WO2001000509A2

WO2001000509A2 - Multiple use storage and transport container

Info

Publication number: WO2001000509A2
Application number: PCT/SG2000/000084
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eng Hock Goh; Eng Soon Goh
Original assignee: Eng Hock Goh; Eng Soon Goh
Priority date: 1999-06-29
Filing date: 2000-06-09
Publication date: 2001-01-04
Also published as: WO2001000509A3; GB2369098A; AU3690300A; AU1839701A; WO2001000510A1; GB0201798D0

Abstract

A storage and transport container having a tank the tank having an interior which is capable of being cleaned to enable the tank to be used for different materials, the tank including a top and a bottom, at least one inlet in the top and at least one outlet in the bottom; the tank also having a discharge means mountable to the tank to enable substantially complete discharge from the tank of all material in the tank.

Description

MULTIPLE USE STORAGE AND TRANSPORT CONTAINER

Field of the invention

This invention relates to storage and transport containers and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to storage and transport containers for bulk materials such as, for example, liquid, gaseous, powder or particulate matter.

Definitions Throughout this specification a reference to be cleaned, cleaning or its grammatical equivalents, is to be taken as including a reference to one or more of washing, cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, sterilizing.

Background to the invention

The storage and transport of bulk material is presently an expensive and inefficient industry requiring extensive infrastructure investment. Consider, for example, wheat, that is harvested by the farmer and loaded into trucks. The trucks transport the wheat to a local silo where it is graded and weighed. It is then unloaded from the trucks and stored in the silo. Subsequently, the wheat is unloaded from the silo and placed into special freight wagons of a special train, or into special road-going trucks. It is then transported to a port and unloaded using special equipment and stored in silos.

When a special, bulk grain-carrying ship arrives at the port, the wheat is unloaded from the silos, and loaded into the ship using a dedicated system. The ship transports the wheat to its destination, and generally returns empty. At the destination the wheat is unloaded using a dedicated system and stored in silos. From the port silos it is unloaded into special railway or road trucks and transported to regional distribution centers, where it is unloaded and stored in silos. From the distribution center silos it is unloaded and sent to the user - be it a flour mill, cereal manufacturer, or the like, where it is again stored in silos.

This involves repeated handling of the wheat, and a considerable expenditure in infrastructure, all of which is dedicated to wheat (apart from the bulk grain-carrying ship). Separate infrastructure must be provided for each grain (e.g. rice) or other material (e.g. cement). As such, dedicated storage silos, and dedicated loading and unloading systems, are required for each bulk material. As stated above, the ship is quite often used to transport in one direction only, and returns empty. At each handling stage there is also the risk of contamination.

Known containers for the storage, transportation and discharge of dry particulate matter are provided with filling holes which enable the dry particulate matter to be poured into the container, and discharge pipes through which the dry particulate matter is pneumatically discharged. Located above the compressed air inlets are filters that prevent the particulate material from contacting the compressed air inlets. These filters are mounted to bed plates which define the lower surface of the region of the container which receives the particulate material. The containers of the prior art can be used to store, transport and discharge fine particulate materials such as cement, mortar and flour. Compressed air is charged into the container from the compressed air inlet, through the filters and into the fine particulate material causing the fine particulate material to be "fluidized" or discharged throughout the air in the pressurized container. To discharge the fine particulate material from the container, a discharge pipe is opened and the fine particulate material is pneumatically discharged from the container.

Whilst this apparatus can be used effectively for the storage, transportation and discharge of dry finely particulate matter such as cement, mortar and flour, this container is not suitable for the storage, transport and pneumatic discharge of coarse or heavy particulate matter, such as pellets, sand, rice, beans, sugar, wheat, grains and hay. The main problem associated with the use of known containers for the storage and discharge of such materials results from the poor flow characteristics of such coarse particulate materials. These materials do not achieve the fluidization effect which is achieved with very finely particulate materials and which enables the material to be pneumatically conveyed through a discharge pipe out of the container without leaving behind a significant quantity of material.

In particular, it has been found by the applicant that when using such known containers for the storage and discharge of coarse particulate materials having poor flow characteristic, fluidization or floating of the material throughout the compressed air in the pressurized container is not achieved. Instead, when the pressure inside the container is raised to a desired level, and a discharge pipe of the known apparatus is opened, the pressurized compressed air will escape through the discharge pipe and the matter gathered in the region near the opening of the pipe inside the container will be discharged from the container through the discharge pipe together with the escaping compressed air.

However, due to the shape, size, weight, and surface characteristics of the coarse particulate material, little of this material will be dispersed into the compressed gas or air steam to a level sufficient to achieve the desired discharging phenomenon. Specifically, once the compressed air commences to escape from the chamber and the material in the region of the discharge pipe inside the chamber is drawn out of the chamber, less and less material will remain around the discharge opening. Over a period of time, the pressure in the container will be reduced, and any material that has achieved "fluidization" or is dispersed in the air in the container will start to fall out of suspension and accumulate on the container bed.

As a result of this, various regions of the filter will be obstructed by accumulated particulate material that has fallen out of suspension and that was not suspended in the first instance. Compressed air continuing to flow into the container will do so through the regions of the filter that are not covered with the particulate material. Accordingly, instead of the accumulated material being blown into the air stream and hereby being able to be discharged pneumatically through the discharge pipe, the compressed air actually by-passes the accumulated material and exhausts through the discharge pipe without conveying the particulate material from the container.

A further problem associated with known container designs with a filter located on the lower bed of the container is that such containers are not suitable for handling liquid cargo such as water, beverages, oil, and liquid chemicals. One reason for this container being unsuitable for handling liquid materials is that the liquid material passes through the filter and into to the compressed air inlet. Once the liquid has been removed from the container, before the container can be used again for storage and discharge of dry products such as food products, all remaining traces of the liquid must be removed. Accordingly, each filter must be removed, cleaned thoroughly, and dried. However, the filters used in the known apparatus are difficult if not impossible to remove and/ or completely clean. Accordingly, it is thereafcer not possible for the container to be used for the storage, transport and discharge of particulate materials because of contamination by the residual liquid in the filter.

In addition, liquid stored in the container can penetrε e and can be trapped inside the region between the bed and the compressed air inlet known as the "air compartment" , resulting in a further potential source of contamination for dry particulate material later stored, transported and discharged fror i the container. As a result of these problems inherent with the prior art designs, the number of applications to which the containers can be put to use are limited.

In addition, these known containers are not suitable for world-wide shipping and transportation needs, since the contamination problems lead to a likelihood of the container being empty on a return shipping journey. This results in higher costs for transporting goods from one country to another.

