WO2012012630A1 - Récipient aplatissable pour le transport de liquides visqueux - Google Patents

Récipient aplatissable pour le transport de liquides visqueux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012012630A1
WO2012012630A1 PCT/US2011/044839 US2011044839W WO2012012630A1 WO 2012012630 A1 WO2012012630 A1 WO 2012012630A1 US 2011044839 W US2011044839 W US 2011044839W WO 2012012630 A1 WO2012012630 A1 WO 2012012630A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
base frame
liner
collapsible
outer shell
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/044839
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dennis Sweet
Charlie Alack
Kevin Cebulskie
Original Assignee
Sun Chemical Corporation
Semi-Bulk Systems, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sun Chemical Corporation, Semi-Bulk Systems, Inc. filed Critical Sun Chemical Corporation
Publication of WO2012012630A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012012630A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B65D77/061—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers the containers being mounted on a pallet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
    • B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
    • B65D19/08—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D19/12—Collapsible pallets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00024—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00059—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
    • B65D2519/00164—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00502—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00512—Overall construction of the side walls skeleton type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
    • B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
    • B65D2519/00641—Structures intended to be disassembled
    • B65D2519/00646—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges
    • B65D2519/00656—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges separately formed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00805—Means for facilitating the removal of the load
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00865—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected
    • B65D2519/00875—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls
    • B65D2519/009—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/0096—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when empty

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a container for transporting highly viscous fluids.
  • Printing inks, coatings, paints, and other viscous liquids are often shipped from the manufacturer to the user in large volume steel portable tanks, drums or other containers.
  • the drums or other containers Upon receipt by the user, the drums or other containers are connected to the user's equipment which applies the viscous liquid, such as a printing press or coater, or are transferred to the user's storage facilities, and the steel portable tank, drum or container is returned to the manufacturer for reuse.
  • Laray viscosity of at least about 50 is that they often do not efficiently transfer from the shipping container even if some type of pressure device exerts pressure on the liquid in order assist the exit from the shipping container.
  • the liquid may not flow out of the container at a reasonable rate of speed and/or a quantity of the viscous fluid may remain in the shipping container despite the actions taken to completely empty that container. This results in the user not being able to efficiently use all of the viscous liquid which it has received. It also adds weight to the container being returned to the manufacturer and thereby increasing costs, and hampers reuse of the containers by the manufacturer as the residual liquid must be eliminated before the container can be used for a different liquid.
  • the shipping cost of outbound freight is weight based and limited to over the ground maximum weights.
  • the weight per unit volume of metal in a conventional metal portable tank is much greater than that of the viscous liquid. Since the weight of each tank when filled with the viscous liquid is about 3,725 pounds (about 1,693 kg), the weight of the heavy metal of which the tank is constructed reduces the amount of ink that can be shipped in that tank.
  • US Patent No. 4,149,755 describes fluidizable material handling apparatus. Specifically, the apparatus is specifically designed for transferring powder like material that may be fluidized at the outlet by the introduction of pressurized air. The fluidized powder is then removed from the container.
  • US Patent No. 5,660,478 which describes another system for carrying powder or similarly fluidizable material. Similar to the apparatus disclosed in US Patent No. 4,149,755, the apparatus includes a bag of flexible material that a rigid base.
  • US Patent No. 6,135,287 which describes a collapsible container for transport and storage of fluid and other particulate bulk goods.
  • the container described generally includes a collapsible rigid shell.
  • the container may also be equipped with an inner liner or bag.
  • the device is disclosed for use with powder material as well as fluids. However, the device is not disclosed to work with highly viscous fluids.
  • the prior art containers cannot effectively be employed for the transportation of viscous fluids or of fluids with a Laray viscosity of at least 50. Accordingly, there still is a need for a system and method of transporting highly viscous fluids, such as printing inks and other liquids.
  • the present invention is directed to a container for transporting highly viscous fluids that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • An advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container for the transfer of highly viscous fluids.
