JP2008179419A - Flexible container discharge apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To seat a flexible container to a hopper correctly. <P>SOLUTION: A flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container comprises a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingably connected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of equal angle pivotable urging elements which project in a direction away from the common support element and which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element, so that the common support element moves due to gravity, the urging elements pivot by an equal angle toward each other. With a flexible bulk container positioned on the common support element 14, as a flowable material within the container is discharged, the urging elements 16 pivot by the equal angle toward each other, pressing the flowable material toward an outlet of the container. A method of discharging material from the flexible bulk container is also provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible bulk container discharging apparatus for a flexible bulk container and a method for discharging a substance from the flexible bulk container.

  Flexible bulk containers are well known and are conventionally referred to as, for example, bulk bags, big bags, supersacks, and flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC's). A flexible bulk container is formed from a woven or non-woven fabric and refers primarily to a large bag suitable for holding and transporting flowable powder materials such as cement, flour, sugar, sand, explosives, particulate materials, and drugs. The capacity of flexible bulk containers typically ranges from 250 to 2000 liters, and hoists such as hoists, forklift trucks, or cranes are commonly used to handle filled flexible bulk containers.

  However, it is envisaged that the flexible bulk container has a capacity in the range of 5 liters to 100,000 liters.

  Therefore, the flexible bulk container is formed from woven or non-woven fabric and has a capacity ranging from 5 liters to 100,000 liters, more preferably from 250 liters to 2000 liters, and is held for transporting the flowable powder material. Is defined as a container to be

  In order to discharge material from such a flexible bulk container, a dedicated device is required due to the associated weight. A flexible container discharge device is known, for example, from Spiroflow Limited in the United Kingdom, Lancashire, Clitheroe. All such known devices operate in essentially the same way. A fixed funnel hopper is provided in which a flexible bulk container is installed. A valve is provided at the bottom of the hopper and a discharge pipe or duct extends from the valve to the base of the hopper. The flexible discharge pipe is built in principle at the bottom of the flexible bulk container, and this pipe is connected to or simply plugged into the discharge duct of the hopper. If no flexible discharge tube is provided, the bottom of the flexible bulk container is cut or perforated for discharge.

  The first problem with existing devices is that the flexible bulk container with the substance in it has a substantially flat bottom or bottom. Therefore, a flexible bulk container cannot be accurately installed in a conventional hopper until a significant amount of material has been discharged. Therefore, the material is often difficult to initially drain due to compaction, difficult and often complicated to open the container's drain, and the high center of gravity reduces the stability of the device.

  A further important issue is the connection of the outlet of the flexible bulk container to the discharge duct of the device due to the very large dimensions of the flexible tubular discharge pipe of the flexible bulk container. An adapter is essential when the device is designed such that the discharge duct of the device must be connected to the flexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container. Even so, it is often difficult or impossible to connect to the discharge pipe of known devices using a flexible tubular discharge pipe having a length that is less than or equal to its diameter. Therefore, a complicated sealing arrangement is required. However, this leads to complications when trying to open the flexible tubular discharge pipe to initiate discharge.

  However, other problems arise because known devices are integrally formed as a single device and are too large to carry. Not only when using devices for discharging a variety of different substances, but also from the surroundings while the flexible bulk container is installed and between connecting flexible discharge pipes, even after the device is mostly placed in an unsanitary environment. This often leads to cross-contamination that leads to contamination.

  Therefore, the present invention aims to solve these problems.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a flexible container ejection device for a flexible bulk container, the device supporting a flexible bulk container and a base for operating relative to the base. A common movable container support member connected in a hinge shape, and a plurality of equiangular rotation biasing members protruding in a direction away from the common support member and connected directly or indirectly to the common support member. When moving by gravity, the biasing members rotate at equal angles toward each other.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, combined with a flexible bulk container having a flowable substance therein, the container is provided on a common movable container support member of the apparatus, and the rotation biasing member is disposed around the flexible bulk container. According to a first aspect of the invention, forming a variable volume enclosure, the biasing members pivot at equal angles towards each other as the material flows out of the container, thereby forming the flexible bulk container in a hopper shape A flexible container discharge device is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a) a base structure, a common movable container support member hingedly connected to the base structure, and a flexible bulk container connected directly or indirectly to the common support member Providing a flexible container ejector having a plurality of equiangular pivoting biasing members projecting from the support member to define an enclosure for b; and b) placing the flexible bulk container on the common movable container support member And the weight of the container urges the common support member downward so that the urging member pivots inward at an equal angle to press the flexible bulk container; c) the flexible bulk The flexible bulk container is arranged so that the substance stored in the container is discharged through its bottom. And a step of releasing the method of discharging the material from the aforementioned flexible bulk container is provided.

