GB2617140A

GB2617140A - Apparatus for free-flowing material and corresponding methods

Info

Publication number: GB2617140A
Application number: GB2204566.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leonard Poole Trevor
Original assignee: Innovagen Ltd
Current assignee: Innovagen Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-30
Filing date: 2022-03-30
Publication date: 2023-10-04
Also published as: WO2023187368A1; GB202204566D0

Abstract

A conveyor assembly 1 comprising a lid portion 10 for at least partially covering a container 200. The lid portion 10 comprises at least one inlet 11 for receiving free-flowing material 200, such as biochar or ash, over a first predetermined period of time. The conveyor assembly 1 also comprises an engagement portion 12 for engaging the lid portion 10 to the container 200, and a conveyor 14. The conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material 100 within the container 200, and may be in the form of an auger, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion 10 is engaged to the container 200 using the engagement portion 12about at least one sensor. This allows conveyor assembly 1 to better ensure that container 200 is suitably filled with free- flowing material 100 over a relatively long period of time, autonomously, to allow filled container 200 to be transported elsewhere using a transportation vehicle 400 once container 200 is sufficiently filled with free-flowing material 100.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FREE-FLOWING MATERIAL AND CORRESPONDING METHODS

Field

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and assemblies for free-flowing material, such as a by-product free-flowing material from a waste disposal process, such as Biochar or ash.

Also provided is a conveyor assembly, and corresponding conveyor module, for use with such a free-flowing material, and corresponding methods in respect of the same.

Background

In the context of existing waste disposal processes, which turn waste (such as household waste/rubbish, or other general rubbish), e.g. via pyrolysis or some other thermal decomposition method, into various different by-products, problems arise in terms of what to do with these by-products once they are formed.

One such by-product, which often forms, is free-flowing material in the form of Biochar/ash, which collects in the process, and which is thus a by-product that needs to be exhausted from the waste disposal process to ensure the waste disposal process can continue to run effectively.

As used herein, the term 'free-flowing material' may be understood as comprising solid particles which are of, or are capable of being in, a flowing or running consistency, and which may have an element of granularity -such as in respect of the textures/consistencies of flour; grain; sugar; sand; or other similar granulated, potentially courser, material -e.g. those where each granule might comprise a maximum dimension of up to 50mm, such as in respect of clumps of Biochar or ash which may be up to 50mm wide. By the term 'maximum dimension' here, this may be understood as meaning that each granule/component from the free-flowing material may comprise a maximum length/width/height that are each no more than the quoted amount in millimetres.

Mindful of the above, existing systems relating to waste disposal may typically dump the byproduct free-flowing material into a small single-use bag. This process has been recognised as being particularly disadvantageous, since the bag then typically becomes filled in a matter of a few hours, such that over a course of a day, each [filled] bag may need to be removed/replaced with a fresh bag 4 or 5 times a day. This is particularly disadvantageous to the efficient operation of the waste disposal process, since this may then require the waste disposal process to be regularly stopped -at each point in time when a given bag [filled with by-product] needs to be replaced with a fresh, empty, bag. This is labour intensive and requires the cost and expense of staffing of the waste disposal process out of normal working hours.

A further disadvantage of the above systems is that the by-product, which may typically be a free-flowing material, can represent a health hazard to those working nearby, since the free-flowing material can, over time, cause respiratory issues in the event that sufficient quantities of the free-flowing material are inhaled as the material is being dispensed into each (open-topped) bag.

Mindful of the above, it has been found that there is a need to provide for an improved mechanism to collect such a by-product from the waste disposal process, and a mechanism which can conveniently deliver the by-product from the waste disposal process into a container over a more prolonged, and continuous, period of time (such as preferably more than 18 hours, to a week at a time, in some cases), to avoid needing to stop the waste disposal process as often, and to ameliorate some of the other issues as noted above.

Summary

Thus according to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a conveyor assembly comprising: a lid portion for at least partially covering a container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

According to a second of certain embodiments there is provided a conveyor module, for use with a container, wherein the conveyor module comprise: a lid portion for at least partially covering the container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of using the conveyor assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly over the first predetermined period of time; and using the conveyor to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of using a conveyor assembly to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor assembly over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor assembly to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

According to a fifth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of using a conveyor module to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor module over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor module to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

Other numerous aspects of certain embodiments are as defined in the claims and various clauses as recited at the end of this specification.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically represents a conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) for receiving a free-flowing material, such as potentially a by-product from a waste disposal process as part of a waste disposal facility, wherein the conveyor assembly/module is configured to receive the free-flowing material, over a predetermined period of time, into a container to which the conveyor assembly/module may be engaged with, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 2A schematically represents a conveyor assembly (and conveyor module), such as that from Figure 1, at a first time where the conveyor assembly/module is being engaged with a container configured to receive the free-flowing material from the conveyor assembly/module, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 23 schematically represents the conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) from Figure 2A, at a second time after the first time, where the conveyor assembly/module is engaged with the container, and where the free-flowing material is received into the container via the conveyor assembly/module, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure Figure 2C schematically represents the conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) from Figure 23, at a third time after the second time, where the conveyor assembly/module is engaged with the container, and where further free-flowing material is received into the container via the conveyor assembly/module, and where existing free-flowing material in the container is distributed within, and further into, the container, using a conveyor from the conveyor assembly/module, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 2D schematically represents the conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) from Figure 2B, at a fourth time after the third time, where the conveyor assembly/module is engaged with the container, and where the container is determined as being sufficiently filled with the free-flowing material.

Figure 2E schematically represents the conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) from Figure 23, at a fifth time after the fourth time, where the conveyor assembly/module is disengaged from an outlet chute which is configured to exhaust the free-flowing material into the conveyor assembly/module and the container, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 2F schematically represents the container from previous Figures 2A-2E, at a sixth time after the fifth time, where the container with the conveyor assembly/module still engaged therewith is loaded onto a transportation vehicle, such as a lorry, for allowing the transportation vehicle to transport the container, filled with the free-flowing material to a predetermined location, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 3 schematically represents the conveyor assembly (and conveyor module) from the previous Figures, where the conveyor assembly/module is engaged with the container, and which illustrates a control circuitry which is configured to control one or more operations relating to the use of the conveyor assembly/module, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

Thus with reference to the Figures, the present disclosure relates to a conveyor assembly 1 (and conveyor module 1A as will be described) for dispensing a free-flowing material 100, such as a by-product 100 from a waste disposal process 300, into a container 200. For the sake of completeness, it will be appreciated that the conveyor assembly 1 herein described could be used with any free-flowing material, such as covering possible applications beyond those relating to waste disposal processes specifically. That being the case, it will be appreciated that the operations described in the Figures are purely for the purposes of providing an example context to which the conveyor assembly 1 (or conveyor module 1A) may appreciably be used in.