From previous description, in order to move bulk materials from one location to another, there is double handling, and dedicated silos, dedicated loaders and unloaders, are needed. For example, a cement silo cannot be used for rice or liquids; a cement tanker cannot be used for rice or liquids; a cement unloader cannot be used for rice or liquids and vice versa. All of these translate into a large logistical handling costs.

In order to eliminate double handling, dedicated equipment, and other problems associated with the prior art technology, containerization of bulk materials is one of possible solution. However, conventional containers are unable to be used because of inherent problems due to their design. These problems include, for example, the effective discharge of bulk materials from, the container.

In orά-.-r to handle bulk materials using cohlainers, the container must be capable of providing storage, transport and discharge of ;h materials it carries. It must also be - capable of carrying a sufficient quantity of materials and be capable of being used with different types of materials, to minimize the possibility of empty return trips.

With containerization of different types of bulk materials, a lot of bulk materials will be able to be distributed by using containers. This eliminate unnecessary double handling, transfer of material from one storage /transport means to another, flexibility inventory management, non-dedicated equipment, and so forth.

In order for a container to handle different types of materials, it must be designed and fabricated with multiple use capabilities such that it can be used to store, transport a d discharge different types of materials.

Accordingly, it is an object of present invention to provide a container which is suitable for the storage and discharge of liquid or particulate materials including particulate materials having poor flow characteristics. Another object of a preferred embodiment of the invention is to provide a container which is capable of being cleaned to enable multiple use storage and discharging of different particulate and liquid matters. Summary of the invention

With the above and other objects in mind, the present invention provides a stackable storage and transport container having a tank, the tank having an interior which is capable of being cleaned to enable the tank to be used for different materials; the tank having a top and a bottom, at least one material inlet in the top and at least one material outlet in the bottom. The tank being capable of using therewith at least one of a plurality of discharge means, the at least one discharge means enabling substantially complete and effective discharge from the tank of all material in the tank. The discharge may be multi-stage; and the discharge means may enable a high volumetric efficiency. The discharge means can also vary the cavity in the material caused after the first stage of discharge.

The discharge means may be removably mountable inside the tank, and is preferably cleanable with the tank.

The discharge means may be one or more of: a plurality of conveyors mounted on the bottom of the mid portion; a plurality of diaphragms sealingly attached to an inside wall of the tank and movable between a first position adjacent the inside wall and a second position wherein a substantial part of the diaphragm is removed from the inside wall by a distance to assist in effecting discharge from the tank of substantially all the material in the tank; and at least one fluidization pad removably mountable inside the tank and connectable to a gas supply fitting of the tank.

Preferably, the diaphragm is relatively impervious to air, and is flexible. It may be stretchable or relatively non-stretchable. Furthermore, it may also be relatively impervious to fluids such as, for example, olive oil, wine, water, beer, oil and so forth. The fluidization pads may include a plurality of holes to enable the fluidization pad to be releasably attached to the inside wall of the tank. The fluidization pad has a shape which may be one or more of: substantially rectangular; an annular ring, or a truncated cone; and may be releasably attached to the inside wall of the tank adjacent the cutlet.

The diaphragm has a periphery, the periphery preferably being sealingly attached to the inside wall with there being a diaphragm at each of the hemispherical ends. Each diaphragm may be a single unit, or may be a number of joined sections.

Each fluidization pad preferably has a base, a top, and an air gap between the base and the top; the base and the top having a periphery, the base and the top being joined at their peripheries, the plurality of holes being in the peripheries.

The diaphragm may be moved from the first position to the second position by a movement means such as, for example, an hydraulic or pneumatic ram, and/ or compressed air introduced into the tank between the inside wall and the diaphragm. Furthermore, compressed air may be introduced into the tank through the inlet, or a separate inlet, to assist in the discharge of the material.

The container may have a peripheral frame in which the tank is mounted; the peripheral frame preferably including two parallel and spaced apart rectangular side frames, and two rectangular end frames joining them. The side frames and end frames may comprise four parallel and aligned corner posts; and upper side members, lower side members, upper end members, lower end members, all connecting the corner posts. Description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first form of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal, vertical cross-section of the container of Figure 1 along the lines and in the direction of arrows 2-2 on Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal, vertical cross section of a second form of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a first form of fluidization pad in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 6-6 on Figure 5; Figure 7 is a transverse vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 7-7 on Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a second form of fluidization pad in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is a vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 9-9 on Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third form of fluidization pad in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 1 1 is a partial vertical cross-section on an enlarged scale, of the fluidization pad of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a third form of container in accordance with the present invention in a first state,

Figure 13 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 13- 13 on Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a view corresponding to Figure 12 but with the container m a second state;

Figure 15 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 15- 15 on Figure 14, Figure 16 is a view corresponding to Figures 12 and 14 but in a third state,

Figure 17 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 17- 17 on Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a fourth form of container m accordance with the present invention; and the container being in a first state;

Figure 19 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and m the direction of arrows 19- 19 on Figure 18

Figure 20 is a view corresponding to Figure 18 but in a second state;

Figure 21 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and m the direction of arrows 21-21 on Figure 20,

Figure 22 is a view corresponding to Figure 18 but in a third state , Figure 23 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and m the direction of arrows 23-23 on Figure 22,

Figure 24 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a fifth form of container in accordance with the present invention, the container being m a first state, Figure 25 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 25-25 of Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a view corresponding to Figure 24 but in a second state; Figure 27 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 27-27 in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a view corresponding to Figures 24 and 26 but in a third state;

Figure 29 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 29-29 on Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a sixth form of container in accordance with the present invention; the container being in a first state;

Figure 31 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 31-31 in Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a view corresponding to Figure 30 but in a second state;

Figure 33 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 33-33 on Figure 32; Figure 34 is a view corresponding to Figures 30 and 32 but in a third state;

Figure 35 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 35-35 on Figure 34;

Figure 36 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a seventh form of container in accordance with the present invention, the container being in a first state;

Figure 37 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 37-37 on Figures 36;

Figure 38 is a view corresponding to Figure 36 but in a second state; Figure 39 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 39-39 in Figure 38;

Figure 40 is a view corresponding to Figure 36 and 38 but in a third state; Figure 41 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 41 -41 on Figure 40;

Figure 42 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of an eighth form of container in accordance with the present invention, the container being in a first state; Figure 43 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 43-43 on Figure 42;

Figure 44 is a view corresponding to Figure 42 but in a second state;

Figure 45 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 45-45 in Figure 44;