  The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 9, a base 12, a single common movable container support member 14 that is hingedly connected to the base 12 to operate relative to the base 12, and a plurality of risers from the common support member 14. A first embodiment of a flexible container discharging apparatus 10 including a rotating urging member 16 is shown.

  The base 12 includes a grounding base member 18, four upright extending support members 20 provided at four corners of the base member 18, and an endless rim 22 that spans and is fixed between all four support members 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stretch support member 20 may be provided with an optional extension support member 23 for further stabilization. The extension support member 23 has a hook 23a for connecting to the ring of the flexible bulk container. The stretch support member 23 is shown omitted in other figures for clarity.

  The base member 18 includes a central portion 24 having a discharge opening 26, a base hopper 27 that is provided in the discharge opening 26 and engages with the central portion 24 so as to be openable, and two opposing surfaces of the central portion 24. And a fork receiving member 28. Fork receiving member 28 is a passage or tube dimensioned to receive a fork of a forklift truck.

  As best shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, the valve device 30 is provided to open and close the flow path (arrow X) through the base hopper 27 of the base member 18. Conveniently, the valve device 30 is that described in the Applicant's European Patent Application No. 1038802, although other types of valve devices may of course be used.

  Since the valve 32 of the valve device 30 is operable upward to open the valve device, it is preferable to provide an annular material removing member 34 that is located above the valve 32 and cooperates with the valve 32. In this way, the substance removing member 34 is movable upward and downward with respect to the base 12.

  Although circular or afterglow, the material removal member can take any shape that results in the removal of the material.

  In a modification, a cutting device (not shown) such as a blade may be additionally or selectively provided so as to protrude upward from the movable valve 32. This is required when the bottom of the flexible bulk container has to be cut or drilled to release the material. The cutting device is preferably removable and simply attached when needed.

  The movable container support member 14 has a single support plate 36 having a material discharge central opening 38. The support plate 36 is suspended from the center of the rim 22 via a plurality of spaced joint arms 40. Each arm 40 is disposed close to a corner of the support plate 36 and has a corner or a joint 42 close to the corner. The distal end 44 furthest from the support plate 36 in each arm 40 is pivotally and slidably engaged with the rim 22 at a position between the upright extending support members 20.

  Each arm 40 is pivotable with respect to the rim 22, but the rim itself or a portion of the rim is rotatable, and in this case, each arm is thus angled relative to a portion of the adjacent rim. , And fixed to be movable.

  In order to prevent the support plate 36 from sinking due to gravity and before the support plate 36 is loaded, it is not bent, i.e. to keep the joint 42 of each arm 40 open in a straight state. Means are provided. The releasable holding means has a pair of magnetic members (referred to as 46 in FIGS. 1 and 8) provided in a joint 42 that contacts when the arm 40 is in a straight line.

  However, other means for releasably holding the movable container support member 14 in the superstructure, such as a removable stretch brace that can be interrupted in a wedge-like manner between the base member 18 and the lower surface of the support plate 36, are complete. It is understood that this is feasible.

  Each biasing member 16 is detachably, releasably and slidably engageable with each of the two arms 40 of the support member 14 and the legs 48, and is supported so as not to interfere with the joint 42 of the arm 40. The L-shaped frame has the biasing member 16 slightly spaced from the plate 36. Thus, the L-frame back 50 projects vertically or substantially vertically from the support member 14 and defines a variable volume enclosure 52 for receiving a flexible bulk container of varying dimensions. Since the leg portion 48 of the L-shaped frame is directed inward, a part of the support member 14 is effectively formed.

