A multilayered apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, a system and a method for the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multilayered apparatus (1) for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle. The apparatus (1) comprises, a first container (5), defined by a first volume that is encompassed by a first layer (8), wherein the first container (5) is adapted to contain a solid bulk cargo or a liquid bulk cargo and the first layer (8) is made of a flexible material to allow the first volume to expand when it is loaded with a cargo, a second container (6), defined by a second volume between the first layer (8) and a second layer (9), wherein the second container (6) is adapted to contain the same solid bulk cargo or the same liquid bulk cargo with the first container (5), and the second layer (9) is made of a flexible material to allow the second volume to expand, wherein the second volume is substantially smaller than the first volume, a third container (7), defined by a third volume between the second layer (9) and a third layer (10), wherein the third layer (10) is the outermost layer and is made of a non-permeable and airproof material with a higher specific strength than the first (8) and the second layers (9), wherein the third volume is substantially smaller than the first volume, a connection element (2) that is in fluid communication with at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7) to allow external access to at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7), a support means (3) comprising a plurality of support members (4), the support means (3) being placed around the third container (7) to ensure that the apparatus (1) is sufficiently rigid when the first container (5) is empty and to protect the third layer (10), wherein, the first, second, and third volumes are individually isolated from fluid communication, and the third volume is at least partly filled with an elastic adhesive and / or a heat-transfer fluid. The present invention further relates a system comprising the apparatus (1), a method for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, and a marine vessel suitable for storing and / or transporting a cargo with the apparatus (1).

Description

[0001] A MULTILAYERED APPARATUS FOR STORING AND / OR TRANSPORTING A CARGO WITH A VEHICLE, A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR THE SAME

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo. The present invention further relates to a multilayered apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, a system and a method for the same. The present invention also relates to a marine vessel suitable for storing and / or transporting a cargo with the apparatus.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Storing and transportation of goods with vehicles (trucks, freight trains, marine vessels etc.) generally require large tanks and / or containers. Depending on the type of the cargo and the type of the container, this presents a number of problems as the containers, and therefore, vehicles have to be specifically built for a specific cargo and / or containers need to be washed and cleaned after every transfer to prevent the goods from being contaminated by the cargo that is previously carried in the container. The cleaning process in particular takes time and manpower, and is not environmentally friendly due to the chemicals used during the process. Further, cargoes directly loaded into a container such as a cargo hold are at risk of contamination during the transportation.

[0006] WO 2023 276890 Al discloses a carbon dioxide shipping container and method of transporting carbon dioxide, and in particular, a relatively small capacity carbon dioxide shipping container sized to be placed in the interior space of an existing freight container.

[0007] EP 2203675 Bl relates to the storage and transport of gas and liquids, and more particularly to storage and / or transport of refrigerated and pressurized fluid cargos (e.g., natural gas and natural gas liquids) in relatively thin- walled containers at low temperatures where commercial cargo densities can be achieved at moderate pressures and where the containers efficiently fill available storage and / or transport space.

[0008] WO 0100509 A2 discloses a storage and transport container having a tank, the tank having an interior which is capable of being cleaned to enable the tank to be used for different materials, the tank including a top and a bottom, at least one inlet in the top and at least one outlet in the bottom; the tank also having a discharge means mountable to the tank to enable substantially complete discharge from the tank of all material in the tank. The existing containers and apparatuses in the prior art propose a variety of solutions to the problems mentioned above. However, these documents disclose relatively specific structures that are only suitable to be used inside a standard intermodal container (20 ft and 40 ft containers), imposing practical constraints and increasing costs for heavier cargoes, e.g., a 1000 cbm cargo. The other containers and apparatuses, which are intended to be used within a larger container such as a cargo hold of a freight ship, still suffer from the above-mentioned problems as they have to be washed after each and every cargo transfer, are far too costly and are not suitable for different type of cargoes. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multilayered apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo to overcome the shortcomings and drawbacks of the existing containers and apparatuses. Another object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly and versatile apparatus with reduced operation costs and reduced complexity compared to the existing systems to safely store and / or transport a cargo. These objects and further advantages are achieved by virtue of the combination of the features described in the appended claim 1.