Figure 46 is longitudinal vertical cross-section of a ninth form of container in accordance with the present invention, the container being a first state;

Figure 47 is a full vertical cross- section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 47-47 on Figure 46;

Figure 48 is a view corresponding to Figure 46 in a second state;

Figure 49 is a full vertical cross-section along the lines and in the line direction of arrows 49-49 on Figure 48; Figure 50 is a longitudinal vertical cross-section of a tenth form of container in accordance with the present invention, the container being in a first state;

Figure 5 1 is a view corresponding to Figure 50 but in a second state; Figure 52 is a view corresponding to Figure 50 but of an eleventh form of container in a first state;

Figure 53 is a view corresponding to Figure 52 but in a second state, Figure 54 is a view corresponding to Figure 50 but of a twelfth form of container m a first state;

Figure 55 is a view corresponding to Figure 54 but in a second state;

Figure 56 is a view corresponding to Figure 54 but in a third state;

Figure 57 is a view corresponding to Figure 50 but of a thirteenth form;

Figure 58 is an enlarged view of the erectable bed of Figure 57; Figure 59 is a view corresponding to Figure 50 but of a fourteenth form m a first state;

Figure 60 is a view corresponding to Figure 59 but m a second state;

Figure 61 is a view corresponding to Figures 59 and 60, the container being a variation of that shown;

Figure 62 is a view corresponding to Figures 59 to 61 , but of a second variation;

Figure 63 is a side view m partial section of a fifteenth form of container m accordance with the present invention m a first state;

Figure 64 is a view corresponding to Figure 63 but m a second state;

Figure 65 is a side view m partial section of a sixteenth form of container in accordance with the present invention in a first state, Figure 66 is a view corresponding to Figure 65 but in a second state;

Figure 67 is a view corresponding to Figures 65 and 66 but in a third state; Figure 68 is a view corresponding to Figures 65 to 67 but in a fourth state;

Figure 69 is a view corresponding to Figures 65 to 68 but in a fifth state;

Figure 70 is a longitudinal cross-section of a seventeenth form of container of the present invention in a first state;

Figure 71 is a view corresponding to Figure 70 but in a second state;

Figure 72 is a longitudinal cross-section of a eighteenth form of container of the present invention in a first state; Figure 73 is a view corresponding to Figure 72 but in a second state;

Figure 74 is a vertical cross-section of an nineteenth form of container of the present invention; and

Figure 75 (a) to (d) show a twentieth form of the present invention.

Description of preferred embodiments

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used for like components but with the addition of a prefix number designating the number of the embodiment.

To first refer to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a tank 1 10 mounted within and on a frame 1 12.

Frame 1 12 has two parallel and spaced apart rectangular side frames 1 1 1 , and rectangular end frames 1 13 joining them. The side 1 1 1 and end 1 13 frames comprise four parallel and aligned corner posts 1 14; upper side members 1 16 and lower side members 1 18; upper end members 120 and lower end members 122.

At each lower corner 124, the frame 1 12 may have a pad 126 upon which it rests. The frame 1 12 may be equipped with the necessary corner fittings in accordance with international specifications to enable the frame to be lifted, lowered, and stacked in like manner as freight containers, viz: using cranes equipped with spreaders, trucks with twist lock fittings, and so forth. Frame 1 12 is sized and shaped to be moveable, storable, and transportable; as well as being stackable one on top of the other. Preferably, frame 1 12 is intended to be stackable not only with like frames but also with freight containers and therefore may be of the same size and shape as freight containers. Preferably, the dimensions and shape of frame 1 12 are in accordance with or reflect international specifications for freight containers.

At each upper corner 128 the frame 1 12 has fittings and/or openings to enable frame 1 12 to be lifted, lowered and moved by standard freight container cranes using a spreader. Additionally or alternatively, rings 130 may be provided. To allow for stackability, rings 130 should be able to be retracted into frame 1 12 by pivotal, linear rotary and /or other movement, or any combination of them.

If desired, one or more of pads 126 may be replaced, or have provided in addition to them, rollers or wheels mounted such that the lower-most region of the rollers does not extend below pads 126 when not in use. If desired and/or required, the rollers may be extendable from and retractable into or within the frame 1 12 in any suitable and appropriate manner. The tank 1 10 may be of any suitable or appropriate size or shape but the interior of the tank 1 10 should be such that the contents of the tank 1 10 can be substantially fully discharged, and then cleaned for reuse, if required. As illustrated, the tank 1 10 has a cylindrical mid-portion 132 and hemispherical ends 134. An inlet 136 is provided intermediate mid-portion 132 at the top 246 of Figure 3 thereof, and an outlet 138 intermediate mid-portion 132 at the bottom 248 of Figure 3 thereof.

Tank 1 10 is mounted on frame 1 12 by supports 142 which are secured to frame 1 12 and/or tank 1 10. A base 140 may be provided to assist in the mounting.

In this way tank 1 10 can be used for the transport of a bulk liquid, fluid, gas, powder or particulate material. Product can be placed in the tank 1 10 through inlet 136 and removed through outlet 138. When emptied, tank 1 10 can be cleaned to enable it to be reused with a different liquid, fluid, gas, powder or particulate material.

If desired tank 1 10 may be lined with a liner 144. This may be particularly important when transporting a food product such as, for example, olive oil, wine, rice, or wheat. The liner 144 may be placed in inlet 136 and air under pressure used to force liner to the internal walls 150 of tank 1 10. Therefore, food products can also be placed in tank 1 10 as liner 144 prevents contamination. Liner 144 may cover outlet 138 such that opening outlet 138 can enable liner 144 to be broken to allow the contents to be discharged. Air under pressure introduced at inlet 136 may assist the discharge process.

Liner 144 may be replaced for each use or, if desired, whenever the tank 1 10 is to be used for a different product. Air or other gas may be introduced at inlet 136, or through a separate inlet 137, to assist the discharge process.

The tank 1 10 may have buffer plates installed to prevent surges in any liquid material carried therein. Figures 3 and 4 show a different form of tank. The tank 210 has a substantially cylindrical mid-portion 232 with hemispherical ends 234. A plurality (two are illustrated) of inlets 236 are provided at the top 246 of tank 210. However, any number of inlets 236 may be used. Two outlets 238, each with discharge pipes 239, are provided at the bottom 248 of tank 210. Again, any number of outlets 238 may be used. Between the outlets 238 is a somewhat triangular insert 252 which may be a separate component attached to bottom 248 in a sealing manner to prevent contamination of the contents of tank 210, or may be integral with bottom 248.