  • an ink container comprising a collapsible structure that allows for the inflow and outflow of a highly viscous liquid including the inflow and outflow of a liquid whose Laray viscosity is at least 50.
  • a collapsible ink container comprising a base frame connected to an outer shell articulated with respect to the base frame and adapted to collapse from an open position into a closed position for storage and shipment; and a flexible fluid holding portion disposed within the base frame, said flexible fluid holding portion capable of collapsing from a filled configuration to a substantially empty configuration, said flexible fluid holding portion in the filled configuration adapted to fit within the base frame and outer shell when in the open position, and said flexible fluid holding portion in the substantially empty configuration adapted to fit within the base frame.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIGS. 2A-2L illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible container for the transfer of a high viscosity fluids and its operation.
  • FIG. 3 provides an alternative embodiment of a collapsible container for the transport of highly viscous fluids.
  • a way to ameliorate the difficulties just described and reducing cost involves introducing the viscous liquid into a container constructed of flexible light weight material which is adapted to collapse when empty and allows for the viscous fluid to outflow at an acceptable rate.
  • the discharge flow rate of the viscous fluid may be 2 to 5 GPM.
  • the filling rate of the container should not be viewed as limiting. In an exemplary embodiment the filling rate may be as high as 50 GPM or 4001bs/min.
  • the container may also contain or be adapted to receive heating and/or pressure. The heat acts to reduce the viscosity of the liquid and thereby facilitate its exit from the container. Pressure would also help induce evacuation of the viscous fluid from the container.
  • the ability to collapse the container when empty would permit more efficient storage of the container when not in use and/or return of the container from the user to the manufacturer.
  • the nature of the viscous fluid is not particularly limited and the container can be used in connection with any liquid or paste including those liquids or paste that have a Laray viscosity of at least about 50 at ambient room temperature.
  • the viscosity of the liquid may be determined using a Laray viscometer.
  • the viscosity of a liquid may be measured using a Laray viscometer, a Laray Timer TMI 92-15 (0.00 second resolution), a temperature probe capable of measuring in 0.5 ° C increments, a Laray computer program, a water bath maintained at 25 + 1.0 C, approximately 2 to 3.5 grams of sample fluid or liquid and a spatula.
  • the instruments should be checked for cleanliness and overall proper condition.
  • the Laray viscometer should be leveled.
  • the temperature should also be checked and the instrument should be controlled at 25 + 1 C, a draft controlled cabinet can be used.
  • the Laray Rod may be wetted using the spatula to spatulate the sample on the bench without overworking the sample.
  • the liquid sample is preferably deposited uniformly around the Laray rod. Consistency in this initial step for testing different samples is likely to result in more consistent data.
  • the Laray rod may then be dropped into the fluid sample using force sufficient to equal a drop time of approximately one second.
  • a standard Laray test may be accomplished using the drop sequences listed in table I.
  • a weight capable of dropping the rod within the specified time range may be selected and adjusted as appropriate for each drop sequence listed in Table I. It is generally preferable to avoid or minimize multiple drops for each time range.
  • the weight, in Kilograms, and the time, in seconds, should be recorded along with the collar temperature in degrees Centigrade. The recorded test data may then be uploaded to the Laray program that can calculate the viscosity, yield value, and shortness ration.
  • the results may be recorded from these calculations.
  • the yield value at 2.5 sec-2 Shear Rate is the hypothetical force required to initiate flow and is measured in dynes/cm .
  • the Shortness Ration is the ratio of yield value to viscosity.
  • An alternative to the standard Laray test may be Vertis Laray method.
  • Vertis Laray method would involve preparing a sample and placing the sample on the Laray rod as described above. A 700g weight is then placed on the rod before it is dropped. The rod is then pulled back so that the sample may be redistributed around the collar and the rod. The rod is then dropped two consecutive times with the 700g weight while recording the time. The drop-times are preferably within + 0.1 second of each other. The average of the drop times is set as the initial time. The rod may then be dropped three more times once with a 500g weight, once with a 300g weight, and once with a lOOg weight. The time should be recorded for each drop. The collar temperature should also be recorded in degree Centigrade. The recorded data is then uploaded into the Laray program which can then calculate the viscosity, yield value, and shortness ratio as defined above.