Accordingly, described herein at a general level is a conveyor assembly 1 which comprises comprising a lid portion 10 for at least partially covering a container 200. The lid portion 10 comprises at least one inlet 11 for receiving free-flowing material 100 over any required period of time, such as a first predetermined period of time as will be described. The conveyor assembly 1 also comprises an engagement portion 12 for engaging, potentially releasably in some embodiments, the lid portion 11 to the container 200. Also present as part of the conveyor assembly 1 is a conveyor 14.

As will be described, the conveyor 14 is operable to distribute free-flowing material 100 within the container 200, which has been dispensed into the container 100 from the at least one inlet 11, when the lid portion 10 is engaged to the container 200 using the engagement portion 12. In this respect, unlike say a liquid which might be dispensed into the container 200 via the inlet 11, a free-flowing material, such as Biochar or ash, which is dispensed through the inlet 11 may pass into the container 200 and then just clump together as a mound/pile in a first portion 200A, and at a first end 202, of the container 200. In this way, and as the free-flowing material then continues to pass into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, this mound/pile will continue to get bigger, and will this eventually clog the at least one inlet 11, even though a second portion 200B of the container 200 at a second end 204 of the container 200 (opposite the first end 202 of the container 200) may still be completely free of the free-flowing material. Thus with the provision of the conveyor 14, in these instances, the conveyor 14 may be selectively operated to help distribute the free-flowing material further into the container, such to help prevent the mound/pile from otherwise blocking the at least one inlet 11, and to help ensure that the container 200 then is completely filled -i.e. not just at the first end 202/first portion 200A.

As noted above, the lid portion 10 may be configured to be releasably engaged to the container 200 via an engagement portion 12, though in some embodiments, the lid portion 10 may be already engaged, or be permanently attached to the container 200 (for instance, in some embodiments, by the lid portion 10 being welded to, or being integrally formed, with the container 200). Preferably however, to allow the interior capacity of the container to be more easily accessed, and/or to allow the conveyor assembly 1 to be more easily maintained in use, the lid portion 10 may be configured to be releasably engaged to the container 200 via the engagement portion 12. Where any engagement portion 12 is provided, it will be appreciated that this may take several forms as required, and may be largely dependent on the shape of the container 200 itself. In one embodiment, the engagement portion 12 may comprise at least one lip or flange 18 for engaging with (or around) the container 200, or an outer edge of the container 200, as shown in the embodiment of conveyor assembly 1 shown in the Figures. In some embodiments, the engagement portion 12 may also comprise at least one fastening point 20;20A;20B, such as a hole, for allowing the conveyor assembly to be (releasably) fastened to the container 200.

With respect to the location of the lid portion 10 when engaged with the container 200, the lid portion may be configured to cover a portion of an interior/volumetric capacity 201 of the container 200. In some embodiments, as shown in the embodiment from the Figures, the lid portion 10 may be configured to engage, and at least partially cover, a first, top, side 206 of the container which is otherwise exposed/open when the lid portion 10 is not engaged with the container 200. In some embodiments, to better seal the interior capacity 201 of the container 200 in use as will be described, the lid portion 10 may be configured to completely cover the first, top, side 206 of the container when the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2A). In this way therefore, and once the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200, the interior capacity 201 of the container 200 may be entirely surrounded by the container 200 and the lid portion 10 from the conveyor assembly 1. In this way, this may help to help inhibit any free-flowing material from escaping from (the interior capacity 201) of the container 200.

With respect to the geometry of the lid portion 10, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments, as shown in the embodiments of the Figures for instance, the lid portion 10 may comprise a first, outer, side 10A, and a second, inner, side 10B, wherein the second side 10B is configured to face towards the container 200 when the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 10. In such embodiments, to help prevent damage to the conveyor in use, the conveyor 14 may be configured to be located between the second side 10B of the lid portion 10 and the container 200 when the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200, for instance via the engagement portion 12. In such embodiments, and further increasing the rigidity/security of the conveyor 14, the conveyor 14 in accordance with such embodiments may be attached to the second side 10B of the lid portion 10.

As to the nature of the conveyor 14, it will be appreciated that any shape or type of conveyor 14 might practically be used to help distribute the free-flowing material within the container 200 in use. For instance, in one embodiment, a belt-type conveyor, or conveyor belt may be used. Equally, in some embodiments (as shown in the embodiments of the Figures), the conveyor 14 may comprise an auger 24, wherein the auger 24 is configured to distribute the free-flowing material within the container 14. With an auger specifically, it may be appreciated that this may allow any excess free-flowing material at the first portion 200A of the container to be entrained in the auger and thus distributed by the auger 24 towards the second portion 200B of the container.

Whatever form of the conveyor 14 which is used however, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, as well as acting to distribute the free-flowing material within the container, the conveyor 14 may also effectively act to level the free-flowing material within the container when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion. Put differently, the presence of the conveyor 14 can otherwise prevent the height of the (mound/pile) free-flowing material inside the container 200 from exceeding a predetermined height H1. For instance, such a height might correspond to the height H1 of an underside 26 of the conveyor 14 inside the container 200, as shown in the embodiments of conveyor assembly from the Figures. In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments (as shown in the Figures), an underside 26 of the conveyor 14, which is facing the container 200, may be used to level the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet 11, within the container 200.

For allowing easier observation of the interior capacity 201 of the container 200 when the lid portion 10 is engaged to the container 200, the conveyor assembly 1 may further comprise one or more inspection hatches 30 for providing visibility into the container 200. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the lid portion may comprise any such an inspection hatch(es), which may be further advantageous in so far as this may also then facilitate observation or access to the conveyor 14 as well (e.g. for maintenance purposes). As to the location of any such inspection hatch(es), it may be appreciated that where a plurality of these inspection hatches 30 are employed, in accordance with some embodiments, the inspection hatches 30 may be distributed along a length of the conveyor assembly 1 (or of the lid portion 10) to allow visibility of the interior capacity 201 of the container 200 at differing points along the length L of the interior capacity of the container 200 (which may not necessarily correspond to the length L1 of the container 200, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 for instance).

