JP7132442B2 - Multi-piece mounting device for fluid containers - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to containment systems for containing fluids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a mounting device for mounting a liner within a container and for providing a fluid pathway from the liner to the exterior of the containment system.

Some manufacturing processes utilize fluid chemicals. Fluid chemicals can include, for example, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, pharmaceuticals, and the like. When using such chemicals, glass bottles are sometimes used to properly contain the chemicals during storage, transportation, and even the manufacturing process itself. Glass bottles are commonly used as containers because they can provide wetted surfaces with ultraviolet (UV) protection and chemical resistance for the storage and transport of fluid chemicals.

Korean Patent No. 10-1017750

There is room for improvement in containment systems for containing fluids.

The present disclosure relates generally to containment systems for containing fluids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fitment for mounting a liner within a container and for providing a fluid pathway from the liner to the exterior of the containment system.

Glass bottles are currently used in the manufacture of many chemicals. Plastic bottles cost less than glass bottles. Plastic bottles are more resistant to splashing and are safer and less difficult to clean after dropping or other handling accidents. Using materials such as fluoropolymers, plastic bottles can reduce contamination of some sensitive chemicals compared to glass.

Plastics with suitable manufacturing properties for use in bottles, such as stretch blow moldable plastics, tend to react with many of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Suitable plastics for encapsulating these chemicals, such as but not limited to fluoropolymers, are difficult or expensive to manufacture into bottles and also block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, etc. It may lack other important properties (including but not limited to).

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a mounting device that allows the bag to be mounted within a plastic bottle (e.g. bag-in-bottle), thereby allowing the wetted surfaces of the container to be made of non-reactive materials. while allowing the outer surface to use materials with desirable manufacturing properties and other properties such as UV protection.

In one embodiment, a mounting apparatus for a fluid containment system includes a liner fitment having a liner joining surface configured to be joined to a liner, The liner fitment defines a liner fitment aperture. The to-liner attachment is configured to be joined to a retainer having a container joining surface for joining to the container, the retainer being attached to the to-liner attachment at an end of the to-liner attachment. It defines a retainer aperture having an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter.

In one embodiment, the to-liner interface is located on the annular flange. In embodiments, the to-liner interface is disposed on one or more curved surfaces extending from the first endpoint to the second endpoint.

In one embodiment, the retainer includes one or more vent holes to allow fluid communication from a first side of the retainer to a second side of the retainer, the second side of the retainer being connected to the first side of the retainer. is on the other side.

In embodiments, the anti-liner attachment is made of a fluoropolymer. In embodiments, the retainer is made of an ultraviolet blocking material.
In one embodiment, the retainer comprises a polymer ultrasonically weldable to a stretch blow moldable polymer.

In one embodiment, the to-liner mounting portion comprises one or more projections from an outer surface of the to-liner mounting portion, and the retainer comprises one or more recesses or recesses configured to receive the one or more projections. With openings, the anti-liner mount and retainer are joined through one or more protrusion and one or more recess interfaces.

In one embodiment, an O-ring is positioned between the anti-liner attachment and the retainer. In the embodiment, an annular groove is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the anti-liner attachment portion, and the O-ring is arranged in the annular groove.

In one embodiment, a fluid containment system includes a liner, a container surrounding the liner, and a mounting device. The mounting device has a liner-to-liner mounting portion having a liner-to-bonding surface to be bonded to the liner, the liner-to-liner mounting portion defining an opening of the liner-to-mounting portion, and a container-to-container bonding surface to be bonded to the container. and a retainer defining a retainer opening at the end of the liner attachment section having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the liner attachment section.

In one embodiment, the liner is joined to the liner-to-liner interface of the mounting device by welding. In embodiments, the container is joined to the retainer by welding.
In embodiments, the container includes an ultraviolet blocking material. In embodiments, the container comprises a stretch blow moldable polymer. In embodiments, the liner comprises a fluoropolymer.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a containment system comprises welding a liner to a mounting device at a to-liner interface; placing the liner and mounting device within a vessel; pressurizing the liner; bonding the mounting device to the container at the bonding surface. In one embodiment, the step of joining the mounting device to the container is ultrasonic welding of the container and mounting device. In embodiments, the liner is pressurized when the mounting device is joined to the container.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein can be practiced.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an end of a fluid containment system, according to embodiments; 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A, according to embodiments; FIG. 1 is a side view of a containment system, according to embodiments; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid containment system, according to embodiments; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an anti-liner attachment, according to embodiments; 3B is a cross-sectional view of a to-liner attachment according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. The perspective view of the anti-liner attachment part by embodiment. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the anti-liner attachment according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A; FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the anti-liner attachment according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment; FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a retainer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A; FIG. 4 illustrates a liner and liner attachment, according to embodiments; 4 illustrates a liner, according to embodiments; 4 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a container, according to embodiments. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting device, according to embodiments;

Like reference numbers generally refer to like parts.
The present disclosure relates generally to containment systems for containing fluids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a mounting device for mounting a liner within a container and for providing a fluid pathway from the liner to the exterior of the containment system.

Some manufacturing processes utilize fluid chemicals. Fluid chemicals can include, for example, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, pharmaceuticals, and the like. When using such chemicals, fluid containment systems can be utilized to adequately contain the chemicals during storage, transportation, and ultimately the manufacturing process itself.