Two identical wedge-shaped inserts 254 may be provided between each outlet 238 and hemispherical ends 234. Again, ends 254 may be separate components sealingly attached to bottom 248 and hemispherical ends 234, or may integral therewith. The inserts 252, 254 have inclined upper surfaces 255 which allow material 274 to flow towards outlets 238. If desired, they may create an air compartment 229 beneath them. Preferably, the air compartments 229 are sealed from the remainder of the tank 210. The inclined upper surfaces are at an angle to bottom 248. The angle may vary for any suitable reason such as, for example, the nature of material 274. If material 274 is liquid, the angle may be quite low. If material 274 is granular (eg. wheat), it may be at a medium level, and if material 274 is a powder (eg. cement) , it may be at a higher level. Projection 252 and ends 254 create a W-shaped floor 256, which is intended to drive product in tank 210 to the outlets 238.

Mounted on inclined upper surfaces 225 of floor 256 are removable fluidization pads 258 which are operatively yet removably connected to air inlets (not shown) of known construction. When it is desired to discharge the contents from tank 210, air or other gas under pressure is introduced through the air mlet into pads 258 where it creates a fluidization effect to help to move all the product to outlets 238, from which the contents can be discharged in a known manner through discharge pipes 239

Pads 258 are readily removable so that upon the contents of tank 210 being discharged, pads 258 can be readily removed. The interior of tank 210 can then be fully and properly cleaned. Upon the cleaning process being completed (and the interior walls 250 being dry, if necessary) pads 258 can be replaced. These may be new, recycled, or cleaned pads 258, or the original pads. As the pads 258 are removed during the cleaning process, the risk of contamination of the contents of tank 210 upon refilling is quite low. Compressed air may also be introduced through air inlet 237 in top 246 to assist the discharge of material.

As a result, the one tank 210 can be used for other non- liquid products requiring fluidization pads 258. Also, tank 210 can be used for liquid products, or non-liquid products not requiring fluidization pads 258. By having pads 258 readily removable, it greatly facilitates the washing and /or cleaning of the interior of tank 210, allows the selection and use of various shapes or styles of pads 258 depending on the interior of tank 210, and allows the non-use of pads 258 when they are not required. Inserts 252 and/ or 254 may be used with a tank having a number of outlets. For example, inserts 254 may be used with the tank of Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 5 to 7 show a first form of fluidization pad 258 which has a base 260, top 262 and an air gap 264 therebetween. An opening 266 allows air to pass from air hose/ pipe/ tube 268 into air gap 264. Peripheral holes 270 may be provided to releasably mount pad 258 to tank wall 250. Stiffeners (not shown) may be used to substantially keep the pad in the shape illustrated. Rather than holes 270, retaining or stiffening strips, or nets, may be used, if desired.

An alternative shape of removable pad 258 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. Here, pad 258 is in the form of an annular ring. This form of pad 258 can additionally or alternatively be located around outlets 238 if desired. A third, conical shape of removable pad 258 is shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 which, again, can be located around outlets 238 in addition to or as an alternative to that illustrated.

Figures 12 to 17 show a third form of tank 310. As with the earlier forms, it has a cylindrical mid-portion 332 and hemispherical end portions 334. An inlet 336 is provided in top 346 of mid portions 332, although any suitable number of inlets 336 may be used. At least one compressed air inlet 337 in top 346 is also provided. An outlet 338 with pipe 339 is provided in bottom 348 of mid portion 332, although, again, any suitable number of outlets 338 may be provided. If a plurality of outlets 438 the floor 456 may be in the form shown in Figure 3.

Upon tank 310 being sufficiently pressurized through air inlet 337 and outlet pipe 349 being opened, a large volume of material 374 will be discharged due to gravity and/ or air pressure. That will leave a somewhat conical zone 376 from which material 374 has been discharged, and residual material 374 at each of the ends 334 to the outlet 338.

To assist m removing the residual material 374 the tank 310 is provided with two diaphragms 380 which are sealingly secured to internal wall 350, intermediate mlet 336 and the junction of ends 334 and mid portion 332. At its lower end 382 the diaphragm 380 is sealingly connected to bottom 348 intermediate outlet 338 and the junction of end 334 and mid portion 332. Around its periphery 384 the diaphragm is sealingly secured to internal wall 350. Diaphragm 380 may be a single piece, or may be a plurality of pieces joined to form the one diaphragm 380.

A gas (e.g. air, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen) under pressure is then introduced into tank 310 through inlets (not shown) adjacent each end of mid portion 332, and behind diaphragms 380 The air pressure forces diaphragms 380 away from wall 350, thus forcing material 374 away and out through outlet 338. The diaphragms 380 will progressively move away from wall 350 until they achieve the position shown in Figures 16 and 17. This forms a somewhat conical funnel 386 which allows all residual material 374 to be discharged through outlet pipe 339. Again, air under pressure through the mlet 337 will assist this operation.

The diaphragms 380 may be made of a relatively flexible material and they may be stretchable or relatively non-stretchable, as desired. It may have a portion (not shown) of relatively rigid material which may be a joining portion, if desired. The diaphragms 380 are preferably of a material which is relatively impervious to air and fluids, and which is easily cleaned and/ or can be relatively easily removed from tank 310 to facilitate the cleaning, re-use, and multiple use, of tank 310. Furthermore, diaphragms 380 should preferably be of a non-toxic material to enable them to be used in tank 310 carrying foods, or ingredients for foods. Adjacent outlets 338 the diaphragms may be provided with a cover 357, or be made of a material, having relatively high abrasion resistance so that the flow of material 374 thereover will not cause excessive wear.

Alternatively or in addition to the air, other means may be used to move the diaphragms 380. For example, hydraulic or pneumatic rams or worm drive may be used.

Therefore, in all instances the tank 310 can be filled with the required material 374 at the earliest possible opportunity - be it the farm, factory or plant. Due to the tanks 310 being able to be correctly cleaned and sealed, they can be used not only for the transport of the material 374, but also its storage. As a result, specialist road vehicles, railway trucks, storage silos, conveyor systems, and ships, may no longer be required. The cost saving in material handling, and infrastructure, is considerable. By having tanks 310 able to be correctly cleaned, each tank can be used for a number of different materials 374, be they gas, liquid, powder or granular. For example, olive oil, wine, vinegar, wheat, rice, barley, malt, cement, plaster powder, and other similar products, could all be stored and/ or transported in the one tank 310 at different times, provided it was correctly cleaned between each use. This means the tank 310 can be used for return journeys.