Staying with the lid portion 10, noting the escape of any of the free-flowing material from the container 200 in use may be undesirable, since inhalation of this free-flowing material (e.g. where this free-flowing material comprises a by-product from a waste disposal process, such as Biochar or ash) may cause long-term respiratory conditions, in accordance with some embodiments, the engagement portion 12 may further comprise a seal 34 configured for sealing the lid portion 10 to the container 200, when the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200 using the engagement portion 12, for inhibiting the escape of the free-flowing material from the container. As to the nature of this seal, in accordance with some embodiments, the seal may comprise a rubber material, or any other material that might appreciably help seal between the lid portion 10 and the container 200 to help free-flowing material from escaping therebetween. Depending on the shape of the lid portion 10 as well, in accordance with some embodiments, the seal 34 may be configured to extend around a border 35 of the lid portion 10 or the container 200 -or around a border 207 of the first, top, side 206 of the container 200.

With respect to the size of the lid portion 10; the size of any engagement portion 12 where the lid portion 10 is configured to be releasably engaged to the container 200 (as opposed to say permanently affixed to, or part of, the container 200); and the size of the conveyor 14, it will be appreciated that their size and dimensions may depend on the nature of the container 200 to which they are configured to be used with. In that respect, the container 200 might appreciably take several forms, depending on the nature of the free-flowing material that is being used. Though at a general level, the shape of the container 200 and the conveyor assembly 1 may be such that when the conveyor assembly 1 (or conveyor module 1A as will be described) is in place with respect to the container 200, the conveyor assembly 1 (or conveyor module 1A) may be configured to progressively fill the container 200 from the first end 202 of the container 200 to the second end 204 (which is opposite the first end 202) of the container. This operation is as shown best with respect to the embodiments from Figures 2A-2F. With respect to such embodiments from the Figures as well, it may be appreciated in some embodiments that the container may comprise a skip 210, wherein the skip potentially in some narrow embodiments (as shown in Figure 2F) further comprises a tailgate skip 211 from a transportation vehicle 400, such as lorry 402 in some particular embodiments (or perhaps a train bogey, a train, or even a ferry/boat). In this way, and once the container 200 has been filled with the required amount of free-flowing material 100 (e.g. as shown in the embodiment from Figure 2D), the container 200 may be loaded onto the transportation vehicle 400. Once the container has then been loaded onto the transportation vehicle 400 (e.g. as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2F), appreciably depending on the application of the container 200/free-flowing material 100, the container 200 may be transported to a predetermined location using the transportation vehicle 400. Appreciably, depending on the application, the predetermined location might appreciably comprise any of a customer's address, a landfill site, a manufacturing location, or perhaps even a further refining/processing plant (e.g. a plant for synthesising fertiliser particularly where the free-flowing material comprises ash or Biochar), for instance.

To be clear, it will be appreciated that at any such transportation stage, where employed, the container 200 as loaded onto the transportation vehicle 400 may be loaded with the conveyor assembly 1 (or convey module 1A) still located on (or as part of) the container 200, e.g. as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2F. In this way, the escape of the (potentially hazardous) free-flowing material 100 from the container 200 can be mitigated. That being said, it will be appreciated that in some other embodiments, once the container 200 has been sufficiently filled with the free-flowing material 100, the conveyor assembly 1 / conveyor module 1A may be disengaged from the container 200 to allow the conveyor assembly or module to be detached from the container 200. In this way, and once the conveyor assembly or module has been removed (i.e. per the reverse of the operation shown in Figure 2A), the container 200 (such as its top side 206) may be appropriately covered with a cover, such as in some particular embodiments a tarpaulin or sheet, to prevent the escape of the free-flowing material 100 from the container 200 whilst the container 200 is being transported. Appreciably, this latter operation may then allow the conveyor assembly or module to be kept on site, and then reused with another second container 200 as part of a subsequent filling up of that second container as soon as the original container has been transported away.

Noting the above potential applications for each container, and particularly for medium sized processes where a reasonable rate of free-flowing material may be expected to be generated, the container may appreciably in some embodiments comprises a reasonable volumetric capacity, such as volumetric capacity of at least 3m3; of at least 5m3; of at least 7m3; of at least 8m3; of at least 10m3; and/or of at least 12m3; and/or of at least 15m3. In some particular embodiments, the container may appreciably comprise a reasonable volumetric capacity of no more than 100m3; no more than 80m3; no more than 50m3; no more than 30m3; and/or no more than 20m3. Such capacities might then also allow the container to be suitably used as part of a tailgate skip 211 from a lorry 402.

Though irrespective of the size/nature/application of the container 200 and the conveyor assembly 1, and returning to their function/operation in use, as noted above the conveyor 14 is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container 200, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11. In this way, the conveyor 14 may prevent the free-flowing material forming a mound/pile which might otherwise block the at least one inlet 11, such to help ensure that the container 200 is completely filled -i.e. not just at the first end 202/first portion 200A. Noting this function, it will be appreciated that the conveyor 14 may be configured to operate continuously and/or non-stop whilst the free-flowing material is being fed into the container 200. That being said, to help conserve power, it will be appreciated in some embodiments that the conveyor 14 may instead be selectively operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container 200. For instance, the conveyor may be operable to distribute the free-flowing material within the container in response to a predetermined criterion being satisfied. At a general level, this predetermined criterion may be indicative that there is too much free-flowing material being located near the inlet 11, and/or at the first portion 200A/first end 202 of the container 200 as explained above. Thus mindful of this, the predetermined criterion in some embodiments may comprise a timer exceeding a predetermined time. In response to this predetermined criterion being satisfied, the conveyor may be then operable to distribute the free-flowing material within the container 200, for a second predetermined period of time, in response to the predetermined criterion being satisfied. This second predetermined period of time, at a general level, may then correspond to a period of time in which the conveyor 14 can be suitably operated to distribute a sufficient amount of the free-flowing material located near the inlet 11, and/or at the first portion 200A/first end 202, to a position away from these locations to help prevent the inlet 11 being blocked, and/or to help distribute/level the free-flowing material better inside the container 200. Put differently, in accordance with some embodiments, during the second predetermined period of time, the conveyor 14 may receive at an upstream end 14A of the conveyor 14 some of the free-flowing material 100 from the first portion 200A of the container 200, and then dispense, closer to a downstream end 14B of the conveyor 14, the free-flowing material 100 from the conveyor 14 towards the second portion 200B of the container, such to distribute the free-flowing material 100 within the container 200.

