DE102005018000B3 - Secure storage container for dangerous liquids has transmitter of signal affecting supply of thixotropy inducing material - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10) for storing a liquid with a device (11, 12) for supplying one or more of the liquid thixotropic substances to the liquid in the container (10) is characterized in that the device (11, 12) is designed such that on the basis of a signal from a signal generator, it supplies the thixotropic substance (s) of the liquid in the container (10) in such a way that the liquid is completely contained within the container (10) at least in a closed, non-thixotropic residue of the liquid thixotropic. As a result, it is achieved by simple means that the liquid in the container (10) is prevented from exiting or leaking under certain, defined circumstances, in particular in emergency situations.

Description

The The invention relates to a container for storing a liquid with a device for feeding one or more of the liquid Thixotropic substances to the liquid in the container.

Such containers are used in the chemical industry when liquids are to be solidified by the addition of a suitable agent (thixotropy), without the need for a significant temperature change, such as solidification by freezing. Similarly, for example, a 2-component adhesive is also solidified, but in this case the solidifying component is a hardener which causes a generally irreversible solidification by chemical reaction with the first component, while solidification is caused by physical interaction of the components in thixotropic which can also be reversed (re-liquefaction). DE 37 06 860 C2 describes, for example, a thixotropic preparation by means of highly dispersive Siliciumoxis.

The handling of liquids in daily life can be associated with various dangers: For example, an accident during transport of liquid hazardous goods usually accompanied by the fact that the dangerous goods leak out of the container and the environment is contaminated in a sustainable and large-scale. Flammable liquids can cause explosive flame development. A device for sealing leaks in containers, in which the medium flowing out of the leak is solidified by means of a coolant by freezing of the medium is made of DE 28 13 449 A1 known. However, in this case, the medium to be solidified must be cooled below its melting temperature. A thixotropy, ie a rapid solidification of dangerous liquids, could help in such emergencies to prevent disasters. The same applies to the prevention of a fire or explosion of a fuel tank in vehicles involved in an accident, or to prevent environmental damage in the event of damage to a tanker. As another example, the unintentional leakage of a slurry tank and a resulting environmental pollution may be mentioned. Again, with targeted initiation of a thixotropic "reaction," greater harm could be avoided Even with inherently harmless liquids, such as beer or wine in a beverage cellar, it may be advantageous to remove undesired spills in larger quantities from the respective container. For example, a barrel or tank to prevent quickly and effectively.

task The present invention is therefore a container of the type described above with as possible simple means to modify so that the therein liquid under certain defined circumstances at exit or expiration is prevented.

These Task is according to the invention to effective Way solved by that the device of the container is designed so that it due to a signal from a signal generator the thixotropic agent or substances of the liquid in the container in such a way supplies, that the liquid at least in a closed, one of them may not thixotropic residue of the liquid impermeable, outer layer inside the container Completely thixotropic. This layer can spread over the entire inner surface of the container extend, but possibly only over a self-contained Partial area, for example as a sealing surface or grafting on one Place where the container from the outside her is injured. Also conceivable are variants in which subareas the liquid in the volume of the container thixotropic, such as in the form of solid honeycomb structures within the residual fluid.

On this way can be safely prevented, for example, flammable, explosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous to the environment in defined situations when the corresponding signal is present from the signal generator can no longer escape from the container as they pass through Addition of the thixotropic substances at least in their outer layer is solidified. The thixotropy can take place only in the outer layer also completely by also taking the inside of the liquid volume with the thixotropic Substances added and thereby solidified. This will also work an unwanted one Outlet of the liquid the container However, it usually prevents the "reacting" inside the volume a considerably longer one Take time, as the thixotropic only the Outer shell.

Especially advantageous is the modification of the container according to the invention, if the liquid in the container is a dangerous good.

Particularly in the case of flammable and / or explosive liquids, but also if the liquid in the container is corrosive and / or toxic, in particular containing acid, alkali or liquid toxins, an accident can be prevented with the aid of the invention in an emergency. This also applies when used in environmentally harmful, especially soil and / or groundwater harmful liquids, for example Example, manure, liquid plasticizers, solvents and the like.

