Can container and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A canister container and its manufacturing method are provided. This canister container is capable of simultaneously containing and transporting powder, such as hazardous powder, which is able to prevent contact between the powder and moisture in the air or for its temperature to rise above a predetermined temperature, and can also easily discharge the powder. It comprises: a canister body that contains the powder and is formed in an airtight cylindrical shape with both ends closed along its length; a plurality of receiving and discharging portions arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the lower portion within the canister body, formed in a reverse conical shape with their base ends airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent portions of the canister body and their top ends protruding outward from an opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the canister body; an insulating portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the canister body; and a container frame portion to which the canister body is fixed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to tank containers and methods for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] Tank containers have historically been widely used for transporting liquids, powders, or high-pressure gases. In particular, ISO tank containers are containers that conform to the specifications defined by ISO, making them suitable for domestic and international transport via trailers or container ships.

[0003] In addition to the classification based on the form of liquid, powder, or gas mentioned above, the contents transported by tank containers also encompass a wide range, from chemicals / hazardous materials / pharmaceutical raw materials to food products. Lithium hexafluorophosphate, for example, is a raw material for the electrolyte in lithium / lithium-ion secondary batteries; its demand is not only domestic but also increasing for export.

[0004] Lithium hexafluorophosphate is a white crystalline powder that, upon contact with moisture in the air, rapidly hydrolyzes to produce highly toxic or corrosive hydrogen fluoride, as shown in the chemical formula below.

[0005] LiPF6 + 4H2O →LiF (lithium fluoride) + 5HF (hydrogen fluoride) + H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) In addition, if lithium hexafluorophosphate comes into contact with moisture in the air, it will produce acid, which will cause corrosion of the metal in the container and cause contamination, posing a risk of quality degradation.

[0006] In addition, lithium hexafluorophosphate has low thermal stability and undergoes thermal decomposition at relatively low temperatures of around 60°C.

[0007] Therefore, in order to contain and transport lithium hexafluorophosphate (powder), it is required to be airtight, preventing contact with moisture in the air, and to maintain temperature stability below a certain temperature. In addition, lithium hexafluorophosphate (powder) must be transported in a manner that prevents the introduction of other impurities and maintains high purity.

[0008] Generally, powder conveying containers are made using the following methods: tipping, pressurization, and air blowing.

[0009] 1) Unloading method The tilting discharge method involves containing powder in a conveyor container, such as a square container, and tilting the container by lifting the end opposite to the discharge port, thereby using gravity to discharge the powder. This method has the advantage of allowing for larger capacity conveyor containers, such as square containers, to hold powder. Furthermore, if the conveyor container is tilted above the powder's angle of repose, the powder can be discharged stably. On the other hand, the tilting discharge method suffers from difficulty in maintaining airtightness because the discharge port of the conveyor container is exposed to the atmosphere.

[0010] 2) Pressurization method (pressure-resistant vessel) The pressurization method involves introducing gas into a pressure vessel without tilting the container holding the powder. The powder is then discharged while being agitated and its density reduced. This pressurization and discharge process is not a one-time event, but rather involves multiple repetitions. This method is mostly used for powders with low true density and is not suitable for high-density powders such as lithium hexafluorophosphate (powder).

[0011] 3) Blowing method The blowing method works as follows: Compared to the pressurization method, it further reduces the density by agitating the powder. Therefore, a rectangular flow path is provided at the bottom along the length of the transverse container to allow gas passage. The upper surface of this flow path is a taut cloth (canvas) that allows gas to pass through, and the powder inside the container is agitated and discharged through this cloth. The blowing method has multiple outlets, not just one, to prevent blockage and ensure upward piping. Regarding the blowing method, the canvas is composed of organic materials such as synthetic fibers. Furthermore, there is a risk of impurities being introduced, such as parts used to secure the canvas falling off. The blowing method lacks airtightness, resulting in a large amount of residual powder after discharge.

[0012] Furthermore, as a technology relating to tank containers capable of conveying powders, technologies disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 have been proposed.

[0013] Patent Document 1 is an elongated container for conveying bulk powder. The bottom of the container has a thin film support extending along at least a portion of the length of the container and inclined in the length direction. An air-permeable film is installed on the support. The support is configured such that it is not supported relative to the container between its length direction ends and between its lateral direction ends.

[0014] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-509689. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem that the invention aims to solve The purpose of this invention is to provide a container and a method for manufacturing the same, which can prevent powder composed of hazardous powder or the like from coming into contact with moisture in the air or from rising to a predetermined temperature while simultaneously containing and transporting it, and can also easily discharge the powder.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem The invention described in technical solution 1 is a can container, which comprises: The main body of the can, which contains powder inside, is formed in an airtight cylindrical shape with both ends sealed along its length. Multiple receiving and discharging sections are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction in the lower part of the aforementioned tank body, and are formed in a downward conical shape such that the upper end is airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent part of the aforementioned tank body, and the lower end protrudes outward from multiple openings provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned tank body. Insulation portion, which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned tank body; and The container frame section is fixed to the aforementioned tank body section.

[0017] The invention described in technical solution 2 is the same as that described in technical solution 1: the inner circumferential surface of the aforementioned tank body is reinforced by an annular or partially slit reinforcing member disposed between the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging portions that are adjacent to each other along the length direction of the aforementioned tank body.

[0018] The invention described in technical solution 3 is the same as that described in technical solution 1, which is a container with an inclination angle set above the repose angle of the powder.

[0019] The invention described in technical solution 4 is a tank container as described in technical solution 1: at the upper end of the main body of the tank, one or more inlet ports for introducing pressurized gas into the main body of the tank are provided along the length direction.

