Apparatus and method for administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material

Abstract

Apparatus 2 for dosing a liquid color formulation into a polymer includes a weighing platform 4 supported on a pair of load cells 6, which are in turn supported on a base 8. Reservoir 12 contains liquid color formulation 14. Pump 16 is arranged to pump the liquid formulation via tubing 20 to an extruder or injection molding machine. Above inlet 24 is a delivery pack 26 including a bag-in-box arrangement 28. Delivery pack 26 includes a transfer pump 36 associated with the outlet of a receptacle 32. Transfer pump motor 38 is arranged to engage and operate transfer pump 36, allowing the liquid formulation to be pumped from receptacle 32 into reservoir 12 across gap 13 defined between transfer pump 36 and inlet 24 of reservoir 12. There are no pipes, tubes, or other conduits through which the liquid formulation travels between delivery pack 26 and reservoir 12.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to polymeric materials, and particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material. Injection molded products, such as container preforms, or continuous extruded products, such as fibers, may be produced. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known to dose a fluid formulation, e.g., a liquid formulation containing functional additives such as color formulations and / or UV filters, into a thermoplastic polymeric material to produce an injection-molded or extruded product. However, it can be difficult to ensure that the dosing system is functioning with adequate accuracy and / or that the correct amount of liquid formulation (i.e., neither too little nor too much) is dispensed into the polymeric material. For example, it is desirable for beverage bottle manufacturers to have reliable information about the level of additives (e.g., colorants) contained in their bottled products. If a bottle or other receptacle is intended to contain a specific level of functional additive, such as a UV filter, to prevent degradation of the product contained in the receptacle, it is important from a quality assurance perspective to be confident that the receptacle contains the appropriate amount of functional additive.

[0003] Many receptacles are made from preforms produced by injection molding in an injection molding machine. The preforms are then allowed to rest for a period of time to condition before being blown and stretched in a stretch blow molding machine. The produced receptacles may then be periodically sampled and evaluated. For example, the color of selected receptacles may be evaluated, and, where possible, the level of functional additives may be evaluated. In some cases, it may not be readily possible or convenient to evaluate the level of certain functional additives in blown receptacles, making it difficult for receptacle manufacturers to provide a reliable quality assurance (QA) process, at least with respect to functional additives.

[0004] It is understood that when receptacle color or the level of functional additive in a receptacle is evaluated as a QA process, such evaluation occurs far downstream from the point where the color or functional additive is introduced into a preform that is subsequently stretch-blow molded to define the receptacle. It is understood that when receptacle color or the level of functional additive in a receptacle is evaluated as a QA process, such evaluation occurs far downstream from the point where the color or functional additive is introduced into a preform that is subsequently stretch-blow molded to define the receptacle. Given that it can take an hour or more from preform production to receptacle evaluation, and given the high speed at which receptacles are produced (e.g., 15,000 units per hour), tens of thousands of defective receptacles could be produced and have to be discarded.

[0005] If it is not readily possible or convenient to assess the level of a particular functional additive contained in a preform or receptacle, producing a defective receptacle (e.g., containing too little additive) can have more serious consequences, as the product may be filled and sold to a customer without assessing the additive level. A defective receptacle (e.g., containing too little functional additive, such as an ultraviolet filter) may not adequately protect the product contained therein, resulting in a reduced shelf life. The existence of such a product with a reduced shelf life could necessitate the recall of tens of thousands of product-filled receptacles, resulting in significant losses for retailers, manufacturers of the products contained in the receptacles, and / or manufacturers of the receptacles. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention, in one preferred embodiment, to provide an accurate QA system that addresses the above-mentioned problems and can provide relatively rapid warnings when defective preforms and / or receptacles may be produced.

[0007] More generally, there are many situations in which it is desirable to be able to accurately dose and / or monitor the rate at which a fluid formulation is dispensed into a polymeric material associated with melt processing equipment.

[0008] The aim of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an apparatus and / or method for substantially continuously verifying that an apparatus for administering a liquid color formulation to a polymeric material is functioning with adequate accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material, said apparatus comprising: (i) a container (A) for containing a fluid formulation, said container (A) including an outlet for the fluid formulation; (ii) a reservoir assembly for containing the fluid formulation to be transferred from container (A), said reservoir assembly including an inlet for receiving the fluid formulation to be transferred from container (A); Equipped with The outlet of the container (A) is positioned to deliver a fluid formulation across a gap and into the reservoir assembly.

[0011] Thus, preferably, a space is defined between the outlet of container (A) and the reservoir assembly, e.g., between the outlet and a portion of the reservoir assembly closest to the outlet. As a result, preferably, there is no physical link or connection between the outlet of container (A) and the walls and / or any physical portion of the reservoir assembly. That is, preferably, there is no physical link or connection between the outlet of container (A) and the walls and / or any physical portion of the reservoir assembly, e.g., for the passage of a liquid formulation from container (A) to the reservoir assembly. Thus, during use, the fluid formulation preferably falls across the free space between container (A) and reservoir assembly (B) before it comes into contact with a physical entity (e.g., the walls of the reservoir assembly and / or the fluid formulation already present in the reservoir assembly). This arrangement facilitates accurate monitoring of the weight of the reservoir assembly during use, without the measured weight being affected by container (A) and / or any portion thereof. Therefore, the device preferably does not include any conduits and / or tubes extending from said container (A) to said reservoir assembly and contacting both said container (A) and said reservoir assembly.

[0012] The outlet of container (A) is preferably an area of ​​container (A) that, in use, comes into contact with the fluid formulation immediately before it enters the cavity. Container (A) preferably includes a pump (herein referred to as "the first pump") as described below. The outlet of container (A) may be the outlet of the first pump. The first pump is preferably a positive displacement pump. The first pump is preferably arranged to releasably engage with the shaft of a motor suitably arranged to drive the rotor of the pump.

[0013] Reservoir (A) may include a closure means integral with said reservoir (A). The first pump may be arranged to operate as a closure means for reservoir (A) when fluid is not being pumped from reservoir (A) and / or when it is not operatively connected to a motor arranged to drive a rotor of the pump, preferably as described below.

[0014] The container (A) preferably comprises the first pump and a container portion preferably upstream of the first pump and preferably arranged to contain the fluid formulation. The container portion is preferably directly connected to the first pump. The first pump is preferably fixed (preferably substantially permanently fixed and / or not releasably fixed) to the outlet of the container portion. The first pump is preferably directly connected to and / or abuts the outlet of the container portion. Preferably, no pipe, e.g., flexible pipe, extends between the container portion, e.g., the outlet of the container portion, and the first pump.

[0015] The outlet of container (A) is preferably vertically aligned with the inlet of the reservoir assembly. Thus, the outlet of container (A) is suitably positioned to allow the fluid formulation to fall under gravity across the gap to be contained within the reservoir assembly. The outlet of container (A) is preferably spaced apart from each wall of the reservoir assembly.

[0016] The outlet of container (A) may extend into free space within the reservoir assembly, or the outlet of container (A) may be spaced, e.g., vertically spaced (e.g., a vertical distance of at least 1 mm, e.g., 1 to 20 mm), from the inlet of the reservoir assembly. The outlet of container (A) is preferably spaced a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 50 mm from the nearest horizontally extending inner wall of the reservoir assembly directly below the outlet.

[0017] The inlet of the reservoir assembly may be defined in an upper wall of the reservoir assembly, the inlet preferably defining an upwardly facing opening. The opening may be defined by a collar, preferably having a cylindrical wall extending upwardly, preferably substantially vertically upward. The opening may have a maximum width in the range of 2 to 10 cm. Being preferably circular, the preferred diameter of the opening is in the range of 2 to 10 cm. The opening has an area through which the fluid formulation passes in use of at least 4 cm. 2 , preferably 70cm 2 The opening may be 4 to 40 cm 2 The opening may have an area in the range of 0.05 to 0.05 mm. The opening is preferably arranged to be closed by a releasably securable closure. The collar may be threaded and arranged to engage a corresponding threaded closure for closing and / or sealing the inlet to the reservoir assembly when the reservoir assembly is not in use and / or when not part of the described device, such as during transport or storage of the reservoir assembly.