Around the presence of an emergency or even an impending one bad luck to be able to recognize is in particularly preferred embodiments of the container according to the invention the Signal transmitter with one or more sensors, the corresponding Dangerous situations can detect connected.

at special developments of these embodiments, the Sensors depending on the application, positive or negative accelerations (such as the impact of a vehicle) and / or temperatures and / or temperature changes (about the beginning of a fire) and / or changes in position of the container or the liquid in the container (For example, when slipping or shifting the cargo in a van or tanker) and / or changes in the liquid level in the container or leakage conditions the container and / or Detecting smoke or gas evolution in the environment of the container

at a further advantageous embodiment of the container according to the invention the signal generator to a manual control, in particular to an emergency stop, connected to allow an operator in case of emergency "thixotropic" by hand can initiate.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the thixotropic substances are selected from the group of surfaces active metal oxides (= Aerosils ^® ), in particular SiO ₂ and / or TiO ₂ and / or Al ₂ O ₃ and / or ZrO ₂ and / or Fe ₂ O ₃ . In general, pyrogenic silicic acids are suitable as amplifiers, ie metal oxides in pure form or as mixtures at the molecular level or as fine particles.

Depending on the application, the thixotropic substances may be in the form of powder, emulsion, gel, paste and / or slurry. In particular finely divided, surface-active solids having a particle size of less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm, are used as thixotropic substances. The free surface of these particles is between 20 and 600 m ² per gram of the substance. The surface of the particles has chemical groups that are able to interact with other substances. These groups can be part of the particles themselves or foreign substances that are either firmly coupled to the particles or are also associated with the particles via polar forces.

A particularly preferred embodiment sees the container of the invention ago, that the thixotropic substances in close spatial connection with one or more carriers.

at advantageous developments of this embodiment, the carrier as packaging for the thixotropic substances are formed, wherein the packaging On contact with the liquid in the container independent dissolves.

at other developments are the carrier means than in particular textile mats, pillows, sponges or webs formed in which the thixotropic substances added are.

alternative can the thixotroping substances but also as tablets, chips or Granules are present.

The Introduction of thixotropic substances into the liquid in the container can be mechanical, electrical, magnetic or pneumatic, for example, by gas pressure, by means of pumps or other suitable Institutions.

Around a fast and comprehensive thixotropic reaction if needed it is advantageous if the device for feeding the thixotropic Substances means for distributing the thixotropic substances in the liquid in the container under the influence of an external force includes.

These Distributor may in embodiments from one or more first closed pods exist in which the thixotropic substances arranged such are they when opening the sleeve the liquid in the container supplied become.

Especially advantageous is a development in which the sleeve in the liquid inside the container is freely movable and over a sensor and an automatic control device has. So can the sleeve drive around in the liquid in the manner of an automatic submarine and the effectively distribute thixotropic substances.

In complementary or alternative embodiments, the device for distributing the thixotropic substances comprises a stationary pipe and / or nozzle system arranged in the container, wherein, when a signal from the signal generator is present, the thixotropic substances are conveyed by means of pressure gradients into the liquid in the container. The nozzles or outlet openings of the tubes are preferably arranged on the insides of the container walls in order, if necessary, quickly at least one closed, of a possibly not thixotropierten remainder of the liquid To produce non-penetrable, outer layer of thixotropic substance in the manner of a cocoon or an encapsulation.

There especially in emergency situations great speed required is to prevent a greater misfortune is in particularly preferred embodiments of the invention the device for feeding of thixotropic substances to the liquid in the container and / or the type and particle size of the thixotropic Fabrics chosen be that in the presence of a signal from the signal transmitter a Thixotroping the liquid in a closed outer layer in less than an hour (about after a tanker accident), especially in less than 5 minutes (for example, when starting Leakage of a larger tank), preferably but in less than 2 seconds (in traffic accidents), takes place.

Around the thixotropy after the application, if necessary again to undo can, is in a particularly preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention a Device for feeding of wetting agents, especially surfactants; for a re-liquefaction of thixotropic Material provided.

Of the inventive container can firmly or detachably connected to a land, water or air vehicle be.

at a particularly preferred development of these embodiments, especially in connection with motor vehicles, the signal generator a trigger an airbag system of the vehicle, being simply the trigger signal for the airbag, By definition, this is an indication for a crash accident of the Vehicle displays, at the same time as an emergency signal to trigger the thixotropic reaction is used.

Instead of on or in a vehicle, the container according to the invention can also be arranged stationary, about a chemical tank in a factory or a large slurry tank a farm.

Of the inventive container can open at the top or designed as a closed tank.

Prefers is a method for operating a container according to the invention, which characterized in that in the presence of a signal from the Signaling the liquid in the container Completely is thixotroped. The liquid For example, the fuel in the tank of a vehicle and the the signal triggering Event be an accident. This will at least be worse, such as a fire or an explosion prevented.