With respect to the operation of the conveyor 14 however, and in respect of the first predetermined criterion (where this is employed), rather than using a timer to decide when to operate the conveyor 14, it may be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the conveyor assembly 1 (and/or the container 200, which could be part of the conveyor assembly 1 for the avoidance of any doubt) may further comprise at least one first sensor 40 for detecting when a first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the first portion 200A of the container 200, wherein the predetermined criterion comprises the at least one first sensor 40 detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the first portion 200A of the container 200. With respect to the location of the at least one sensor 40, the at least one first sensor 40 in accordance with some embodiments may be attached to either the lid portion 10 and/or the conveyor 14, or perhaps even attached to the container 200 itself (as noted by the dotted lines indicated in Figure 2D illustrating such potential, non-limiting, locations for the at least one first sensor 40).

Where any at least one first sensor 40 is employed, in some embodiments, the least one first sensor may be located closer to the upstream end 14A of the conveyor 14 than the least one first sensor 40 is located to the downstream end 14B of the conveyor 14. In this way, the at least one first sensor 40 may be more effectively located proximal and/or within the first portion 200A for sensing when too much free-flowing material 100 has collated in this portion 200A of the container 200 (which might otherwise block the at least one inlet 11).

In terms of what such a sensor 40 might be, it may be appreciated that a variety of different sensor types might be employed here for detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the first portion 200A of the container 200. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, each first sensor might comprise an optical sensor (e.g. a laser level detector), a pressure sensor (for detecting when excess free-flowing material is impinging on the sensor); or even a capacitive/touch sensor (for, again, detecting when excess free-flowing material is impinging on the sensor).

Thus with the provision of the at least one first sensor 40, this may provide an effective mechanism to help determine when the conveyor 40 should be operated. So in a very particular embodiment for instance, in response to the at least one first sensor 40 detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the first portion 200A of the container 200, the conveyor may be then operated to distribute the free-flowing material 100 within the container 200, for the second predetermined period of time (e.g. 10 minutes in a very particular example). At the end of the second predetermined period of time, the operation of the conveyor may be then disabled -noting by then any excess collation of free-flowing material 100 in the first portion 200A of the container 200 would have been distributed (and simultaneously levelled) towards the second portion 200B of the container more proximal to the second end 204 of the container 200 (i.e. away from the at least one inlet 11). Appreciably, as then more free-flowing material then continues to enter within the container 200 form the at least one inlet 11, in response to the at least one first sensor 40 detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free flowing material is (again) present in the first portion 200A of the container 200, the conveyor may be then operated (again) to distribute the free-flowing material 100 (again) within the container 200, for another second predetermined period of time. This cycle can then be repeated until the volumetric capacity 201 of the container 200 is deemed sufficiently full with the free-flowing material 100.

Turning to the situations when the container 200 is suitably filled with the free-flowing material 100, as shown in Figure 2D for instance, it will be appreciated that there may be provided a mechanism for determining when this is the case, such the container 200 can then be removed and replaced with a new/empty container 200. In this way, the process which is producing the free-flowing material 100, e.g. where this process comprises a waste disposal process producing a by-product in the form of the free-flowing material (e.g. Biochar or ash), can be left running continuously without the need to turn off this process which may otherwise be very inefficient and time-consuming to get it restarted again.

One implementation for determining where the container 200 is suitably filled with the free-flowing material 100 is for control circuitry 50 to use a timer for estimating when a second predetermined amount X2 of the free-flowing material is present in the container 200. In this way, the control circuitry 50 may be configured to start the timer when free-flowing material 100 is first allowed to pass into the container 200 via the least one inlet 11. In this way, the control circuitry may be configured, using information about the size of the container 200 and the flow rate of free-flowing material into the container 200 to determine a third predetermined period of time T3 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2D) corresponding to when the second predetermined amount X2 of the free-flowing material is present in the container 200, and then also determine when the timer reaches the third predetermined period of time T3.

Though rather than using a timer, in accordance with some embodiments, the conveyor assembly (and/or the container 200, which could be part of the conveyor assembly 1 for the avoidance of any doubt), may comprise at least one second sensor 52 for detecting when the second predetermined amount X2 of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the container 200, and/or for detecting when a predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the second portion 200B of the container 200.

Where any at least one second sensor 52 is employed, in some embodiments, the least one second sensor may be located closer to the downstream end 14B of the conveyor 14 than the least one second sensor 52 is located to the upstream end 14A of the conveyor 14. In this way, the at least one second sensor 52 may be more effectively located proximal and/or within the second portion 200B for sensing when too much free-flowing material 100 has collated in this portion 200B of the container 200 (which might be indicative that the second portion 200B is too full).

In terms of what such a sensor 52 might be, it may be appreciated that a variety of different sensor types might be employed here for detecting when the second predetermined amount X2 of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the second portion 200B of the container 200. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, each second sensor 52 might comprise an optical sensor (e.g. a laser level detector), a pressure sensor (for detecting when excess free-flowing material is impinging on the sensor); or even a capacitive /touch sensor (for, again, detecting when excess free-flowing material is impinging on the sensor).

Thus with the provision of the at least one second sensor 52, this may provide an effective mechanism to help determine when there is a sufficient amount of free-flowing material within the container 200, and/or when there is a sufficient amount of free-flowing material within the second portion 200B of the container 200.

For improving the effectiveness of the at least one second sensor 52, the at least one second sensor 52 may be configured to be at least partially located inside the container 200 when the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200, and/or when the conveyor assembly 1 or module 1A is attached/assembled to the container 200. In this respect as well, and in accordance with some additional/alternative embodiments, each second sensor may be located more proximal to the downstream end 14B of the conveyor 14 than each second sensor 52 is located to the upstream end 14A of the conveyor 14.

With respect to the location of the at least one second sensor 52, the at least one second sensor 52 in accordance with some embodiments may be attached to either the lid portion 10 and/or the conveyor 14, or perhaps even attached to the container 200 itself (as noted by the dotted lines indicated in Figure 20 illustrating such potential, non-limiting, locations for the at least one second sensor 52).