As diaphragms 380 can be fully deflated, tank 310 can have a full and effective carrying capacity without interference from a discharge assistance device. The diaphragms 380 also facilitate effective discharge of the contents 374 of the tank, no matter the nature or type of material 374.

By having a frame 312 capable of being handled in like manner to freight containers, the container (being the combination of tank 310 and frame 312) can be transported, moved, lifted, and stored, in a like manner to standard freight containers. Such facilities exist worldwide and can be used for all freight containers thus eliminating the requirement for dedicated equipment.

It has been found that by having air inlet 337 above the top of material 374, there can be considerable advantages. First, if material 374 is liquid (eg. water or wine) , and if air is introduced through bottom 348 as in the past, there is contamination and vaporization. This may causes loss of product quality, and may constitute a safety hazard. Secondly, when through the bottom 348, air will encounter higher resistance to flow. This will cause the air inlet rate to slow, and for part of the energy in the air flow to be lost in overcoming the resistance due to material 374. When through inlet 337, the first discharge of material 374 causes air to eventually pass through outlet pipe 339. Due to its higher air speed, the air will collect material 374 and pull it with it. It also causes turbulence within tank 310 and thus fluidization of material 374.

If desired, outlet pipe 339 may have a suitable tap or valve (not shown) so that if tank 310 is used to transport potable water, the water can be discharged by using the tap or valve. Inlets 337 and 338 can remain closed, but the inlets behind diaphragms 380 should remain open to allow for air pressure equalization. This allows diaphragms 380 to move inwardly as the water is used, thus maintaining the purity of water 374 and preventing contamination. This makes tank 310 especially useful in times of emergency when access to reliable, potable water supplies may not be available For example, drought, earthquake or other natural disasters, military action, special events in remote locations and so forth.

Figures 18 to 23 show a fourth embodiment, which is similar to the third embodiment The ma difference is that the diaphragms 480 extend along bottom 448 to adjacent outlet 438 where they are secured Therefore, the diaphragms 480 form the "funnel" 486 as shown m Figures 22 and 23 rather than as shown in Figures 16 and 17 In Figures 24 to 29, a fifth embodiment is shown Here, there are two outlets 538, each with its own sub-discharge pipe operatively connected to discharge pipe 539 The floor 556 has the same W formation as for the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 Diaphragms 580 are provided, and at their lower ends 582 are sealingly attached to floor 556 adjacent outlets 538 At their upper ends 588, they are connected to hemispherical ends 534 intermediate the height of ends 534 For the diaphragm 580 between outlets 538 to be able to correctly and fully operate, insert 552 has an upstanding wall 590 from approximately the center thereof at the line of maximum height It is preferred that wall 590 is of a height such that its upper end 592 is approximately aligned with upper ends 588 of diaphragms 580 Upper end 592 preferably has a cap 594

Diaphragms 580 are connected to upper end 592 under cap 594 so that cap 594 projects the edges of diaphragms 580 during loading and discharge of material 574 As shown m Figures 28 and 29, upon compressed air being provided under diaphragms 580, they move residual material 574 towards outlets 538 Cap 594 may have a high resistance to abrasion, if desired Figures 30 to 35 show a variation in the fifth embodiment and where there are three outlets 638 each with a sub-discharge pipe operatively connected to discharge pipe 639. There are two projections 652, each with a wall 690 and cap 694. Diaphragms 680 are provided as per the fifth embodiment and operate in like manner.

The seventh embodiment is shown m Figures 36 to 41 and is similar to the embodiment of Figures 12 to 17 The only significant difference is that the diaphragms 780 are, at both their upper end 788, and lower end 782, attached to wall 750 at or adjacent the junction of mid portion 732 and hemispherical ends 734. As is clear from Figures 40 and 41 , when compressed air is supplied beneath diaphragms 780, lower end 782 moves to be adjacent outlet 738, thus giving an end result similar to that of the embodiment of Figures 12 to 17. The movement of lower end 782 may be achieved in any number of suitable ways such as, for example, having diaphragms 780 of sufficient elasticity, having lower end 782 moveably mounted relative to bottom 748, and so forth. Figures 42 to 45 show an eighth form of tank 810 with material 874 and having an inlet 836 in top 846 of cylindrical mid- portion 832, although any number of inlets 836 may be used. A single outlet 838 with discharge may be provided, if required or desired. A compressed air inlet 837 is also provided. Upon tank 810 being sufficiently pressurized by air through mlet 837, discharge pipe 839 is opened A significant volume of the contents 874 of tank 810 will be discharged due to the air pressure and gravity. This creates a somewhat conical zone 876 above outlet 838. The remainder of material 874 remains in tank 810, generally in a wedge shape against hemispherical ends 834. A screw conveyor 878 is mounted on floor 856 between outlet 838 and each hemispherical end 834. The screw conveyor 878 will move the material 874 within and immediately above it to and through outlet 838. That will dislodge material 874 above screw conveyor 878 due to the weight of the material 874 and the air pressure, thus allowing the material 874 to be correctly discharged.

Screw conveyor 878 may be used with diaphragms 880 mounted on the inside side-walls of Tank 1 10 and which, when moved by air pressure to the position shown in Figure 45, will force material 874 into screw conveyor 878.

Screw conveyor 878 may be fixed in tank 810, or may be removable. It may be driven by any suitable means such as, for example, pneumatically. In Figures 46 to 49, there is shown variation of the tank of

Figures 18 to 23. Here, there is an insert 954 between outlet 938 and ends 934. The inclined surface 955 may be at a relatively shallow angle to bottom 948. The angle may be varied if desired and /or may be variable to assist discharging material 974. The angle may be in accordance with the flow characteristics of the contents of tank 910. Insert 954 may be a separate, removable component; a fixed component; or may be integral with bottom 948. It may be variable by using for example, air pressure applied from beneath as discharge is in progress to assist in complete discharge. This may be of assistance with, for example, liquid materials.

The volume under inserts 954 should be kept as low as possible to minimize the reduction in carrying capacity of the tank 9 10. The discharge of certain materials (eg. sand) by fluidization using air from below may, at times, require very high pressures, which are not acceptable. With the example of sand, pressures of up to 15 bar may be required. This requires a tank with very thick walls. This increases the weight of the tank and therefore reduces the maximum weight of material able to be carried as the combined weight is limited by handling equipment. Therefore, less than a relatively full load is carried in the tank to enable the sand to be discharged by fluidization without using unacceptably high pressures. This is inefficient.