Fluids include, but are not limited to, substances that flow or deform when shear stress is applied. Fluids can include, for example, liquids.
FIG. 1A is an end cross-sectional view of a fluid containment system 100 according to one embodiment. Fluid containment system 100 includes container 102 , retainer 104 , and anti-liner attachment 106 .

Fluid containment system 100 is a system for containing chemicals such as, for example, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, dopants, inorganic solutions, organic solutions, pharmaceuticals, and the like.
Container 102 is a hollow container capable of holding a fluid located within a liner (not shown), such as the liner described below and shown in FIG. Container 102 may be made of one or more polymers. Container 102 may be made of, for example, a stretch blow moldable polymer. Examples of materials that may be used for container 102 include polyethylene (PE), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol (PETG), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTA), polycyclohexylene methylene terephthalate glycol (PCTG), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), portamide (PA), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), Poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK), cyclic olefin polymers, cyclic olefin copolymers, etc., and copolymers comprising these materials.

Container 102 may be a bottle. In one embodiment, container 102 is a bottle having an internal volume of about 1 liter to about 20 liters. Only the end of container 102 is shown in FIG. 1A. The entire container 102 is shown in FIG. 1C and described below.

Container 102 may be made of a UV blocking material, for example, by including additives, pigments, etc. in the material used for container 102 . Container 102 may be made of a material selected for its resistance to splashing due to, for example, fluid containment system 100 being dropped during handling. In one embodiment, the container 102 is the outer layer of the containment system 100 and the liner is placed inside the container 102 . In an embodiment, the container 102 has an opening 144 (FIG. 1C) at the end of the container 102 in which the mounting device is located. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mounting device located in hole 144 is a mounting device comprising retainer 104 and anti-liner mounting portion 106 . In an embodiment, anti-liner attachment 106 is joined to the bottle at hole 144 . In an embodiment, anti-liner attachment 106 extends through hole 144 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, retainer 104 and anti-liner attachment 106 are joined together. As shown in FIG. 1A, the retainer 104 is secured to the to-liner by the interface of projections 108 from the outer surface 110 (FIG. 1B) of the to-liner mounting portion 106 and recesses or openings 112 on the inner surface 114 of the retainer 104. It is joined to the mounting portion 106 . In embodiments, the retainer 104 and the to-liner attachment 106 are frictionally, such as by being sized to be press-fitted together, or within an O-ring groove, such as the O-ring groove 118 located on the outer surface 110 of the to-liner attachment 106 . may be joined by friction with an O-ring 116 (visible in FIG. 1B) located in the . In embodiments, an adhesive may be used to bond the retainer 104 to the anti-liner attachment 106 . In embodiments, welding, such as ultrasonic welding, may be used to join retainer 104 to anti-liner attachment 106 . O-ring 116 may be made of a softer material than retainer 104 or anti-liner attachment 106 . O-ring 116 may be made of a material selected for its cleanliness and reduced particle generation due to friction between O-ring 116 and retainer 104 and/or anti-liner attachment 106. .

Retainer 104 may be made of a material that can be bonded to container 102 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, heating, or the like. The ability to bond may depend on the bonding method, material compatibility, and the similarity of the melting points of the materials used for container 102 and retainer 104 . Retainer 104 may include additives or coatings such as stabilizers, colorants, or UV blocking or absorbing materials.

Examples of materials used for retainer 104 may include, for example, PE, PET, PEN, and/or PEEK.
Retainer 104 includes a container mating surface 120 configured to be mated to container 102 at mating mating surface 120a. Retainer 104 has openings 112 with width, height, and depth that can receive projections 108 from to-liner attachment 106 to secure to-liner attachment 106 and retainer 104 together. may be provided. Retainer 104 defines an aperture through which anti-liner attachment 106 can pass. An example of this aperture is shown in FIG. 5 and described below. In the embodiment, the retainer 104 has an O-ring groove arranged on the inner peripheral surface facing the retainer opening. In an embodiment, retainer 104 has threads 122 . In an embodiment, threads 122 are located at the end of retainer 104 that is outside container 102 when fluid containment system 100 is assembled. In embodiments, retainer 104 is configured to join container 102 via a snap fit.

Anti-liner attachment 106 is made of one or more materials that can be bonded to liners used with containment system 100 . The liner and anti-liner attachment 106 may be joined by, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, or the like. The bond between the liner and the to-liner attachment 106 is such that fluid within the liner can only escape through the to-liner attachment opening 146 in the to-liner attachment 106. A fluid impermeable seal may be formed.

The material selected for anti-liner attachment 106 may be selected based in part on the reactivity of the material with chemicals stored within fluid containment system 100 . In one embodiment, the liner used in containment system 100 is poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and anti-liner attachment 106 is perfluoroalkoxyalkane polymer (PFA).