[0009] Brief Description of the Figures

[0010] The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a part of the layers and the containers of the apparatus.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the connection element.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the hose assembly of the system.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the curtains and the cargo hold.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the marine vessel.

[0017] Brief Description of the Invention

[0018] The present invention relates to a multilayered apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, a system and a method for the same. It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and provide further advantages.

[0019] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises, a first container, defined by a first volume that is encompassed by a first layer, wherein the first container is adapted to contain a solid bulk cargo or a liquid bulk cargo and the first layer is made of a flexible material to allow the first volume to expand when it is loaded with a cargo, a second container, defined by a second volume between the first layer and a second layer, wherein the second container is adapted to contain the same solid bulk cargo or the same liquid bulk cargo with the first container, and the second layer is made of a flexible material to allow the second volume to expand, wherein the second volume is substantially smaller than the first volume, a third container, defined by a third volume between the second layer and a third layer, wherein the third layer is the outermost layer and is made of a non-permeable and airproof material with a higher specific strength than the first and the second layers, wherein the third volume is substantially smaller than the first volume, a connection element that is in fluid communication with at least one of the said containers to allow external access to at least one of the said containers, a support means comprising a plurality of support members, the support means being placed around the third container to ensure that the apparatus is sufficiently rigid when the first container is empty and to protect the third layer, wherein, the first, second, and third volumes are individually isolated from fluid communication, and the third volume is at least partly filled with an elastic adhesive and / or a heat-transfer fluid.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the support members may be adapted to receive electricty from a power supply, and at least one of the support members may comprise a resistor to produce heat by means of the electricity received thereby.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a bottom plug at the bottom thereof, wherein the plug is in liquid communication with at least one of the said containers to allow external access to at least one of the said containers, and the bottom plug may be adapted to selectively release the contents of a specific container on demand.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom plug may be equipped with a magnetic stirrer that is arranged to stir the contents of the first volume, and the plug may comprise a means to allow the magnetic stirrer to be driven by electricity provided by a power supply.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may comprise three connection elements to allow external access to each of the said containers, wherein each connection element is in fluid communication with a respective container. In a preferred embodiment, the connection element may comprise a relief valve.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the connection element may comprise a valve with a camlock fitting.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the connection element may comprise a valve with a camlock fitting, a relief valve and a flange assembly.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for storing and / or transporting a cargo. The system comprises an apparatus according to the present invention, and further comprises a hose assembly suitable for releasably engaging with the flange assembly of the connection element in order to provide a fluid communication between the hose assembly and at least one of the containers of the apparatus, wherein the hose assembly comprises a primary passage to transfer a cargo and a flange assembly to engage with the flange assembly of the connection element

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the system may further comprise a secondary passage adapted to suck the air and form a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container and the second container of the apparatus.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of:

[0029] - providing a system according to the present invention,

[0030] - engaging the flange assembly of the hose assembly with the flange assembly of the connection element,

[0031] - loading or unloading a cargo into at least one of the first container and the second container by means of the primary passage.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of sucking the air from the secondary passage and forming a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container and the second container of the apparatus after a cargo is loaded into a container.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may comprise a fixing means to fix the apparatus in place, and the method may further comprise the step of fixing the apparatus to a vehicle.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may comprise at least one power supply. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may be a marine vessel.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the marine vessel in the method may comprise a cargo hold and at least a part of the cargo hold may be adapted to receive the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the marine vessel in the method may comprise at least one adjustable curtain, wherein the adjustable curtain is arranged to divide the cargo hold into at least two smaller cargo holds and at least a part of each of the cargo hold may be adapted to receive the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0037] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a marine vessel suitable for storing and / or transporting a cargo with the apparatus according to the present invention, comprising a fixing means to fix the apparatus in place, and,

[0038] - a power supply adapted to engage with the apparatus through a support element or the bottom plug, and / or

[0039] - a cofferdam equipped with a heater to provide heat for the apparatus.