  The urging member 16 is formed as a frame, but may be a solid plate. The biasing member 16 may be permanently secured to the support plate 36 if only one type of flexible bulk container is used. Alternatively, the biasing member 16 need not be removable, but may be slidably adjustable along the arm 40.

  A flexible and generally elastic discharge duct 54, which is generally circular in cross section, to contain the material discharged from the flexible bulk container and before the valve device 30 is opened. Is connected between the opening 38 of the support plate 36 and the base hopper of the base member 18 and around the movable cage 55. Thus, the flow path X is defined between the support plate opening 38 and the base hopper 27. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 9, the cage 55 is connected to the movable container support member 14 and operates together, but does not interfere with the valve device 30 at least when the valve device 30 initially opens.

  The flexible container discharge device 10 may be integrally formed as part of the lower part of a large device, in which there is a small or large container in which material from the flexible bulk container is dispensed or measured. It is done. Advantageously, however, the flexible container ejection device 10 described above is detachable from other containers such as silos, or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), or instruments that themselves hold smaller or larger flexible containers. Is portable. As a result, the flexible container discharging apparatus 10 is loaded and prepared with the flexible bulk container at the first location before being transported to the second location for discharging. Because the bottom of the flexible bulk container is mounted on the support plate 36 and is effectively sealed, cross-contamination at the second location is eliminated or significantly reduced.

  When a flexible bulk container 56 having an integrally formed flexible discharge tube 58 at its bottom 60 is discharged, the flexible bulk container 56 is lifted, for example, by a forklift or hoist, and the biasing member 16 is removed, i.e., to the width of the flexible bulk container. It is slidably adjusted. In this case, the length of the flexible discharge pipe 58 is not more than its diameter. A flexible stretch binding member 62, such as a rope, cord or string, having an appropriate length of, for example, 2 meters, is releasably tied around the flexible discharge tube 58 of the container at a position below the existing binding member (not shown). It is. The actual fastening member 64, which is typically a very short piece of string or cord, is then removed so that the long fastening member 62 prevents ejection.

  With the arms 40 of the common support member 14 held in the straight section and the support plate 36 in the initial upper state, the flexible discharge tube 58 is retightened so that the flexible discharge pipe 58 of the container extends into the flexible discharge duct 54 of the apparatus. A bulk container 56 is installed on the support member 14. Reference is made to FIGS. Before the flexible bulk container 56 is completely lowered onto the support member 14, the end of the long fastening member 62 is arranged to be accessible from the outside of the device 10. If sufficiently long, the free end of the flexible drain tube 58 is placed on the material removal member 34 to prevent possible deposits.

  The biasing member 16 is disposed so as to contact the side surface of the flexible bulk container.

  The container 56 is then fully installed on the support member 14. The support member 36 is biased vertically downward by the weight of the container 56 hung on the support plate 36. This opens the joint 42 and the articulated arm 40 of the support member 14 bends, i.e. bends at the joint. Since the urging member 16 is held at a position on the joint arm 40, each urging member 16 pivots inward at an equal angle as the arm 40 is bent, and presses and holds the flexible bulk container 56. The flexible bulk container 56 is safely and stably held by the discharge device 10.

  The long binding member 62 is opened and pulled freely by the user by simply pulling the accessible free end. The fluid material in the flexible bulk container 56 is thus discharged to the flexible discharge duct 54 of the discharge device 10, but is prevented from being discharged by the closing valve device 30 in the base hopper 27.

  The attached flexible container discharge device 10 is moved to a discharge site at the second location by a suitable device such as a forklift truck.

  The discharge device 10 with the securely held flexible bulk container 56 is then placed in a suitable discharge station (see FIGS. 4 and 5), which is prepared for discharge to a suitable second container (not shown). Is done. Once placed in a discharge state, the valve 32 of the valve device 30 in the flexible discharge duct 54 moves upward and is therefore opened and the flowable material begins to discharge. As the valve 32 moves upward, the material removal member 34 pushes into the flexible bulk container 56 while removing and destroying any compressed material. The valve 32 may have vibration, pulsation or swinging means for applying vibration, pulsation or swing to the substance removing member 34. This is published in European Patent Application Publication No. EP 1038802 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, for clarity, the valve device 30 may have a pneumatic actuator that can be expanded and contracted to pneumatically adjust the operation of the valve 32. The control circuit may give vibration, pulsation or rocking to the substance removing member via the actuator.