With the present invention, higher levels of volumetric efficiency ought to be able to be achieved as greater loads of materials such as sand can be carried and fully discharged using one of more of the discharge means, described earlier and without using unacceptably high pressures, or requiring a thicker-walled tank.

The diaphragm may be restored to their original position for the reloading and/ or cleaning of the tank by applying suction rather than air pressure between the diaphragms and the wall of the tank and/ or air pressure through the air inlet in the top of the tank and/ or through their inherent resiliency.

The diaphragms may be double-walled and the compressed air may be introduced between the walls of the diaphragm rather than between the diaphragm and the tank wall. This is well illustrated in Figures 50 to 56 where Figures 50 and 51 show a tank 1010 with diaphragms 1080 each having an outer end portion 1095 and an inner end portion 1096 of double walled-construction. After contents 1074 have been initially emptied (Figures 52 and 53), the inner end portions 1096 are inflated in a similar manner as a balloon (Figure 53). This forces material 1074 towards and through outlet 1038. Outer end portions 1095 may be relatively rigid, if desired.

Compressed air may be introduced to inner end portion 1096, in any suitable manner, and any suitable means. By having a balloon shape when inflated, material 1074 is moved away from corners towards outlets 1038. The inner ends 1096 rest on inclined upper surfaces 1055 for support and, when inflated, will extend upwardly and inwardly to form an angle of inclination to cause discharge of material 1074. The outer ends 1095 may thereby also raised above surfaces

1055 to assist in the discharge. Alternatively, the outlet ends 1095 may be held or otherwise restrained to remain on surfaces 1055. Air may be introduced between outer ends 1095 end surfaces 1055, if desired, to assist in raising outer ends 1095 above surfaces 1055.

Abrasion-resistant cover 1057 and cap 1094 may be provided. Further abrasion resistant covers 1059 may be provided, if desired.

The embodiment of Figures 52 and 53, the diaphragms 1 180 have a bladder 1198 which, in the position shown in Figure 52, rests on surface 1 155 and against ends 1 134 and wall 1 190. Bladder 1 198 can be inflated to raise diaphragm 1 180, as is shown in Figure 53. Bladders 1 198 may be individually inflatable or may be interconnected so they are inflated simultaneously. Bladders 1 198 can be deflated when discharge is completed in the same manner as described earlier. Bladders 1 198 may be separate components to diaphragms 1 180, or may be integral therewith. If separate, they may be releasably attached to diaphragms 1 180.

The embodiment of Figures 54 to 56 is a variation of that of Figures 52 and 53. The only difference is the addition of a second bladder 1299 adjacent outlets 1238. Second bladder 1299 may be of a smaller size than that bladder 1298. Bladders 1298, 1299 may be interconnected so that they are inflated (and deflated) simultaneously or, as illustrated, they may be inflated (and deflated) sequentially or separately. Like bladder 1298, second bladder 1299 may be integral with, or separate to, diaphragm 1280. If separate, it may be releasably attached to diaphragm 1280.

To now consider the embodiment of Figures 57 and 58, where Figure 57(a) is a longitudinal cross section and Figure 57(b) is a transverse cross-section, there is shown a tank 1310 having a lower trough 1379 in which are located screw conveyors 1378, in a similar manner to that shown in Figures 42 to 45. Troughs 1379 are aligned with outlets 1338. The screw conveyors 1378 are adapted to be driven by a drive system 1377 which is mounted on frame 1312, and which has a drive shaft 1375 passing through end 1334 in a sealing manner. Bearings 1373 are provided at each end of each screw conveyor 1378. The screw conveyors 1378 may be integral or be connected by a link 1372 passing through outlet 1338. Drive 1377 may be of any suitable form such as, for example, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, motor, and so forth.

A bed 1371 is placed over trough 1379 to cover trough 1379. Bed 1371 is preferably of a form that allows the material in the tank 1310 to pass therethrough. See Figure 59, for example. Bed 1371 is pivotally attached to wall 1369 of outlet 1338, if desired, so it can pivot thereabout to enable its end 1367 to be raised so as to assist dishcarge, allow screw conveyors 1378 to be removed and/or cleaned and/ or serviced, and for cleaning purposes.

End 1367 preferably has an insert 1365 slideably mounted therein and being biased outwardly in an elastic manner to enable insert 1365 to extend and retract as required and, preferably, to remain in contact with internal wall 1350. The biasing may be by springs, pneumatic rams, compressed air, or any other suitable means. Diaphragms 1380 may also be used. If a liner is used, bed

1371 will prevent the liner from coming into contact with screw conveyors 1378 to prevent damage to the liner. Fluidization pads may be used in addition to or in place of diaphragms 1380. The mounting of screw conveyors 1378 in troughs 1379 is such that screw conveyors can be removed when and as desired.

Diaphragms 1380 may be moveable with bed 1371 . Trough 1379 may be inclined towards outlet 1338 to assist discharge. Screw conveyor 1378 may be a belt conveyor, bucket conveyor, or any other form of conveyor. The embodiment of Figures 59 and 60 is similar to that of

Figures 57 and 58, but has a pivot post 1463 adjacent outlet 1438 to which is pivotally attached an upper bed 1461 which is of a similar style, construction and operation to bed 1371. Bed 1471 does not of necessity have a ram, and may not be pivotally moveable. However, a ram 1453 is provided for each upper bed 1461 , and which is pivotally attached to bed 1461 at 1451 to enable bed 1461 to move in the same manner as bed 1371. In addition bed 1461 is pivotal about one longitudinal edge to enable it to be moved to the position of Figure 59, again for access to the structures and mechanisms beneath it, and for their removal.

As shown in Figure 60, drive shaft 1475 may extend through tank wall 1450. It may be driven as per the previous embodiment, or may be adapted to be directly or indirectly driven by a hydraulic, electric or other drive system of a vehicle, and/ or independently powered drive unit. Figure 61 shows a variation, where ram 1453 is mounted above upper bed 1461 , with the operation and construction being identical in all other respects.

Likewise, in Figure 62 rams 1453 are mounted below top 1446 and cables or the like 1449 are used to lift and lower upper bed 1461. Pulley blocks 1447 are used to assist in this event.

The bed can be designed as an independent unit to facilitate quick and easy replacement of bed when necessary. The embodiment of Figures 63 and 64 has a tank 1510 which may be in accordance with any one or more of the previous embodiments) which is pivotally mounted to upper side frame member 1516 of frame 1512 by at least one pivot pin 1543 secured to plate 1541 attached to member 1516. At the other end of tank 1510 a ram 1545 such as a hydraulic or pneumatic ram is pivotally attached to lower side member 1518, and to tank 1510 at 1533.

