb on to the deck of the trailer or lorry and, holding on to the crown ring with one hand use the other hand to attach a coupling of a compressed air line to the venting/compressed air fitting. The driver must then climb down in order to attach a discharge pipe to the discharge fitting, which procedures are unsatisfactory, but previously unavoidable.

Object of the Invention A basic object of the invention is the provision of an improved accessory for pressure discharge bulk containers such as IBCs, and a container/IBC provided with such an accessory.

Summary of a First Aspect of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a pressure discharge, bulk transport container for liquids, comprising a discharge fitting provided at a lower end of the container, and a venting/compressed air fitting provided at an upper end of the container, characterised in that there is provided a compressed air extension pipe having at one end a pressurisation coupling with a one-way valve connected, or connectable, to the venting/compressed air fitting, and at its other end, a fitting located at the lower end of the container in the vicinity of the discharge fitting for connection to a compressed air supply line.

Summary of a Second Aspect of the Invention According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory for fitting to a pallet-mounted bulk container that has a discharge fitting at a lower end, and a venting/compressed air fitting at an upper end, the accessory comprising: (i) a column, of height approximating to that of the container; (ii) a mounting foot provided at a lower end of the column ; for (iii) a location head provided at the upper end of the column; and (iv) a compressed air extension pipe housed at least partially within the column and provided at an upper end with a pressurisation coupling and a one-way valve for connection to the venting/compressed air fitting of the container, and provided at its lower end with a fitting for connection to a coupling of a compressed air supply line.

Summary of a Third Aspect of the Invention According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet-mounted container fitted with an accessory in accordance with the second aspect.

Advantage (s) of the Invention By employing an air extension pipe, the venting/compressed air fitting is in effect relocated from the upper end of the container (in accordance with prior art arrangement) to the vicinity of the discharge fitting, thereby avoiding the need for the driver to climb into, and from, the deck of a trailer or lorry, so that the venting/air connection fitting is located at the same, convenient, working height as the discharge fitting, as connection of the pressurisation coupling at the upper end of the extension pipe to the venting/air connection fitting may be readily effected at the chemical plant, after completion of filling with the liquid involved, immediately after removal of the scrubber coupling from the venting/compressed air fitting. Furthermore, by using the column of the second aspect, the air extension pipe is protected from accidental damage, and is positionally located.

Preferred or Optional Features of the Invention The container is an IBC for liquids.

The pressurisation coupling incorporates the one-way valve.

The column is of fixed length.

The column is telescopic, whereby the column length can, within limits be varied to ease fitting and/or to suit different heights and/or variations in the IBCs of different IBC manufacturers, with the column fixed at its selected length by screw means.

The mounting foot is saddle like, generally of inverted U-shape.

The mounting foot is provided with screw means for securing location of the foot on a portion of the pallet.

The screw means of the foot is a nut and bolt.

The pallet is fabricated from rectangular hollow section metal.

The location head comprises an upwardly open slot, for engagement with a conventionally provided crown ring of the container, irrespective of whether the crown ring is of channel or angle section.

The lower end of the column is provided with a laterally extending arm providing a support for the fitting at the other, lower end of the air extension pipe.

One example of accessory in accordance with the first aspect is shown by way of example only, in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, while Figure 2 shows, in accordance with the second aspect, a pallet-mounted IBC provided with an accessory of the first aspect.

An IBC 1 has an upper end 2 provided with upwardly extending arms 3 which carry a crown ring 4, whilst a lower end 5 is provided with downwardly extending legs 6 by which the IBC is mounted on a pallet 7 fabricated from rectangular hollow section metal engageable by the tines of a fork lift truck for loading/unloading purposes.

The upper end 2 is provided firstly with a 2"fitting 8 by which the IBC 1 is filable with the liquid involved, and secondly with a 1 1/2"fitting 9 serving both for venting air from within the IBC 1 during filling, via a scrubber (not shown) and later, when discharge/decanting of the contents is required, for the connection of a source of compressed air, whilst the lower end 5 is provided with a discharge fitting 10 connectable via a coupling (not shown) to a discharge pipe.