The anti-liner attachment portion 106 defines an anti-liner attachment opening 146 having a diameter 124 and passing through the anti-liner attachment portion 106 . The to-liner mount opening 146 is located between the first end 126 of the to-liner mount 106 located outside the container 102 and the to-liner mount located inside the container 102 when the containment system 100 is assembled. Allows fluid communication between second end 128 of 106 . The anti-liner attachment portion 106 includes an anti-liner bonding surface 130 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the anti-liner interface 130 is located on a flange 132 extending from the anti-liner attachment portion 106 . In embodiments, the to-liner interface 130 is bonded to the liner via ultrasonic welding. In embodiments, the to-liner interface 130 is bonded to the liner via heat sealing or heat welding.

A liner (not shown) may be mated to the to-liner attachment 106 at a to-liner mating surface 130 such that the fluid within the container 102 is retained within the liner. The liner and anti-liner attachments 106 provide wettable surfaces with suitable and/or desired properties, such as resistance or compatibility with the fluids stored within the fluid containment system 100 . Other factors for liner material selection include chemical compatibility with stored chemicals, material cleanliness (i.e., reduced material loss during storage or handling), ease of cleaning the liner, Other such concerns regarding purity of materials or potential interactions between the liner and stored chemicals may be included.

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B illustrates a joint between retainer 104 and container 102, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, retainer 104 has a container-to-vessel mating surface 120 and container 102 has a mating mating surface 120a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the container 102 has an energy director 134 located at the inner peripheral portion of the mating surface 120a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, energy director 134 and to-vessel interface 120 are configured to be ultrasonically welded together. Embodiments may include a to-vessel mating surface 120 and a mating mating surface 120a configured to be joined via other ultrasonic weld joint structures, such as a step joint or a tongue and groove ultrasonic weld. Embodiments include container-to-vessel mating surfaces 120 and mating mating surfaces 120a configured to be joined via other joining methods such as heat welding, mechanical connections such as through snaps or threads, adhesives, and the like. You may prepare.

In FIG. 1B, the retainer 104 and the to-liner mounting portion 106 are joined together through the interface between the hole 112 in the retainer 104 and the protrusion 108 from the to-liner mounting portion 106 . The projection 108 from the anti-liner attachment portion 106 has an inclined surface 136 on which the retainer 104 can slide and an engaging surface 138 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, engagement surfaces 138 are parallel to the sides of bore 112 of retainer 104 . Engaging surface 138 of projection 108 engages the side of hole 112 in retainer 104 to secure anti-liner attachment 106 to retainer 104 .

Also in FIG. 1B, O-ring 116 can be seen in O-ring groove 118 . O-ring 116 may be made of a polymer, such as a resilient polymer such as rubber. O-ring 116 may provide a seal between retainer 104 and anti-liner attachment 106 . In one embodiment, O-ring 116 is used to provide friction between retainer 104 and anti-liner mount 106 that are joined together.

FIG. 1C shows the entire fluid containment system 100, including the entire container 102. FIG. The container 102 may be, for example, a bottle, as shown in FIG. 1C, and the portion shown in FIG. 1A may be the neck 142 of the bottle. Container 102 may have an opening 144 at the end where retainer 104 and to-liner attachment 106 are connected. Container 102 may include features such as recessed portions 140, raised portions, text portions, handles, etc. shown in FIG. 1C. Surface features such as recessed portion 140 may be added, for example, to improve aesthetics, handling, bottle strength, or any suitable combination thereof.

FIG. 2 is an end cross-sectional view of a fluid containment system 200 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the fluid containment system 200 includes a container 102 and a retainer 104 along with all of the features of those elements as shown in FIGS. 202.

The anti-liner attachment portion 202 includes an O-ring groove 118, like the anti-liner attachment portion 106 described above. The to-liner mounting portion 202 defines an aperture 210 that extends from a first end of the to-liner mounting portion 202 to a second end of the to-liner mounting portion 202 . Anti-liner attachment portion 202 may be made of the same material as anti-liner attachment portion 106 described above. At the liner attachment portion 202, the liner interface 204 is arranged at a first endpoint 206, a second endpoint 208, and one or more curved surfaces (not shown) extending from the first endpoint 206 to the second endpoint 208. there is The curved surfaces along which the to-liner interface 204 may be located are visible in FIGS. 4A and 4C and are described below.

Anti-liner attachment portion 202 may include protrusions such as protrusions 108 shown on anti-liner attachment portion 106 in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but these are not visible in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Such protrusions may engage retainer 104 to secure anti-liner attachment 202 to retainer 104 . Such projections are also visible in the exemplary anti-liner attachment 400 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a to-liner attachment 300 according to one embodiment. The to-liner attachment portion 300 defines a to-liner attachment opening 302 that extends through the lengthwise direction 304 of the to-liner attachment portion 300 (visible in FIG. 3B). The anti-liner attachment 300 includes a flange 306 . The to-liner mating surface 308 is located on the surface of the flange 306 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, protrusions 310 are located on outer surface 312 of anti-liner attachment 300 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, an O-ring groove 314 is also located on the outer surface 312 of the anti-liner mount 300 .