[0020] The invention described in technical solution 5 is a can container as described in technical solution 1: at the upper end of the aforementioned can body, a supply port for supplying the aforementioned powder to the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging portions is respectively provided corresponding to the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging portions.

[0021] The invention described in technical solution 6 is a container as described in technical solution 1: at the lower end of the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging parts, a nozzle for injecting pressurized gas into the aforementioned powder contained in the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging parts is provided.

[0022] The invention described in technical solution 7 is a container as described in technical solution 1: the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging parts are formed in a downward conical shape, and an outlet for discharging the aforementioned powder is opened at the lower end, and the aforementioned outlet is opened and closed by a discharge valve composed of a ball valve.

[0023] The invention described in technical solution 8 is the can container described in technical solution 7 as follows: the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging parts are formed in a conical shape by joining two constituent members, each divided in a semi-conical shape on a plane intersecting the length direction of the aforementioned can body, inside the aforementioned can body.

[0024] The invention described in technical solution 9 is the same as the tank container described in technical solution 1: In the aforementioned tank body, ring-shaped mounting members are fixed at both ends along its length. The aforementioned tank body is fixed to the aforementioned container frame via the aforementioned mounting components.

[0025] The invention described in technical solution 10 is a can container as described in technical solution 1: at the upper end of the aforementioned can body, an overflow box portion formed in the shape of a rectangular frame in plan view is provided to surround the outer periphery of the opening provided at the upper end of the can body, and the outer side of the aforementioned overflow box portion is covered by heat-insulating material.

[0026] The invention described in technical solution 11 is a method for manufacturing a can or container, comprising: The first step involves forming at least one cylindrical can body with an opening at one end; The second step involves forming two constituent members, each consisting of multiple receiving and discharging portions divided in a semi-conical shape on a plane intersecting the length direction of the aforementioned can body. These multiple receiving and discharging portions are arranged such that their lower portions are adjacent to each other along the length direction within the aforementioned can body; their upper ends are airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent portions of the aforementioned can body; and their lower ends protrude outward from an opening on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned can body in a downward-pointing conical shape. The third step involves moving the aforementioned two constituent components into the interior of the aforementioned tank body, and joining the aforementioned two constituent components inside the aforementioned tank body to form the aforementioned plurality of receiving and discharging sections.

[0027] The effects of the invention According to the present invention, a container and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided, which can simultaneously contain and transport powder composed of hazardous powder or the like, from contact with moisture in the air or from a temperature rise above a predetermined temperature, and can also easily discharge the powder. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1(a) is a left-side view of an ISO tank container, which is an example of a tank container manufacturing method according to applicable embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 1(b) is a rear view of an ISO tank container, showing an example of a tank container manufacturing method according to applicable embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 2(a) is a top view of a can container according to the manufacturing method of the can container according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 2(b) is a bottom view of the tank of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the structure of the reinforcing members of the main body of the tank.

[0033] Figure 3(b) is a diagram showing the structure of the cutout of the reinforcing member of the main body of the tank.

[0034] Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet of the tank body.

[0035] Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the pressure gauge in the main body of the tank.

[0036] Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the actuator in the main body of the tank.

[0037] Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the gap in the main body of the tank.

[0038] Figure 4(d) is a structural diagram showing the installation structure of the temperature detection sensor in the main body of the tank.

[0039] Figure 5(a) is a top view showing the piping of the tank container of the tank container according to the applicable embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 5(b) is a bottom view of the tank piping of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 6(a) is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0042] Figure 6(b) is a top view schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0043] Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0044] Figure 7(a) is an exploded schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0045] Figure 7(b) is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0046] Figure 7(c) is a top view schematic diagram showing the receiving and discharging section.

[0047] Figure 7(d) is a cross-sectional view showing the welded part of the receiving and discharging section.

[0048] Figure 7(e) is a cross-sectional view showing the welded portion of the receiving and discharging section.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the tank of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the interior of a can container according to the manufacturing method of the can container according to Embodiment 1.

[0051] Figure 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the injection port of the tank of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0052] Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure of the supply pipe of the tank of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the covering portion of the end plate of the tank of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0054] Figure 12(a) is a top view of the overflow box section of a tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] Figure 12(b) is a side view of the overflow box portion of a tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0056] Figure 13(a) is a top view of the container frame of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0057] Figure 13(b) is a side view of the container frame of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0058] Figure 13(c) is a front view of the container frame of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0059] Figure 14(a) is a top view of the walkway of the tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1.

[0060] Figure 14(b) is a front view of the walkway of a tank container according to the manufacturing method of the tank container according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] [Implementation Method 1] Figure 1(a) is a left-side view of an ISO can container, which is an example of a can container manufacturing method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Figure 1(b) is a rear view of the ISO can container.