From economic big Meaning is a process variant in which the thixotropic substance subsequently, optionally after the expiration of a time interval, is reliquefied again, so that the liquid at least for the most part can be used again.

Advantageous may also be a process variant in which the liquid even before the presence of a signal from the signal generator prophylactic partially thixotroped. For example, this is planned Transport of dangerous goods recommended, for example after loading a tanker.

at A first alternative of this process variant is the liquid homogeneously partially thixotropic, which increases the viscosity of the liquid, on the one hand, a leakage in an emergency compared to the viscous state considerably more difficult and delayed on the other hand, the time required for a "Durchreagieren", ie the implementation of a complete Thixotropy on occurrence of a dangerous situation, which by the Signal from the signal generator to be displayed, significantly shortened.

A second alternative is characterized by the fact that the partial thixotropy of the liquid an outer solid Layer is generated, which surrounds a core of residual liquid. This would be about in a modern double-hull tanker so to speak a "third Case, for example when running on a reef an additional protection against a Environmental catastrophe by leaking oil or the like offers.

When Standard method finally is a variant of the method in which the container with liquid filled, subsequently by pressing the signal generator a prophylactic complete or partial thixotropy the liquid in the container causes the container to a spatially from the filling point transported to the remote destination, the thixotropic substance reliquefied and after all the liquid from the container is emptied. In this way, by using the container according to the invention straight When transporting dangerous goods a considerably higher level of safety for the people and the environment can be achieved.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those listed further can be used individually or in any combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character ter for the description of the invention.

It demonstrate:

1 an embodiment of the container according to the invention with closed pocket and with unfoldable Thixo mats;

2 a variant of the invention with double-shell tank;

3a a variant of the invention with pipe system;

3b an opening pipe part from the variant to 3a ;

3c Nozzles for blowing out the thixo agent in the pipe system 3a ;

4 a variant of the invention with separation sleeves in the closed state (top) and in the open state (bottom);

5 a variant of the invention with kink sleeve in the closed state (top) and in the open state (bottom);

6 a variant of the invention with submarine-like diving device; and

7 a variant of the invention with case weight in a ball-like shell.

A Emergency detection can be performed automatically by appropriate sensors (for example: Acceleration sensor, position encoder, etc.) or even by a person can be triggered by pressing a button (emergency stop). The emergency detection is in the on-board computer of the container monitoring (if possible self-sufficient computer unit) integrated. From here the triggering process to the intelligent part of the thixo variants, possibly remotely controlled, forwarded. Then the control and switching units become actuated and the thixotropic process started.

• Hazardous goods container

To the dangerous goods containers you can all stationary and moving equipment, in which dangerous goods are stored. Examples: tanker, tank car railway, fuel tanks in motor vehicles, ships and airplanes, Tankers of ocean and inland shipping, fuel oil tanks, and tank farms of Hazardous goods.

• thixi material

thixotropic Substances are capable of liquids solidify so that leakage, or unwanted distribution over large areas or spaces of Environment is prevented. Thixotropic substances are dusty but can also in liquids be mixed.

• Re-liquefaction and wetting agent

wetting agent are capable of thixotropy-solidified liquids back to the original liquid form convert. The supplied Thixotropierenden substances and wetting agents can procedurally by e.g. Filter or distill to be recovered.

• Thixomats

she act as a carrier of thixotropic substances. These can be pressed dry or already in liquid Soaked form be. The mats can made of plastic - fleece be made. You can with plastic threads or thin metal wires or mesh interspersed, whereby a tensile stress can be increased can. Thixomats are rollable, foldable and conceivable as an "endless belt".

A special embodiment are mats with small capsules with thin plastic skins (cf. Air bubble film for packaging purposes) caused by a pressure build-up destroyed to release the thixomide. This is a targeted Distribution of the agent possible. Also conceivable are capsules with skins, which dissolve in dangerous goods.

• Thixo flap mats

Should Thixomats obtain a geometric stability, e.g. because they fold should be provided, the mat is provided with a metal frame, the desired has mechanical properties (e.g., hinged or movable via cable).

• pocket variant ( 1 )

As in 1 shown schematically are on the wall of a container 10 Bags 11 attached, in which Thixoklappmatten 12 are housed in the folded state. In case of danger, the bags open 11 and the Thixoklappmatten 12 unfold, depending on how much folding mats are needed to get to about the middle of the tank. During the Aufklappvorganges the Thixomittel be delivered to the dangerous goods and thus distributed as homogeneously as possible in the dangerous goods.