The anti-liner attachment opening 302 is a hole extending in the longitudinal direction 304 of the anti-liner attachment 300 . When a liner (not shown) is attached to the to-liner attachment opening 302 at the to-liner interface 308, the to-liner attachment opening 302 allows fluid communication to and from the liner and allows fluid communication with the liner. and the outside of the fluid containment system comprising the anti-liner attachment 300. In embodiments, the wet surface provided by the anti-liner attachment 300 is resistant to chemicals stored in the fluid containment system comprising the anti-liner attachment 300, such as fluoropolymers, including homopolymers and copolymers of fluoropolymers. one or more polymers that are non-reactive. In embodiments, the anti-liner attachment 300 is non-reactive to chemicals stored in the fluid containment system comprising the anti-liner attachment 300, such as fluoropolymers, including homopolymers and copolymers of fluoropolymers. made entirely of one or more polymers of

A flange 306 extends from the anti-liner attachment 300 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, flange 306 is an annular projection from the end of anti-liner attachment 300 . In embodiments, the flange 306 is continuous. In embodiments where the flange is discontinuous, part or all of the width of the flange may comprise the discontinuity. In embodiments where the flange is discontinuous, the flange includes one or more holes through the flange. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the to-liner mating surface 308 is located on the top surface of the flange 306 . The to-liner mating surface 308 is a surface configured to be mated to a liner. The connection between the liner and the to-liner interface 308 may be fluid impermeable, eg, via a weld such as an ultrasonic weld or a heat weld. In embodiments, the material of the to-liner interface 308 is the same material used in the liner used with the to-liner attachment 300 .

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the anti-liner attachment 300 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the longitudinal direction 304 of the anti-liner attachment is visible. The anti-liner attachment opening 302 extends the full length of the anti-liner attachment 300 in this longitudinal direction 304 . The to-liner attachment 300 has a first end inner diameter 316 and a first end outer diameter 318 . In an embodiment, the first end inner diameter 316 is selected to allow a tube to be inserted into the liner attached to the to-liner mount 300 to allow fluid to be extracted from the liner through the tube. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the retainer used with the to-liner attachment 300 is selected to be larger than the first end outer diameter 318 of the to-liner attachment 300 .

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a to-liner attachment 400 according to one embodiment. The anti-liner attachment portion 400 defines an anti-liner attachment opening 402 . The to-liner attachment opening 402 is a hole in the to-liner attachment 400 that extends in the lengthwise direction 404 of the to-liner attachment 400 (shown in FIG. 4B).

The anti-liner attachment part 400 has an anti-liner bonding surface 410 . The liner-to-liner bonding surface 410 is configured to allow the liner-to-liner mounting portion 400 to be bonded to the liner. The liner may be joined to the to-liner interface 410 via a fluid impermeable seal, for example by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing. The to-liner mating surface 410 may be configured to be bonded to the liner by, for example, ultrasonic welding. In embodiments, the material of the to-liner interface 410, or the material of the entire to-liner attachment portion 400, is selected based on its compatibility with the chemicals stored within the liner. For example, in embodiments, when the to-liner attachment 400 is used with a liner made of PTFE, the to-liner attachment 400 is made of PFA.

The anti-liner attachment 400 has an outer surface 412 . An O-ring groove 414 may be located in the outer surface 412 . O-ring groove 414 is an annular groove in outer surface 412 and has a depth and width to receive an O-ring. In some embodiments, a portion of the O-ring is attached to the to-liner attachment 400, for example, to form a seal between the to-liner attachment 400 and a retainer used with the to-liner attachment 400. Allows it to protrude beyond outer surface 412 to contact retainers used with 400 . The seal formed via the O-ring may be a fluid impermeable seal. The O-ring may be made of a polymer, for example a resilient polymer such as rubber. The O-ring may be the same or similar to O-ring 116 shown in FIG. 1B and described above.

A projection 416 may extend from the outer surface 412 of the anti-liner attachment portion 400 . Protrusions 416 may be configured to engage recesses on retainers used with anti-liner mount 400 .

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the anti-liner attachment 400 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. In cross-section, the longitudinal direction 404 of the to-liner attachment 400 along which the to-liner attachment opening 402 extends is visible. In cross-section, the inner diameter 418 of the to-liner attachment portion 400 is visible, defining the diameter of the to-liner attachment opening 402 at the end of the to-liner attachment portion 400 . The anti-liner attachment portion 400 also has an outer diameter 420 at that end. The thickness of the to-liner attachment 400 at the ends is half the difference between the inner diameter 418 and the outer diameter 420 of the to-liner attachment. The thickness of the to-liner attachment portion 400 may vary along the length direction 404 of the to-liner attachment portion 400 . The retainer used with the to-liner mounting portion 400 has an opening having a diameter at least as large as the outside diameter 420 of the to-liner mounting portion so that the to-liner mounting portion 400 can be inserted into the opening of the retainer. have In one embodiment, the retainer was selected to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter 420 of the to-liner attachment 400 so that the retainer can be crimped with the to-liner attachment 400 when assembled. It will have an opening with a diameter.

FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the anti-liner attachment 400 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4C, protrusion 416 is visible. Both surfaces 422 extending from the first endpoint 406 to the second endpoint 408 are shown in FIG. 4C. An anti-liner interface 410 is located at each of the surfaces 422 and at the first endpoint 406 and the second endpoint 408 . Anti-liner attachment opening 402 extends entirely through anti-liner attachment 400 . 4C, in a bottom or top view of to-liner attachment 400, surface 422 and first endpoint 406 and second endpoint 408 are positioned between both surfaces 422 at first endpoint 406 and second endpoint 408. are equal to each other and both surfaces 422 form a regular digon with equal length and curvature.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a retainer 500 according to one embodiment. The retainer 500 defines a retainer opening 502 along the length 504 of the retainer 500 (FIG. 5B). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, retainer 500 is adapted to receive a projection from a to-liner attachment, such as projection 310 of to-liner attachment 300 shown in FIG. 3A or projection 416 of to-liner attachment 400 shown in FIG. 4A. It has a plurality of holes (shown as 506 in FIG. 5B) that are configured in the same manner. Retainer 500 may include a container-to-vessel interface (shown as 508 in FIG. 5B). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the to-vessel interface 508 is located on the retainer flange 510 .

Retainer opening 502 is the opening defined by retainer 500 . The retainer opening 502 is positioned relative to the outer diameter of the liner attachment, such as the first end outer diameter (outer diameter) 318 of the liner attachment 300 or the outer diameter 420 of the liner attachment 400 used with the retainer 500 . It has an inner diameter 512 that is about the same size or larger. This allows the to-liner mounting portion 300 or the to-liner mounting portion 400 to be inserted into the retainer opening 502 . In embodiments, the to-liner attachment 300 or to-liner attachment 400 may be removed from the liner to the outside of the fluid containment system when the fluid containment system 100, 200 is assembled, e.g., in the fluid containment system 100 or fluid containment system 200. It may protrude through the retainer 500 such that the to-liner attachment 300 or the to-liner attachment 400 provides the entire wetting surface to the liner.

Retainer 500 includes threads 514 on the outer surface of retainer 500 . Threads 514 may be used, for example, to attach a cap that encloses a containment system comprising retainer 500 . In embodiments, retainer 500 may not include threads 514 at the ends. In embodiments, there may be another connector on the retainer 500, such as a lip for engaging the cap. In embodiments, the retainer 500 may include features configured to engage the cap to form a snap fit between the retainer and the cap.

A retainer flange 510 extends outwardly from retainer 500 . Retainer flange 510 may be an annular flange that completely surrounds retainer 500 . Retainer flange 510 may include one or more vent holes. The vent holes allow fluid communication between the exterior of the fluid containment system comprising the retainer 500 and the space between the liner bonded to the to-liner attachment and the vessel bonded to the to-vessel interface 508. can be In one embodiment, the vent hole is used to pressurize the space between the container and the liner when dispensing chemicals stored in the liner of the fluid containment system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, retainer flange 510 is continuous. In embodiments, retainer flange 510 includes one or more discontinuities in some or all of retainer flange 510 as it extends away from retainer 500 . In embodiments, the discontinuity forms a vent hole in the edge of the retainer flange 510 and a gap in the to-container interface 508 corresponding to the discontinuity in the retainer flange 510 . In embodiments, the vent holes allow air to escape or enter the container in response to changes in the volume of the liner.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of retainer 500 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A. In the view of FIG. 5B, the holes 506 discussed above are visible, as is the to-container mating surface 508 . FIG. 5B shows the lengthwise direction 504 of retainer 500 along which retainer openings 502 extend.

To-vessel interface 508 may be located on retainer flange 510 , which is the flange of retainer 500 . To-vessel interface 508 may be a surface configured to interface with a vessel, such as vessel 102 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and described above. In one embodiment, the to-container interface 508 is arranged to be welded to the container. In an embodiment, the to-vessel mating surface 508 is a flat surface configured to contact an energy director on a corresponding mating surface of the vessel during ultrasonic welding.

In an embodiment, the container-to-container mating surface 508 is a location for an adhesive used to bond the retainer 500 to the container. In embodiments, the to-vessel interface 508 may be configured to mechanically join to the vessel, eg, via threads, snaps, interference fit, or the like. The to-vessel interface 508 may be continuous, such as extending the entire circumference of the retainer flange 510, for example, if the retainer flange 510 is an annular flange. In an embodiment, the to-vessel interface 508 is discontinuous to form vent holes that allow fluid communication between the space outside the containment system and the space between the container and the liner of the containment system. be.

Hole 506 is a hole in retainer 500 and has height 516, width (not visible in cross-section in FIG. 5B), orientation, and depth 518, and is intended for use with retainers on anti-liner mounts. , such as the projection 310 of the anti-liner mounting portion 300 or the anti-liner mounting portion 400 of the projection 416 described above. The hole 506 of the retainer 500 and the projection 310 of the liner mounting portion 300 or the projection 416 of the liner mounting portion 400 described above combine to form a snap that joins the liner mounting portion 300 or the liner mounting portion 400 to the retainer 500. provide a fit.

FIG. 6A shows a liner 600 according to one embodiment. The liner 600 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 can be used with a counter-liner attachment 300 as described above and shown in FIG.

Liner 600 contains fluid when fluid is stored in a fluid containment system that includes liner 600 , such as fluid containment system 100 or fluid containment system 200 . Liner 600 is formed from a topsheet and a bottomsheet. The topsheet, bottomsheet, and to-liner attachment 300 are joined using a joining method that provides a fluid impermeable seal, such as welding, such as ultrasonic welding or heat sealing.