[0040] References

[0041] 1. Apparatus

[0042] 2. Connection element

[0043] 3. Support means

[0044] 4. Support element

[0045] 5. First container

[0046] 6. Second container

[0047] 7. Third container

[0048] 8. First layer

[0049] 9. Second layer

[0050] 10. Third layer

[0051] 11. Bottom plug

[0052] 12. Relief valve

[0053] 13. Valve with a camlock fitting

[0054] 14. Flange assembly of the connection element

[0055] 15. Hose assembly 16. Primary passage

[0056] 17. Secondary passage

[0057] 18. Curtain

[0058] 19. Cargo hold

[0059] 20. Ballast tank

[0060] 21. Cofferdam

[0061] 22. Flange assembly of the hose assembly

[0062] 23. Manhole

[0063] 24. Protective ring

[0064] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0065] The present invention relates to a multilayered apparatus for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle as shown in FIG. 1, a system and a method for the same.

[0066] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus (1) comprises a first container (5), defined by a first volume that is encompassed by a first layer (8), wherein the first container (5) is adapted to contain a solid bulk cargo or a liquid bulk cargo and the first layer (8) is made of a flexible material to allow the first volume to expand when it is loaded with a cargo as shown in FIG. 2. The said material may, for example, be latex, but any material that is flexible and would not contaminate the cargo to be contained may be used for the same purpose. This ensures that the container (5) has a variable volume depending on the weight of the cargo to be contained and the apparatus (1) can be used within different vehicles, such as a truck, a marine vessel, a freight train, a cargo aircraft, or a drone.

[0067] The apparatus (1) further comprises a second container (6), defined by a second volume between the first layer (8) and a second layer (9), wherein the second container (6) is adapted to contain the same solid bulk cargo or the same liquid bulk cargo with the first container (5), and the second layer (9) is made of a flexible material to allow the second volume to expand, wherein the second volume is substantially smaller than the first volume. Preferably, the second volume may be 10% of the first volume or less, or more preferably 5% of the first volume or less, or 3% of the first volume or less. The second layer (9) may also be made of latex, but a material that is different from the first layer (8) may also be used as long as it is flexible and would not contaminate the cargo. As the second container (6) is adapted to contain the same cargo with the first container (5), it is ensured that the first layer (8) and the second layer (9) will not adhere to each other during the storing and / or transportation of a cargo, and even if the first layer (8) becomes damaged and the contents of the first volume and the second volume are mixed, the cargo in the first container (5) will not be contaminated since the second container (6) is adapted to contain the same cargo with the first container (5) and both of the containers (5, 6) would contain the same cargo during the use of the apparatus (1).

[0068] Further, the apparatus (1) comprises a third container (7), defined by a third volume between the second layer (9) and a third layer (10), wherein the third layer (10) is the outermost layer, as can be seen in FIGS 1 and 2, and is made of a non-permeable and airproof material with a higher specific strength than the first (8) and the second layers (9), wherein the third volume is substantially smaller than the first volume. Preferably, the third volume may be 10% of the first volume or less, or more preferably 5% of the first volume or less, or 3% of the first volume or less. The second and third volumes being substantially smaller means that, regardless of the structure of the apparatus (1), at least 50% of the load would be contained within the first container (5), i.e., the first volume. Preferably, the first container (5) would contain at least 80%, or more preferably at least 90% of the load by volume and the containers (5, 6, 7) are adapted accordingly. The specific strength is a material's strength divided by its density, which is also known as the strength-to- weight ratio or strength / weight ratio or strength-to-mass ratio. Said material may, for example, be kevlar if latex is chosen for the other two layers (8, 9). As the third layer (10) is the outermost layer of the apparatus (1), it forms the part of the apparatus (1) that protects the interior of the apparatus (1) from the external factors and risks.