[0018] The reservoir assembly (preferably the reservoir as described below) may have a total internal volume (i.e., up to the brim of the container) of at least 2 liters or at least 3 liters to contain the fluid formulation. The total internal volume may be less than 50 liters, or less than 20 liters, or less than 6 liters.

[0019] The reservoir assembly (preferably a reservoir thereof as described below) may have a substantially constant internal cross-sectional area over a length L, where L is at least 25 mm, preferably at least 50 mm. The length L may be less than 400 mm, or may be less than 100 mm. The volume of fluid that can be contained within the substantially constant cross-sectional area is at least 500 cm. 3 , preferably at least 1000 cm 3 It may also be 20000 cm 3 Less than 10000cm3 Less than or equal to 7000 cm 3 It may be less than.

[0020] The substantially constant internal cross-sectional area is at least 100 cm 2 , preferably at least 200 cm 2 It may be 2000cm 2 Less than 1000cm 2 Less than or 600cm 2 It may be less than.

[0021] The substantially constant internal cross-section is preferably curved along its entire extent, and is preferably circular or elliptical.

[0022] The ratio of the substantially constant internal cross-sectional area divided by the total internal volume of the reservoir assembly (preferably its reservoirs as described below) may be in the range of 0.01 to 0.20, preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.14, and more preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.10.

[0023] The reservoir assembly is preferably associated with a substantially horizontally disposed platform, the substantially constant internal cross-sectional area preferably extends substantially parallel to the platform, and the length L is preferably measured substantially perpendicular to the platform.

[0024] The reservoir assembly (preferably a reservoir thereof as described below) is preferably rigid. It is preferably self-supporting. It is preferably not arranged to be compressed to deliver a fluid formulation therefrom. Its internal volume is preferably not arranged to change (e.g., decrease) during removal of a fluid formulation therefrom (e.g., during removal of fluid from the reservoir of the assembly as described below).

[0025] The reservoir assembly preferably includes the inlet for introducing the fluid formulation into the receptacle. The inlet is preferably located at the top of the reservoir assembly (preferably at the top of the reservoir as described below). The inlet is preferably located above a maximum fill level of the reservoir assembly (preferably a maximum fill level of the reservoir as described below), and data regarding the maximum fill level (e.g., its location) is preferably stored in a central processing unit (CPU) component of the device.

[0026] The device preferably includes a level sensor for assessing the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly (preferably the level in that reservoir as described below).

[0027] The level sensor is preferably non-invasive. The level sensor is preferably positioned so as not to contact the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly while taking measurements, e.g., while sensing the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly. The level sensor preferably includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal, e.g., a wave. The signal is preferably positioned to be transmitted toward the fluid in the reservoir assembly, preferably toward the fluid-air interface. That is, the wave is preferably transmitted to impinge on the top of the fluid formulation contained in the reservoir assembly to facilitate determination of the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly. The level sensor preferably includes a receiver for receiving a signal, e.g., a wave reflected from the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly. The level sensor and / or its associated CPU are preferably positioned to evaluate the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly from the transmitted signal and the reflected signal, e.g., wave.

[0028] The transmitter and receiver of the level sensor are preferably fixed in position relative to each other and / or fixed in the same housing.

[0029] The level sensor, e.g., the housing, is preferably mounted such that, in use, it occupies a position above the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly. The level sensor is preferably vertically aligned with the inlet to the reservoir assembly. The level sensor is preferably an ultrasonic sensor and preferably comprises a housing that houses both an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver.

[0030] The CPU of the device is suitably programmed to fill the reservoir assembly with fluid formulation to a level that is spaced at least 30 mm from the transmitting face of the level sensor.

[0031] The level sensor is preferably arranged to communicate level information, for example over time, to the CPU which is preferably part of the device.

[0032] The apparatus preferably includes a first weighing means for monitoring the weight of the reservoir assembly and its contents. The first weighing means may include a platform for supporting the reservoir assembly. The first weighing means is preferably arranged to communicate information relating to the weight of the reservoir assembly to the CPU over time.

[0033] The reservoir assembly is preferably associated with a cradle, the cradle being suitably arranged to support the reservoir assembly. The cradle is preferably arranged to be releasably fixed to the weighing means, e.g., the platform. A sensor may be associated with the cradle and / or the weighing means to sense when the cradle is correctly positioned relative to the weighing means, e.g., the platform, and preferably the sensor is arranged to transmit information to the CPU. The cradle may include a plurality of male or female elements (preferably female elements) arranged to releasably engage with other male or female elements fixed to the weighing means, e.g., the platform.

[0034] The reservoir assembly preferably includes a pump (hereinafter the "second pump") for pumping the liquid formulation from the reservoir assembly. The second pump is preferably an integral part of the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly may comprise a reservoir and the second pump. The second pump is preferably associated with the outlet of the reservoir, e.g., fixedly (preferably not substantially permanently and / or releasably fixed). The second pump is preferably directly connected to and / or abuts the outlet of the reservoir. Preferably, no pipe, e.g., a flexible pipe, extends between the outlet of the reservoir and the pump.

[0035] The second pump is preferably a positive displacement pump. The second pump is preferably arranged to releasably engage the shaft of a motor suitably arranged to drive a rotor of the pump. The reservoir of the reservoir assembly may include a closure means that is an integral part of the reservoir assembly. The second pump may be arranged to act as a closure means for the reservoir assembly when fluid is not being pumped from the reservoir assembly and / or when it is not operatively connected to a motor that is suitably arranged to drive a rotor of the pump as described below.

[0036] The first pump and the second pump may be the same or different, and preferably the first pump and / or the second pump comprise a positive displacement pump (hereinafter "pump") as described below.

[0037] The pd pump preferably includes a housing having an inlet for connection to a fluid source, the inlet being suitably arranged to be flooded by fluid from the fluid source, the inlet preferably being flooded by the passage of fluid from the fluid source under the force of gravity, preferably in the absence of other forces, i.e. the fluid does not need to be (and preferably is not) pressurised to flood the inlet.

[0038] The pd pump preferably includes an outlet for fluid pumped by the pd pump.

[0039] The pd pump preferably includes a rotor rotatable within a housing, the inlet and the outlet preferably being spaced about the path of the rotor within the housing.

[0040] The rotor preferably has an axis of rotation, the inlet is arranged to introduce fluid into the housing in a direction transverse to, e.g., perpendicular to, the axis of rotation, and the outlet is preferably arranged to introduce fluid out of the housing in a direction transverse to, e.g., perpendicular to, the axis of rotation, and the inlet and outlet are preferably spaced circumferentially about the axis of rotation.

[0041] Preferably, the rotor includes a rotor surface that moves around the housing as the rotor rotates, forming with the housing an interior region a plurality of closed chambers that transport fluid from the inlet to the outlet. More specifically, the chambers preferably move around the axis, but preferably not along the axis. The housing preferably includes a seal that cooperates with the rotor surface when the surface passes between the inlet and the outlet to prevent passage of fluid through the rotor from the inlet to the outlet and / or vice versa, and / or to prevent any backflow of fluid. Thus, the chambers are effectively sealed. Preferably, when the rotor is not rotating, fluid cannot pass between the inlet and the outlet. Thus, in this case, the PD pump functions as a closure that effectively prevents fluid flow, as described above for the first and second pumps.

[0042] The rotation axis of the pd pump may have a length of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 60 mm. The rotation axis of the pd pump may be in the range of 10 to 60 mm, preferably in the range of 18 to 50 mm.