[0063] <Overall Structure of the Tank Container> As shown in Figure 1, the ISO container 1 is generally composed of the following: a can 2, which is an example of a pressure vessel for containing hazardous powder P, which is an example of a powder; and a container frame 3, which is an example of a container frame portion for fixing the can 2. The can 2 includes: a can body 4, which contains hazardous powder P and is formed in an airtight cylindrical shape with both ends closed along the length direction; a plurality of (in the illustrated example, 4) receiving and discharging portions 5, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction in the lower part of the can body 4, and are formed in a downward (reverse) conical shape such that the upper end, as an example of a base end, is airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent portion of the can body 4, and the lower end, as an example of a top end, protrudes downward from an opening 39 provided on the lower surface (outer peripheral surface) of the can body 4; and an insulation portion 6, which is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 4. Here, examples of hazardous powder P include lithium hexafluorophosphate or lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium difluorophosphate, and high-purity lithium hydroxide, but are not limited to the above-mentioned powders.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the can body 4 is formed in an airtight cylindrical shape with both ends sealed along its length. The can body 4 includes: a cylindrical portion 7, which is formed in a cylindrical shape; and end plates 8 and 9, which are formed in a dish shape or a semi-elliptical shape to airtightly seal both ends of the cylindrical portion 7 along its length. The cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4 is formed by joining a stainless steel plate with a thickness of approximately 4.4 mm in a cylindrical shape, for example, by welding. The end plates 8 and 9 are formed by bending a stainless steel plate with a thickness of approximately 5.3 mm, for example, thicker than the cylindrical portion 7, in a dish shape or a semi-elliptical shape. After providing multiple receiving and discharging portions 5 at predetermined positions within the can body 4, the end plates 8 and 9 are joined to both ends of the cylindrical portion 7 along its length by welding, thus forming the can body 4 with an airtight cylindrical shape.

[0065] The main body 4 of the tank is installed in a fixed state to the container frame 3 via short cylindrical collar members 10 and 11, which are attached to the two ends of the end plates 8 and 9 along the length direction by means of welding or other means.

[0066] The inner circumferential surface of the can body 4 is reinforced by annular or partially slit annular reinforcing members 12 and 13. These reinforcing members 12 and 13 are equally spaced between four adjacent receiving / discharging portions 5 along the length of the can body 4. The can body 4 and the four receiving / discharging portions 5 are correspondingly divided into four regions along the length. The reinforcing members 12 and 13 are respectively disposed at the boundaries of each receiving / discharging portion 5 within the can body 4. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the reinforcing members 12 and 13 are made of sheet metal, such as stainless steel plates with a U-shaped cross-section, to achieve both light weight and sufficient strength. The reinforcing members 12 and 13 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the can body 4 by joining (welding) the top ends of their two opposing side plates along the inner circumferential surface of the can body 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 3(b), the reinforcing member 13 disposed in the central part along the length direction of the can body 4 is formed in a ring shape with a cutout 14 in a portion, and the cutout 14 is located at the upper end of the can body 4. As shown in Figure 3(a), the two ends of the ring-shaped reinforcing member 13 with the cutout 14 in a portion are closed by a plate 15 of the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member 13 along its circumferential direction.

[0067] The length of the can body 4 is set to a value corresponding to the length of an ISO container. As an example of an ISO container, in the case of a 20-foot can container 1, its length is set to 6058 mm, its width to 2438 mm, and its height to 2591 mm. Therefore, the container frame 3 is configured with a length, width, and height corresponding to these values. As shown in Figure 1(a), the length of the can body 4, which is fixed to the container frame 3, is formed to be slightly shorter than that of the container frame 3. In addition, as shown in Figure 1(b), considering the height of the opening and closing valves 24, 62, and other components installed at the upper and lower ends of the can body 4, the outer diameter of the can body 4 is set to a value smaller than the height and width of the container frame 3 (smaller diameter).

[0068] As shown in FIG2(a), a manhole 16 is provided on the upper end face of the tank body 4, slightly rearward from the center along its length. The manhole 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the required opening diameter and height, protruding upward from the upper end face of the tank body 4.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in FIG2(a), multiple (four in the illustrated example) inlet ports 22 are provided along the length direction on the upper end face of the tank body 4 for the introduction of hazardous powder P, which is contained within the tank body 4. The inlet ports 22 are located either directly above the outlets 61 of the four containment / discharge sections 5 shown in FIG6, or near the outlets 61 (adjacent to the upper part). As shown in FIG3(c), a circular inlet forming plate 23, made of stainless steel or the like of the required thickness, is joined to the tank body 4 at the location corresponding to the inlet ports 22 by welding or the like. The inlet forming plate 23 has the inlet ports 22, with the upper end of the inlet port 22 being cylindrical and the lower end being conical with an expanded diameter. Additionally, as an example of an on / off valve for opening and closing the inlet ports 22, 2-inch ball valves 24 (see FIG1) are mounted on the inlet forming plate 23 facing upwards by bolts or the like (not shown). Compared to other butterfly valves, the ball valve 24 can include an opening and closing mechanism, thus shortening (reducing) its length along the axial direction and enabling miniaturization (lower profile). Therefore, by using a ball valve 24 with a relatively small diameter as an opening and closing valve located on the upper end face of the tank body 4, the height of the tank body 4 can be kept low.

[0070] Furthermore, one or more (four in the illustrated example) inlet ports 25 are provided along the length direction on the upper end surface of the tank body 4, and the inlet ports 25 introduce pressurized gas into the interior of the tank body 4. Dry (moisture removed) nitrogen (N2) is used as the pressurized gas. The four inlet ports 25 are respectively provided with four receiving / discharging portions 5. At each inlet port 25, as shown in FIG. 5, a supply pipe 29 for supplying pressurized gas is connected to one side (right side in the illustrated example) of the tank body 4 via a second on / off valve 28 arranged horizontally. Each supply pipe 29 is connected to a supply pipe 30 arranged horizontally forward along the right side of the tank body 4 when viewed from above. The top end portion 30a of the supply pipe 30 is arranged to cross the upper end surface of the front end of the tank body 4 facing the opposite side (left side), and is arranged to extend downward along the outer peripheral surface (left side) of the tank body 4. As shown in FIG1, a first supply valve 31 for supplying high-pressure nitrogen gas, an example of a pressurized gas, is provided at the top (bottom) end of the supply pipe 30. Furthermore, as shown in FIG4(a), a pressure gauge 32 for detecting the pressure of the high-pressure nitrogen gas is installed at the top (bottom) end 30a of the supply pipe 30.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4(b) and 5, the opening and closing valves 28 connected to the inlets 25 located on the upper end face of the tank body 4 are driven to open and close by actuators 34 that operate using compressed air. Each actuator 34 has four conduits 35 along the supply pipe 30 for supplying nitrogen gas, an example of compressed air. The top ends of the four conduits 35 are connected via a control box 36 to the large-diameter portion 76a of the supply pipe 76 (described later). Inside the control box 36, there is a switching valve (not shown) that individually switches the supply of nitrogen gas to the four conduits 35. Therefore, by operating the control box 36, the operator can individually switch the supply of pressurized nitrogen gas from each inlet 25 to the four receiving and discharging portions 5 of the tank body 4.