• double tank variant ( 2 )

The wall of an in 2 illustrated container 20 , usually a tank, is double-walled. It can be the inner wall 23 Moegli cherweise made of plastic. In the space between the two walls is Thixomaterial 22 brought in. In the case of local damage (bombardment or puncture with lance-shaped objects), the localized area is advantageous due to the thixotropic agents 22 solidified in a plug-like manner.

• Pipe system variants ( 3a -c)

This variant is schematic in the 3a to 3c and is primarily in new construction of tank containers in question. A two-piece pipe 31 contains a flexible membrane 35 longitudinal. The membrane 35 separates a high pressure part 36 from a magazine section for the Thixomittel 32 , In the magazine part are at certain intervals nozzles 33 used the thixomaterial 32 Inject in different directions in the dangerous goods. The membrane 35 may well be under a certain bias, so in the high pressure part 36 even a slight increase in pressure is sufficient for the Thixomaterial 32 through the nozzles 33 to press. The nozzles 33 are only opened if a certain form is exceeded and then remain open. They may close again with some hysteresis or they may have a kickback feature. The pipe distribution is tuned so that a solid shell forms around the possibly remaining liquid inner core.

Another, not shown in the drawing variant of the pipe system is constructed so that two nested tubes (or sub-pipes) by turning (eg ¼-rotation, spice spreader principle) clearing Auskippschlitze. Again, the thixomide 32 already by means of a flexible membrane 35 be kept under form.

But it is also possible to open the magazine part, the thixo material 32 through the prestressed membrane 35 is pushed out. At this in 3b shown variant includes the tube 31 instead of in 3c illustrated nozzles 33 a hinged outer wall 34 ,

• sleeves variants ( 4 and 5 )

These Variant has the advantage that very little conversion measures are necessary at the tank facilities.

As in 4 can be shown in a two-part sleeve 41 Endless Thixomatten 42 be accommodated folded and pressed. The two sleeve chambers can be the same or different sizes. However, it may also be useful to form only one chamber. This depends on the location of the attachment in the hazardous goods container.

The Thixohülse 41 can over eyelets 43 Pull horizontally through the dangerous goods with a pull rope (or drive on the rope with your own drive). This opens the sleeve 41 (eg by pressure generation using nitrogen tablets) and the stack of thixomats 42 is exfoliated and distributes the thixomide in the dangerous goods. In the head of the sleeve 41 there may be a drive, which is the sleeve 41 moved independently on the rope. The drive can be realized electrically (battery) or pneumatically, whereby the necessary pressure can be generated eg by nitrogen tablets.

The Thixohülse 41 but can also be dropped vertically through the dangerous goods. This is a head of the sleeve 41 by magnet or on one of the eyelets 43 attached to the tank container and from the main body of the sleeve 41 solved (eg bayonet lock or screw connection). The second sleeve part with the Thixomattenstapel 42 is dropped into the dangerous goods. The associated sleeve head can contain a drop weight for acceleration. The pile is peeled off in the fall and distributes the thixomide evenly. For this application, no structural measures on the container are necessary.

Both of the above variants can also be carried out so that several sleeves on a rope 41 which are opened by train all at the same time.

If no thixomats 42 can be used, the thixotropic substances (Thixostaub, or liquid) can also be pushed out by a punch (two cables pulled in the opposite direction)

Another, in 5 shown construction of the sleeve 51 may be formed so that the example perforated in strips jacket of the sleeve 51 breaks out by pressure to the outside (buckling sleeve), by the cylinder axis is shortened and the resulting stripes 54 be buckled. The breaking up of such a sleeve 51 but can also be triggered by ignition of nitrogen tablets (generation of internal pressure, bursting sleeve). A transport of the sleeve 51 through the container can in turn by a at an eyelet 53 attached rope done.

• "Submarine" variant ( 6 )

Another variant is an in 6 shown, self-sufficient moving sleeve-shaped diving device 61 , which is navigated through the dangerous goods on online calculated tracks. Here is a sensor, electronics and a microcontroller needed, the schematic as a control head 64 are shown. The "submarine" must have its own propulsion and be manoeuvrable in all directions The drive and the steering technology are provided by side fins 63 indicated. The sensors must be able to detect their own position and the geometry of the container. This variant is useful if very large containers (shipload) with thixotropic agents to be vaccinated. In the embodiment shown are endless nonwoven mats 62 with pressed Thixo agent in the dipping device 61 intended.

The "submarine" may in other embodiments on the rear lid 66 also be equipped with nozzles, wherein the Thixomaterial is ejected dusty or liquid. A fixation eyelet 65 on the back cover 66 can serve docking.