  • the collapsible container for transporting the highly viscous fluids should not be viewed as limited to a specific highly viscous fluid.
  • One exemplary liquid that may be delivered by the described system and method may be a printing ink, the composition of which is also not restricted and may be any known ink composition.
  • the printing ink may be a thixotropic printing ink.
  • the liquid may be a coating liquid, paint or the like substance.
  • other highly viscous liquids including liquids with a Laray viscosity of at least 50 at room temperature (i.e. 25 C), may be transported with the system of method described herein.
  • the viscous liquid may be introduced into a shipping container which may include an outlet.
  • the container may be a collapsible container, i.e. a container that may be collapsed either partially or fully once the fluid is evacuated. In other words the container may be partially collapsed when any portion of the fluid is removed. The container may also be fully collapsed once substantially all of the fluid has been removed.
  • collapsible container i.e. a container that may be collapsed either partially or fully once the fluid is evacuated.
  • the container may be partially collapsed when any portion of the fluid is removed.
  • the container may also be fully collapsed once substantially all of the fluid has been removed.
  • the term "collapsing" should be construed to mean that the container is at least capable of folding into itself to achieve a compact structure as later explained and illustrated in, for example, Figs. 2H-2J.
  • a collapsible container may include a liner that may be folded to fit into a base frame.
  • the collapsible container may also include an articulated outer shell that may be folded over and optionally fit into the base frame.
  • the container may also be stackable once in a fully collapsed state. This would allow for ease of storage and high volume transport.
  • the container may be adapted to allow its contents to be heated such as by a heating device so as to increase the temperature of the viscous liquid.
  • the heater may be disposed to heat the liquid in the vicinity of the outlet.
  • the heater may also be designed to heat the entire volume of the shipping container, if desired.
  • the container may also be constructed of heat conductive materials. Such materials may typically include plastics and/or metals. A heat conducting material would ease the transfer of heat, for example, emanating from an external heater.
  • the container may be configured to include or adapted to receive a heating element. In an exemplary embodiment the heating element may also be in direct contact with the fluid.
  • the collapsible container may also employ other means for inducing the viscous fluid to flow through the outlet.
  • the container may be designed to allow the application of pressure to the fluid. Pressure may be provided in the form of air pressure. Another application of pressure may be mechanical pressure. In this latter embodiment, the pressure may be applied manually to the container. Alternatively, mechanical pressure may be applied by way of an automated mechanical apparatus. Also, pressure may be applied both mechanically and non-mechanically. For example, one container may be designed for the application of both manual pressure and air pressure.
  • Pressure may be provided to the fluid from any location of the container.
  • pressure may be provided at an opposite end of the container from the outlet of the fluid.
  • pressure may be introduced at the top of the container.
  • pressure may be introduced at a midsection of the container.
  • pressure may be introduced at the vicinity of the fluid outlet.
  • pressure could be introduced at multiple locations of the container either simultaneously or at different times.
  • Additional means for inducing the viscous fluid to flow through the outlet include the use of gravity, means for shaking or vibrating the container.
  • the container may also be equipment with safety features such as pressure relief valves.
  • the container may be equipped with a 5 psig max pressure relief valve.
  • the configuration of the shipping container is not restricted as long as it is adapted to allow the viscous fluid to properly evacuate through the outlet.
  • the shipping container may contain an outer shell and a liner for receiving the viscous fluid.
  • Exemplary materials for the outer shell or structure may be metal, corrugated board, carbon steel, plastic, aluminum, steel or any other material which is sufficiently strong so as to protect the liner and its contents during transport.
  • Exemplary materials for the liner can be polyethylene or polypropylene or polyurethane coated fabric, but other materials of construction can be used.
  • the outer shell is preferably rigid during transport but is collapsible as is the liner after the viscous fluid has been removed from the liner.