[0072] Additionally, as shown in Figure 2(a), a safety valve 37 is installed on the upper end face of the tank body 4, on the left side further rear of the inspection hole 16 along the length of the tank body 4. The safety valve 37 opens when the pressure inside the tank body 4 reaches a predetermined set pressure, releasing the pressure inside the tank body 4 to the atmosphere (connecting it to the atmosphere). The installation position of the safety valve 37 is not particularly limited as long as it is on the upper end face of the tank body 4.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG2(b), on the lower end surface of the can body 4, there are a plurality of (4) elliptical openings 39 through which the lower ends of the four receiving and discharging portions 5, which are formed in a downward conical shape, are inserted, protruding downward from the lower surface of the can body 4. The four openings 39 are arranged along the length direction of the can body 4 at intervals equal to the arrangement intervals of the four receiving and discharging portions 5.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1(a), four receiving / discharging portions 5 are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction in the lower part of the can body 4. For ease of explanation, the four receiving / discharging portions 5 are sequentially designated as the first receiving / discharging portion 51, the second receiving / discharging portion 52, the third receiving / discharging portion 53, and the fourth receiving / discharging portion 54, starting from the front side of the can body 4. The second and third receiving / discharging portions 52 and 53, located at the center of the can body 4 along the length direction, are formed with the same shape as the first and fourth receiving / discharging portions 51 and 54, located at the two ends of the can body 4 along the length direction.

[0075] That is, among the four receiving and discharging sections 5, for the second and third receiving and discharging sections 52 and 53 located at the center of the tank body 4 along its length, the components located on both sides along its length are receiving and discharging sections 51 and 54. Conversely, for the first and fourth receiving and discharging sections 51 and 54 located at both ends along the length of the tank body 4, the components located on one side are receiving and discharging sections 52 and 53, and the components located on the other side are end plates 8 and 9 of the tank body 4. Therefore, the first and fourth receiving and discharging sections 51 and 54 have different shapes from the second and third receiving and discharging sections 52 and 53.

[0076] To elaborate further, the first to fourth receiving and discharging sections 51-54 share a common point where they are all formed in a substantially downward-facing conical shape. Each receiving and discharging section 51-54 is constructed by, for example, bending a sheet of stainless steel with a thickness of approximately 5.3 mm. In this embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 6, each receiving and discharging section 51-54 is formed in a downward (reverse) conical shape with its apex pointing downwards along the vertical direction. The angle of the apex of each receiving and discharging section 51-54 is set to 90 degrees. As a result, the angle of repose of the hazardous powder P, defined by the inclination angle of the conical side surface 50, of each receiving and discharging section 51-54 is 45 degrees. Furthermore, the angle of the apex of each receiving and discharging section 5 is not limited to 90 degrees; it can also be set to an angle smaller than 90 degrees (e.g., approximately 80 degrees). In this case, the angle of repose of the hazardous powder P, which is the inclination angle of the side surface 50 of each receiving and discharging part 51-54, is 45 degrees or more, which can further reliably discharge the hazardous powder P. In this embodiment 1, each receiving and discharging part 51-54 is formed in a conical shape, but each receiving and discharging part 51-54 is not limited to a conical shape, and may also be formed in a multi-faceted pyramid shape such as a square pyramid, pentagonal pyramid, hexagonal pyramid, or octagonal pyramid.

[0077] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the first to fourth receiving and discharging portions 51-54 are formed in such a way that the two end faces along the length direction of the can body 4 are cut off on a plane that intersects (orthogonally) the upper end face of each receiving and discharging portion 51-54 and the length direction of the can body 4, and have curved end edges 51 and 52 with approximately U-shaped sides.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(c), each of the first to fourth receiving and discharging portions 51-54 is formed in the following shape: the two end faces along the direction intersecting the length direction of the can body portion 4 are cut off along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body portion 4, and have curved end edges 53 and 54 with approximately U-shaped sides.

[0079] Furthermore, regarding the first and fourth receiving and discharging portions 51 and 54, the two end faces along their length direction are cut off along the inner surface shape of the end plates 8 and 9 of the main body portion 4, as shown in FIG1(a), forming approximately U-shaped end edges 55 and 56 on the side.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6(b), the width W of each of the first to fourth receiving and discharging portions 51-54 along the direction intersecting the length direction of the can body 4 is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4. Furthermore, the length L of each of the first to fourth receiving and discharging portions 51-54 along the length direction of the can body 4 is set to be a length that divides the entire length of the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4 into four equal parts.

[0081] However, in the manufacture of the can container 1 according to Embodiment 1, instead of using the first to fourth conical receiving and discharging portions 51-54 as shown in FIG6, the can container 1 is formed in a conical shape by joining the two semi-conical components 57 and 58, which are divided into two parts on a plane that intersects (orthogonally) the upper end face of the conical shape and the length direction of the can body 4, when they are disposed inside the can body 4.