[0043] The reservoir of the reservoir assembly is preferably arranged to deliver the fluid formulation to the inlet of the second pump at a pressure of less than 1.5 bar. The reservoir assembly is preferably open to the atmosphere. Advantageously, it is preferably not pressurized. Suitably, the device is arranged so that the pressure at the inlet of the second pump is determined by the static head of fluid in the reservoir and atmospheric pressure, and no additional means are provided for pressurizing the reservoir. Preferably, the reservoir and the second pump are arranged for flooded suction of the second pump with fluid from the reservoir.

[0044] The container portion of the container (A) is preferably arranged to deliver the fluid formulation to the inlet of the first pump at a pressure of less than 1.5 bar. The container (A) is preferably exposed to atmospheric pressure only. It is preferably not pressurized. Preferably, the container portion and the first pump are arranged to submerge the first pump with fluid from the container portion.

[0045] In a first embodiment, the second pump may be configured to pump the fluid formulation to the outlet of the device. In this case, preferably, the only pump provided between the reservoir outlet and the device outlet is the second pump. Such an arrangement may be used to introduce the fluid formulation into a polymeric material at relatively low pressure (e.g., a polymeric material that is not molten and / or at ambient pressure). In this case, the outlet of the device may be configured to deliver the fluid formulation onto solid pellets of the polymeric material. The solid pellets may be upstream of a melt zone of a melt processing device to which the device may be associated and / or operatively connected.

[0046] In a second embodiment, the device may be configured to introduce a fluid formulation into a polymeric material (e.g., a molten polymeric material), e.g., at relatively high pressure (e.g., 50 bar or more). In this case, the outlet of the device may be configured to deliver the fluid formulation into molten polymer in melt processing equipment (e.g., an injection molder or extruder). The device may also be associated with and / or operatively connected to melt processing equipment as described.

[0047] Preferably, a pipe is connected to the outlet of the second pump, the pipe being positioned to deliver the fluid formulation to, for example, a polymeric material associated with melt processing equipment, such as an injection molding machine or an extruder. The portion of the pipe is preferably fixed, e.g., clamped, to a portion of the equipment at a first position. The first position is preferably such that its position does not change when the metering means, e.g., the platform, moves with changes in the weight of the reservoir assembly. The first position is preferably not fixed in position relative to the metering means, e.g., the platform. The fixation of the pipe at the first position is preferably positioned to minimize (preferably eliminate) movement of the pipe between the first position and the connection position of the pipe to the outlet of the second pump. As a result, the portion of the pipe downstream of the first position can be manipulated (e.g., to position the portion of the pipe to deliver the fluid formulation to the polymeric material) without such movement being transmitted to the metering means (which might otherwise affect the measured weight).

[0048] The pipe may have an internal diameter in the range of 0.2 to 1.5 cm, preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.9 cm, and / or a length in the range of 50 cm to 5 m or 60 cm to 3 m.

[0049] The container (A) is suitably in fluid communication with the reservoir assembly and is suitably arranged to contain the same fluid formulation as contained in the reservoir assembly, and the device is suitably arranged to transfer fluid from the container (A) to the reservoir assembly to replenish the fluid in the reservoir assembly.

[0050] Container (A) preferably has a larger total internal volume than the reservoir assembly, e.g., its reservoirs. The ratio of the total internal volume of container (A) divided by the total internal volume of the reservoir assembly may be at least 1.5, e.g., in the range of 1 to 500, or preferably in the range of 1.5 to 10.

[0051] The container (A) preferably includes the first pump and the container portion as described above. The container portion may be foldable and preferably comprises a plastic receptacle. The container (A) may comprise a cardboard box in which the container portion is arranged. The container (A) may preferably comprise a bag-in-box arrangement in which the first pump is directly connected to and / or abuts the outlet of the container portion.

[0052] The container (A) is preferably positioned above (preferably entirely above) the reservoir assembly. The container (A) preferably has a footprint that completely overlaps the footprint defined by the reservoir and / or the reservoir assembly. Thus, the container (A) is preferably overlapped by the reservoir and / or the reservoir assembly. The footprint of the container (A) is preferably between 200 and 2000 cm. 2 range, e.g., 200-1400 cm 2 Range of 500~1200cm 2 The footprint of the reservoir and / or the reservoir assembly may be in the range of 2000 to 32000 mm 2 Range, for example, 5000~25000mm 2 may be in the range of

[0053] The apparatus preferably includes a second weighing means for monitoring the weight of the container (A) and its contents. The second weighing means may include a second platform for supporting the container (A). The weighing means is preferably arranged to communicate information relating to the weight of the container (A) to the CPU over time.

[0054] Where the second metering means includes a second platform, the second platform is preferably arranged to releasably engage the container (A). Preferably, the second platform, when provided, overlies the first platform. The first and second platforms are preferably vertically spaced such that at least 50%, 90% or 100% of the footprint of the second platform overlaps the footprint of the first platform.

[0055] The CPU associated with the device for administration is preferably arranged to receive input relating to the injection rate of the fluid formulation into a polymeric material that may be present in a melt processing device associated with the device for administration.

[0056] The CPU is preferably configured to control the operation, e.g., speed, of the second pump. The second pump may be the primary control for the rate of introduction of the fluid formulation into the polymeric material. Other information monitored by the CPU can confirm that the second pump is operating properly. For example, information regarding the level of fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly and / or information regarding changes in the weight of the reservoir assembly over time may be used to confirm operation of the second pump.

[0057] The CPU is suitably arranged to receive an input relating to a let down ratio (LDR).

[0058] The invention extends to said device for administration in combination with melt processing equipment, suitably such that an outlet of said device is arranged to deliver the fluid formulation from said device to a polymeric material arranged to be melt processed in said melt processing equipment, which may comprise an injection moulder or an extruder.

[0059] The apparatus may be mounted on a transport vehicle. Preferably, the transport vehicle supports the container (A) and the reservoir assembly, both of which contain the fluid formulation. The transport vehicle may be arranged to be rolled to a location where it is to be used, for example, adjacent to a melt processing device. The transport vehicle may include wheels or rollers. The footprint of the vehicle may be less than 10,000 cm. 2 Less than or 7000cm 2 It may have an area of ​​at least 3000 cm 2 may be.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, viscosities described herein may be measured using a Brookfield viscometer at 20 rpm and 23°C.

[0061] The fluid formulation may have a viscosity of at least 1000 cP, suitably at least 10,000 cP, preferably at least 15,000 cP. The viscosity may be less than 75,000 cP, preferably less than 40,000 cP, more preferably less than 35,000 cP.

[0062] The fluid formulation may be composed of a single fluid. Preferably, however, the fluid formulation comprises at least two different components. The fluid formulation may comprise multiple components that are liquid at STP. In one embodiment, the fluid formulation may comprise only components that are liquid at STP. In another embodiment, the fluid formulation may comprise at least one component that is liquid at STP and at least one component that is solid at STP.

[0063] The fluid formulation may contain at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 30 wt%, preferably at least 40 wt%, more preferably at least 50 wt%, and especially at least 60 wt% solids. The solids may consist of particulate matter, such as solid pigments and / or dyes. The fluid formulation may contain up to 85 wt% of the described types of solids. The fluid formulation preferably contains 15-70 wt%, preferably 15-50 wt%, of a fluid, e.g., a liquid. The solids are preferably provided as a dispersion in a fluid, which is preferably a vehicle. Thus, the solids may be generally insoluble in the vehicle. The ability to use a highly loaded formulation (and consequently a relatively low vehicle level) may be advantageous in minimizing any adverse effects associated with the incorporation of the vehicle into the polymeric material.

[0064] The solids may be arranged to tailor the properties of the polymeric material that may be delivered by the device. The solids may comprise any material that is desired to be incorporated into a plastic material and may be selected from colorants, ultraviolet filters, oxygen absorbers, antimicrobial agents, acetaldehyde scavengers, reheat additives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, optical brighteners, processing stabilizers, and flame retardants. The colorants may comprise pigments or dyes.