With respect to the provision of any employed first sensor(s) 40 or second sensor(s) 52, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3, in accordance with some embodiments control circuitry 50 may appreciably be used to control the operation of these sensors. In this way, at a general level, the conveyor module 1A, or the conveyor assembly 1 (which for completeness, might include any of the herein described components, such as the container 200, or even parts or all the waste disposal process 300 and/or associated waste disposal facility which might otherwise be used with the conveyor 14 and its associated components including the lid portion 10 and any employed engagement portion 12), may further comprise the control circuitry 50 for controlling at least one operation of the conveyor module or conveyor assembly.

For instance, and in accordance with some embodiments where the at least one first sensor 40 is employed, in response to the at least one first sensor 40 detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 200 is present in the first portion 200A of the container 200, the at least one first sensor 40 may be configured to output a first sensor signal to the control circuitry. In this way, and in some embodiments, the control circuitry 50, in response to receiving the first sensor signal, may be configured to operate the conveyor 14 to distribute free-flowing material 100 within the container 200 away from the first portion of the container 200A towards the second portion 200B of the container 200.

With respect to any such embodiment as well, and in accordance with some narrower embodiments thereof, the at least one first sensor 40, in response to detecting that the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material 200 is no longer present in the first portion 200A of the container 200, may be then configured to output a follow-up first sensor signal to the control circuitry 50. In this way, the control circuitry 50, in response to receiving the follow-up first sensor signal, may be then configured to disable the operation of the conveyor 14. Appreciably though as well, rather than needing to rely on the follow-up first sensor signal, the control circuitry 50, in response to operating the conveyor 14, may be configured to simply disable the operation of the conveyor 14 after the second predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control circuitry operated the conveyor 14. This second predetermined period of time might then correspond to a period of time in which the amount of free-flowing material 200 at the first portion 200A of the container 200 might then have been expected to be sufficiently reduced, through the action of the conveyor 14.

Staying with embodiments where the control circuitry 50 is employed, in more limited embodiments where the at least one second sensor 52 is also employed, in some embodiments thereof, the at least one second sensor, in response to detecting that the second predetermined amount X2 of the free-flowing material 100 is present in the container 200, may be configured to output a second sensor signal to the control circuitry 50. In this way, the control circuitry 50, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, may be configured to perform one or more action to provide an indication/response to the fact that the container is then sufficiently filled with the free-flowing material 100.

As to what such an action might be, the action(s) could comprise sending a notification to a predetermined location, such as to a notification panel 53; a control room 54 (such as a control room for the waste disposal process); a server; or to a plant operator 55. As to what the notification may include, this may appreciably be dependent on the application of the conveyor module 1A or assembly 1, and the type of free-flowing material 100 being used.

For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, the second predetermined amount X2 may be indicative of at least 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; or 95% of the interior capacity 201 of the container 200. In that way, and in potential additional/alternative other embodiments, the notification may optionally comprise a notification that the container has reached or exceeded the second predetermined amount X2, and/or may comprise a notification that the container requires replacing with another (empty) container 200.

Related to the above, it may also be appreciated that the control circuitry 50, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, may be configured to output an alarm (such as an audible or visual alarm) at one output device 56 (such as a display or screen). Where such an output device is employed, it may be appreciated that this may be located in any appropriate location, such as on the conveyor module 1A as will be described, as part of the container 200, and/or in the facility from which the free-flowing material is configured to be output from.

It may also be appreciated that the control circuitry 50, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, may be configured to inhibit the dispensing of free-flowing material into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11. This may be achieved, for instance, by temporarily blocking any outlet chute 301 which is configured to exhaust the free-flowing material 100, for allowing the free-flowing material to pass from the outlet chute 301 to the at least one inlet 11. In a very particular embodiment, the second sensor signal may be configured to inhibit the dispensing of free-flowing material into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11 by temporarily closing a valve 303 which is upstream of any provided outlet chute 301 and/or the at least one inlet 11.

Importantly, however, any such inhibiting of the dispensing of the free-flowing material into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11 may be such that the underlying process 300 (such as a waste disposal process, in some more limited embodiments) which is configured to produce the free-flowing material can remain operational. In that respect therefore, the process 300 may typically be provided with a buffer zone 302, allowing for a buffer period, to accommodate a degree of built up the free-flowing material 100 in, or upstream of, the outlet chute 301. That being the case, so long as the container 200 can then be replaced within this buffer period (e.g. which may no more than 10 minutes in duration), the underlying process 300 can then be left operational whilst the container 200 is being switched with a second, empty, container 200 during this buffer period. In that way, and when the new container 200 is located in place, the control circuitry 50 may be configured to re-allow the dispensing of free-flowing material into the second container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, such to allow free-flowing material from the buffer zone 302 to empty into the second container 200.

From the foregoing therefore, it may be seen that the present use of the conveyor assembly 1, and any conveyor module 1A therefrom as will be described, may effectively allow for methods for dispensing the free-flowing material 100 into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11 over the first predetermined period of time, wherein the method also uses the conveyor 14 to distribute the free-flowing material 100, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, within the container 200. In this way, and in some more limited embodiments thereof where the lid portion 10 is configured to engage, or releasably engage, the container 200, the methods may further comprise, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material 100 into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, engaging the lid portion 10 to the container 200 via the engagement portion 12.

As well as being used to distribute the free-flowing material 100 within the container 200, it may be seen as well that the conveyor 14 in accordance with some embodiments may be used to level the free-flowing material 100, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, within the container 200. In this way, the conveyor may thus act to inhibit too much free-flowing material 100 from forming a too high pile/mound of the free-flowing material in one place (the first portion 200A) of the container 200.

In terms of added safety features which may be employed during use of the herein described conveyor 14, in accordance with some embodiments, the methods herein described may (or any control circuitry 50 which is provided may be configured to) prevent the operation of the conveyor unless it is determined that the lid portion 10 is engaged with the container 200.

This may thus reduce the likelihood of a user injuring themselves on any exposed parts of the conveyor 14 from the lid portion 10 otherwise not being engaged with the container 200.

Similarly, and in accordance with some potential additional/alternative embodiments, the methods herein described may (or any control circuitry 50 which is provided may be configured to) stop the operation of the conveyor 14 in response a determination being made that that the lid portion 10 is not engaged with the container 200. This might be achieved, for instance, through provision of a contact sensor (not shown in the Figures) at the border 35 of the lid portion 10 and/or around the border 207 of the first, top, side 206 of the container 200.