[0082] Furthermore, regarding the two constituent members 57 and 58 constituting the first to fourth receiving and discharging portions 51-54, as described above, the shapes of their end edges are different in the two receiving and discharging portions 51 and 54 of the first and fourth portions and the two receiving and discharging portions 52 and 53 of the second and third portions.

[0083] In manufacturing the can container 1, it is configured in the following manner: In the first step, a cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape; in the second step, semi-conical components 57 and 58 are formed, which divide the four receiving / discharging portions 51-54 into two parts by a plane intersecting the upper end surface (a conical plane) of the receiving / discharging portions 51-54 and the longitudinal direction within the can body 4. The four receiving / discharging portions 51-54 are as follows: 51-54: Arranged in a manner that the lower part of the can body 4 is adjacent to each other along the length direction, and the upper end is airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent part of the can body 4, and the lower end protrudes downward from the opening 39 of the can body 4 in a downward conical shape; and the third step, in which two constituent members 57 and 58 are moved into the interior of the can body 4, and the two constituent members 57 and 58 are joined together inside the can body 4 to form the receiving and discharging parts 51-54.

[0084] To further explain, as shown in FIG6, the four receiving and discharging portions 51-54 disposed inside the can body 4 have a width W approximately equal to the inner diameter of the can body 4. Therefore, after being formed in a conical shape, the receiving and discharging portions 51-54 are difficult to move into the interior of the can body 4. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, as shown in FIG7(a), semi-conical components 57, 58 are formed that pre-divide each receiving and discharging portion 51-54 into two semi-conical shapes on a plane orthogonal to the upper end face of the conical shape and passing through its center. Then, after the semi-conical components 57, 58 are moved into the interior of the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4, the two components 57, 58 are joined (welded) together as shown in FIG7(b)(c). Furthermore, the semi-conical components 57 and 58, unlike the conical receiving and discharging portions 51-54, have low rigidity and are elastically deformable, allowing them to be easily moved into the desired position within the main body 4 and engaged.

[0085] When joining the two semi-conical components 57 and 58 together using welding or similar methods, as shown in FIG7(d), it is ideal to pre-joint a strip plate 59 to the joint end of one of the components 57 or 58. In this way, when joining the two components 57 and 58 together, the joint end of one component 57 and the joint end of the other component 58 can be joined with good precision using welding or similar methods. Furthermore, the strip plate 59 can also be configured to run along the outer surface of the joint end when joining the two components 57 and 58. To prevent gaps between the opening 39 of the tank body 4 and each receiving / discharging portion 5, as shown in FIG2(b), the strip plate 59 is only provided in the area above the opening 39 of the tank body 4. Furthermore, after joining, the inner surfaces of the welded portions of the components 57 and 58 are ground to become flat.

[0086] At this time, the sequence of forming four receiving and discharging parts 51-54 by moving two constituent members 57 and 58 into the interior of the cylindrical part 7 and joining them together is as follows: first, the third receiving and discharging part 53 is initially formed; then, the adjacent second receiving and discharging part 52 is joined; then, the fourth receiving and discharging part 54 is joined; and finally, the first receiving and discharging part 51 is joined.

[0087] Furthermore, the reason for initially joining the third receiving and discharging section 53 is that, assuming the rear end of the cylindrical section 7 is blocked by the end plate 8, it is easier to perform the joining operation from the inside, closer to the end plate 8. If the rear end of the cylindrical section 7 is not blocked by the end plate 8, either the third receiving and discharging section 53 or the second receiving and discharging section 52 can be joined first.

[0088] Furthermore, the reason why the fourth receiving and discharging portion 54 and the first receiving and discharging portion 51, which are adjacent to the end plates 8 and 9 of the cylindrical portion 7, are joined later than the third receiving and discharging portion 53 and the second receiving and discharging portion 52 of the central portion is that the fourth receiving and discharging portion 54 and the first receiving and discharging portion 51 have different shapes along the length of the tank body portion 4, and therefore are joined later than the third receiving and discharging portion 53 and the second receiving and discharging portion 52. This allows the joining operation to take into account (adjust) the positional relationship or shape of the third receiving and discharging portion 53 and the second receiving and discharging portion 52 that are joined first.

[0089] First, before the two ends of the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4 are closed by the end plates 8 and 9, the two constituent members 57 and 58 constituting the third receiving and discharging portion 53 are moved from the open end of the cylindrical portion 7 to the cylindrical portion 7 of the can body 4 with at least one open end, and the two constituent members 57 and 58 are joined to form the third receiving and discharging portion 53.

[0090] The work of joining the two constituent members 57 and 58 to form the third receiving and discharging part 53 is performed inside the cylindrical part 7. At this time, the lower end of the third receiving and discharging part 53 is arranged to protrude downward from the opening 39 provided on the lower surface of the cylindrical part 7.

[0091] Next, regarding the integrally formed third receiving and discharging section 53, the upper end of which faces the inner surface of the cylindrical section 7 of the can body 4 is joined (welded) to the inner surface of the cylindrical section 7 of the can body 4. At this time, reinforcing members 12 and 13 have been provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical section 7 of the can body 4, so the third receiving and discharging section 53 is joined in a manner that is in an appropriate positional relationship with respect to the reinforcing members 12 and 13.