[0065] The solids preferably comprise an insoluble colorant (i.e., insoluble in the vehicle), such as an insoluble pigment or dye. In some embodiments, partially soluble colorants or other additives may be used.

[0066] The vehicle is suitably liquid at STP. The fluid formulation is preferably liquid at STP. The vehicle preferably has a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure of 760 mmHg) above 300°C, preferably above 350°C, more preferably above 500°C. The boiling point may be below 1150°C or below 1000°C.

[0067] The reservoir assembly preferably contains a fluid formulation as described above. Container (A) preferably contains a fluid formulation, the fluid formulation in container (A) and in the reservoir assembly being identical. The device is preferably arranged to deliver the fluid formulation from the reservoir assembly to contact the polymeric material, the fluid formulation contacting the polymer being identical to the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly.

[0068] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material, said method comprising: (a) An apparatus comprising: a container (A) containing a fluid formulation and an outlet for said fluid formulation; a reservoir assembly containing the fluid formulation to be transferred from said container (A), said reservoir assembly including an inlet for receiving the fluid formulation to be transferred from said container (A); selecting a device, (b) delivering a fluid formulation from a container (A) to said reservoir assembly; (c) delivering a fluid formulation to the polymeric material downstream of the reservoir assembly; Includes.

[0069] The method preferably uses an apparatus as described in the first aspect.

[0070] The method preferably includes delivering the fluid formulation across a gap during passage from container (A) to the reservoir assembly, wherein the fluid formulation preferably falls across the gap a distance of at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. The gap may extend from the outlet of container (A) to a wall of the reservoir assembly or to the surface of a fluid formulation already contained in the reservoir assembly.

[0071] The container (A) may have any of the features of the container (A) of the first aspect. The reservoir assembly may have any of the features of the reservoir assembly of the first aspect. The fluid formulation may have any of the features of the container (A) of the first aspect.

[0072] The method preferably includes the step of the CPU of the device controlling the operation of a first pump that is part of the container (A).

[0073] The method preferably includes the step of the CPU receiving information related to the weight of the container (A).The method preferably includes the step of the CPU receiving information related to the weight of the reservoir assembly.

[0074] The method preferably includes the step of the CPU controlling operation of a second pump arranged to pump the fluid formulation from the reservoir assembly and deliver the fluid formulation into the polymeric material.

[0075] The method may include the step of an operator inputting information into the CPU according to a desired rate of administration (eg, let-down ratio (LDR)) of the fluid formulation into the polymeric material.

[0076] The method preferably includes the step of the CPU receiving information relating to a level of the fluid product in the reservoir assembly, the level of the fluid product being assessed by the level sensor as described in the first aspect.

[0077] In this method, the delivery rate of the fluid formulation by the second pump is a key parameter set for determining the rate of administration of the fluid formulation to the polymeric material. A CPU may be arranged to compare the delivery rate of the fluid formulation by the second pump with information relating to the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly and / or information relating to changes in the weight of the reservoir assembly over time, preferably to confirm that the device (and in particular the delivery rate of the fluid formulation to the polymeric material) is functioning correctly. If there is a discrepancy, the CPU may initiate an alarm or signal an operator.

[0078] The method may include an operator inputting information into the CPU regarding an amount of polymeric material per shot for a batch process and / or information regarding throughput of the polymeric material in the melt processing device.

[0079] In step (c) of the method, a pipe preferably extends between the reservoir assembly and the melt processing device.

[0080] The method may include the step of replacing container (A) when the amount of fluid formulation in container (A) falls below a predetermined level, for example as assessed by its weight.

[0081] The method may also include replacing the reservoir assembly including the second pump after a predetermined time, for example after a predetermined amount of fluid formulation has been delivered via the second pump, as preferably assessed by the CPU.

[0082] The method may include modifying the device to deliver a replacement fluid formulation, the method including replacing the reservoir assembly including container (A) and the second pump with a replacement reservoir assembly including a replacement container (A) and the second pump, the container (A) containing the replacement fluid formulation.

[0083] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container (A) for a fluid formulation for administration to a polymeric material, said container (A) comprising: i) a container portion for containing said fluid formulation; ii) a first pump connected to the container portion and being a component of the container (A), the first pump being for pumping a fluid formulation from the container portion for administering the formulation to the polymeric material, the container (A) containing the fluid formulation; Equipped with.

[0084] Said container (A) may be as described in the first embodiment.

[0085] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reservoir assembly for containing a fluid formulation transferred from a container (A), said reservoir assembly including an inlet for receiving the fluid formulation transferred from the container (A), said second pump being provided for pumping the fluid formulation from said reservoir assembly, said second pump being an integral part of said reservoir assembly, and said container (A) containing the fluid formulation as described herein.

[0086] The reservoir assembly may be as described in the first aspect.

[0087] The present invention also extends to the co-location comprising a container (A) according to the third aspect and a reservoir assembly according to the fourth aspect, preferably said container (A) and said reservoir assembly containing at least a residue of the same fluid formulation.

[0088] In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material, said apparatus comprising: (i) a container (A) for containing a fluid formulation, said container (A) including an outlet for the fluid formulation; (ii) a reservoir assembly for containing a fluid formulation to be transferred from container (A), said reservoir assembly including an inlet for receiving the fluid formulation to be transferred from container (A); Equipped with Said container (A) may include any of the features of the device according to the first aspect.

[0089] Features of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with features of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein, mutatis mutandis.

[0090] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0091] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view with parts of the administration device partially cut away. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of the framework of the device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a device having a delivery pack engaged with a framework. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view taken from the direction of arrow III in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembly including a cradle and a reservoir. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 5 from the opposite side. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a front view of the device with the assembly of FIG. 5 in place (but with part of the delivery pack omitted). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front view of the device in an operational configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the device of FIG. 9 in operation. [Figure 11] 9, further showing the delivery tube. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pump assembly from one end above to one side. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of the pump assembly of FIG. 12 from one end above to the other side. [Figure 14] 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the inlet of the pump assembly in cross section. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pump assembly. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-section of the pump assembly perpendicular to the cross-section of FIG. 15.

[0092] In the drawings, the same or similar parts are marked with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus 2 for dosing a liquid color formulation, optionally including other additives, into a polymer includes a metering platform 4 supported on a pair of load cells 6, which are in turn supported on a base 8. A reservoir assembly 10 contains a reservoir 12 containing a liquid color formulation 14. The assembly 10 includes a metering pump 16 incorporated into its outlet, the pump 16 being arranged to be driven by an associated motor 18.

[0094] Pump 16 pumps the liquid formulation through tubing 20 to a polymer processing machine (not shown), such as an extruder or injection molding machine, which is arranged to mix the liquid formulation with the polymer to produce an extruded or molded product incorporating the polymer and one or more additives delivered via the liquid formulation.

[0095] An ultrasonic level sensor 22 is positioned above the inlet 24 of the reservoir 12 and is arranged to continuously monitor the level (eg, level 25 ) of the liquid formulation within the receptacle 12 .

[0096] Also above the inlet 24 is a delivery pack 26 which includes a bag-in-box arrangement 28. The arrangement 28 includes a cardboard box 30 within which is disposed a receptacle 32. The receptacle 32 contains a liquid formulation 34. The delivery pack 26 also includes a transfer pump 36 associated with the outlet of the receptacle 32. A transfer pump motor 38 is arranged to engage the transfer pump 36 and to operate to pump the liquid formulation from the receptacle 32 to the reservoir 12 across the gap 13 defined between the transfer pump 36 and the inlet 24 of the reservoir 12. There are no pipes, tubes, or other conduits through which the liquid formulation travels between the delivery pack 26 and the reservoir 12.