The to-liner attachment portion 300 can be positioned such that the flange 306 where the to-liner mating surface 308 is located is between the bottom sheet and the top sheet, and the to-liner attachment portion 300 is positioned in the hole in the top sheet. Projecting through 602 . The hole 602 has a diameter 608 that is greater than the diameter of the to-liner attachment 300 at the end of the to-liner attachment opening 302 but less than the minimum diameter of the flange 306 of the to-liner attachment 300 . . In embodiments, the anti-liner attachment portion 300 protrudes from the liner 600 . In embodiments, a seal can be formed that prevents fluid from exiting the liner 600 other than through the to-liner attachment opening 302 of the to-liner attachment 300 .

The liner 600 joins the edges 604 of the top and bottom sheets to form a seal around the edges 604 and fills the spaces 606 between the top and bottom sheets and between the sealed edges 604 . It may be closed by allowing fluid to accumulate.

In one embodiment, liner 600 is joined to a to-liner attachment, such as to-liner attachment 400, which has a mating surface that lies on the curved surface between the two end points rather than on the flanges. When the liner 600 is used together with a liner attachment part such as the liner attachment part 400, the bottom sheet and the top sheet are attached to the curved surface 422 on which the liner attachment surface 410 of the liner attachment part 400 is arranged. The bottom sheet, top sheet and to-liner attachment 400 are positioned such that their respective edges are in contact. Edges 604 of the topsheet and bottomsheet are bonded to each other and to the to-liner mating surface 410 . Holes 602 may be omitted from the sheet used to form liner 600 when liner 600 is used with a to-liner attachment, such as to-liner attachment 400 . When liner 600 is used with a to-liner attachment such as to-liner attachment 400, the topsheet and bottom sheet and to-liner attachment 400 are bonded together during a single bonding process such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding. may be joined.

Liner 600 may be made of a polymer. Liner 600 may be made of a polymer that is impermeable to the fluid to be contained by the containment system comprising liner 600 . Liner 600 may be made of a flexible polymer that allows the liner to expand when pressurized. In embodiments, liner 600 is made of a polymer selected for its chemical resistance or compatibility with the fluid to be contained by the containment system comprising liner 600 . In embodiments, the liner 600 is made of a fluoropolymer, which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of the fluoropolymer. In embodiments, liner 600 is PTFE. In embodiments, a to-liner attachment, such as to-liner attachment 300 or to-liner attachment 400, is made of a material selected to be ultrasonically weldable to liner 600, such as PFA if liner 600 is PTFE. is. In one embodiment, the liner is, for example, a polyolefin or suitable for containing chemicals for use in containment systems with the liner based, for example, on the chemical compatibility, purity, and cleanliness of the liner material. Other polymers may be used.

FIG. 6B shows a liner 610 according to one embodiment. Liner 610 is configured for use with a mounting device such as that shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Liner 610 has a neck 612 . When the edges 614 of the layers of the liner 610 are joined together to form the liner, the edges of the ends 616 of the neck 612 are not joined, and the outer sides of the liner and between the joined layers of the liner. Allows fluid flow to and from space 618 . When the liner 610 is used with the anti-liner attachment 400, the inner surface 620 of the neck 612 is joined to the anti-liner interface 410 by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a containment system 700, according to an embodiment. The liner is joined 702 to at least a portion of the mounting device. Optionally, the mounting device is fully assembled 704 . The liner and mounting device are placed 706 within the container. The liner is pressurized 708 . The mounting device is joined 710 to the container.

The liner is joined 702 to at least a portion of the mounting device. In embodiments, the liner is joined to the entire mounting device, such as the assembled mounting device as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 or mounting device 800 as shown in FIG. In embodiments, the liner is attached to the to-liner attachment portion 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B or the to-liner attachment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, respectively, prior to assembly with a retainer, such as retainer 500 (FIGS. 5A-5B). Only a portion of the mounting device, such as portion 400, is joined. The liner may be the liner 600 described above. The liner may be joined 702 to the mounting portion or portion of the mounting device by, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or the like. In one embodiment, the liner is assembled when joined to a portion of the attachment.

Optionally, if the liner is joined at 702 to only a portion of the mounting device, the mounting device may be assembled 704 . The mounting device is assembled by joining components such as a retainer (eg, retainer 500 ) and a to-liner mounting, such as to-liner mounting 300 or to-liner mounting 400 . The components may include a to-liner attachment, such as to-liner attachment 300 or to-liner attachment 400 , and a retainer, such as retainer 500 . The liner attachment part and the retainer are joined by, for example, mechanical interference such as snaps or threads, friction such as press fitting or an O-ring placed between the liner attachment part and the retainer, or adhesive. may

The liner and mounting device are placed 706 within the container. The liner is completely disposed within a container, such as container 102 used in containment system 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-3. The mounting device is surrounded by the perimeter of the opening of the container. In embodiments, a container-to-mating surface, such as container-to-mating surface 120, is placed in contact with a corresponding mating surface 120a.