  When the flow of material stops, the actuator is moved to raise the valve 32 higher, for example by bridging or agglomeration within the flexible bulk container. Thus, the valve 32 contacts and lifts the cage 55. In this way, the cage 55 acting as a biasing member lifts the support plate that pushes into the bottom of the flexible bulk container. Under this circumstance, the actuator causes the valve 32 to vibrate, pulsate or oscillate to impart movement to the contents of the flexible bulk container. This facilitates material flow.

  The raising of the cage 55 and thereby the support plate essentially pivots the biasing member slightly outward. Therefore, vibration, pulsation, or rocking causes the biasing member to massage the side of the flexible bulk container and promotes flow again.

  Of course, other types of actuators may also be used to adjust the valve device 30 and any pulsations or vibrations.

  As best shown in FIGS. 7-9, when the flowable material remains in the flexible bulk container 56, the biasing member 16 further pivots inward at an equal angle, thereby reducing the volume of the enclosure 52 defined thereby. Decreasing, the support plate 36 descends vertically. This results in the bottom 60 of the flexible bulk container 56 being automatically placed in the funnel hopper 65. When more material is discharged, the urging members 16 further swivel together while pushing more material toward the outlet. The slope of the hopper-like bottom 60 continues to be steep as the support plate 36 is lowered, and again more fluid material moves to the discharge opening.

  A second embodiment of the flexible container ejector 10 is shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, where like reference numbers refer to like parts. In this embodiment, a flexible bulk container 156 having an extended flexible discharge pipe 158 at the bottom thereof is provided. In this case, the length of the flexible discharge pipe 158 is longer than its diameter. Therefore, the flexible discharge duct 54 is removed.

  The base hopper 27 is released from engagement with the central portion 24 of the base member 18. A raising member 166 that is typically bowl-shaped is provided and the discharge member 10 is raised and lowered over the raising member 166 such that it is received within the discharge opening 26 of the central portion 24. This results in the lifting member 166 lifting the base hopper 27 toward the movable container support member 14.

  When the biasing member 16 is adjusted to accommodate the flexible bulk container 156, the flexible bulk container 156 is lowered so that it is approximately seated on the movable container support member 14. Thereafter, the flexible discharge pipe 158 of the flexible bulk container 156 is fixed to the raised base hopper 27 so as to be freely opened. As can be seen in FIGS. 14-15, the base hopper 27 is provided with a rim 168, on which a circular elastic cover 170 is provided. As shown in FIG. 15, an annular clamp band 172 is provided to fit closely around the rim 168. When the cover 170 is wound downward, a flexible drain tube is inserted into the clamp band 172 and enters and exits itself so as to wrap the clamp band 172 therein. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the elastic cover 170 is then rolled up to cover the rim 168 and thus releasably secure the clamp band 172 so that the flexible discharge tube 158 is secured to the base hopper 27.

  In this state, the flexible bulk container 156 is completely attached to the movable container support member 14, and the raising member 166 is removed. When the lifting member 166 is removed, the base hopper 27 is reattached to the discharge opening 26 and re-engaged with the central portion 24. In this manner, the flexible discharge pipe 158 is extended to form a duct between the movable container support member 14 and the base hopper 27.

  Once the actual binding member 164 is released from the flexible discharge pipe, discharge occurs as described above.

  In the present embodiment, since the flexible discharge duct 54 is not required, a longer fastening member 62 is used together because the access of the flexible bulk container 156 to the flexible discharge pipe is not hindered.

  Referring to FIG. 16, a third embodiment of the flexible ejector 10 is shown, where the same reference numbers refer to the same parts. In the present embodiment, the only difference from the discharging device shown in FIG. 1 is an urging member 116 having a plate-like leg portion 148. As a result, the urging member can rotate independently of each support arm 40. The urging member 116 can be freely engaged with the arm 40.

  This feature is advantageous because it allows the biasing member to be pivoted at least manually during ejection by the user to facilitate ejection. It is envisaged that the rotation may be by an actuator in addition to or instead of manual operation.