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a compressed air extension pipe 11 is provided at one end, in practice an upper end, with a pressurisation coupling 12, incorporating a one-way valve, connectable to the venting/compressed air fitting 9, and is provided at its other

end, in practice its lower end, with an air connection fitting 13 connectable to a source of compressed air ie to a coupling of a compressed air line.

The result is that the fitting for the introduction of compressed air into the IBC is relocated from the upper end 2 to the vicinity of the lower end 5 of the IBC, so that in practice, the driver or other operative standing at the side of a deck of a lorry or trailer, can connect both a discharge pipe, and a compressed air line, from the same location, without needing to climb onto the deck to gain access to the upper end 2 for connection of the compressed air line as required by prior art arrangements.

In order to provide some control of, and protection for, the air extension pipe 11, then in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, most of the pipe 11 is housed within an accessory 14 for fitting to a pallet mounted IBC.

The accessory 14 comprises a rectangular section column 15 comprising an outer portion 16 carrying at its lower end a mounting foot 17 of appropriate profile for mounting the lower end of the column 15. Thus, in the example illustrated, the foot 17 is of inverted U-shape with tapped holes 18, for mounting on a portion of the pallet 7, as best seen in Figure 2, with screws 19 then inserted into holes 18, and tightened. In the example illustrated, the column 15 is of adjustable length so that the accessory 14 can be fitted to a range of sizes of I. B. C.'s. Thus, within the outer portion 16 and telescopic within limits, is an inner portion 20 provided at its upper end with a location head for engagement with a portion of the IBC, the head comprising an upwardly open slot 21 defined by two parallel plates 25 welded at an angle suitable for engagement with a portion of the crown ring 4 to a top plate 26, welded to the upper end of the inner portion 20.

After engagement of the slot 21 with a portion of the crown ring 4, screws 23 are tightened over a telescopic adjustment slot 24. In addition, one parallel plate 25 is provided with a grub screw (not visible) for tightening against a portion of the crown ring 4.

The accessory 14 is thus attached to a pallet mounted IBC, and to its pallet 7.

After completion of filling of the IBC 1 at a chemical factory, the operative after removing a filling pipe (not shown) from the fitting 8 removes the vent pipe and scrubber from venting/compressed air fitting 9, and attaches the coupling 12 to the fitting 9.

Upon arrival of the IBC 1 at its discharge destination, the driver or other operative connects the coupling of a discharge line to the discharge fitting 10 of the IBC 1, and as the fitting 13 is located in the vicinity of the fitting 10, connects a coupling of an air line to the fitting 13, for discharge to commence.

Claims

1. A pressure discharge, bulk transport container for liquids, comprising a discharge fitting provided at a lower end of the container, and a venting/compressed air fitting provided at an upper end of the container, characterised in that there is provided a compressed air extension pipe having at one end a pressurisation coupling with a one-way valve connected, or connectable, to the venting/compressed air fitting, and at its other end, a fitting located at the lower end of the container in the vicinity of the discharge fitting for connection to a compressed air supply line.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1, being an IBC for liquids.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the pressurisation coupling incorporates the one-way valve.

4. A pressure discharge, bulk transport container for liquids, substantially as herein before described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

5. An accessory for fitting to a pallet-mounted bulk container that has a discharge fitting at a lower end, and a venting/compressed air fitting at an upper end, the accessory comprising : (i) a column, of height approximating to that of the container; (ii) a mounting foot provided at a lower end of the column; for (iii) a location head provided at the upper end of the column; and (iv) a compressed air extension pipe housed at least partially within the column and provided

at an upper end with a pressurisation coupling and a one-way valve for connection to the venting/compressed air fitting of the container, and provided at its lower end with a fitting for connection to a coupling of a compressed air supply line.

6. An accessory as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the column is of fixed length.

7. An accessory as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the column is telescopic, whereby the column length can, within limits be varied to ease fitting and/or to suit different heights and/or variations in the containers of different manufacturers.