[0097] The device 2 and its components are described in more detail below.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 2, platform 4 (and associated load cells, not shown) is supported on base 8. Platform 4 has an L-shaped cross-section, with a short upright limb 39 of the L including spaced apart support tubes 40, 42. Support tubes 40, 42 are arranged to releasably engage (support) a cradle (shown in FIGS. 5-7) containing reservoir 12. Support tube 40 includes a drive shaft 44 operatively connected to motor 18 (not shown in FIG. 2, but shown in FIG. 1) housed behind upright limb 39 of platform 4. The motor is operable to drive shaft 44, which in turn is arranged to operate metering pump 16.

[0099] The apparatus includes a framework including an upright 46. Opposing flanges 48, 50 are fixed adjacent the upper end of the upright 46 and support a horizontal platform 52. The platform 52 includes a load cell 54 that supports an upper platform 58. The platforms 52, 58 are stacked and include aligned semicircular openings positioned to allow the neck of the receptacle 32 to extend therethrough.

[0100] The upper platform 58 is positioned to releasably engage the delivery pack 26, upon which the delivery pack 26 is supported in use. The load cell 54 is positioned to monitor the weight of the delivery pack 26 as liquid is transferred from the receptacle 32.

[0101] Additionally, opposing flanges 48, 50 support horizontally extending guide rails 60, 62 extending therebetween. The guide rails support a carriage assembly 64 that includes transfer pump motor 38 (not shown in FIG. 2 ). Carriage assembly 64 is positioned to be moved toward transfer pump 36 so that transfer pump motor 38 can be operatively connected thereto. Assembly 64 can be moved away from transfer pump 36 when not in use and / or to disengage delivery pack 26 from device 2.

[0102] The level sensor 22 is fixed to a plate 64 depending from the underside of the platform 52 .

[0103] 3 and 4, the delivery pack 26 is in place, engaged and supported by the upper platform 58. When so positioned, the outlet 66 of the receptacle 32, the associated transfer pump 36 and its outlet 74 are located below the plane of the lower surface of the upper platform 58.

[0104] Note that the delivery pack 26 includes the bag-in-box arrangement 28 described above and an integral transfer pump 36, details of which are provided below.

[0105] Pump 36 includes a splined mechanism (not shown) within an opening 70 ( FIGS. 4 and 8 ) extending transversely to the direction of fluid flow through the pump. The splined mechanism is positioned to be engaged by a drive shaft 72 ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) operatively connected to motor 38 and positioned to be driven by motor 38. More specifically, drive shaft 72 can be moved toward the splined mechanism to engage pump 36 upon movement of carriage assembly 64, which includes transfer pump motor 38. When so positioned, motor 38 can rotate a rotor within pump 36, thereby pumping fluid from receptacle 32 through outlet 74, which is positioned above inlet 24 of reservoir 12, as clearly shown in FIG. 8 .

[0106] 5 and 6, assembly 80 includes reservoir 12 supported within cradle 82. Assembly 80 is arranged such that the reservoir can be releasably engaged with cradle 82 such that, when engaged with the cradle, the reservoir is substantially immobile relative to the cradle.

[0107] Cradle 82 is made of metal and includes a handle 84 and a hand engagement opening 85, which allow an operator to easily handle the assembly, for example, to engage or disengage it from platform 4. Cradle 82 defines a support area 86 that engages with the collar of pump 16 to seat pump 16 in place within the cradle, with pump outlet 88 facing away from the cradle.

[0108] Pump 16 includes a spline mechanism (not shown) arranged to engage a drive shaft 44 (FIG. 2) extending within support tube 40 and is arranged to be driven by a motor 18 located behind limb 39. Pump 16 may be as described below for pump 36.

[0109] Cradle 82 includes circular openings 85, 87 arranged to slidably engage respective support tubes 40, 42. Additionally, cradle 82 includes catch members 90 (FIG. 6) arranged to engage cooperable catch members 92 (FIGS. 2 and 3) associated with limbs 39, thereby releasably securing cradle 82 in place.

[0110] The reservoir 12 is made of a plastic material. The reservoir 12 includes a handle 94 for ease of manipulation. The inlet 24 is defined by an externally threaded collar 96. The outlet of the reservoir 12 is substantially defined by the outlet 88 of the pump 16, and the outlet extends transverse to the direction in which liquid is introduced into the reservoir 12 via the inlet 24.

[0111] Tube 20 is connected to outlet 88, secured to platform 4 at location 100, and clamped to flange 50 at location 102. This arrangement is arranged to minimize the effect that any movement of tube 20 downstream of location 102 (e.g., location 104) has on the weight of platform 4 as measured by load cell 6.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the components of the device 2 may have the following characteristics: (a) Weighing platform 4: width 300 mm, depth 200 mm. (b) Reservoir 12: 3.7 L volume (nominally containing approximately 3 kg of liquid color formulation depending on formulation density). (c) Tube 20: Diameter 0.95 cm (3 / 8 inch outer diameter), 0.64 cm (1 / 4 inch inner diameter). (d) Metering Pump 16: The pump is arranged to displace up to 2 cc / rev and can operate at rotational speeds up to 500 rpm. (e) Transfer pump 36: The pump is arranged to displace up to 2 cc / rev and is capable of delivering up to 1000 cc per minute and can operate at rotational speeds up to 500 rpm. (f) Receptacle 32: Volume 27L. (g) The distance between the pump 36 and the inlet 24 of the reservoir 12 is 5 mm.

[0113] The described device and associated central processing unit (CPU) are arranged to be safely packaged (i.e., with appropriate protection) in a cubic box that, when disassembled, has dimensions of 410mm wide, 460mm deep, and 450mm high. Upon removal from the box, the partially pre-assembled device is fully assembled and ready for use as described below.

[0114] The arrangement shown in FIG. 2, preferably in a pre-assembled form, may be engaged with the cradle 80 of FIG. 5 by slidably engaging the support tubes 40, 42 within the openings 85, 87 and engaging the catch member 90 with the catch member 92. During such engagement, the drive shaft 44 engages the splined mechanism of the pump 16 so that the pump may be driven by the motor 18. The delivery pack 26 may then be placed on the platform 58. Once so positioned, the apparatus may be configured as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The carriage assembly 64 may then be operated to move toward the transfer pump 36 so that the drive shaft 72 passes through the opening 70 and engages the splined mechanism of the pump, thereby defining the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The pipe 100 may then be locked into place, defining the configuration of FIG. 11.

[0115] A central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) is associated with the device 2 and is arranged to operate the device and to receive data and / or feedback before and / or during operation of the device, including: (a) The weight of the reservoir assembly 10 measured by the load cell 6 and the time at which the weight was determined. (b) the pumping speed of the pump 16 and therefore the operating speed of the motor 18; (c) The weight of the delivery pack 26 as measured by the load cell 54 and the time at which that weight was determined. (d) the pumping speed of the pump 36 and therefore the operating speed of the motor 38; (e) The level sensed by the level sensor 22 and the time at which it was sensed. (f) Throughput of polymeric material in melt processing equipment. (g) Let-down ratio relative to the amount of liquid formulation introduced into the polymer. (h) Aging of the container 12 via the associated RFID tag / label. (i) Aging of the pump 16 via the associated RFID tag / label.

[0116] Advantageously, the apparatus 2 includes only a single tube 20 for delivering the liquid color formulation into the polymer in the polymer processing machine. It will be appreciated, therefore, that there are no tubes or connectors connecting the delivery pack 26 to the reservoir assembly 10. As noted above, the liquid formulation is delivered across the gap between the transfer pump 36 of the delivery pack 26 and the inlet 24 of the reservoir assembly. The absence of tubes or pipes reduces the number of parts comprising the apparatus 2, while advantageously mitigating the risk of leaks that may be associated with couplings and / or tubing that may be used to connect liquid flow paths in the prior art.

[0117] When the delivery pack 26 is not delivering a liquid formulation (i.e., when the transfer pump 36 is not operating), the pump is automatically in a closed state, and thus the pump 36 functions as a valve that opens only when the pump motor 38 is operating.