[0069] The apparatus (1) further comprises a connection element (2), which is depicted in FIG. 3, that is in fluid communication with at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7) to allow external access to at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7). Alternatively, a connection element (2) that is selectively in fluid communication with all of the said containers (5, 6, 7) may be used, wherein the connection element (2) is adapted to have three configurations for each container, so that each container can be independently loaded with a cargo or any material. The connection element (2) may be placed on top of the apparatus (1) for convenience.

[0070] Now referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus (1) further comprises a support means (3) comprising a plurality of support members (4). As the combined structure of the containers form a balloonlike structure with no fixed shape, said support means (3) is placed around the third container (7), i.e., around the third layer (10), to ensure that the apparatus (1) is sufficiently rigid when the first container (5) is empty and to protect the third layer (10). The support means (3) may be formed as a frame to cover and protect the third layer as an outer skeleton, and may be made of a material such as steel.

[0071] The first, second, and third volumes of the apparatus (1) are individually isolated from fluid communication, meaning that their contents are not intended to be mixed at any time unless a damage occurs on any of the layers (8, 9, 10). The third volume is at least partly filled with an elastic adhesive and / or a heat-transfer fluid, which is used to regulate the temperature of the first container (5) and the second container (6). If the second layer (9) becomes damaged during the storing or transportation and consequently the contents of the second volume and the third volume are mixed, the cargo in the first container (5) will not be contaminated, thus, most of the cargo will be safe from contamination as the first volume is substantially larger than the other two.

[0072] Similarly, if the third layer (10) becomes damaged during the storing or transportation of a cargo, the contents of the other two containers (5, 6), i.e., the cargo, would not be affected in any way. Elastic adhesives and heat- transfer fluids are well-known in the art and any material that is suitable for the invention may be used. Alternatively, if the first container (5) is adapted to contain a solid bulk cargo (e.g., flour, wheat, salt, sand etc.), the third volume may be at least partly filled with an elastic adhesive, and if the first container (5) is adapted to contain a liquid bulk cargo (e.g., vinyl acetate, seed oils, ethyl alcohol, etc.), the third volume may be at least partly filled with a heat-transfer fluid. An elastic adhesive may be used in cases where the contents of the first two containers do not need to be cooled or heated during the storing and / or transportation, and it ensures that if the third layer (10) becomes damaged, it automatically seals the damaged area by flowing thereto and solidifying. If, for example, a chemical that needs to be cooled or heated during the transportation is to be contained with the apparatus (1), a heat-transfer fluid (liquid or gas, or a mixture thereof) such as water, propylene glycol, R134a, nitrogen may be used. The heat-transfer fluid may be preheated and filled into the third container (7), or can be heated after it is filled into the third container (7). Advantageously, an elastic adhesive with a relatively high heat capacity, or a mixture of a heat-transfer fluid and an elastic adhesive may be used for the same purpose as these could be used for any type of cargo.