[0092] To elaborate further, in the cylindrical portion 7 of the main body 4 of the can, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, after the reinforcing members 12 and 13 are joined to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 7, the approximately crescent-shaped partition plate 60 is joined (welded) to the lower part (lower half) of the inner circumferential surface of the reinforcing members 12 and 13 in a manner that intersects (orthogonally) with the length direction along the inner circumferential surface of each reinforcing member 12 and 13.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, regarding the third receiving and discharging section 53, one of its upper edges 51 and 52 along the length direction of the can body 4 is airtightly joined (welded) to the partition plate 60. Furthermore, regarding the third receiving and discharging section 53, the upper edges 53 and 54 along the direction intersecting the length direction of the can body 4 are airtightly joined (welded) to the inner surface of the cylindrical section 7.

[0094] After the installation of the third receiving and discharging part 53 is completed, the two constituent components 57 and 58 constituting the second receiving and discharging part 52 are moved from the end of the open cylindrical part 7 into the interior of the cylindrical part 7 of the tank body part 4, and the two constituent components 57 and 58 are joined together to form the second receiving and discharging part 52.

[0095] At this time, as Figure 9 As shown, the upper end of the second receiving and discharging part 52 is airtightly joined to the upper end of the third receiving and discharging part 53 via the partition plate 60. In addition, regarding the second receiving and discharging part 52, the upper edge 53 and 54 of its upper edge in the direction intersecting the length direction of the can body part 4 are airtightly joined (welded) to the inner surface of the cylindrical part 7.

[0096] Similarly, in the cylindrical portion 7 of the main body 4 of the can, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first receiving and discharging part 51 and the fourth receiving and discharging part 54 are respectively connected.

[0097] In this way, four receiving and discharging portions 51-54 are provided in the lower part of the main body 4, arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the main body 4, forming a downward conical shape with the upper end airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent portion of the main body 4 and the lower end protruding downward from the opening 3 of the main body 4. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(c), a gap G consisting of an air layer is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the main body 4 (cylindrical portion 7) and the inner peripheral surfaces of the first receiving and discharging portion 51 to the fourth receiving and discharging portion 54. Therefore, an exhaust pipe 59 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 4 (cylindrical portion 7) to discharge air from the gap G to the outside due to changes in external temperature, etc. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 4(d), a temperature sensing sensor S for detecting the temperature of the cylindrical portion 7 of the main body 4 is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the main body 4 (cylindrical portion 7).

[0098] At the lower end of each receiving and discharging section 51-54, such as Figure 8As shown, the opening has a discharge port 61 for discharging the hazardous powder contained therein to the outside. At each discharge port 61, as shown in FIG. 1, a 3-inch ball valve 62, serving as an example of an on / off valve, is connected. As mentioned above, compared to butterfly valves, the ball valve 62 can be shortened (reduced) in its axial length (height), allowing for miniaturization (lower profile). As shown in FIG. 1(b), each ball valve 62 extends with its operating part 62a located on the left side of the tank body 4 via a universal joint 62b and an operating shaft 62c. By rotating the operating part 62a, it can be easily opened and closed from the side of the tank body 4. At the lower part of the ball valve 62, as shown in FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 5, a discharge pipe 65 for conveying the hazardous powder P discharged from the ball valve 62 is provided approximately horizontally along the length of the tank body 4. At the front end of the discharge pipe 65 along the length of the tank body 4, an inlet pipe 67 is connected to introduce pressurized gas via a check valve 66. At the top end of the inlet pipe 67, a second supply valve 68 is connected to supply high-pressure nitrogen gas, which is one example of pressurized gas.

[0099] Furthermore, at the lower end of each containment / discharge section 51-54, at a predetermined angle relative to the direction intersecting the length direction of the tank body 4, there are injection ports 70 for injecting pressurized gas into the hazardous powder P contained in the containment / discharge section 5. As shown in FIG10(a), each injection port 70 opens into an injection port forming plate 71. As shown in FIG10(a), a cylindrical filter member 72 is inserted into each injection port forming plate 71 in an inserted state, which is inserted into the interior of each containment / discharge section 51-54 through the injection port 70 and injects pressurized gas. The filter member 72 is airtightly installed at the top end of a second supply pipe 73 for supplying high-pressure nitrogen. The top end of the second supply pipe 73 is fixed via a filler 74 to a connecting member 75a that is fixed to the injection port forming plate 71.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5, the second supply pipe 73 connects the tank body 4 to a supply pipe 76 arranged horizontally along the left side facing forward when viewed from above. An on / off valve 75 is provided between the second supply pipe 73 and the supply pipe 76. As shown in Figure 10(b), the supply pipe 76 is supported between the third receiving / discharging section 53 and the fourth receiving / discharging section 54 by a support member 78 mounted on the container frame 3 in an inwardly inclined state.

[0101] At the top end of the supply pipe 76, there is a large-diameter section 76a that expands in diameter on the front side of the tank body 4. As shown in FIG1(a), the large-diameter section 76a of the supply pipe 76 further bends its top end downward, and a third supply valve 79 is connected to the bottom end of the downward bend in a horizontal direction.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in FIG1(a), the rear side of the second supply valve 68 bends upward and connects to the large-diameter portion 76a of the supply pipe 76. Therefore, the high-pressure nitrogen gas supplied from the third supply valve 79 is supplied to the large-diameter portion 76a of the supply pipe 76, and then supplied to the second supply valve 68 via the large-diameter portion 76a, and finally to the discharge pipe 65 via the second supply valve 68, the inlet pipe 67, and the check valve 66.