[0118] The delivery pack 26 delivers its contents into the reservoir assembly 12 and, once emptied, may be easily recycled. The transfer pump 36 separates from the plastic bag of the bag-in-box arrangement 28, allowing each part to be properly recycled. The delivery pack 26 may be replaced with another delivery pack 26 containing the same liquid formulation, or a different liquid formulation if desired. The new pack 26 may be locked in place coupled to the transfer pump motor 38.

[0119] Reservoir assembly 10 includes reservoir 12 and metering pump 16, along with any liquid formulation contained therein. Additionally, assembly 10 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag arranged to record information related to the use of reservoir assembly 10. In particular, the RFID tag can record how long assembly 10 has been used so that pump 16 can be replaced before its useful life is exceeded.

[0120] Provided that the pump 16 has not exceeded its useful life, the reservoir assembly 10 may be used to deliver liquid formulations into a plastic processing machine for extended periods of time, with its reservoir 12 being refilled from the delivery pack 26. However, it may be removed from the machine and replaced before the assembly 10 reaches its useful life. The removed assembly 10 may be processed to disconnect the pump 16 from the reservoir 12, and the RFID tag and components may be recycled or otherwise disposed of. The new assembly 10 may be fixed in place and coupled to the motor 18.

[0121] A preferred pump design for use as transfer pump 38 or metering pump 16 is shown in Figures 12-16. Pump 107 includes an inlet 110 leading to a housing 111 which communicates with an outlet 112. Pump 107 is made entirely from a plastic material.

[0122] The inlet 110 is of circular cross section and opens into a chamber 169 that sits at the top of the housing 111. The chamber 169 has an open upper end and is provided with spaced annular ribs 113 for securing the pump via a press fit to a container outlet (e.g., the outlet of the reservoir 12 or the outlet of the bag-in-box arrangement 28). To enable this connection to be made mechanically and to cooperate with machinery arranged to insert the chamber 169 into the container outlet, an annular flange 114 is provided around the exterior of the inlet 110 at its base. The chamber 169 receives a cap 115. The cap 115 has an annular body 116 that fits snugly within the chamber 169 and terminates in an outward flange 117 that seats at the open end of the chamber 169 and is secured to the chamber 169 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, connecting the parts together. At its lower end, cap 115 has a disk-shaped closure 118 (see FIG. 15) with a number of passages for passing liquid from chamber 169 to inlet 110. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 16, ribs 120 extend upwardly from closure 118 and radially across cap 115. A tube 121 extends upwardly from closure 118 for retaining an evacuation strip (not shown) of a known type. The evacuation strip extends through the outlet of an associated collapsible container to prevent a toppled container from blocking the outlet to the container when the container is emptied in use.

[0123] The underside of the closure 118 has a molded channel 122 formed therein that receives a spring 123 .

[0124] The housing 111 is generally cylindrical and is closed at one end 39 and open at the other. The axis of the housing 111 is perpendicular to a plane containing the centerlines of the inlet 110 and the outlet 112. The housing 111 is integrally formed with a flexible diaphragm seal 124 that extends along the axial length of the housing 111 and circumferentially extends approximately 40° around the circumference of the housing. The diaphragm seal 124 is supported by a spring 123, which is an elongated member of an inverted U-shaped cross section formed from a soft, flexible, and resilient elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. The spring 123 has spaced arms 125a, 125b interconnected by a base portion 126 that carries a rib 127 on its outer surface. The rib 127 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member. The free ends of the spaced arms 125a, 125b are thickened. The spring 123 is inverted within the channel 122 with the outer sides of the arms 25a, 25b pressing against the side walls 28a, 28b so that the ends 29a, 29b of the base portion 26 are fixed relative to the side walls 28a, 28b. The rib 27 bears against the underside of the diaphragm seal 124. The channel 122 includes parallel, spaced channels 130a, 130b that receive the free ends of the arms 125a, 125b, respectively, to position the spring 123 relative to the cap 115 and, therefore, relative to the housing 111. The cap 115 compresses the spring 123 so that the rib 127 presses against the diaphragm seal 124. In this manner, the spring 123 and the seal 124 are located at the lower end of the chamber 69.

[0125] The housing 111 is formed with an inlet opening 131 leading from the inlet 110 to the interior of the housing 111, and an outlet opening 132 leading from the interior to the outlet 112. The outlet 112 is a tube of generally circular cross section having an axis parallel to but spaced from the centerline of the inlet 110, terminating in an open end.

[0126] 16, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the housing 111, between a first portion 133a of the inlet opening 131 adjacent a first lateral edge 134a of the seal 124 and a second portion 133b of the inlet opening 131 on the same side of the diameter of the housing 111 as the seal 124 and perpendicular to the diameter of the housing 111 and passing through the center of the rib 127. The outlet opening 132, also as seen in FIG. 16, has a maximum dimension in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the housing 111 between a first portion 135a of the outlet opening 132 adjacent a second lateral edge 134b of the seal 124 and a second portion 135b of the outlet opening 132 on the same side of the diameter of the housing 111 as the seal 124 and perpendicular to the diameter of the housing 111 and passing through the center of the rib 127.

[0127] The housing 111 receives a rotor 137, which may be inserted into the housing 111 through the open end and formed in any convenient manner to form two chambers 138a, 138b with the housing 111. The rotor 137 includes a trunnion 143, which axially positions the rotor 137 in the closed end 139 of the housing 111. The open end of the housing 111 is closed by a cap 140 carrying a rubber lip seal 144 (see FIG. 15) around the cap 140 to prevent fluid leakage from the housing 111 through the open end. A spindle 141 is formed in the end of the rotor 137 and has an internal opening shaped to receive a complementary drive shaft of a drive motor. The drive shaft bottoms out into the blind end of the opening, and the rotor 137 is disposed between the drive shaft and the cap 140 via the trunnion 143. The drive shaft may be spring-loaded in a known manner to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.

[0128] As mentioned above, it is necessary that most or all of the second portions 133b, 135b of the inlet and outlet openings 131, 132 are located on the same side of the diameter of the housing 111 as the seal 124. This is because the rotor 137 has two vertices spaced 180° apart, and one of the vertices must always contact the portion of the housing 111 between the inlet opening 131 and the outlet opening 132 in the direction of rotation of the rotor 137 to prevent direct communication between the inlet 110 and the outlet 111.

[0129] Inlet 110 is connected to a supply of liquid (e.g., from reservoir 12 or bag-in-box arrangement 28) such that liquid enters the open end of inlet 110. Starting from the bottom dead center position shown in FIG. 16, liquid enters chamber 138a at inlet opening 131 and exits chamber 138b at outlet opening 132. Diaphragm seal 124 is biased into engagement with rotor 111 by spring 123, preventing fluid from passing from outlet 112 to inlet 110. As shown in FIG. 16, with continued counterclockwise rotation of rotor 137, the formed second chamber 138b decreases in volume due to the rotation of rotor 137, forcing fluid from second chamber 138b through outlet opening 132 to outlet 112, while the volume of first chamber 138a increases, drawing fluid from inlet 110 through inlet opening 131. Diaphragm seal 124 remains in contact with rotor 111 along the seal line under the action of spring 123 .

[0130] Upon further rotation of rotor 111 toward the bottom dead center position (where rotor 111 is rotated 90° from the position shown in FIG. 16), first chamber 138a is closed by housing 111 and contains a predetermined volume of fluid. Second chamber 138b is in partial communication with outlet 112 through outlet opening 132 and in partial communication with inlet opening 131 for receiving fluid from inlet 110. Diaphragm seal 124 remains in contact with rotor 137 under the action of spring 123 to prevent fluid from passing between outlet 112 and inlet 110.

[0131] Continuing rotation of rotor 111 (beyond 90° from the position shown in FIG. 16 ) causes first chamber 138a to open onto outlet opening 132, allowing substantially all of the fluid in first chamber 138a to exit outlet 112. Second chamber 138b, now in communication with inlet 110, draws more fluid into second chamber 138b. Diaphragm seal 112 remains in contact with rotor 111 along the seal line under the action of spring 123.