[0073] In any case, the apparatus (1) provides safe storing and / or transportation of cargoes and eliminates the need to wash / clean containers of vehicles, which is a burdensome, expensive and environmentally damaging process. The apparatus (1) is also suitable for larger / heavier loads (e.g., 1000 cbm or 2000 cbm), and thus larger containers, such as a cargo hold of a marine vessel, and is particularly advantageous for loads above 200 cbm. The apparatus (1) may be loaded on site or pre-loaded, placed into a vehicle, then removed from the vehicle after it is transported to its destination so that another apparatus can be placed into the same vehicle. The interior of the apparatus (1) may be washed through the connection element (2), but this is optional and not necessary at all if the apparatus (1) is adapted to carry a specific type of cargo (e.g., flour), which is preferred to minimize the costs and the risk of contamination. A further advantage of the apparatus (1) is that the effects of sloshing are minimized, as the cargo that is placed inside the first (5) and second containers (6) would not have enough free surface to constitute sloshing due to the flexible structure of the layers (8, 9, 10) of the apparatus (1). Sloshing is a particularly dangerous problem that requires additional measures to be taken in ships and trucks transporting a cargo, especially a liquid cargo, as explained in EP 1976725 Bl. Further, commonly available systems and methods can not unload all of the cargo, causing a cargo residue that can not be recovered to remain in the vehicle. Further, cargo residues which contain substances classified as harmful to the marine environment can not be discharged at sea, and have to be taken to port reception facilities, which is yet another burdensome and costly process for the cargo owners. As the apparatus (1) according to the present invention would not leave any cargo residue on the vehicle, it is particularly advantageous for cargo holds of marine vessels. A further advantage that is obtained by the present invention is that a plurality of apparatuses containing different cargoes can be used within a cargo space and the cargo space in a vehicle can be efficiently utilized.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus (1), at least one of the support members (4) may be adapted to receive electricty from a power supply, and at least one of the support members (4) may comprise a resistor (not shown) to produce heat by means of the electricity received thereby. Thus, the cargo inside the apparatus (1) can be heated if needed, which is advantageous if the cargo needs to be kept above a certain temperature. Alternatively, the support means (3) may comprise a plurality of interconnected resistors forming a web-like structure around the third layer (10), i.e., around the third container (7), to heat the containers. Further, the apparatus (1) may comprise at least one, and preferably two thermometers to detect the temperature of the cargo and determine how much heat is needed to reach a specific temperature. Said thermometers may be opposingly placed to one another within the apparatus

[0075] (I). The power supply does not need to be a part of the apparatus (1), it may be a part of the vehicle to contain the apparatus (1).

[0076] According to another preferred embodiment of the apparatus (1), the apparatus (1) may further comprise a bottom plug (11) at the bottom thereof, which can be seen in FIG. 1, wherein the plug

[0077] (II) is in liquid communication with at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7) to allow external access to at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7), and the bottom plug (11) may be adapted to selectively release the contents of a specific container on demand. The bottom plug (11) facilitates the unloading process of cargoes and may be used in combination with the connection element (2) to effectively wash and clean the interior of the apparatus, as a cycle wherein one of them is the inlet and the other one is the outlet can be created to save water.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom plug (11) may be equipped with a magnetic stirrer (not shown) that is arranged to stir the contents of the first volume, and the plug (11) may comprise a means to allow the magnetic stirrer to be driven by electricity provided by a power supply. If a liquid that must be kept homogeneous during the transport is to be carried by the apparatus (1), the magnetic stirrer helps keep the liquid homogeneous and prevent precipitation. The power supply does not need to be a part of the apparatus (1), it may be a part of the vehicle to contain the apparatus (1).

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus (1), the apparatus (1) may comprise three connection elements (2) to allow external access to each of the said containers (5, 6, 7), wherein each connection element (2) is in fluid communication with a respective container. As mentioned above, a single connection element (2) may also be used for the same purpose, provided it is adapted to allow external access to a specific container at a time and may be configured to allow external access to another container if desired.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the connection element (2) may comprise a relief valve (12). Further, the connection element (2) may comprise a valve with a camlock fitting (13). In a further preferred embodiment, the connection element (2) may comprise a valve with a camlock fitting (13), a relief valve (12) and a flange assembly (14). Advantageously, said support means (3) may be connected to the flange assembly (14) to obtain a firm and robust structure around the third layer (10). The valve with a camlock fitting (13) and the relief valve (12) may be provided within the flange assembly (14). The valve with a camlock fitting (13) may be used for the cleaning purposes, i.e., as a water inlet, and the relief valve (12) may be used to protect the apparatus (1) from being damaged by sudden changes in pressure during the loading / unloading operations. The relief valve (12) may also be used to vacuum and seal the apparatus (1) after the container(s) is / are loaded. By removing air from the first (5) and / or second containers (6), it is ensured that the cargo is not in contact with air and will not be oxidized during the transport