By operating ram 1545, tank 1510 pivots about pin 1543 so that material inside tank 1510 can be discharged through outlet 1535, which may be in addition to or in place of the normal outlets 1338 of the previous embodiments. In this way frame 1512 can be secured in place on, for example, the tray of a truck and tank 1510 tilted to achieve full discharge without moving frame 1512. Additionally or alternatively, hooks, rings and like devices may be attached to tank 1510 to enable the end of tank 1510 to be lifted by a crane or the like of the truck, worksite, factory, and so forth. This is shown in Figure 75 where 1509 is an independent crane or hoist, and 1508 is a ring attached to tank 1510.

Guide plates 1531 attached to member 1518 may be used to assist in correctly locating and/ or locking tank 1510 relative to frame 1512 when in the normal position of Figure 63. Figures 65 to 69 show a variation of the embodiment of Figures 63 and 64. The differences are that ram 1645 is slightly differently located, and is multi-stage if desired. Furthermore, a multi-point discharge pipe 1607 is located outside tank 1610. Pipe 1607 has outlet 1638 as well as extra end outlets 1625 and 1627.

Material 1674 can be discharged through outlet 1638 by a first discharge to give the result shown in Figure 66. End outlets

1625 and 1627 can then be operated to discharge more material

1674, to give the result of Figure 67. The normal discharge process can be operated as long as is necessary, or required. Ram 1645 is then operated to tilt tank 1610 (Figure 68) so that all remaining material 1674 is discharged through outlet 1635. During the tilting process, the normal discharge may continue or, preferably, the outlets 1638, 1625 and 1627, may be automatically closed. Tank 1610 can then be returned to its normal position. This gives the result of Figure 69.

In Figures 70 and 71, there is shown a tank 1710 where diaphragms 1780 are mounted on a plate 1797 which rests on surface 1755 and against ends 1734. Plate 1797 has an upper portion 1793 slideably mounted with respect to ends 1734, and lower portion 1791 , which in turn is hingedly connected to surface 1755 adjacent outlet 1738. Portions 1791 and 1793 are joined at 1789 to enable both plates to be erected in a position as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, diaphragm 1780 may be only over join 1789, and the plate 1797 performs the task of the discharge means.

Plates 1793 and 1797 is moved between the position shown in Figure 70 to the position shown in Figure 71 by an appropriate movement means which may be, for example, compressed air, pneumatic jack, hydraulic ram, cord from top of container 1710, an inflatable bladder, or otherwise as desired.

The diaphragm 1780 may be secured to plates 1793 and 1797, and plates 1793 and 1797 may be such that they supports and reinforces diaphragm 1780 so that compressed air causes the movement of diaphragm 1780 and hence plates 1793 and 1797. In that case there may be a movement limiting device 1787 attached to plate 1793 or 1797 at or adjacent oin 1789 and which acts to limit the extent of movement of plates 1793 and 1797 and diaphragm 1780. The movement limiting device 1787 may be in the form of a rope, cable, chain, or the like, secured to plates 1793 and/ or 1797 and end 1734. It can aid in preventing diaphragm 1780 from being over-stretched, ruptured, torn or otherwise damaged. The movement limiting device 1787 may activate a sensor

(not shown) to stop, or slow down, the rate of air inlet between diaphragm 1780 and end 1734.

Plates 1793 and 1797 may be sealingly engaged with the internal wall 1750 of tank 1710, if desired, in addition to, or as an alternative.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology that many modifications m details of design or construction may be made without departing from the present invention.

The invention disclosed herein also encompasses all possible combinations and permutations of the novel features disclosed.

For example, the container of Figures 72 and 73 is that of Figures 65 to 69 combined with that of Figures 42 to 46; and Figure 74 shows the container of Figures 42 to 46 with inserts 1885 for diaphragms.

Therefore, when the tank is used for a product such as cement, the discharge and reuse is by one or more of: • sufficiently pressurizing the tank; opening the outlet for a first discharge; if fitted, operating the diaphragm for a second discharge; operating any conveyor for a third discharge; cleaning the tank; • drying the tank; fitting a liner, if required for a food product; loading tank with new product.

Claims

The claims

1) A stackable storage and transport container having a tank able to be used for different materials, the tank including:

(a) an interior which is capable of being cleaned;

(b) at least one inlet and at least one outlet;

(c) the tank being capable of using therewith at least one of a plurality of discharge means, the at least one discharge means enabling substantially complete and effective discharge from the tank of all material in the tank.

2) A container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one discharge means is removably mountable inside the tank. 3) A container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one discharge means is cleanable with the tank. 4) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one discharge means causes a multi-stage discharge. 5) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tank has an interior volume for the material, the at least one discharge means being able to vary the interior volume.

6) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one discharge means enables the tank to have a substantially high volumetric efficiency in the storage and transport of the material.

7) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one discharge means includes at least one convevor mounted on the bottom of the tank. 8) A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the conveyor is located in a trough in the bottom of the tank.

9) A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the trough is inclined towards the outlet. 10) A container as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the conveyor is selected from the list including screw conveyor, belt conveyor, and bucket conveyor.

1 1) A container as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein there is provided at least one bed above the trough and closing the trough, the bed being pivotal relative to the container.

12) A container as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the bed has a plurality of openings therethrough to enable material in the container to be moved by the conveyor.

13) A container as claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, further including a lifting means to pivotally move the bed.

14) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the bed is pivotal about an inner end, the bed having an outer end remote from the inner end, the outer end having an insert slideably mounted therein and being biased outwardly.

15) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 1 to 14, further including an upper bed inside the container above the bed, the upper bed having a lifting means to effect pivotal movement of the upper bed. 16) A container as claimed in claim 15, wherein the upper bed is pivotal about a side thereof.

17) A container as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the upped bed is pivotal about an inner end thereof.

18) A container as claimed in claims 15 to 17, wherein the upper bed is of the same construction as the bed. 19) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the discharge means includes a plurality of diaphragms

20) A container as claimed m claim 19, wherein the plurality of diaphragms are sealingly attached to the inside wall and are movable between a first position adjacent the mside wall and a second position wherein a substantial part of the diaphragm is removed from the inside wall by a distance to assist m effecting discharge from the tank of substantially all the material in the tank 21) A container as claimed m claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the diaphragms are substantially impervious to air 22) A container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the diaphragms are substantially impervious to fluids 23) A container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the diaphragms are flexible.

24) A container as claimed m any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the diaphragms are substantially non-stretchable.