[0103] The outer peripheral surface of the main body 4 of the tank is covered by an insulating material 80 (see reference) that constitutes the insulating part 6. Figure 11 Covering. Various materials can be used as insulation materials, including urethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, glass foam, and rock foam, but urethane foam is ideal for its insulation properties. In this embodiment 1, urethane foam with a thickness of 100 mm is used.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the surface of the end plates 8 and 9 of the main body 4 is made of glass wool 81 with a thickness of 25 mm for strength considerations, and the surface of the glass wool 81 is covered by an aluminum film 82.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, overflow tank sections 91-94 are provided on the upper end face of the main tank section 4, covering openings such as the inspection hole 16 or ball valve 24. Each overflow tank section 91-94 is constructed of a planar rectangular frame with an opening on the upper end face made of a metal plate such as stainless steel. In addition, each overflow tank section 91-94 has an openable and closable cover on its upper end face. The outer peripheral surface of each overflow tank section 91-94 is covered by heat-insulating material 83.

[0106] In each overflow box section 91-94, such as Figure 11 As shown in Figure 12, drain pipes 95-98 are connected to the tank body 4. Drain pipes 95-98 are connected to the left and right sides of the tank body 4. The top ends of drain pipes 95-98 are connected to drain pipe 99, and the top ends of drain pipe 99 are positioned downwards on the two rear sides of the tank body 4.

[0107] As shown in Figure 13, the container frame 3 of the fixed can body 4 is formed in the shape of a cuboid frame. As mentioned above, the container frame 3 is set to a length of 6058 mm, a width of 2438 mm, and a height of 2591 mm for a 20-foot container.

[0108] The container frame 3 includes rectangular frames 101 and 102 that respectively form the front end face and the rear end face along the length direction of the container, and a beam member 103 that connects the front and rear frames.

[0109] Furthermore, as the container frame 3, it is not limited to the full frame type; a beam type in which the top of the frame is attached to the surface of the tank body can also be used.

[0110] As shown in Figure 14, a walking platform 110 is provided on the upper surface of the container frame 3, allowing operators to ascend to the upper part of the tank container 1 to perform operations. The walking platform 110 is positioned on the upper surface of the container frame 3 between each overflow box section 91-94 and the container frame section 3.

[0111] <Actions of the container> In the container 1 of this embodiment 1, the hazardous powder P can be prevented from contacting moisture in the air or from rising in temperature while being transported, and the hazardous powder P can be easily discharged.

[0112] First, in order to contain the hazardous powder P inside the tank body 4 of the container 1, as shown in FIG1, with each of the on / off valves 62 at the bottom of the tank body 4 closed, the hazardous powder P is supplied to the inside of the tank body 4 from each supply port 22 via the supply valve 23, thereby containing the hazardous powder P in the four containing / discharging sections 51-54 and the internal space of the tank body 4. As for the containment rate of the hazardous powder P, with the volume of the four containing / discharging sections 51-54 and the internal space of the tank body 4 (approximately 13KL) as 100, it is set to about 85-95%. Alternatively, after the hazardous powder P is contained in the four containing / discharging sections 51-54 and the internal space of the tank body 4, as shown in FIG5, nitrogen gas is introduced into the interior from the inlet 25 via the supply pipes 29 and 30, replacing the air remaining inside the tank body 4 with nitrogen gas.

[0113] At this time, pressurized nitrogen is supplied to supply pipes 29 and 30 via the first supply valve 31.

[0114] After the containment of hazardous powder P is completed, the tank container 1 is kept airtight by closing the supply valve 23 and the inlet 25. Therefore, the hazardous powder P contained inside the tank body 4 will not come into contact with external air during containment (including storage) and transport. Thus, even if the hazardous powder P is composed of lithium hexafluorophosphate or the like, it reliably prevents the powder, as shown in the following chemical formula, from rapidly hydrolyzing upon contact with external air, including moisture, and generating highly toxic or corrosive hydrogen fluoride.

[0115] LiPF6 + 4H2O →LiF (lithium fluoride) + 5HF (hydrogen fluoride) + H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) In addition, regarding the tank container 1, the outer periphery of the tank body 4 is made of heat-insulating material 80 (see reference). Figure 11 The container 1 is covered with urethane foam. Therefore, even when the external temperature rises, the external temperature is shielded by the insulating material (not shown), which inhibits heat transfer to the interior of the container body 4 and suppresses temperature rise within the container body 4. Thus, even when the hazardous powder P contains lithium hexafluorophosphate or the like, the temperature of the hazardous powder P can be maintained at a lower temperature than the initial ambient temperature, preventing thermal decomposition.

[0116] Next, the principle of discharging hazardous powder P, which is loaded in tank container 1, and the operating procedure for discharging hazardous powder P, which is loaded in tank container 1, will be explained.

[0117] As described above, the container 1 contains hazardous powder P within the internal spaces of the four receiving / discharging sections 51-54 and the main body 4. Since the four receiving / discharging sections 51-54 are formed in a generally conical shape, the hazardous powder P is discharged by gravity by releasing the discharge valve 62 located at the lower end of each receiving / discharging section 51-54.

[0118] After the tank container 1 stores or transports hazardous powder P, in order to discharge the hazardous powder P to the outside, as shown in FIG5, after connecting the top end of the discharge pipe 65 to an external container (not shown), the discharge valves 62 are opened, and nitrogen gas pressurized as pressurized gas is supplied from the second supply valve 79.

[0119] At this time, the order in which each discharge valve 62 is opened is not particularly limited, but ideally, for example, each discharge valve 62 is opened in the order of the 4th receiving and discharge section 54 located on the downstream side of the tank body 4, and the 3rd, 2nd and 1st receiving and discharge sections 53-51 on the upstream side.

[0120] By initially opening the fourth discharge valve 62 of the fourth containment and discharge section 54 located at the downstream side of the tank body 4, the hazardous powder P that is discharged from the fourth discharge valve 62 of the fourth containment and discharge section 54 can be reliably discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe 65 with the assistance of pressurized gas introduced from the third supply valve 79.