[0081] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for storing and / or transporting a cargo. Referring to FIG. 4, the system comprises an apparatus (1) according to the present invention, and further comprises a hose assembly (15) suitable for releasably engaging with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element (2) in order to provide a fluid communication between the hose assembly (15) and at least one of the containers (5, 6, 7) of the apparatus, wherein the hose assembly (15) comprises a primary passage (16) to transfer a cargo and a flange assembly (22) to engage with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element Said hose assembly (15) may be a part of a vehicle, or a standalone device / machine, or a deck crane.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the system may further comprise a secondary passage (17) adapted to suck the air and form a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) of the apparatus (1). The primary (16) and secondary passages (17) may be provided within a single, bigger passage or within two separate passages. A telescopic structure with an impeller inside it may be used as the primary passage (16), and a slit between the telescopic structure and the part that is intended to engage with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element (2) may be provided as the secondary passage (17). The hose assembly (15) may further comprise at least one protective ring (24) to prevent the primary passage (16) from sticking to the surface of a layer (8, 9,10) when the flange assembly (22) of the hose assembly (15) is engaged with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element (2).

[0083] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of:

[0084] - providing a system according to the present invention,

[0085] - engaging the flange assembly (22) of the hose assembly (15) with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element (2),

[0086] - loading or unloading a cargo into at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) by means of the primary passage (16).

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of sucking the air from the secondary passage (17) and forming a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) of the apparatus (1) after a cargo is loaded into a container. As mentioned above, by removing air from the first (5) and / or second containers (6), it is ensured that the cargo is not in contact with air and will not be oxidized during the transport.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may comprise a fixing means to fix the apparatus (1) in place, and the method may further comprise the step of fixing the apparatus (1) to a vehicle. Advantageously, the support means (3) of the apparatus (1) may be used to fix the apparatus (1) in place.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may comprise at least one power supply.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle in the method may be a marine vessel.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the marine vessel in the method may comprise a cargo hold (19) and at least a part of the cargo hold may be adapted to receive the apparatus (1) according to the present invention as shown in FIGS 5 and 6. As mentioned above, the apparatus (1) according to the present invention is particularly advantageous when used inside a cargo hold (19) of a marine vessel.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the marine vessel in the method may comprise at least one adjustable curtain (18), wherein the adjustable curtain (18) is arranged to divide the cargo hold (19) into at least two smaller cargo holds and at least a part of each of the cargo hold (19) may be adapted to receive the apparatus (1) according to the present invention. The cargo hold (19) may comprise a plurality of manholes (22) for the insertion of a plurality of apparatuses (1) thereinto. Accordingly, a cargo hold of a marine vessel may, for example, be divided into two or more smaller cargo holds to accommodate a plurality of apparatuses (1) according to the present invention. For example, if the cargo hold has a maximum capacity of 2000 cbm, five apparatuses with a maximum capacity of 400 cbm may be used. Thus, the entire volume of the cargo hold (19) can be used for the transport, and different types of cargo can be safely transported within a single cargo hold (19).

[0093] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a marine vessel suitable for storing and / or transporting a cargo with the apparatus (1) according to the present invention. Referring back to FIGS 5 and 6, said marine vessel may be a typical one with a ballast tank (20) and a cargo hold (19). The marine vessel comprises a fixing means to fix the apparatus (1) in place, and,

[0094] - a power supply adapted to engage with the apparatus (1) through a support element (4) or the bottom plug (11), and / or

[0095] - a cofferdam (21) equipped with a heater to provide heat for the apparatus.