[0132] Continued rotation of rotor 11 continues this action to pump fluid from inlet 110 to outlet 112 .

[0133] The inlet 10, housing 11, inlet opening 31, outlet 12, outlet opening 32, chamber 69 and diaphragm seal 24 are integrally formed as a single molded part in a single molding operation.

[0134] In general terms, the device can be operated as follows. (i) The liquid formulation is delivered from the delivery pack 26 to the reservoir assembly 10. The change in weight of the delivery pack 26 may be monitored by the load cell 54 and the information passed to the CPU. (ii) The level of the liquid formulation is monitored over time by sensor 22 and the information is communicated to the CPU. The CPU preferably controls delivery from assembly 10 to reservoir assembly 10 so that the level is between upper and lower limits of which reservoir 12 is of constant cross-section. By utilizing such control, changes in the level of liquid formulation in reservoir 12 are directly proportional to the volume of the liquid formulation. This can therefore be used to provide a volumetric measurement of the amount of liquid formulation delivered through tube 20 over time. (iii) The weight of the reservoir assembly 10 is monitored over time by the load cell 6, providing a gravimetric method for determining the amount of liquid formulation delivered through the tube 20 over time, which may be compared to a volumetric measurement. (iv) The operating speed of the metering pump 16, controlled by the CPU, determines the rate at which the liquid formulation is injected through the tubing 20 into, for example, the polymeric material in the melt processing equipment. (v) Periodically, under the control of the CPU, the liquid formulation in the reservoir 12 is automatically replenished from the delivery pack 26.

[0135] Although the delivery rate of the liquid formulation may be assessed by the change in weight of reservoir assembly 10 and / or the rate of change of the level of the liquid formulation as measured by sensor 22, it is preferred that the primary determinant of the delivery rate of the liquid formulation is via calibrated metering pump 16. Other methods may be used to ascertain the rate delivered by metering pump 16.

[0136] Further details regarding the assembly and operation of the device 2 may be as follows. 1. Unpack and assemble the device 2 from its box. To ensure safe operation, the device may be placed on an ergonomic height frame or dolly. 2. Place the cradle 80 containing the metering pump 16 on the metering platform 4. More specifically, the following steps may be performed: a. Slide the cradle 80 onto the support tubes 40, 42, making sure to align the assembly with the sensor on the metering pump drive shaft 44 and the catch 92 that holds the cradle 80 in place. b. The cradle 80 is slid toward the rear of the metering platform 4, but before the pump 16 contacts the shaft 44, the reflective proximity sensor senses the shoulder of the reservoir 12 and the CPU begins vibrating the metering pump motor to facilitate shaft engagement. c. When the cradle 80 is picked up by the reflective proximity sensor, the RFID reader also detects the presence of a tag / adhesive label on the shoulder of the reservoir 12 and allows writing to the RFID tag / label. d. Once the cradle 80 is fully engaged and pulled "home" by the cooperation of the catch members 90, 92, the cradle 80 rests within (but does not touch) the field of an inductive sensor which communicates with the CPU, which recognizes that the cradle 80 is fully engaged and stops the metering pump vibration accordingly. e. The tubing 20 is then routed from the pump 16 through a clip 102 positioned on the flange 50 to prevent any flexing, vibration or pulling on the tubing from being transmitted to the weighing platform that monitors the contents of the reservoir 12. 3. Place the filled bag-in-box arrangement 28 on the platform 4. More specifically, the following may apply: a. The transfer pump 36 is pre-installed in the neck of the receptacle 32 which serves as the cap / closure upon shipment from the production facility to the customer. b. The arrangement 28 is partially opened by tearing open the perforated cardboard panel to expose the transfer pump 36. c. Place arrangement 28 on platform 4 and pull transfer pump 36 down onto the retractable, flexible neck incorporated into receptacle 32. d. The transfer pump motor 38 engages the transfer pump 36 by sliding the motor towards the pump shaft. Engagement is facilitated by the vibration action of the drive shaft 2. e. The CPU knows that the bag-in-box arrangement 28 is mounted on the platform 4 by sensing that the transfer pump is positioned in front of the motor. This can be achieved with a reflective proximity sensor. 4. With the cradle 80 containing the metering pump 16 and bag-in-box arrangement 28 in place, the CPU will monitor the level in the reservoir 12 and attempt to fill the reservoir from the bag-in-box arrangement 28. In more detail: The level in the reservoir 12 is determined by an ultrasonic sensor 22 positioned above the inlet 24. b. The sensor 22 may be a digital device with two predetermined switching points: i. The upper level that the transfer pump 36 fills. ii. A lower level at which the transfer pump 36 begins refilling the reservoir 12 when the level drops low enough (if the level reaches this low point and does not recover quickly by turning on the transfer pump 36, an alarm will be sounded to alert an operator). c. Alternatively, the level sensor 22 may be an analog device that provides a continuous reading of the level to the CPU. i. The upper and lower level points can be adjusted within the CPU but function equivalently to the referenced pre-programmed digital switch points. d. An alarm may be issued to the operator that there is insufficient fluid transfer from location 28 to reservoir 12. This may indicate a problem, but more likely indicates that receptacle 32 is empty and needs to be replaced. 5. The device can be manually or automatically calibrated to determine, for example, the effective grams per revolution value for a particular metering pump 16 and additive combination. 6. Via an input screen associated with the CPU, the operator can directly input the parameters required for the liquid formulation to be contacted with the polymer being processed in the melt processing equipment, as follows: i. For injection molding applications. Shot weight (g): Polymer weight per machine cycle Let-down ratio (LDR%): weight percent of additive (0-10%) ii. For extrusion or other continuous molding applications. WEIGHT g / HR Kg: Polymer processing weight per hour · LDR%: Weight % of additive (0~10%). 7. Once set up is complete, the operator can start the unit and it will respond to an external signal from the processing equipment and deliver a determined amount depending on the throughput or for each subsequent cycle of the process. 8. In operation, the reservoir 12 requires periodic refilling with liquid formulation without intervention. a. An alarm is sounded when the delivery pack 26 is empty and needs to be replaced. b. The delivery pack 26 can be replaced while the metering pump 16 continues to deliver from the remaining material in the reservoir 12. c. Periodically, the unit records the number of revolutions completed by the metering pump 16 back to the RFID tag / label on the attached reservoir. i. This provides a continuous record of remaining pump life. ii. The unit will notify the operator when a metering pump is due for renewal. iii. If the cradle containing the pump is moved between units or stored between uses, the record remains with the pump and is maintained on the RFID tag / label.

[0137] In some cases, it may be desirable to change the identity of the liquid color formulation introduced into the polymer in the melt processor. To this end, the delivery pack 26 may be disengaged from the transfer pump motor 38 and then stored for subsequent use. As described above, the pump 36, which remains attached to the bag-in-box arrangement 28, functions as a closure valve, thereby preventing any leakage of color formulation from the delivery pack 26. Furthermore, the reservoir assembly 10 is disengaged from the motor 18. At the outlet of the reservoir assembly 10, the pump 16 remains attached to the reservoir 12 and acts as a closure valve, thereby preventing any leakage of color formulation from the reservoir assembly 10 at the outlet. The inlet 24 of the assembly 10 may be closed with a threaded cap (not shown). The removed liquid-tight assembly 10 may be stored for reuse. Finally, the tubing 20 may be replaced. Thus, it will be appreciated that the identity of the color formulation delivered by the device 2 can be easily and quickly changed, as described.

[0138] A company that operates the device 2 may have an inventory that includes the device 2 and a series of reservoir assembly 10 and delivery pack 28 pairs, each pair containing the same liquid formulation (and may be used together as part of the device 2). Different pairs may contain different liquid color formulations.