  • the outer shell may also have many different designs, such as a solid shell, a grid, or perforated.
  • the outer shell may also include larger openings that may allow access to and/or view of the inner liner.
  • the container may also include a base frame.
  • the base frame may be rigid.
  • the base frame may be designed to support the liner and outer shell.
  • the base frame may also be designed to provide an outlet for the viscous fluid.
  • the base frame may also be designed to incorporate a heater.
  • the base frame may be designed so that a heater can be placed under the container.
  • the base frame may be designed so that it can store the collapsible outer shell and liner when the fluid has been evacuated.
  • the base frame may further be designed to be stackable over other base frames when the containers have been collapsed.
  • the container may further include a base platform.
  • the platform may include a pattern design so as to further induce the flow of the viscous fluid.
  • the platform may be at a bottom portion of the liner and/or provided at the base of the container. In one exemplary embodiment, the platform is located in the base frame. The inclusion of a platform may also be accomplished while maintaining the ability to stack the containers when in a collapsed state.
  • the container may include an outer structure which is sufficiently strong and rigid to protect an inner liner which receives the viscous fluid during transport, and permits proper evacuation of the highly viscous fluid and/or of fluids with a Laray viscosity of at least 50.
  • a container design according to the present invention would generally allow for the transport of high viscous fluids and preferably would have the ability to collapse so that it can be stacked for storage and/or easier transport. More specifically, the container may be filled with a viscous fluid. The container may be designed to withstand transport from one location to a second location. The container may also be designed to be used simply as a storage container of the viscous fluid. When desired the fluid may be evacuated from the container. The flow rate of the fluid outlet may be controlled to be at a desired level. To induce the outlet of the fluid, the container may be designed to have a connection for a pump at a bottom portion thereon where the outlet may be located on the base frame or directly to the outlet in the liner or flexible holding portion.
  • the container may also be equipped or designed to work in conjunction with a heater to heat the fluid to induce outflow. The heating may be performed before and/or during evacuation of the fluid.
  • the container may also be designed to allow the application of pressure to the fluid to induce outflow.
  • the bottom platform of the container may be designed to induce the outflow of the viscous fluid.
  • the container may be collapsed as the fluid exits the container. Alternatively, the container may be collapsed once substantially all of the fluid has exited the container. Once multiple containers have been collapsed, they may be stacked for storage and/or easier transport.
  • Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic embodiment.
  • a portable tank 1 has an outlet 2 at a bottommost portion, and is positioned on two supports 3 so as to provide a gap 4 between the bottom of the tank and the floor.
  • a heating unit 5 is disposed in gap 4. The outlet communicates through a conduit 6 to a pump 7, and from pump 7 through a second conduit 8 to storage compartment 9.
  • Figure 2A-2L illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible container for transporting highly viscous fluids and liquids with a Laray viscosity of at least 50, and its functionality.
  • Figure 2A shows possible construction of a base frame, an inner liner and an outer shell.
  • a rigid base frame 101 may include an outer, generally vertical peripheral wall 107 which defines the outside of the base, a discharge opening or outlet 102 and a load supporting deck 103 with the discharge opening or outlet 102 located at a lower portion of deck 103.
  • Base frame 101 can be made, for example, of metal, corrugated board, carbon steel, plastic, steel, aluminum or any other material which is sufficiently strong so as to support and protect the liner and its contents during transport.
  • Discharge opening or outlet 102 may be of any desired size that allows for flow of the viscous fluid.
  • the discharge outlet or opening may be a 3 inch NPT in size with a 3 inch NPT valve connection.
  • discharge opening or outlet 102 is also designed such that it can remain flooded, i.e. air tight so that no air is introduced into the system during discharge of the fluid.
  • outlet 102 is shown as located on the side, the location should not be viewed as limiting and may be adjusted as desired. In an alternative embodiment, for example, outlet 102 may be located at a corner or even at the bottom.