8. An accessory as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the column is fixed at its selected length by screw means.

9. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the mounting foot is saddle like, generally of inverted U-shape.

10. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the mounting foot is provided with screw means for securing location of the foot on a portion of the pallet.

11. An accessory as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the screw means is a nut and bolt.

12. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 11, wherein the pallet is fabricated from rectangular hollow section metal.

13. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 12, wherein the location head comprises an upwardly open slot. 14. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 13, wherein the lower end of the column is provided with a laterally extending arm providing a support for the fitting at the other, lower end of the air extension pipe.

15. An accessory for fitting to a pallet mounted bulk container, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A pallet-mounted container fitted with an accessory as defined in any one of Claims 6-15.

17. A pallet-mounted container substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A pressure discharge, intermediate bulk container for liquids, provided at its lower end with legs by which the container is mounted on a pallet, and provided at its upper end with a crown ring, and comprising a discharge fitting at a lower end of the container, and a venting/compressed air fitting at an upper end of the container, wherein there is provided a compressed air extension pipe having at an upper end a pressurisation coupling with a one-way valve, which coupling is connected to the venting/compressed air fitting of the container, with a fitting provided at the lower end of the extension pipe, which fitting is located at the lower end of the container, in the vicinity of the discharge fitting, for connection to a compressed air supply line, when discharge is required.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the air extension pipe is protected from accidental damage, and is positionally located, by being housed, at least partially within a column having an upper end attached to the upper end of the container, and a lower end attached to the pallet.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the upper end of the column is attached to the upper end of the container via a location head.

4. A container as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the lower end of the column is attached to the pallet via a mounting foot.

5. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the column is of fixed length.

6. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the column is telescopic, whereby the column length can, within limits be varied to ease fitting and/or to suit different heights and/or variations in the containers of different manufacturers.

7. A container as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the column is fixed at its selected length by screw means.

8. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the mounting foot is saddle like, generally of inverted U-shape.

9. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the mounting foot is provided with screw means for securing location of the foot on a portion of the pallet.

10. A container as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the screw means is a nut and bolt.

11. A container as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the pallet is fabricated from rectangular hollow section metal.

12. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 11, wherein the location head comprises an upwardly open slot.

13. A container as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 12, wherein the lower end of the column is provided with a laterally extending arm providing a support for the fitting at

the other, lower end of the air extension pipe.

14. A pressure discharge, bulk transport container for liquids, substantially as herein before described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

15. An accessory for fitting to a pallet-mounted, pressure-discharge bulk container that has a discharge fitting at a lower end, and a venting/compressed air fitting at an upper end, the accessory comprising: (i) a column, (ii) a mounting foot provided at a lower end of the column; for (iii) a location head provided at the upper end of the column ; and (iv) a compressed air extension pipe housed, at least partially, within the column and provided at an upper end with a pressurisation coupling with a one-way valve (for connection to the venting/compressed air fitting of the container), and provided at its lower end with a fitting for connection to a coupling of a compressed air supply line.

16. An accessory as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the column is of fixed length.

17. An accessory as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the column is telescopic, whereby the column length can, within limits be varied to ease fitting and/or to suit different heights and/or variations in the containers of different manufacturers.

18. An accessory as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the column is fixed at its selected length by screw means.

19. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the mounting foot is saddle like, generally of inverted U-shape.

20. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the mounting foot is provided with screw means for securing location of the foot on a portion of the pallet.

21. An accessory as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the screw means is a nut and bolt.

22. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 21, wherein the pallet is fabricated from rectangular hollow section metal.

23. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 22, wherein the location head comprises an upwardly open slot.

24. An accessory as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 23, wherein the lower end of the column is provided with a laterally extending arm providing a support for the fitting at the other, lower end of the air extension pipe.

25. An accessory for fitting to a pallet mounted bulk container, substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. An accessory for fitting to a pallet-mounted, pressure-discharge bulk container substantially as herein before described with reference to Fig. 1 of the accompanying