  The plate may be removed from the device by means of a part of the arm or a longitudinally extending ratchet tooth, and may simply be placed on the arm relative to the flexible bulk container if necessary.

  Longer support members can be replaced with shorter upright support members. In this case, the rim is attached to the extension support member.

  The valve device of EP 1038802 A1 is particularly advantageous because the valve device is opened and closed quickly during cross-out without cross contamination. This facilitates and simplifies the accurate measurement or discharge of the substance into the second container.

  Depending on the position of the biasing member in contact with the side of the flexible bulk container, the biasing member breaks the so-called “rat hole” formed by the compacted material and the material removal member.

  An electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic pulsation device or vibrator is provided to contact the flexible bulk container to destroy and remove the material therein. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator may be used to vibrate or pulsate the support member and thereby the biasing member, or vice versa.

  The support member has a support plate, which may be replaced by a frame to which the flexible discharge duct is connected.

  The flexible discharge duct may alternatively be connected to a material removal member so that when the valve is lifted to open the valve device, the flexible discharge duct is sealed to seal the flexible bulk container or support member. Extends upward.

  The discharge device according to the present invention can be compatible with any type of flexible bulk container without the need for an adapter. The discharge device has a flexible bulk container with a stretched flexible discharge pipe longer than its own diameter, a flexible bulk container with a flexible discharge pipe having a length less than its own diameter, and a flexible bulk container without using a discharge pipe. Can be accepted. In the latter case, a cutting device must be provided to form a discharge port or opening at the bottom, and the flexible bulk container is usually disposed of after discharge.

  Thus, prior to discharge, the type of flexible bulk container is determined, after which the flexible discharge duct is attached or removed from the device as needed.

  The main advantage of the aforementioned flexible container ejector is that it can operate alone under gravity without dependence on any kind of electrical energization. When the conventional support plate is lowered, the biasing members are automatically moved or tilted inward by the same amount, and the hopper-like bottom of the container is automatically steep. Both movements act to push the substance to the outlet and therefore promote quick and effective discharge.

  Since the discharge device is portable, a specific discharge device for use only with a specific substance can be provided. Therefore, the discharge device can be selected from a plurality of discharge devices. This prevents or limits the possibility of cross contamination.

  Furthermore, it is intuitive to replace parts based on the type of fluid material to be discharged by providing an additional component in contact with the fluid material. For example, the base hopper, the valve device, and the flexible discharge duct are just a part of the discharge device for contacting the discharged material. Thus, these parts are designed to be used with specific materials and can be replaced as needed. This further reduces the risk of cross contamination.

  There is no need for a stretchable configuration aimed at extending the bottom of the flexible bulk container to ensure complete discharge. The fact that the bottom of the flexible bulk container is automatically formed like a hopper essentially stretches the bottom.

  The flexible container ejector automatically adapts to any change in material properties, from free-flowing to sticky and adhesive.

  Since the container is stably supported on the conventional support member and the equiangular movable urging member, no additional stabilization means for supporting the flexible container from above is essential.

  The foregoing embodiments are given by way of example only, and other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the dependent claims.

It is the figure which showed 1st Embodiment of the flexible container discharge apparatus corresponding to the 1st characteristic of this invention. It is the enlarged view which looked at the flexible container discharge | emission apparatus from upper direction. It is the figure which showed the flexible container discharge apparatus in which the flexible container was placed. It is the figure which showed the flexible container discharge | emission apparatus extended above the discharge | emission station extended toward a 2nd container. It is the figure which showed the flexible container discharge apparatus installed on the discharge station. It is the flexible bulk container installed in the discharge apparatus, the valve | bulb in a flexible discharge duct, and the partially expanded translucent figure in a 1st condition. It is the figure which showed the discharge device during discharge. It is an enlarged view of the discharge device during discharge. It is the partially expanded translucent figure in the 2nd condition extended to the flexible bulk container installed in the discharge device, the valve in a flexible discharge duct, and a flexible bulk container. It is the figure which showed 2nd Embodiment of the flexible container discharge apparatus corresponding to the 1st characteristic of this invention. It is the side view which showed the discharge device suspended above the raising member. It is the figure which showed the discharge | emission apparatus incorporating the raising member, and the flexible bulk container installed in it. FIG. 5 is a view showing an extended flexible discharge pipe of the flexible bulk container with the lifting member removed. It is the elements on larger scale of the rim | limb of the base hopper of a discharge device. FIG. 15 is a partial translucent view of the base hopper shown in FIG. 14 showing a clamp band extending around the rim of the base hopper and to which the flexible discharge tube of the flexible bulk container is attached to the base hopper. It is the figure which showed 3rd Embodiment of the flexible container discharge apparatus corresponding to the 1st characteristic of this invention.