Also here are no structural changes on container necessary. The "submarine" can be used flexibly, as transportable. For example, if an oil tanker came into distress, can be possibly still use such a "submarine" by helicopter.

• Ball variant with drop core ( 7 )

Another, particularly simple variant finally includes a ball-like capsule 71 containing thixotropic substances 72 is filled and inside a heavy drop core 73 carries the capsule 71 after being thrown in, the liquid of the container initially sinks relatively quickly downwards due to gravity, the capsule 71 Thixo material 72 can deliver to the surrounding liquid in the container.

Claims (30)

Container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) for storing a liquid with a device ( 11 . 12 ; 23 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) for supplying one or more of the liquid thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) to the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ), characterized in that the device ( 11 . 12 ; 23 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) is designed so that it is based on a signal from a signal generator or the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) of the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is supplied in such a way that the liquid is at least in a closed, non-thixotropic residue of the liquid non-penetrable, outer layer within the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) completely thixotroped. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is a dangerous good. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is flammable and / or explosive. Container according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is corrosive and / or toxic, in particular contains acid, alkali or liquid toxins. Container according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is harmful to the environment, particularly harmful to soil and / or groundwater, for example manure, liquid plasticizers, solvents. container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the signal transmitter with one or more sensors that detect dangerous conditions can, connected is. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensors positive or negative accelerations and / or temperatures and / or temperature changes and / or changes in position of the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) or the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) and / or changes in the liquid level in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) or leakage conditions of the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) and / or smoke or gas evolution in the environment of the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) can detect. container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the signal transmitter to a manual control, in particular to an emergency stop, is connected. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 Are) chosen from the group of surface-active metal oxides (= Aerosils ^®), in particular SiO ₂ and / or TiO ₂ and / or Al ₂ O ₃ and / or ZrO ₂ and / or Fe ₂ O _3. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) in the form of powder, emulsion, gel, paste and / or slurry. Container according to one of the preceding claims, the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) in close spatial association with one or more carriers. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the carrier means as packaging for the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) are formed, wherein the package in contact with the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) independently resolves. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the carrier means as in particular tex tile mats ( 12 ; 42 ; 62 ), Pillows, sponges or fleeces are formed, in which the thixotropic substances are added. Container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) as tablets, chips or granules. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 11 . 12 ; 23 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) for feeding the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) a device for distributing the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) in the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) under the action of an external force. Container according to claim 15, characterized in that the device for distributing the thixotropic substances is an initially closed sleeve ( 11 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ), in which the thixotropic substances are arranged such that when opening the sleeve ( 11 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) of the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ). Container according to claim 16, characterized in that the sleeve ( 61 ) in the liquid within the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is freely movable and via a sensor ( 64 ) and an automatic control device ( 63 ). Container according to claim 15, characterized in that the means for distributing the thixotropic substances ( 32 ) a stationary, in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) arranged pipe ( 31 ) and / or nozzle system ( 33 ), wherein in the presence of a signal from the signal generator, the thixotropic substances ( 32 ) by means of pressure gradients in the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) to get promoted. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 11 . 12 ; 23 ; 31 ; 41 ; 51 ; 61 ; 71 ) for supplying thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) to the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) and / or the type and particle size of the thixotropic substances ( 22 ; 32 ; 52 ; 72 ) are selected so that in the presence of a signal from the signal transmitter thixotropic liquid in a closed outer layer in less than an hour, in particular less than 5 minutes, preferably in less than 2 seconds, takes place. container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that means for feeding of wetting agents, especially surfactants; for a re-liquefaction of thixotropic Material is provided. Container according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is permanently or detachably connected to a land, water or air vehicle. container according to claim 21, characterized in that the signal transmitter a trigger an airbag system of the vehicle is. Container according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is arranged stationary. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is designed as a closed tank. Method for operating a container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that in the presence of a signal from the signal generator, the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is completely thixotroped. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that that the thixotropic substance subsequently, optionally after expiration a predetermined time interval, is reliquefied again. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the liquid even before the presence of a signal from the signal generator partially is thixotroped. Method according to Claim 27, characterized that the liquid is homogeneously partially thixotroped, whereby the viscosity of the liquid is increased. Method according to Claim 27, characterized that by the partial thixotropic the liquid an outer solid Layer is generated, which surrounds a core of residual liquid. Method for operating a container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) filled with liquid, then by actuation of the signal generator, a prophylactic complete or partial thixotropy of the liquid in the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ), the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) to a destination spatially remote from the filling site, the thixotropic substance is reliquefied and finally the liquid from the container ( 10 ; 20 ; 30 ) is emptied.