[0096] Further advantages, the possible embodiments and uses of the invention shall be apparent from the explanations above and exemplary drawings appended to the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, comprising:- a first container (5), defined by a first volume that is encompassed by a first layer (8), wherein the first container (5) is adapted to contain a solid bulk cargo or a liquid bulk cargo and the first layer (8) is made of a flexible material to allow the first volume to expand when it is loaded with a cargo,- a second container (6), defined by a second volume between the first layer (8) and a second layer (9), wherein the second container (6) is adapted to contain the same solid bulk cargo or the same liquid bulk cargo with the first container (5), and the second layer (9) is made of a flexible material to allow the second volume to expand, wherein the second volume is substantially smaller than the first volume,- a third container (7), defined by a third volume between the second layer (9) and a third layer (10), wherein the third layer (10) is the outermost layer and is made of a non-permeable and airproof material with a higher specific strength than the first (8) and the second layers (9), wherein the third volume is substantially smaller than the first volume,- a connection element (2) that is in fluid communication with at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7) to allow external access to at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7),- a support means (3) comprising a plurality of support members (4), the support means (3) being placed around the third container (7) to ensure that the apparatus (1) is sufficiently rigid when the first container (5) is empty and to protect the third layer (10), wherein,- the first, second, and third volumes are individually isolated from fluid communication, and- the third volume is at least partly filled with an elastic adhesive and / or a heattransfer fluid.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the support members (4) is adapted to receive electricty from a power supply, and at least one of the support members (4) comprises a resistor to produce heat by means of the electricity received thereby.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a bottom plug (11) at the bottom thereof, wherein the plug (11) is in liquid communicationwith at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7) to allow external access to at least one of the said containers (5, 6, 7), and the bottom plug (11) is adapted to selectively release the contents of a specific container on demand.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the bottom plug (11) is equipped with a magnetic stirrer that is arranged to stir the contents of the first volume, and the plug (11) comprises a means to allow the magnetic stirrer to be driven by electricity provided by a power supply.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises three connection elements (2) to allow external access to each of the said containers (5, 6, 7), wherein each connection element (2) is in fluid communication with a respective container.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the connection element (2) comprises a relief valve (12).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the connection element (2) comprises a valve with a camlock fitting (13).

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the connection element (2) comprises a valve with a camlock fitting (13), a relief valve (12) and a flange assembly (14).

9. A system for storing and / or transporting a cargo, comprising an apparatus (1) according to claim 8, and further comprising a hose assembly (15) suitable for releasably engaging with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element (2) in order to provide a fluid communication between the hose assembly (15) and at least one of the containers (5, 6, 7) of the apparatus (1), wherein the hose assembly (15) comprises a primary passage (16) to transfer a cargo and a flange assembly (22) to engage with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the system further comprises a secondary passage (17) adapted to suck the air and form a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) of the apparatus (1).

11. A method for storing and / or transporting a cargo with a vehicle, comprising the steps of:- providing a system according to claim 9 or 10,- engaging the hose assembly (15) with the flange assembly (14) of the connection element,- loading or unloading a cargo into at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) by means of the primary passage (16).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the step of sucking the air from the secondary passage (17) and forming a partial vacuum inside at least one of the first container (5) and the second container (6) of the apparatus (1) after a cargo is loaded into a container.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the vehicle comprises a fixing means to fix the apparatus (1) in place, and the method further comprises the step of fixing the apparatus (1) to a vehicle.

14. The method according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one power supply.

15. The method according to any one of the claims 11 to 14, wherein the vehicle is a marine vessel.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the marine vessel comprises a cargo hold and at least a part of the cargo hold is adapted to receive the apparatus (1).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the marine vessel comprises at least one adjustable curtain (18), wherein the adjustable curtain (18) is arranged to divide the cargo hold (19) into at least two smaller cargo holds and at least a part of each of the cargo hold (19) is adapted to receive the apparatus (1).

18. A marine vessel suitable for storing and / or transporting a cargo with the apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 4, comprising a fixing means to fix the apparatus (1) in place, and,- a power supply adapted to engage with the apparatus (1) through a support element (5) or the bottom plug (11), and / or- a cofferdam equipped with a heater to provide heat for the apparatus (1).

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