  • Load supporting deck 103 may generally be planar. However, supporting deck 103 may optionally be inclined downwardly toward one side of base frame 101.
  • the base frame may define a well area into which the liner and/or the outer shell can collapse when the container is substantially empty.
  • a base frame with a well area that is configured to receive collapsible portions of the container, being the liner and/or the outer shell it is then possible to stack the empty containers as shown, for example, in Figure 2L. By stacking the containers it is possible to ship more containers at once while requiring less space. This in turn leads to large cost savings in the shipping of empty containers.
  • the base frame 101 may also be equipped with a conduit (not shown) communicating with the outlet 102 at one side adjacent to the lower most edge of deck 101 extending from the space above the deck through the peripheral wall for discharge of the viscous liquid within the liner.
  • the base frame 101 may also include a plurality of legs 105 which are engageable with the ground for supporting the container and its load, and may be spaced to receive the lifting tines of a fork lift so that the loaded containers may be readily moved from one place to another.
  • the base frame 101 may also be equipped with rails 108a and 108b that may be used by a loading apparatus such as a fork lift so that the container may be easily moved.
  • the rails may, for example, be two directional fork channels that can be engaged from either end.
  • a tubular liner 104 i.e. the flexible holding portion of the container, for receiving the viscous liquid may be secured or even welded to base frame 101.
  • the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A-2L may also include an opening in the form of inlet 110 for the introduction of the viscous liquid. Although shown at a top portion of the liner, inlet 110 may be located anywhere on the liner. Inlet 110 may also be connected to an outer shell of the container. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the container may be filled and emptied through the same conduit. In such an embodiment, inlet 110 may be removed and instead the container may be filled using discharge opening or outlet 102 described herein.
  • the container may be filled by way of both inlet 110 and discharge opening or outlet 102.
  • the liner/base frame combination may or may not be permanently secured together.
  • the liner and the base frame may be separate elements or may be integral with each other.
  • the shape of the liner should also not be viewed as limiting.
  • the liner may assume a rectangular shape rather than the circular shape shown in Figure 2.
  • Other configurations are also possible.
  • the liner may be hexagonal, octagonal, or any other configuration.
  • the liner may either be constructed to have a desired shape, such as a circular or rectangular cross-section.
  • a constraining means such as an internal frame or straps, inside, within or even outside the liner may be provided for constraining the liner to assume a desired shape.
  • a desired shape of the liner may be obtained using a set of tension members within the liner which may be in the form of a flexible wire cable covered by a flexible sheath to protect the cable.
  • the tension members may be connected at their ends to the side walls of the liner by connectors which may be a combination of a coupling and a clevis attached to the coupling.
  • Circumferential straps 106 may be optionally installed around the bag during or after filling to provide additional circumferential support.
  • the liner may be adjusted to retain its shape even when the fluid has been evacuated. Once empty the liner may then be collapsed. Alternatively, the liner may be design to collapse as the fluid is discharged.
  • the material of construction of liner 104 is not restricted although it is preferably a tough, strong material. Exemplary materials for the liner can be polyethylene or polypropylene or polyurethane coated fabric, but other materials of construction can be used.
  • the base frame may be designed to accommodate the liner and thus may be modified depending on the desired shape of the liner. Independent of the shape, the base frame may still include the other features described herein.
  • An articulated outer shell 109 may also be provided as shown in Figure 2A.
  • Exemplary materials for the outer shell or structure may be metal, corrugated board, carbon steel, plastic, aluminum, steel or any other material which is sufficiently strong so as to protect the liner and its contents during transport.
  • the outer shell may have different designs.
  • the outer shell is a grid.
  • the outer shell may be a solid structure or perforated structure and may also have large openings to view and/or access the liner.
  • the outer shell may also be provided on only some sides of the liner while leaving an open area on one or more sides.
  • the outer shell may also be collapsible. The outer shell may collapse as the fluid is evacuated from the inner liner. Alternatively, the outer shell may retain its structure and may be collapsed once the liner has been emptied.
  • the outer shell may be folded.