Claims (20)

A flexible container discharge device for a flexible bulk container,
The device comprises a base structure;
A common movable container support member that supports the flexible bulk container and is hingedly connected to the base structure to operate relative to the base structure;
A plurality of equiangular rotation biasing members protruding in a direction away from the common support member and connected directly or indirectly to the common support member;
When the common support member is moved by gravity, the urging members are rotated at an equal angle toward each other.   The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base structure includes an upright support member and a rim of the support member, and the movable container support member is connected to the rim in a hinge shape.   The flexible container discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the movable container support member includes a plurality of separation arms that are rotatably engaged with the base structure.   4. The flexible container ejection device according to claim 3, wherein each arm has an articulation joint.   The flexible container discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the movable container support member includes a plate having a substance discharge opening.   The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is slidable with respect to the movable container support member.   The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base hopper supported by the base structure. A flexible discharge duct that is connectable or connectable between the movable container support member and the base hopper;
The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the substance from the flexible bulk container passes through the flexible discharging duct during discharging. A valve for closing the flow path through the flexible discharge duct;
The flexible container discharge device according to claim 8, wherein the valve has a substance removal member operable in the flexible discharge duct to protrude into the flexible bulk container.   The flexible container discharge device of claim 9, wherein the valve has a cutting device operable in the flexible discharge duct to cut a bottom of the flexible bulk container.   The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member for moving the support member and / or a biasing member for promoting discharging of the substance.   The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the biasing member is a ridge. Combined with a flexible bulk container with fluid material inside,
The container is provided on the common movable container support member of the apparatus;
The pivot biasing member forms a variable volume enclosure around the flexible bulk container;
The flexible container discharging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the biasing members pivot at an equal angle toward each other when the substance flows out of the container, whereby the flexible bulk container forms a hopper shape.   The combination of claim 13, wherein the flexible bulk container has a flexible tubular port that is less than or equal to the diameter. Further comprising a flexible stretch binding member for a location around a flexible tubular mouth of the flexible bulk container;
The combination according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the fastening member has a length suitable for contacting from the outside of the discharge device when the flexible bulk container is installed in the discharge device. a) a base structure, a common movable container support member hingedly connected to the base structure, and the support member connected directly or indirectly to the common support member to define an enclosure for the flexible bulk container Providing a flexible container discharge device having a plurality of equiangular rotating biasing members protruding from
b) placing the flexible bulk container on the common movable container support member so that the weight of the container urges the common support member downward so that the urging member pivots inward at an equal angle; Pressing the flexible bulk container;
c) discharging the material from the flexible bulk container comprising: opening the flexible bulk container so that the material stored in the flexible bulk container is discharged through a bottom thereof. In step a)
i) the flexible bulk container to be emptied has a flexible discharge tube at its bottom having a longitudinal length longer than its diameter;
ii) the flexible bulk container has a flexible discharge tube at its bottom with a longitudinal length less than its diameter, or iii) is the bottom of the flexible bulk container perforated to allow discharge? Is determined,
In the case of option i), the flexible discharge pipe is directly connected to the base hopper supported by the base structure in step b),
17. The method of claim 16, wherein for options ii) and iii), a flexible discharge duct is provided between the base hopper and the movable container support member.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein in option iii), the discharge device is provided with a cutting device for drilling the bottom of the flexible bulk container. The position of the flexible bulk container in the device is the first position in step b);
19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the device and flexible bulk container are moved to a second position different from the first position to discharge the material to a second position. The flexible container discharge device further includes a biasing member,
20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein after step c), step f) is provided for applying vibration to the support member via the biasing member.

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