With respect to any employed outlet chute 301 as well, as shown in the embodiments from the Figures, it may be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, there may also be provided a seal 58 which may be releasably located between the outlet chute 301 and the at least one inlet 11 for inhibiting the escape of the free-flowing material 100 at the interface of the outlet chute 301 and the at least one inlet 11 when the at least one inlet 11 is attached to the outlet chute 301 (as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, for instance). As to the nature of this seal 58, it may be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the seal may comprise a sleeve which is configured to engage around the outlet chute 301 and the at least one inlet 11. In this respect as well, for potentially accommodating attachment of the at least one inlet 11 to a plurality of different outlets of different sizes, the seal in accordance with some embodiments may be resilient, and/or suitably thick to prevent perforation by the free-flowing material (e.g. ash or Biochar) as the free-flowing material 100 passes there-through.

Appreciating the foregoing therefore, at least, there has been described a conveyor assembly comprising: a lid portion for at least partially covering a container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging, and in some more narrow embodiments releasably engaging, the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

There has also been described a conveyor module, for use with a container, wherein the conveyor module comprise: a lid portion for at least partially covering the container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging, and in some more narrow embodiments releasably engaging, the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

There has also been described a method of using the conveyor assembly as described above, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly over the first predetermined period of time; and using the conveyor to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

There has also been described a method of using a conveyor assembly to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor assembly over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor assembly to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

There has also been described a method of using a conveyor module to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor module over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor module to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

There has also been described a conveyor assembly 1 comprising a lid portion 10 for at least partially covering a container 200. The lid portion 10 comprises at least one inlet 11 for receiving free-flowing material 200 over a first predetermined period of time. The conveyor assembly 1 also comprises an engagement portion 12 for engaging the lid portion 10 to the container 200, and a conveyor 14. The conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material 100 within the container 200, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion 10 is engaged to the container 200 using the engagement portion 12. In this way, the conveyor assembly 1 can better ensure that the container 200 is suitably filled with the free-flowing material 100 over a relatively long period of time, autonomously, to allow the filled container 200 to be transported elsewhere using a transportation vehicle 400 once the container 200 is sufficiently filled with the free-flowing material 100.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be fully appreciated that features of the dependent claims (or any herein recited dependent clauses) may be combined with features of the independent claims (or independent clauses) in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims or clauses. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Accordingly, any permutation of the features from the claims may be combined as required, and/or may be combined with any permutation of the features from the herein recited clauses at the end of this specification.

Purely for the sake of completeness, with respect to the herein described conveyor assembly 1, as noted above this conveyor assembly 1 may appreciably comprise any of the herein described components, such as the container 200, or even parts or all the waste disposal process 300 and/or associated waste disposal facility which might otherwise be used with the conveyor 14 and its associated components including the lid portion 10 and any employed engagement portion 12.

As well, it may be appreciated that the conveyor assembly 1 in accordance with some embodiments may define a conveyor module 1A to which the lid portion 10, the engagement portion 12, the conveyor 14, and/or the seal 34 (where employed) may form a part of, and such that the conveyor module 1A may be, potentially releasably, engaged to the container 200. In this way, the conveyor module 1A may be then understood as being engageable with the container such that the conveyor module 1A may form a single piece of stand-alone equipment, which can be used interchangeably with a variety of different containers 200.

Where such a conveyor module 1A is employed, it may be appreciated that this conveyor module 1A may also be then used as part of a wider assembly/conveyor assembly 1 employing the conveyor module 1A, which is an assembly/conveyor assembly 1 which might then comprise any of the herein described other components -such as the control circuitry 50, the container 200, the outlet chute, or the seal between the outlet chute and the at least one inlet 11 from the conveyor module 1A, or even parts or all the waste disposal process 300 and/or associated waste disposal facility, or even the transportation vehicle 400. For completeness as well, some of these other components, e.g. at least a portion of the control circuitry 50, the at least one first sensor 40, and/or even the at least one second sensor 50 may be comprised as part of the conveyor module 1A.

As to how any herein employed conveyor assembly 1; conveyor module 1A; and/or conveyor 14 or other components (such as any employed sensor(s) 40;52, or the control circuitry 50) may be powered, it will be fully appreciated that these may be powered using an appropriate power source 70, such as a battery; a mains power supply; a motor; or even an engine, which can be connected to these components for powering them. Where any such power source 70 is employed, in accordance with some embodiments, the herein described conveyor module 1A or conveyor assembly 1 may comprise the power source 70 (e.g. as per any of the exemplary and non-limiting locations for the power source 70 as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 3). Equally, and in accordance with some embodiments where any conveyor module 1A is employed, the conveyor module 1A in accordance with some particular embodiments may comprise the power source 70 (i.e. such that the conveyor module 1A has its own on-board power source). Appreciably, where any power source is employed, the power source may be rechargeable (e.g. in a very particular embodiment, a rechargeable battery).

Finally, with respect to any employed conveyor 14, it may also be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the use of one conveyor necessarily. Thus in accordance with some embodiments, it may be appreciated that any herein described conveyor 14 may in some cases comprise a plurality of conveyors. In this way, each conveyor 14 from such a plurality of conveyors 14 may be operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container 200, which has been dispensed into the container 200 from the at least one inlet 11, when the lid portion 10 is engaged to the container 200 using the engagement portion 12.

Where a plurality of conveyors is employed, it may be appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the plurality of conveyors may for instance comprise a first conveyor and a second conveyor. In this way, and in embodiments for instance where the container is particularly long in length, in some embodiments, the first conveyor may be located in series with the second conveyor. In this way for instance, an upstream end of the second conveyor may be configured to receive free-flowing material from the downstream end of the first conveyor. Equally however, in some potential other additional or alternative embodiments, any provided second conveyor (or perhaps even a third conveyor) may be located in parallel with the first conveyor. In this way, by having a number of the conveyors in parallel, this may increase the maximum distributable capacity for the conveyors at any given time, and may thus also suit use with containers 200 that are particularly wide (whereby the first and second [or third] conveyor may be perhaps then spaced along a width of the container 200).

Appreciably, where a plurality of conveyors is employed, it may be understood in some embodiments that each conveyor from the plurality of conveyors may be configured to operated independently of the other conveyor(s) from the plurality of conveyors. This may allow, for instance, the number of conveyor(s) operated at any given time to be scaled, as required, depending on the flow rate of free-flowing material which is passed into the container 20 via the at least one inlet 11. Appreciably, such independent operation may be achieved, for instance, by the control circuitry 50 potentially, where such control circuitry 50 is employed.