  • the well provided in the base frame may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the collapsed outer shell.
  • the outer shell may be manually collapsed.
  • the outer shell may be designed to include a self- collapsing mechanism that may be automatic or user operated.
  • the liner may also be fastened to the outer shell.
  • Any means for fastening may be employed.
  • the means for fastening is illustrated as a latch or strap.
  • the means for fastening may be a bracket or any like device that can secure the liner to the outer shell.
  • any number of fastening means may be employed.
  • Figure 2C only shows using a single means for fastening, i.e. only one latch or strap, more than one may be employed as desired.
  • the liner may be fastened to the outer shell by a number of latches or other means for fastening located at different locations on or around the liner.
  • base framelOl may also include a gas inlet on one side for the introduction of pressurized gas for the discharge of the viscous fluid.
  • the gas inlet may be provided at the top of the container through a fitting, or at an opposite end of the container from fluid outlet 102.
  • the gas inlet may even be connected directly to the liner.
  • the gas inlet may be connected to the outer shell.
  • the location of the gas inlet should not be viewed as limiting.
  • multiple gas inlets may be provided to the container at different locations so as to have better control over the application of pressure to the fluid.
  • the gas is not limited to a particular material.
  • the gas may be compressed air. However, any gas that will not react or affect the viscous fluid in an undesired manner may be used.
  • pressure to the highly viscous fluid may be applied mechanically.
  • Mechanical pressure may be applied in different ways.
  • the mechanical pressure may be applied manually by pressing on the liner and/or outer shell.
  • mechanical pressure may be applied using any suitable mechanism that can apply pressure to either the liner and/or the outer shell.
  • a RAM assembly plate with a pneumatic driven cylinder that could press down onto the liner bag.
  • the mechanism may be either manually operated or automated.
  • pressure to the highly viscous fluid may be applied both mechanically and by gas pressure.
  • a heating element 111 may be provided in base frame 101.
  • the heating unit may be integral with the base or it may be a separate unit and designed to ride on the base or be slid underneath base frame 101.
  • the heater could also be within the liner.
  • the nature of the heating element is not restricted and it may be, for instance, electrical heating coils, a heat transfer surface connectable to a source of heat, or a heating pad.
  • the amount of heat supplied may also be adjusted depending on the properties of the viscous fluid.
  • the heating may be designed to result in a temperature of
  • the heating element may be designed to heat the liquid somewhat above ambient temperature, for example, to about 30 to 75 °C, although any temperature which does not cause degradation of the viscous fluid can be employed.
  • the container may include a base platform 111.
  • the base platform may be located at the base of the liner.
  • the base platform may also involve a design that induces flow of the highly viscous fluid by guiding the viscous fluid through a flow path that may lead to an outlet of the container.
  • the base platform may include slanted sidewalls, may be made of a material that provides minimal flow resistance, and may allow for a direct conduit to the container's outlet.
  • the platform may include a flat surface with a defined central region with slanted sidewalls that can direct the fluid to flow into a central opening.
  • the slanted sidewalls and opening may be located at one side as opposed to the center.
  • the base platform may be slanted as a whole with respect to the ground or horizontal plane inducing flow toward one side of the base of the container.
  • the opening may be fluidly connected to outlet 102.
  • An exemplary embodiment may include a container having a capacity of about 350 gallons, having a cylindrical liner with a diameter of 47 inches and a height of 47 inches, or a diameter of 46 inches and a height of 49 inches.
  • the overall side of the container may be for example 42.5 inches by 53.9 inches or 1200 mm by 1370 mm.
  • the container may be made of a light weight material that is strong enough for the handling. In an exemplary embodiment
  • the container may be 800 lbs or less. In an alternative embodiment the weight of the empty container may be 300 lbs or less.
  • the size of the container in a collapsed state may also be modified as desired. In an exemplary embodiment the size of the container is such that five stacked collapsed containers reach a height of no more than 100 inches.
  • Figure 3 is a side view showing an alternative configuration of a container for transporting highly viscous fluids.
