Bulk Storage Container Dust Control via Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk storage containers for particulate catalyst materials suffer from uncontrolled dust emission during filling, posing serious health hazards due to the inhalation or ingestion of toxic and potentially carcinogenic dust, as they rely on gravity feed through a top opening, which does not effectively manage air displacement and dust entrainment.
Innovation Solution
A bulk storage container with a cylindrical vessel, conical base, and a gas duct system that includes a vacuum source to remove air and dust through a dust extractor assembly, featuring a unidirectional valve and secondary sealing mechanisms to prevent dust release during filling and ensure safe transit or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity feed through top opening is used for filling, then filling operation is simple, but uncontrolled dust emission occurs causing health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A dust extractor assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the filling operation and the environment. The assembly includes a dust extraction duct with a vacuum source that actively removes dust-laden air from the container interior during filling, preventing uncontrolled dust emission while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dust extractor creates a controlled environment by continuously removing dust particles from the air space within the container during filling. This prevents the accumulation and uncontrolled release of toxic and carcinogenic dust, effectively creating a safer atmosphere without complicating the filling process
2Strength
If rigid metal square container is used, then structural strength is adequate, but dust control during filling is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into functional zones: a sealed interior containment volume and an exterior structure. The dust extractor assembly creates a separate air management system that actively controls the interior atmosphere, separating the structural function from the dust control function and enabling both strength and dust prevention
3Ease of operation
If top opening filling is used, then filling is straightforward, but dust is emitted uncontrolled through opening
Solution Approach 1:
The dust extractor assembly serves as a mediator that intercepts dust particles at their source within the container interior. The vacuum source creates negative pressure to actively pull dust-laden air through the dust extraction duct, preventing uncontrolled emission while allowing straightforward filling through the top opening
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively minimizes dust emission by using a vacuum to remove air and dust during filling, reducing health risks and ensuring the container is sealed for safe transport and storage, while the cylindrical design withstands negative pressures, unlike square section containers.
Implementation Method 1
a gas duct in fluid connection with the vessel for supplying gas to or removing gas from the vessel
Implementation Method 2
sealing means for sealing the opening when closed by the closure member
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate bulk storage container for the storage or transport of particulate catalyst material includes a vessel having an inner wall defining a containment volume for particulate catalyst material. The vessel has a cylindrical wall section, a top panel closing the upper end of the cylindrical wall section and a conical base section connected to and tapering inwardly away from the lower end of the cylindrical wall section. An opening in the top panel of the container receives the catalyst material and a closure member closes the opening. An air tight seal is formed when the opening is closed by the closure member. A gas duct is in fluid connection with the vessel for supplying an inert gas to the sealed container or removing gas from the vessel to place the container under a vacuum. The gas duct is closed by a valve for transit or storage.