[0121] Subsequently, by opening the third discharge valve 62 of the third receiving and discharging section 53 of the tank body, the hazardous powder P that is discharged from the third discharge valve 62 of the third receiving and discharging section 53 can be reliably discharged from the discharge outlet of the discharge pipe 65 with the assistance of the introduced pressurized gas.

[0122] Next, by opening the second discharge valve 62 of the second containment and discharge section 52 of the tank body, the hazardous powder P that is discharged from the second discharge valve 62 of the second containment and discharge section 52 can be reliably discharged from the discharge outlet of the discharge pipe 65 with the assistance of the introduced pressurized gas.

[0123] Then, by finally opening the first discharge valve 62 of the first receiving and discharging section 51 of the tank body 4, the hazardous powder P that is discharged from the first discharge valve 62 of the first receiving and discharging section 51 can be reliably discharged from the discharge outlet of the discharge pipe 65 with the assistance of the introduced pressurized gas.

[0124] In addition, not limited to this, it is also possible to open each of the discharge valves 62 of the first to fourth receiving and discharging parts 51-54 at the same time, so that the hazardous powder P can be discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe 65.

[0125] In either case, when the amount of hazardous powder P remaining in the first to fourth containment and discharge sections 51-54 is reduced to some extent, by opening the on / off valve 75 as shown in FIG10(a), high-pressure nitrogen gas is injected from the second supply pipe 73 through the filter member 72 from each injection port 70 that opens near the bottom of the first to fourth containment and discharge sections 51-54, it is possible to effectively prevent or suppress the hazardous powder P remaining near the bottom of the first to fourth containment and discharge sections 51-54.

[0126] The container 1 has a structure with the aforementioned operating mechanism, thus enabling it to have high airtightness. The leakage rate of the gas inside the container 1, which serves as the reference for airtightness, can be confirmed by sealing a gas (air, nitrogen, helium, or other inert gas) at a certain pressure into the interior of the container 1 and by measuring pressure and temperature changes over a certain period of time.

[0127] The leakage rate of the tank container 1 involved in this embodiment is 5.2 × 10⁻⁶. -5 Pa·m 3 / sec is 1.0 × 10⁻⁶, which serves as the baseline for an airtight condition. -4 Pa·m 3 With a flow rate of less than 1 / sec, it is possible to suppress contact between hazardous powder P and moisture in the air while simultaneously conveying it, and it is also possible to easily discharge hazardous powder P. As a result, it is possible to convey large quantities of high-value-added hazardous powder (effective volume 11.3 KL).

[0128] Symbol Explanation 1...can container 2...cans 3... Container Framework 4…… Tank body 51-54……Sections 1 to 4, which also serve as receiving and discharging sections 7……Cylindrical section 8, 9... End plates.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: The main body of the can, which contains powder inside, is formed in an airtight cylindrical shape with both ends closed along its length. Multiple receiving and discharging sections are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction in the lower part of the main body of the can, and are formed in a downward conical shape such that the upper end is airtightly joined to the inner wall and adjacent part of the main body of the can, and the lower end protrudes outward from multiple openings provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the can. Insulating portion, which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the tank; and The container frame section, to which the tank body section is fixed, The inner circumferential surface of the tank body is reinforced by annular or partially slit-shaped reinforcing members disposed between the plurality of receiving and discharging portions adjacent to each other along the length direction of the tank body. The plurality of receiving and discharging sections are formed in a conical shape by joining two constituent components, each divided into a semi-conical shape on a plane intersecting the length direction of the can body, inside the can body.

2. The tank container according to claim 1, wherein, Regarding the plurality of receiving and discharging sections, their tilt angles are set to be greater than or equal to the angle of repose of the powder.

3. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At the upper end of the main body of the tank, one or more inlets are provided along the length direction for introducing pressurized gas into the main body of the tank.

4. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At the upper end of the main body of the can, a supply port for supplying the powder to the plurality of containers and discharge sections is provided, corresponding to the plurality of containers and discharge sections.

5. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At the lower end of each of the plurality of receiving and discharging sections, a nozzle is provided for injecting pressurized gas into the powder contained in the plurality of receiving and discharging sections.

6. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of receiving and discharging sections are formed in a downward conical shape, with an opening at the lower end for discharging the powder, and the discharge port is opened and closed by a discharge valve consisting of a ball valve.

7. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At both ends of the main body of the tank, mounting members formed in a ring shape are fixed. The main body of the tank is fixed to the container frame via the mounting member.

8. The tank container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At the upper end of the main body of the tank, an overflow box is provided in the shape of a rectangular frame when viewed from above, so as to surround the outer periphery of the opening provided at the upper end of the main body of the tank. The outer side of the overflow box is covered by heat insulation material.

9. A method for manufacturing a can container, comprising: In the first step, a cylindrical can body with at least one end opening is formed, and the inner circumferential surface of the can body is reinforced by annular or annular reinforcing members arranged between a plurality of receiving and discharging portions adjacent to each other along the length direction of the can body. The second step involves forming two constituent members, each consisting of a plurality of receiving and discharging portions, divided into a semi-conical shape on a plane intersecting the length direction of the main body of the can. These multiple receiving and discharging portions are arranged such that their lower portions are adjacent to each other along the length direction within the main body of the can; their upper ends are hermetically joined to the inner wall and adjacent portions of the main body of the can; and their lower ends protrude outward from an opening on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the can in a downward-pointing conical shape. The third step involves moving the two constituent components into the interior of the main body of the tank, and joining the two constituent components inside the main body of the tank to form the plurality of receiving and discharging sections.

Images