Hermetic Container Pressure Control for EVOH Pellet Moisture Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transportation of saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer (EVOH) resin pellets is prone to moisture absorption during transport, leading to poor appearance and increased failures in the molding process due to foaming, which affects the efficiency and quality of the packaging materials.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a hermetic container with a pressurizing means to maintain a higher internal pressure than the ambient atmosphere, using a dry gas with low moisture content, such as nitrogen, to prevent outside air from entering and causing moisture absorption during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If EVOH resin pellets are transported in large-scale closed containers without pressurization, then transporting efficiency is improved, but moisture absorption occurs during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransporting efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inert atmosphere by filling the transport container with dry nitrogen gas to create a moisture-free environment. This prevents EVOH resin pellets from absorbing moisture during transport while maintaining large-scale container usage for high efficiency. The nitrogen atmosphere replaces ambient air, eliminating the moisture problem without requiring smaller containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pressure parameter by maintaining positive pressure inside the transport container using pressurizing means. This pressure differential prevents outside humid air from entering the container while allowing the use of large-scale containers for efficient transport. The pressure parameter is continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain moisture prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If small quantities of EVOH resin pellets are transported in aluminum-impervious bags, then moisture prevention is improved, but transporting efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture preventionVSAvoidtransporting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both small-scale and large-scale transport by combining large container capacity with moisture prevention features. The transport container integrates pressurization capability and dry nitrogen atmosphere with the large volume needed for efficient bulk transport, achieving both high productivity and reliable moisture prevention simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If EVOH resin pellets are transported in hermetic containers with pressurization, then moisture prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture preventionVSAvoidcontainer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the EVOH resin pellets themselves to generate heat through their thermal properties, which maintains the positive pressure environment. The system uses automatically activated pressurizing means that operate without continuous external intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable moisture prevention throughout transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This method effectively prevents moisture absorption of EVOH resin pellets during transport, improving transport efficiency and maintaining the quality of the pellets, reducing the occurrence of poor appearances and failures in the molding process, and lowering raw material costs.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining the interior of the hermetic container in a state of higher pressure than the ambient atmosphere by using the pressurizing means for applying pressure to the hermetic container during the transporting step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

inserting the saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets into a hermetic container to close the hermetic container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS9938030B2Method of transporting saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP

AI summary

A method of transporting saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets by using a hermetic container including a pressurizing means for applying pressure to the interior of the container, and a transport means for transporting the hermetic container. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the saponified ethylene-vinyl ester-based copolymer pellets into the hermetic container to close the hermetic container; and maintaining the interior of the hermetic container in a state of higher pressure than the ambient atmosphere by using the pressurizing means while the hermetic container is transported to a destination by using the transport means.