Pressurize 708 the liner. Pressurization of the liner may be accomplished, for example, via a gas line supplying gas to a to-liner mount opening, such as to-liner mount opening 302 . Pressurization of the liner can be accomplished while the container, liner, and mounting device are in the ultrasonic welding machine, for example, by providing a gas source, such as a gas pipe, or an opening in the bell of the ultrasonic welding machine. you can go Pressurizing 708 the liner expands the liner within the container. In embodiments where the mounting device is joined to the container by a hermetic seal, pressurization of the liner may occur prior to joining 710 the mounting device to the container.

The mounting device is joined 710 to the container. The mounting device and container may be joined by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or the like. In embodiments, the mounting device and container may be joined by mechanical interference such as snaps or threads, friction such as a press fit or an O-ring placed between the anti-liner mounting and retainer, or adhesive. good. Bonding 710 between the mounting device portion and the container may be performed while the liner is under pressure. In embodiments, the liner is pressurized 708 and then maintained while the mounting device is bonded 710 to the container. In an embodiment, the liner is pressurized 708 while the container and mounting device are positioned in an ultrasonic welding device used to bond 710 the mounting device to the container. In an embodiment, the gas source used to pressurize 708 the liner maintains pressure within the liner while the ultrasonic welding device is used to form the ultrasonic weld that joins the mounting device to the container. continue to be used to maintain

FIG. 8 shows a mounting device 800 according to one embodiment. The mounting device 800 defines an opening 802 that extends along the length 804 of the mounting device 800 . The mounting device 800 may comprise a to-vessel interface 808 and a to-liner interface 810 . In one embodiment, the to-container interface 808 is located on a flange 806 that extends outwardly from the mounting device 800 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the liner-to-liner interface 810 has a first endpoint 812 and a second endpoint 814, and a first endpoint 812 to a second endpoint 814, similar to the liner-to-liner interface 410 shown in FIG. 4 described above. 8 (not visible in cross-section in FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the to-liner interface 810 may be located on a flange similar to the to-liner interface 308 and flange 306 described above and shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the mounting device 800 is a one-piece construction with both a liner-to-facing surface 810 and a to-vessel-facing surface 808 instead of separate retainer and to-liner attachments. It is an integrated (unit type) mounting device formed by An integral mounting device may be made of a material that is weldable to both the container and the liner. The integrated mounting device may be used in containment systems used to contain chemicals that are not particularly sensitive to the cleanliness or reactivity of the materials of the liner and mounting device.

In one embodiment, one or more vent holes may be formed in mounting device 800, such as in flange 806, for example. The vent hole is a space between the exterior of the fluid containment system comprising the mounting device 800 and the space between the liner bonded to the liner-to-vessel interface 810 and the container bonded to the to-vessel interface 808 of the mounting device 800 . By allowing fluid communication therebetween, the space may be pressurized, for example, when providing chemicals stored in the liner of the fluid containment system. The vent holes can, for example, allow air to move in and out of the space between the liner and the container joined by the mounting device 800 in response to changes in the volume of the liner.

The mounting device 800 has one or more adhesive properties, chemical resistance or compatibility with containers and liners, and/or other properties required in fluid containment system applications such as UV blocking. It may be made of polymer. In embodiments, a coating, such as a fluoropolymer, which may be a homopolymer of a fluoropolymer or a copolymer such as PFA, is applied to the wettable surface of the mounting device 800, such as the inner surface of the mounting device 800 defining openings 802 of the mounting device 800. may be applied to In embodiments, the entire mounting device 800 is made of a fluoropolymer, which may be, for example, a homopolymer of a fluoropolymer or a copolymer such as PFA. In embodiments, mounting device 800 is coated with a surface treatment, such as a UV absorbing coating, to improve cleanliness and/or chemical compatibility.

Mounting device 800 may be used in a fluid containment system, for example, where the mounting device material provides all of the properties necessary for the application in which the fluid containment system is to be used. For example, if the fluid containment system is to be used for storage of chemicals where UV protection is not critical, the fluoropolymer, which may be a homopolymer or copolymer of fluoropolymers, may be successfully bonded to the container 102. Where possible, integrated mounting device 800 may be used instead of a system having a separate retainer, such as retainer 500, and a separate to-liner mounting, such as to-liner mounting 300 or to-liner mounting 400. . Mounting device 800 can include threads 816 for receiving a cap or the like.

[Aspect]
Note that any one of aspects 1-11 can be combined with any one of aspects 12-17 or any one of aspects 18-20. Any one of aspects 12-17 can be combined with any one of aspects 18-20.

Aspect 1: A mounting device for a fluid containment system, the mounting device comprising:
a to-liner attachment comprising a to-liner mating surface configured to be mated to a liner, wherein the to-liner attachment defines a to-liner attachment opening; ,
A retainer having a container-to-vessel mating surface configured to be mated to a container, the retainer having an inner diameter at an end of the liner-to-mounting portion that is greater than an outer diameter of the liner-to-mounting portion. the retainer defining a retainer opening having
The mounting device, wherein the anti-liner mounting portion and the retainer are joined together.

Aspect 2: The mounting device of aspect 1, wherein the to-liner interface is located on the annular flange.
Aspect 3: The mounting device of Aspect 1, wherein the to-liner interface is disposed on one or more curved surfaces extending from the first endpoint to the second endpoint.

Aspect 4: The retainer includes one or more vent holes that allow fluid communication between a first side of the retainer and a second side of the retainer, the second side of the retainer being connected to the first side of the retainer. A mounting device according to any one of aspects 1-3, on opposite sides.