25) A container as claimed m any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the diaphragms are stretchable.

26) A container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the diaphragm has a periphery, the periphery being sealingly attached to the inside wall

27) A container as claimed in claim 26, wherein the tank has two hemispherical ends, there being a diaphragm at each hemispherical end of the tank

28) A container as claimed or any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the diaphragm is moved from the first position to the second position by a movement means 29) A container as claimed m claim 28, wherein the movement means is a hydraulic or pneumatic ram

30) A container as claimed in claim 28, wherein the movement means is compressed air 31) A container as claimed in claim 19, wherein the diaphragms are double-walled, compressed air being introduced between the walls of the diaphragms

32) A container as claimed in claim 30, wherein the compressed air is introduced between the inside wall and the diaphragms

33) A container as claimed m claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the compressed air is introduced by a plurality of inflation inlets m the tank

34) A container as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein the diaphragm has an abrasion resistant surface adjacent the outlet.

35) A container as claimed in claim 26, wherein the diaphragm has a further abrasion resistant surface at a part of the periphery remote from the outlet 36) A container as claimed in claim 28, wherein the movement means is at least one bladder below the diaphragm 37) A container as claimed in claim 36, wherein there are a plurality bladders of different sizes, of the same size, or a combination of the same and different sizes. 38) A container as claimed m any on of claims 1 to 37, wherein the discharge means includes at least one fluidization pad readily removably mountable inside the tank and connectable to a gas supply fitting of the tank 39) A container as claimed in claim 38, wherein the fluidization pad is selected from the list including substantially rectangular, an annular ring, and a truncated cone.

40) A container as claimed in claim 37, wherein the fluidization pad is readily releasably attached to the inside wall of the tank.

41) A container as claimed in claims 38 to 40, wherein the fluidization pad includes a plurality of holes to enable the fluidization pad to be readily and releasably attached to the inside wall of the tank.

42) A container as claimed in claim 40, wherein the fluidization pad is attached to the inside wall of the tank by securing strips.

43) A container as claimed in claim 40, wherein the fluidization pad is attached to the inside wall of the tank by a net.

44) A container as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the fluidization pad has a base, a cover, and an air gap between the base and the cover, the base and the cover each have a periphery, the base and the cover being joined at their peripheries.

45) A container as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the gas is selected from the list including compressed air, helium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide.

46) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein compressed air is introduced into the tank to assist in the discharge.

47) A container as claimed in claim 46, wherein the tank has a top, there being at least one compressed air inlet in the top.

48) A container as claimed in claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the compressed air inlet is the discharge means. 49) A container as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein the tank has a bottom, the at least one outlet being in the bottom.

50) A container as claimed m claim 49, wherein the bottom has at least one insert thereon to provide an inclined surface to assist the discharge of the material.

51) A container as claimed m claim 50, wherein the insert is substantially wedge shaped.

52) A container as claimed in claim 50, wherein the insert is substantially triangular.

53) A container as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the insert has a wall extending upwardly therefrom, the wall having an upper end and a cap on the upper end.

54) A container as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the at least one insert is sealingly attached to the bottom of the tank.

55) A container as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the at least one insert is integral with the tank.

56) A container as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the at least one insert is removable from the tank.

57) A container as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 56, wherein the at least one inclined surface is at an angle to the bottom of the tank.

58) A container as claimed in claim 57, wherein the angle is variable.

59) A container as claimed in claim 57, wherein the angle is fixed.

60) A container as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the angle is determined by the nature of the material to be loaded into the tank 61) A container as claimed m any one of claims 50 to 60, wherein the at least one insert creates and air compartment therebelow. the air compartment being sealed from the remainder of the tank 62) A container as claimed m claim 61 , wherein compressed air is introduced into the air compartment for the fluidization pads and/ or diapnragms

63) A container as claimed m claim 27, wherein the tank interior has a substantially cylindrical mid portion between the hemispherical ends

64) A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 63, wherein the container has a peripheral frame which the tank is mounted

65) A container as claimed in claim 64, wherein the peripheral frame includes two parallel and spaced apart rectangular side frames, and two rectangular end frames joining them.

66) A container as claimed in claim 65, wherein the side frames and end frames include four parallel and aligned corner posts, and upper side members, lower side members, upper end members, lower end members, all connecting the corner posts

67) A container as claimed m any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein the tank has a first end and a second end remote from the first end, the discharge means being mounted to the frame and including a lifting means connected to the first end ol the tank, the tank being pivotallv mounted to the frame at the second end, the lifting means being for the lifting of the lirst end in a pivotal movement about the pivotal mount to enable contents of the tank to be discnarged through an end outlet m the second end 68) A container as claimed m claim 67, wherein the lifting means is mounted on the frame and operatively connected to the tank

69) A container as claimed in claim 67, wherein the lifting means o is attached to the tank and is capable of being operatively connected to a hoisting device independent of the frame and the tank.

70) A container as claimed any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the end outlet is the at least one outlet. 5 7 1) A container as claimed m any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the end outlet is m addition to the at least one outlet

72) A container as claimed any one of claims 1 to 71 , wherein the discharge means assists in a rapid discharge from the 0 tank of the material in the tank.

73) A storage and transport container having at least one tank, the tank being mounted within a peripheral frame, the peripheral frame including two parallel and spaced apart rectangular side frames, and two rectangular end frames 5 joining them; the side frames and end frames including four parallel and aligned corner posts; and upper side members, lower side members, upper end members, and lower end members, all connecting the corner posts

74) A storage and transport container as claimed in claim 73, 0 wherein the peripheral frame conforms to international specifications for freight containers

75) A storage and transport container as claimed m claim 73 or 74 , wherein the peripheral frame includes fitting and fixtures to enable the container to be lifted and lowered by a crane

^"^ using a spreader 76) A storage and transport container as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 75, wherein there is provided a pad at the lower end of each of the corner posts and upon which the container can stand. 77) A storage and transport container as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 76, wherein the peripheral frame includes at least one roller upon which the frame can roll. 78) A storage and transport container as claimed in claim 77, wherein the at least one roller is retractable. 79) A storage and transport container as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 78, including a plurality of tanks mounted within the peripheral frame.

80) A storage and transport container as claimed in claim 79, wherein the plurality of tanks are selected from the list including, spherical, cuboid and cylindrical.

81) A storage and transport container as claimed in claim 79 or claim 80, wherein the plurality of tanks are interconnected.

82) A container as claimed in all and/ or any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one discharge means has limiting device to prevent excessive movement of the at least one discharge means.