  • the outer shell may be affixed or connected to the side walls of the base frame in Figures 2A-2L.
  • the outer structure 301 may be composed of four side walls 302, only one of which is being shown for clarity, each side wall being affixed or connected to the top 303 of the side walls of base frame 304 at a point exterior to the point at which the liner is affixed to base frame 304 so that the outer structure surrounds the liner.
  • the container side walls 302 in this case are adapted to being folded onto the top of base frame 304 and lie on top of the collapsed liner.
  • each of the four walls are such that they can be folded down into base frame 304, or base frame 101 as illustrated in Figures 2G-2K.
  • the order in which the walls are folded is immaterial.
  • the base frame includes a well, as previously described, the walls 302 can fold into the well or form a top on the well.
  • adjacent side walls 302 may be attached to one another adjacent a vertical corner of the outer container by a fastening means such as a bracket 305.
  • Bracket 305 may define a recess adapted to open inwardly of the container and a bolt slidily located in the bracket so that upon assembly of the latch on the container, the bolt moves along a horizontal axis.
  • Other means of holding walls 302 rigid during transport can be used.
  • each side wall 302 may be composed of two or more parts which are hingeably connected by a conventional spiral hinge 306. This permits the upper part 307 of the side wall 302 to be folded downwardly onto a lower part 308, and then the combined upper and lower parts to be folded downwardly into or onto a well in the base frame.
  • the upper and lower parts may be provided with a latch 309 to maintain them in an upright position during transport. It should be understood that the any one or more features of the container described with respect to Figures 2A-L and previously may further be added to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3.
  • the ambient air temperature was 23°C (73°F).
  • the suction pump was turned on and a flow of ink of 8 lbs (2.5 kg) per minute was achieved for the next 15 minutes at which point the pump was turned off and the heater was turned on.
  • the outside air temperature had risen to 24.4°C (76°F) and the temperature of the ink in the shipping container was 25°C (77°F).
  • the suction pump was turned on and ink flowed from the shipping container to the storage container at a rate of 11 lbs (5 kg) of ink per minute. After 45 minutes, the suction pump was turned off and then turned back on about one hour later.
  • the ambient air temperature was 79°F (26°C) and the ink temperature in the container was 81°F (27.2°C).
  • the pump was turned off but heating was continued for about one hour before the pump was turned on again.
  • the ink temperature was 81°F (27.2°C) and the ambient air temperature was 26.7°C.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient aplatissable pour le transport de liquides visqueux, y compris des liquides ayant une viscosité Laray d'au moins 50, le récipient étant un récipient aplatissable léger qui peut éventuellement être empilé dans l'état aplati.
PCT/US2011/044839 2010-07-22 2011-07-21 Récipient aplatissable pour le transport de liquides visqueux WO2012012630A1 (fr)

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US36660110P 2010-07-22 2010-07-22
US61/366,601 2010-07-22

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PCT/US2011/044838 WO2012012629A1 (fr) 2010-07-22 2011-07-21 Processus de remplissage, de transport et de distribution d'un fluide visqueux et utilisation d'une composition de revêtement

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PCT/US2011/044838 WO2012012629A1 (fr) 2010-07-22 2011-07-21 Processus de remplissage, de transport et de distribution d'un fluide visqueux et utilisation d'une composition de revêtement

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CN106115044A (zh) * 2016-08-24 2016-11-16 中天科技海缆有限公司 一种海底电缆运输用钢制托盘
WO2017194147A1 (fr) * 2016-05-12 2017-11-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P. Récipient de matériau de construction

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WO2015022693A1 (fr) * 2013-08-15 2015-02-19 Chromagen Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. Chaudière extensible
KR20180001851U (ko) * 2015-09-25 2018-06-20 지 룽 람 접힘 가능한 컨테이너
CA3034621A1 (fr) 2016-08-24 2018-03-01 Dane Technologies, Inc. Palettes pliables et empilables pour le transport de dispositifs a roues et systemes et procedes associes

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