Aspect 5: The attachment device of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the anti-liner attachment portion comprises a fluoropolymer.
Aspect 6: The mounting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the retainer is threaded at the end of the retainer opening.

Aspect 7: The mounting device of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the retainer is threaded at the end of the retainer opening.
Aspect 8: The mounting device of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the retainer comprises a polymer ultrasonically weldable to a stretch blow moldable polymer.

Aspect 9: The to-liner attachment comprises one or more first connection features located on the outer surface of the to-liner attachment, the retainer comprises one or more second connection features, and the to-liner attachment 9. The mounting device of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein the portion and the retainer are joined via an interface of the one or more first connection features and the one or more second connection features.

Aspect 10: The mounting device of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein the O-ring is disposed between the anti-liner mounting portion and the retainer.
Aspect 11: The mounting device of aspect 10, wherein the mounting device further comprises an annular groove provided in the outer surface of the anti-liner mounting portion, wherein the O-ring is disposed within the annular groove.

Aspect 12: A containment system comprising a liner, a mounting device, and a container, wherein the mounting device comprises:
a liner fitting portion having a liner mating surface joined to the liner and defining a liner fitting portion opening;
a retainer having a container-facing surface joined to the container, the retainer defining a retainer opening having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the liner-attaching portion at the end of the liner-attaching portion; , the vessel surrounds the liner, the containment system.

Aspect 13: The containment system of aspect 12, wherein the liner is joined to the liner-to-liner interface of the mounting device by welding.
Aspect 14: The containment system of any one of aspects 12-13, wherein the container is joined to the retainer by a snap fit.

Aspect 15: The containment system of any one of aspects 12-14, wherein the container comprises an ultraviolet blocking material.
Aspect 16: The containment system of any one of aspects 12-15, wherein the container comprises a stretch blow moldable polymer and the retainer comprises the same stretch blow moldable polymer.

Aspect 17: The containment system of any one of aspects 12-16, wherein the liner comprises a fluoropolymer.
Aspect 18: A method of manufacturing a containment system, said method of manufacturing comprising:
welding the liner to the mounting device at the liner-to-liner interface;
placing the liner and the mounting device in a container;
pressurizing the liner;
bonding the mounting device to the vessel at a to-vessel mating surface.

Aspect 19: Bonding the mounting device to the container comprises ultrasonically welding the mounting device to the container, wherein the liner is pressurized when bonding the mounting device to the container. 19. A preparation according to aspect 18.

Aspect 20: The mounting device comprises:
A to-liner attachment comprising a to-liner attachment surface, said to-liner attachment surface configured to be attached to said liner, said to-liner attachment defining a to-liner attachment opening. the anti-liner attachment portion,
A retainer having a container-to-vessel interface configured to be joined to the container, the retainer having an inner diameter at an end of the liner-to-attachment portion that is greater than an outer diameter of the liner-to-attachment portion. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the retainer defining a retainer opening having the anti-liner attachment portion and the retainer joined together.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a" (one), "an" (one), and "the" (above) also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" specify the presence of a recited feature, integer, step, operation, element, or component, but , does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements or components.

With respect to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size and arrangement of materials of construction and parts employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specification and described embodiments are exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (8)

A mounting device for a fluid containment system, said mounting device comprising:
A to-liner attachment comprising a to-liner mating surface, the to-liner mating surface configured to be bonded to a liner, the to-liner attachment defining a to-liner attachment opening. , the anti-liner attachment portion;
A retainer having a container-to-bonding surface, the container-to-bonding surface configured to be bonded to a container, the retainer extending from the liner-to-mounting portion at an end of the liner-to-mounting portion. a retainer defining a retainer opening having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter, wherein the anti-liner attachment portion and the retainer are joined together ;
the to-liner attachment comprises one or more first connection features located on an outer surface of the to-liner attachment;
the retainer comprises one or more second connection features;
one of the first connection feature and the second connection feature is a protrusion;
The other of the first connecting feature and the second connecting feature has a width, height, and depth configured to receive the projection to secure the anti-liner attachment and the retainer together. is a hole with a
the anti-liner attachment and the retainer are joined via an interface between one or more of the first connection features and one or more of the second connection features;
the projection and hole combination is configured to provide a snap fit connection of the anti-liner attachment to the retainer;
mounting device. The liner interface is disposed on an annular flange,
2. The mounting device of claim 1. the liner interface is arranged on one or more curved surfaces extending from a first endpoint to a second endpoint;
2. The mounting device of claim 1. the retainer includes one or more vent holes to allow fluid communication between a first side of the retainer and a second side of the retainer;
the second side of the retainer is opposite the first side of the retainer;
2. The mounting device of claim 1. wherein the retainer is threaded at the end of the retainer opening;
2. The mounting device of claim 1. an O-ring is disposed between the anti-liner attachment portion and the retainer;
2. The mounting device of claim 1 . The mounting device further comprises an annular groove in the outer surface of the anti-liner mounting portion,
the O-ring is positioned within the annular groove;
7. The mounting device of claim 6 . A containment system comprising a liner, a container and a mounting device according to any one of claims 1-7 .

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