CONSISTORY SET OF CLAUSES

1. A conveyor assembly comprising: a lid portion for at least partially covering a container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

2. The conveyor assembly according to clause 1, wherein the conveyor is selectively operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

3. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the first predetermined period of time is continuous.

4. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor is further operable, in use, to level free-flowing material within the container when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

5. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor comprises an auger, wherein the auger is configured to distribute the free-flowing material within the container.

6. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute the free-flowing material within the container in response to a predetermined criterion being satisfied.

7. The conveyor assembly according to clause 6, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute the free-flowing material within the container, for a second predetermined period of time, in response to the predetermined criterion being satisfied.

8. The conveyor assembly according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one first sensor for detecting when a first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in a first portion of the container, wherein the predetermined criterion comprises the at least one first sensor detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the first portion of the container.

9. The conveyor assembly according to clause 8, wherein the at least one first sensor is attached to either the lid portion and/or the conveyor. 10 10. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor comprises an upstream end for receiving free-flowing material from a first portion of the container, and a downstream end for dispensing the free-flowing material from the conveyor towards a second portion of the container, such to distribute the free-flowing material within the container.

11. The conveyor assembly according to clause 10, when further dependent on clause 8 or 9, wherein the least one first sensor is located closer to the upstream end of the conveyor than the least one first sensor is located to the downstream end of the conveyor.

12. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one second sensor for detecting when a second predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the container.

13. The conveyor assembly according to clause 12, wherein the at least one second sensor is configured to be at least partially located inside the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container via the engagement portion.

14. The conveyor assembly according to clause 12 or 13, when further dependent on clause 10 at least, wherein each second sensor is located more proximal to the downstream end of the conveyor than each second sensor is located to the upstream end of the conveyor.

15. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the engagement portion further comprises a seal configured for sealing the lid portion to the container, when the lid portion is engaged with the container using the engagement portion, for inhibiting the escape of the free-flowing material from the container.

16. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one inspection hatch for providing visibility into the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container using the engagement portion.

17. The conveyor assembly according to clause 16, wherein the at least one inspection hatch comprises a plurality of inspection hatches.

18. The conveyor assembly according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the lid portion comprises each inspection hatch.

19. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the engagement portion and the conveyor is connected to the lid portion.

20. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises control circuitry for controlling at least one operation of the conveyor assembly.

21. The conveyor assembly according to clause 20, when further dependent on clause 8 at least, wherein the at least one first sensor, in response to detecting when a first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the first portion of the container, is configured to output a first sensor signal to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry, in response to receiving the first sensor signal, is configured to operate the conveyor to distribute free-flowing material within the container away from the first portion of the container towards the second portion of the container.

22. The conveyor assembly according to clause 21, wherein the at least one first sensor, in response to detecting that the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is no longer present in the first portion of the container, is configured to output a follow-up first sensor signal to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry, in response to receiving the follow-up first sensor signal, is configured to disable the operation of the conveyor.

23. The conveyor assembly according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the control circuitry, in response to operating the conveyor, is configured to disable the operation of the conveyor after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control circuitry operated the conveyor.

24. The conveyor assembly according to any of clauses 20-23, when further dependent on clause 12 at least, wherein the at least one second sensor, in response to detecting that the second predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the container, is configured to output a second sensor signal to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, is configured to: i) send a notification to a predetermined location; ii) output an alarm; and/or ii) inhibit the dispensing of free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet.

25. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly is configured to progressively fill the container from a first end of the container to a second end of the container which is opposite the first end.

26. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the lid portion comprises a first, outer, side, and a second, inner, side, wherein the second side is configured to face towards the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container; wherein the conveyor is configured to be located between the second side of the lid portion and the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container via the engagement portion.

27. The conveyor assembly according to clause 26, wherein the conveyor is attached to the second side of the lid portion.

28. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the free-flowing material comprises a by-product from a waste disposal process.

29. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the free-flowing material comprises Biochar or ash.

30. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the free-flowing material comprises a maximum particle size of 50mm.

31. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the engagement portion is for releasably engaging the lid portion to the container.

32. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises the container.

33. The conveyor assembly according to clause 32, wherein the engagement portion is connected to the container for engaging the lid portion to the container.

34. The conveyor assembly according to clause 33, wherein the engagement portion is connected to the container by at least one weld for engaging the lid portion to the container. 10 35. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of conveyors, wherein each conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

36. The conveyor assembly according to clause 35, wherein the plurality of conveyors comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor.

37. The conveyor assembly according to clause 36, wherein the first conveyor is located in series with the second conveyor.

38. The conveyor assembly according to clause 36, wherein the second conveyor is located in parallel with the first conveyor.

39. The conveyor assembly according to any of clauses 35-38, wherein each conveyor from the plurality of conveyors is operable independently of the other conveyor(s) from the plurality of conveyors.

40. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the container comprises a volumetric capacity of at least 3m3.

41. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the container comprises a skip, wherein the skip optionally further comprises a tailgate skip from a transportation vehicle.

42. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises a conveyor module which comprises the lid portion, the engagement portion, and the conveyor.

43. The conveyor assembly according to clause 42, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises a conveyor module comprises a power source for powering the conveyor module.

44. The conveyor assembly according to clause 42 or 43, when further dependent on clause 8 at least, wherein the conveyor module comprises the at least one first sensor.

45. The conveyor assembly according to any of clauses 42-44, when further dependent on clause 12 at least, wherein the conveyor module comprises the at least one second sensor.

46. A conveyor module, for use with a container, wherein the conveyor module comprise: a lid portion for at least partially covering the container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.

47. A conveyor module according to clause 46, wherein the engagement portion is for releasably engaging the lid portion to the container.

48. A method of using the conveyor assembly according to any of clauses 1-45, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly over the first predetermined period of time; and using the conveyor to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

49. The method according to clause 49, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly: engaging the lid portion to the container via the engagement portion.

50. A method of using a conveyor assembly to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor assembly over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor assembly to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

51. The method according to any of clauses 48-50, wherein the method further comprises: using the conveyor to level the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

52. The method according to any of clauses 48-51, wherein the method further 15 comprises: using an underside of the conveyor which is facing the container, to level the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

53. The method according to any of clauses 48-52, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly: attaching the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly to an outlet chute which is configured to exhaust the free-flowing material, for allowing the free-flowing material to pass from the outlet chute to the at least one inlet.

