WO2010063135A1 - Transport system that includes a folding reinforcement panel - Google Patents

Abstract

System for transporting a bulk fluid load wherein the system components are transported and stored securely, efficiently and at low cost; said system comprises: a flexible container (5), inside which said load is placed; a valve (3) that is connected in an opening (5.1) of said flexible container (5); a reinforcement structure (6); and a reinforcement panel (1). Said flexible container (5) is placed inside a rigid container (7) with opening and closing means (7.1). Said flexible container (5) rests against said reinforcement panel (1), which in turn rests against said reinforcement structure (6). Said reinforcement structure (6) is secured by means of securing means to the inside of said rigid container (7). Said reinforcement panel (1) comprises a plurality of fold or pleat lines (1.5) whereby said reinforcement panel (1) may be folded in order to form a parallelepipedal receptacle that comprises a base (1.2), a top (1.3) and side walls (1.4). The size of said base, top and side walls is defined appropriately in order to make it possible for the interior volume of said receptacle to be able to contain said flexible container (5), when the latter is empty and folded, and said valve (3).

Description

 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES A REINFORCEMENT PANEL

FOLDING

Background of the invention

Bulk cargo transportation of fluids is an activity that requires continuous improvement in order to achieve solutions that are more robust and cost-competitive.

Within the systems used for the transportation of bulk cargoes, a family of systems stands out where the bulk cargo is entered into a flexible container, through a valve. Said flexible container is located inside a rigid container of the ISO type (typically 6 meters (20 feet) long).

To prevent the stresses generated by the load inside said flexible container from preventing the closing of the doors of said rigid container and / or deforming said doors, a reinforcement panel is arranged inside said rigid container. Said reinforcement panel preferably acts in combination with a reinforcement structure which allows a superior structural performance to be achieved.

Although this type of system has proven to be very efficient, a series of problems in the transport and storage of the components that make up said systems are observed in the art, and particularly of the most delicate components such as the flexible container and the valve.

Indeed, on the one hand it should be noted that the reinforcement panel and the reinforcement structure are of relatively large dimensions, so they must be transported and stored independently of the flexible container and the valve.

This constitutes a first problem, since storing the system components separately makes it difficult to quickly find each of these components when required. On the other hand, as the flexible container and the valve are delicate pieces, they must be transported in robust containers that protect them from bumps, moisture, dust, cuts, etc. This type of packaging is relatively expensive, so to reduce costs typically large containers are used inside which several flexible containers and valves can be transported.

This fact creates a second problem because the operators who install this type of systems commonly open and / or break the security container in a hurry to be able to remove a flexible container and a valve and do not worry about properly closing the container again. Due to this, the other flexible containers and valves that are not initially used are exposed to dust, moisture, shock, cuts, etc., which reduces the reliability of the system.

To attempt to solve these problems, GB1302830 discloses a reinforcement panel configuration that is attached to the flexible container in a configuration that resembles an accordion. This solution allows the reinforcement panel, which is sturdy, to be used to partially protect the flexible container during transport and storage.

However, it should be noted that in the solution disclosed by GB1302830 the reinforcement panel does not completely protect (does not wrap) the flexible container when it is in a stored (folded) condition. Consequently, an additional container and / or additional care is required to adequately protect the flexible container.

Additionally, it should be noted that in the solution disclosed by document GB1302830 the reinforcement panel together with the flexible container form a very bulky unit and difficult to handle by a single operator.

Finally, the valve must be transported independently of the flexible container, which generates, as already said, possible difficulties associated with centrally storing the different components of the system.

On the other hand, document EP0538563 discloses a configuration where the reinforcement panel is defined by a folding structure that in a folded condition It defines a closed cavity inside which the flexible container can be stored, while in an unfolded condition it can be used as a reinforcement panel.

However, it should be noted that the reinforcement panel configuration disclosed by EP0538563 is particularly expensive. In fact, said reinforcement panel configuration must combine high resistance to mechanical stresses together with being foldable and defining an inner cavity (for the flexible container), all of which requires expensive matrices and / or manufacturing processes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is not clear that the reinforcement panel disclosed by EP0538563 allows to achieve a level of structural performance comparable to that which can be achieved in systems that use a reinforcement structure in conjunction with the reinforcement panel, since The reinforcement structures are typically metallic and very strong and it is not clear that the folding reinforcement panel disclosed by EP0538563 reaches such a level of mechanical strength.

Consequently, systems for transporting bulk fluid cargoes are not known in the art which, together with having an adequate structural performance, allow the transfer and storage of its components in a safe, simple and low cost manner.

Summary description of the invention

The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art indicated above. For this, the invention corresponds to a system for transporting a bulk cargo, where the system components are transported and stored in a safe, efficient and low cost manner.

The system of the invention is of the type comprising a flexible container, inside which said load is arranged; a valve, which is connected in an opening of said flexible container; a reinforcing structure; and a reinforcement panel.

