Flexible intermediate bulk container with induction control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) made of woven polypropylene fabrics experience electrostatic charge buildup due to triboelectrification, leading to potential incendiary discharges, especially when ungrounded, which can induce hazardous voltages on nearby conductors and personnel.

Innovation Solution

The use of quasi-conductive fibers and antistatic additives in the fabric and coatings, combined with conductive or quasi-conductive sewing yarns, enhances electrical continuity and allows controlled charge dissipation through corona discharge, reducing residual charges and induced voltages, even when the container is ungrounded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional polypropylene fabric is used for FIBC construction, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but electrostatic charge buildup occurs leading to incendiary discharge hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining conventional polypropylene fabric with conductive or quasi-conductive fibers (such as carbon black-filled polypropylene or metalized fibers) woven into the fabric structure. This creates a multi-functional material that maintains the original fabric's manufacturing advantages while adding electrostatic charge dissipation capabilities through the conductive fiber network, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and electrostatic safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conductive fibers are added to the fabric, then electrostatic charge dissipation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge dissipationVSAvoidfabric construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating conductive or quasi-conductive fibers at specific locations and densities within the fabric structure, such as in the warp or weft directions, or concentrated in areas prone to static buildup. This localized approach provides effective charge dissipation pathways where needed most, while minimizing the overall complexity and cost compared to making the entire fabric uniformly conductive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the container is left ungrounded, then ease of operation and handling are improved, but induced voltages on nearby conductors and personnel create safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidinduced voltage hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the FIBC with inherent charge dissipation capabilities through the conductive fiber network embedded in the fabric. The container serves itself by automatically dissipating electrostatic charges through the quasi-conductive fabric structure without requiring external grounding connections or additional equipment, thereby maintaining ease of operation while eliminating induced voltage hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If antistatic coatings are applied to the fabric, then electrostatic charge accumulation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by integrating conductive or quasi-conductive fibers directly into the fabric weave during the manufacturing process, rather than applying separate antistatic coatings. This approach combines the structural integrity of the polypropylene fabric with the electrostatic dissipation properties of the conductive fibers, achieving effective charge reduction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and avoiding the complexities of coating application and curing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach effectively reduces the risk of incendiary discharges and induced voltages on nearby conductors and personnel, ensuring safe handling and storage of flammable materials without the need for continuous grounding, as demonstrated by passing the IEC 61340-4-4 Ignition Test and Drum Test.

Implementation Method 1

The use of quasi-conductive fibers and antistatic additives in the fabric and coatings, combined with conductive or quasi-conductive sewing yarns, enhances electrical continuity and allows controlled charge dissipation through corona discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

the shifting of specific materials within containers made of woven fabrics, as well as particle separation between the materials and such containers during loading and unloading of the container cause triboelectrification and create an accumulation of static electricity on the container walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectrification: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9815619B2Flexible intermediate bulk container with induction control
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 TEXENE LLC
  • US9815619B2 patent drawing
  • US9815619B2 patent drawing
  • US9815619B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, apparatus and system is provided for both (1) decreasing electrostatic discharges to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges caused by electrostatic charges in flexible containers such as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) and (2) decreasing the induction on isolated conductors nearby the container to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges from the isolated conductors.