54. The method according to clause 53, further comprising locating a seal between the outlet chute and the at least one inlet for inhibiting the escape of the free-flowing material at an interface of the outlet chute and the at least one inlet when the at least one inlet is attached to the outlet chute.

55. The method according to any of clauses 48-54, wherein the method further comprises, preventing the operation of the conveyor unless it is determined that the lid portion is engaged with the container.

56. The method according to any of clauses 48-55, wherein the method further comprises, stopping the operation of the conveyor in response a determination being made that that the lid portion is not engaged with the container.

57. The method according to any of clauses 48-56, wherein the first predetermined period of time is continuous.

58. The method according to any of clauses 48-57, wherein the free-flowing material comprises a by-product from a waste disposal process.

59. The method according to any of clauses 48-58, wherein the free-flowing material comprises Biochar or ash.

60. The method according to any of clauses 48-59, wherein the free-flowing material comprises a maximum particle size of 50mm.

61. The method according to any of clauses 48-60, wherein the method further comprises: loading the container onto a transportation vehicle, wherein the transportation vehicle optionally comprises a lorry.

62. The method according to any of clauses 48-61, wherein the method further comprises: transporting the container, once filled with the free-flowing material, and once the container has been loaded onto the transportation vehicle, to a predetermined location using the transportation vehicle.

63. The method according to any of clauses 48-62, wherein the container comprises a volumetric capacity, for receiving the free-flowing material, of at least 3m3. 30 64. A method of using a conveyor module to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor module over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor module to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.

65. The method according to clause 64, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor module: engaging or attaching the conveyor module to the container using an engagement portion from the conveyor module.

66. The method according to clause 64 or 65, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor module: attaching the at least one inlet of the conveyor module to an outlet chute which is configured to exhaust the free-flowing material, for allowing the free-flowing material to pass from the outlet chute to the at least one inlet.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A conveyor assembly comprising: a lid portion for at least partially covering a container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.
2. The conveyor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor is further operable, in use, to level free-flowing material within the container when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.
3. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor comprises an auger, wherein the auger is configured to distribute the free-flowing material within the container.
4. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute the free-flowing material within the container, for a second predetermined period of time, in response to a predetermined criterion being satisfied.
5. The conveyor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one first sensor for detecting when a first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in a first portion of the container, wherein the predetermined criterion comprises the at least one first sensor detecting when the first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the first portion of the container.
6. The conveyor assembly according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first sensor is attached to either the lid portion and/or the conveyor.
7. The conveyor assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveyor comprises an upstream end for receiving free-flowing material from a first portion of the container, and a downstream end for dispensing the free-flowing material from the conveyor towards a second portion of the container, such to distribute the free-flowing material within the container; wherein the least one first sensor is located closer to the upstream end of the conveyor than the least one first sensor is located to the downstream end of the conveyor.
8. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one second sensor for detecting when a second predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the container; wherein each second sensor is located more proximal to the downstream end of the conveyor than each second sensor is located to the upstream end of the conveyor.
9. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion further comprises a seal configured for sealing the lid portion to the container, when the lid portion is engaged with the container using the engagement portion, for inhibiting the escape of the free-flowing material from the container.
10. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises at least one inspection hatch for providing visibility into the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container using the engagement portion, wherein the lid portion comprises each inspection hatch.
11. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement portion and the conveyor is connected to the lid portion.
12. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises control circuitry for controlling at least one operation of the conveyor assembly.
13. The conveyor assembly according to claim 12, when further dependent on claim 5 at least, wherein the at least one first sensor, in response to detecting when a first predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the first portion of the container, is configured to output a first sensor signal to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry, in response to receiving the first sensor signal, is configured to operate the conveyor to distribute free-flowing material within the container away from the first portion of the container towards the second portion of the container; wherein the control circuitry, in response to operating the conveyor, is configured to disable the operation of the conveyor after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control circuitry operated the conveyor.
14. The conveyor assembly according to claim 12 or 13, when further dependent on claim 8 at least, wherein the at least one second sensor, in response to detecting that the second predetermined amount of the free-flowing material is present in the container, is configured to output a second sensor signal to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry, in response to receiving the second sensor signal, is configured to: i) send a notification to a predetermined location; ii) output an alarm; and/or ii) inhibit the dispensing of free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet.
15. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly is configured to progressively fill the container from a first end of the container to a second end of the container which is opposite the first end.
16. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid portion comprises a first, outer, side, and a second, inner, side, wherein the second side is configured to face towards the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container; wherein the conveyor is configured to be located between the second side of the lid portion and the container when the lid portion is engaged with the container via the engagement portion.
17. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly further comprises the container.
18. The conveyor assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conveyor assembly comprises a conveyor module which comprises the lid portion, the engagement portion, and the conveyor.
19. A conveyor module, for use with a container, wherein the conveyor module comprise: a lid portion for at least partially covering the container, wherein the lid portion comprises at least one inlet for receiving free-flowing material over a first predetermined period of time; an engagement portion for engaging the lid portion to the container; a conveyor, wherein the conveyor is operable to distribute free-flowing material within the container, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, when the lid portion is engaged to the container using the engagement portion.
20. A method of using the conveyor assembly according to any of claims 1-19, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly over the first predetermined period of time; and using the conveyor to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly: engaging the lid portion to the container via the engagement portion.
22. A method of using a conveyor assembly to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor assembly over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor assembly to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.
23. The method according to any of claims 20-22, wherein the method further comprises: using the conveyor to level the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.
24. The method according to any of claims 20-23, wherein the method further comprises, prior to dispensing the free-flowing material into the container from the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly: attaching the at least one inlet of the conveyor assembly to an outlet chute which is configured to exhaust the free-flowing material, for allowing the free-flowing material to pass from the outlet chute to the at least one inlet.
25. The method according to any of claims 20-24, wherein the method further comprises, preventing the operation of the conveyor unless it is determined that the lid portion is engaged with the container.
26. A method of using a conveyor module to dispense, and distribute, free-flowing material, wherein the method comprises: dispensing the free-flowing material into a container from at least one inlet of a conveyor module over a first predetermined period of time; using a conveyor from the conveyor module to distribute the free-flowing material, which has been dispensed into the container from the at least one inlet, within the container.