Said flexible container is disposed inside a rigid container and rests against said reinforcement panel, which in turn rests against said structure of reinforcement, which is fixed by means of fixing inside said rigid container.

The invention differs from the systems known in the prior art in that said reinforcement panel comprises a plurality of fold or fold lines by which it can be folded to form a preferably parallelepiped container comprising a base, a roof and side walls.

Additionally, the dimension of said base, roof and side walls is conveniently defined to allow the interior volume of said container to contain said empty and folded flexible container, said valve and a washer.

As can be seen, said package fulfills a double function in the system of the invention. In fact, in the first place said container, in an assembled or folded condition, fulfills the function of transporting in a safe way the delicate components of the transport system of the invention.

Secondly, said container can be disassembled or deployed to form the reinforcement panel that is used in the invention, in the manner indicated below.

This fact gives the system of the invention a clear advantage over the systems known in the prior art, since, with the exception of the strips (2), it does not require additional elements to safely transport all its components.

Description of the figures

Figure 1a shows a preferred embodiment of the package (1) in which the delicate components of the system of the invention are transported, which is secured by strapping (2).

Figure 1b shows the reinforcement panel (1) of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in a fully deployed or flat condition. Figure 1c shows the reinforcement panel (1) of a preferred embodiment of the invention in the position it has when it is being used during the transport of bulk cargoes.

Figure 2a shows the valve (3) used in the invention, which is transported inside the container (1) shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2b shows the washer (4) used in the invention, which is transported inside the container (1) shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2c shows the flexible container (5) in an empty and folded condition, which is transported inside the container (1) shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the reinforcement structure (6) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a rigid container modality (7) capable of being used with the system of the invention.

Figure 5 shows the components of a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention, shown in Figures 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c and 3, installed inside the rigid container (7), shown in Figure 4.

Detailed description of the preferred mode

The present invention corresponds to a system for transporting a bulk fluid load, where the system components are transported and stored safely, efficiently and at a low cost.

With reference to Figure 1a, the container (1) in which the components of the system of the invention are transported is appreciated. As can be seen, said package is secured by strapping (2), to prevent it from opening at an unwanted moment. With reference to Figure 1b, the container (1) can be seen in an unfolded or flat condition, in which a reinforcement panel (1) is formed, which is used by the invention in the manner explained below. Figure 1c shows the reinforcement panel (1) in the position it has when it is being used during the transport of bulk cargoes.

As can be seen, said container (1) fulfills a double function in the system of the invention. In fact, in the first place said container (1), in an assembled or folded condition, fulfills the function of transporting safely to the delicate components of the transport system of the invention. Secondly, said container (1) can be disassembled or deployed to form the reinforcement panel (1) that is used in the invention, in the manner indicated below.

The above is possible because said reinforcement panel (1) comprises a plurality of fold or fold lines (1.5) by which said reinforcement panel (1) can be folded to form said container (1), which comprises a base (1.2), a roof (1.3) and side walls (1.4). Additionally, the dimensions

(width and length) of said base (1.2), roof (1.3) and side walls (1.4) are conveniently defined to allow the interior volume of said container (1) to contain the delicate components of the transport system of the invention .

With reference to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, the components of the system of the invention that are transported inside the container (1) shown in Figure 1a are appreciated. Such components include a valve (3), a washer (4), and a flexible container (5) in an empty and folded condition.

It is important to note that inside the package (1) additional components (not shown in the figures) associated with the system of the invention can be transported, such as: covers, seals, clamps, locks, fasteners, ties, posters, sample holders, etc. In this case, practically all of the components of the invention are transported inside the container (1), which considerably improves the traceability of each of them.

Said washer (4) can comprise a non-perforated area large enough to cover the perforation (1.1) comprised by said reinforcement panel (1). Thanks to this fact, said washer (4) can be conveniently located inside the container (1) to protect the other delicate elements of the system of the invention (valve (3) and flexible container (5)).

With reference to Figure 3, an embodiment of the reinforcement structure (6) that is part of the system of the invention can be seen. It is important to note that although this reinforcement structure (6) is not transported inside the container (1), it is formed from very robust elements, which does not require special care during transport and storage.

Additionally, it should be noted that, in a preferred embodiment (shown in Figure 3), said reinforcement structure (6) is defined by a very simple structure made from profiles of prismatic section. This fact allows the reinforcement structure (6) to be easily manufactured, transported and stored.

With reference to Figure 4, a rigid container (7) can be seen inside which the components of the transport system of the invention are arranged.

With reference to Figure 5, the different components of the invention already described when they are installed inside a rigid container (7) during the transport of bulk cargoes are appreciated.

As can be seen, the bulk cargo is arranged inside the flexible container (5). The valve (3) is connected in an opening (5.1) of said flexible container (5) and allows the bulk load to be entered or removed into said flexible container. Said flexible container (5) is sized to occupy most of the interior of the rigid container (7), which includes an entrance with opening and closing means (7.1).