[0139] After a period of time, the components of the metering pump 16 may become worn to the point that it is no longer able to meter formulation with sufficient accuracy. In this case, the reservoir assembly 10 may be replaced with a new reservoir assembly including a new pump 16. The old reservoir assembly may be disassembled and the components recycled as appropriate.

[0140] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments, and extends to any novel, or any novel combination of, features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel, or any novel combination of method or process steps so disclosed.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material, comprising: (i) a container (A) for containing a fluid formulation, said container (A) comprising an outlet for the fluid formulation; (ii) a reservoir assembly for containing the fluid formulation to be transferred from the container (A), said reservoir assembly including an inlet for receiving the fluid formulation to be transferred from the container (A); Equipped with the outlet of the container (A) is positioned to deliver a fluid formulation across a gap to the reservoir assembly; the fluid formulation in said container (A) and in said reservoir assembly is the same; the device includes a level sensor for assessing a level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly, the level sensor being arranged to communicate level information to a central processing unit (CPU) that is part of the device; there is no physical connection between the outlet of the container (A) and the wall of the reservoir assembly for the passage of liquid formulation from the container (A) to the reservoir assembly; Device.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container (A) includes a pump (hereinafter "first pump"), said first pump being a positive displacement pump.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pump is arranged to operate as a closure means for the container (A) when fluid is not being pumped from the container (A) and / or when the first pump is not operatively connected to a motor arranged to drive a rotor of the first pump.

4. 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container (A) comprises the first pump and a container portion arranged to contain a fluid formulation, the first pump being directly connected to and / or abutting the outlet of the container portion, and no pipe extending between the container portion and the first pump.

5. 5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet of container (A) is vertically aligned with the inlet of the reservoir assembly.

6. The inlet of the reservoir assembly is defined in a top wall of the reservoir assembly, and / or the inlet defines an upwardly facing opening, the opening having a maximum width in the range of 2-10 cm and / or an area through which the fluid formulation passes in use of 4 cm ２ Above, 70cm ２ The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reservoir assembly has a total internal volume of at least 2 liters and less than 50 liters.

8. The reservoir assembly has a substantially constant internal cross-sectional area over a length L, where L is greater than or equal to 25 mm and less than 400 mm, and / or the volume of fluid that can be contained within the substantially constant cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 500 cm ３ More than 20000cm ３ The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the

9. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir assembly includes an inlet for introducing the fluid formulation into the reservoir assembly, the inlet being located at an upper portion of the reservoir assembly above a defined maximum fill level of the reservoir assembly, and data regarding the maximum fill level is stored in the central processing unit (CPU) that is a component of the device.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes a first weighing means for monitoring the weight of the reservoir assembly and its contents.

11. The apparatus described in claim 10, wherein the first weighing means includes a platform supporting the reservoir assembly, and the first weighing means is arranged to transmit information related to the weight of the reservoir assembly to the CPU over time.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reservoir assembly is associated with a cradle arranged to support the reservoir assembly, the cradle arranged to be releasably secured to the metering means.

13. 13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reservoir assembly includes a pump (hereinafter "second pump") for pumping the liquid formulation from the reservoir assembly, the reservoir assembly comprising a reservoir and the second pump, and no pipe extends between the outlet of the reservoir and the second pump.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a pipe is connected to the outlet of the second pump, the pipe being positioned to deliver the fluid formulation into a polymeric material associated with a melt processing device.

15. An apparatus as described in claim 14, which cites claim 11, wherein a portion of the pipe is fixed to a portion of the apparatus at a first position, the first position being such that the position does not change even when the first metering means moves as the weight of the reservoir assembly changes.

16. Apparatus as described in claim 13, wherein the second pump is a positive displacement pump, the reservoir assembly includes a closure means which is an integral part of the reservoir assembly, and the second pump is arranged to operate as a closure means for the reservoir assembly when fluid is not being pumped from the reservoir assembly and / or when the second pump is not operatively connected to a motor arranged to drive a rotor of the second pump.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus includes one or the first pump and / or one or the second pump, each of the pumps being a positive displacement pump (hereinafter "PD pump"), the PD pump including a housing having an inlet for connection to a fluid source, an outlet for fluid pumped by the PD pump, and a rotor rotatable within the housing, the inlet and outlet being spaced apart around the path of the rotor within the housing, the rotor having an axis of rotation, the inlet being arranged to direct fluid into the housing in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation, and the outlet being arranged to direct fluid from the housing in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation, the inlet and outlet being spaced apart circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation.

18. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the rotor includes a rotor surface that moves around the housing as the rotor rotates and that, together with an interior region of the housing, defines a plurality of closed chambers that convey fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

19. 19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the container (A) has a larger total internal volume than the reservoir assembly, and the ratio of the total internal volume of the container (A) divided by the total internal volume of the reservoir assembly is between 1.5 and 10.

20. 20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (A) comprises one or said first pump and one or said container parts, said container parts being foldable.

21. 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the container (A) is positioned above the reservoir assembly and has a footprint that completely overlaps the footprint of the vertically viewed installation area defined by one or more of the reservoirs and / or the reservoir assembly.

22. 22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a second weighing means for monitoring the weight of the container (A) and its contents, the weighing means being arranged to transmit information relating to the weight of the container (A) over time to one or the CPU.

23. 23. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the or said CPU associated with the device for administering is arranged to receive input related to the injection rate of said fluid formulation into polymeric material that may be present in melt processing equipment associated with said device.

24. 24. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the or the CPU associated with the device for dosing is arranged to control the operation of the or the second pump and / or is arranged to receive an input related to a let down ratio (LDR).

25. 25. The device of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the device is in combination with melt processing equipment such that an outlet of the device is arranged to deliver the fluid formulation from the device to a polymeric material arranged to be melt processed in the melt processing equipment.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the apparatus is mounted on a transport vehicle.

27. 27. The device of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the reservoir assembly contains a fluid formulation and the container (A) contains the same fluid formulation, the fluid formulation having a viscosity of 1000 cP or more and less than 75000 cP.

28. 1. A method of administering a fluid formulation to a polymeric material, comprising: (a) selecting a device according to any one of claims 1 to 27; (b) delivering a fluid formulation from a container (A) to the reservoir assembly, the outlet of the container (A) being arranged to deliver the fluid formulation to the reservoir assembly across a gap, and no physical connection exists between the outlet of the container (A) and a wall of the reservoir assembly for passage of the liquid formulation from the container (A) to the reservoir assembly; (c) delivering a fluid formulation to the polymeric material downstream of the reservoir assembly; A method comprising:

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the method comprises delivering the fluid formulation across a gap upon passage from a container (A) to the reservoir assembly, and wherein the fluid formulation falls across the gap a distance of at least 1 mm during the method.

30. 30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the method comprises a step in which a CPU of the device controls the operation of a first pump that is part of the container (A), and / or the method comprises a step in which the CPU receives information related to the weight of the container (A), and / or the method comprises a step in which the CPU receives information related to the weight of the reservoir assembly, and / or the method comprises a step in which the CPU controls the operation of a second pump that is arranged to pump the fluid formulation from the reservoir assembly and deliver the fluid formulation into the polymer material, and / or the method comprises a step in which an operator inputs information into the CPU depending on a desired administration rate of the fluid formulation into the polymer material, and / or the method comprises a step in which the CPU receives information related to the level of the fluid formulation in the reservoir assembly.

31. 31. The method of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the delivery rate of the fluid formulation by a second pump arranged to pump the fluid formulation from the reservoir assembly and deliver the fluid formulation into the polymeric material is the primary parameter set to determine the administration rate of the fluid formulation into the polymeric material.

32. 32. The method of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the method comprises replacing the container (A) when the amount of fluid formulation in the container (A) drops below a predetermined level, and / or the method comprises replacing the reservoir assembly including the one or the second pump after a predetermined amount of fluid formulation has been delivered via the second pump.

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