Said reinforcement panel (1) is sized to contact the region of said flexible container (5) that tends to rest against the opening and closing means (7.1), when said flexible container (5) is loaded. Said reinforcement structure (6) is sized to contact said reinforcement panel (1), whereby the stresses that are exerted by said loaded flexible container are transmitted first to said reinforcement panel (1) and then to said structure of reinforcement (6). Said reinforcing structure (6) is fixed by means of suitable fixing means inside said rigid container (7) in an inner position and close to said opening and closing means (7.1), whereby said opening means is achieved and closing (7.1) can be opened and closed even when said flexible container (5) is loaded.

Said reinforcement panel (1) comprises a perforation (1.1) through which said valve (3) passes. Said base (1.2), said roof (1.3) and / or said side walls (1.4) can be formed from a single sheet of thin material.

The diameter of said washer (4) can be adjusted to the diameter of the region of said valve (3) that is connected with said flexible container (5) and said washer (4) can be arranged between said flexible container and said reinforcement panel (one).

Said reinforcing structure (6) can comprise a plurality of vertical and horizontal metal profiles, of prismatic section, joined together by means of adhesives, screws, rivets, bolts, pins and / or welding.

Alternatively, said reinforcement structure (6) can comprise a plurality of vertical metal profiles, of prismatic section, and a plurality of horizontal truss type beams formed by a series of metal segments joined together by means of adhesives, screws, rivets, bolts, pins and / or welding.

As can be seen in Figures 1c and 7, at the lower end of said reinforcement panel (1), the corresponding side walls (1.4) can be folded at right angles. Also, at the lateral ends of said reinforcement panel (1), the corresponding side walls (1.4) can be folded at right angles. This allows said reinforcement panel (1) to be more easily fixed inside said rigid container (7).

The width of said reinforcement panel (1) may coincide with the width of said reinforcement structure (6) and the width of said rigid container (7). Said container may comprise walls of corrugated section (see figure 3) and the ends of said reinforcement panel (6) can be fitted and / or fixed in two waves defined by said corrugated section.

For a person skilled in the art, a series of modifications will be evident that do not escape the scope of protection of the present invention which is defined by the attached specifications.

Claims

1.- System for transporting a bulk cargo, where the system components are transported and stored safely, efficiently and at a low cost; said system comprises: a flexible container (5), inside which said load is arranged; a valve (3), which is connected in an opening (5.1) of said flexible container (5); a reinforcing structure (6); and a reinforcement panel (1); wherein said flexible container (5) is sized to occupy most of the interior of a rigid container (7) that includes an entrance with opening and closing means (7.1); said reinforcement panel (1) is sized to contact the region of said flexible container (5) that tends to rest against the opening and closing means (7.1), when said flexible container (5) is loaded; said reinforcement structure (6) is sized to contact said reinforcement panel (1), whereby the forces that are exerted by said loaded flexible container are transmitted first to said reinforcement panel (1) and then to said structure of reinforcement (6); said reinforcement structure (6) is fixed by means of fixing inside said rigid container (7) in an inner position and close to said opening and closing means (7.1), whereby said opening means and closure (7.1) can be opened and closed even when said flexible container (5) is loaded; said reinforcement panel (1) comprises a perforation (1.1) through which said valve (3) passes; wherein said system is CHARACTERIZED because said reinforcement panel (1) comprises a plurality of fold or fold lines (1.5) by which said reinforcement panel (1) can be folded to form a preferably parallelepiped container comprising a base (1.2) , a roof (1.3) and side walls (1.4); wherein the dimension of said base, roof and side walls is conveniently defined to allow the inner volume of said container to contain said flexible container (5) when it is empty and folded, and said valve (3). 2. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because said base (1.2) and said ceiling (1.3) is formed from a single sheet of thin material. 3. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said base (1.2), said roof (1.3) and said side walls (1.4) are formed from a single sheet of thin material. 4. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said container, when in a closed condition, is secured by strapping (2), in order to prevent the system components from leaving the interior of said container in a manner Unwanted. 5. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because it further comprises a washer (4) whose diameter is adjusted to the diameter of the region of said valve (3) that is connected to said flexible container (5); said washer (4) is disposed between said flexible container and said reinforcement panel (1). 6. System according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that said washer (4) comprises an unperforated area large enough to cover the perforation (1.1) comprised by said reinforcement panel (1). 7. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said reinforcing structure (6) comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal metal profiles, of prismatic section, joined together by means of adhesives, screws, rivets, bolts, pins and / or welding. 8. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that said reinforcement structure (6) comprises a plurality of vertical metal profiles, of prismatic section, and a plurality of horizontal truss type beams formed by a series of metal segments joined together by adhesives, screws, rivets, bolts, pins and / or welding. 9. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because from the lower end of said reinforcement panel (1) part of said side walls (1.4) extend into the rigid container (7). 10. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because part of said lateral walls (1.4) extend into the rigid container (7) from the lateral ends of said reinforcement panel (1). 11. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the width of said reinforcement panel (1) coincides with the width of said reinforcement structure (6) and the width of said rigid container (7).