Manifold Arrangement for Reducing Residue in Bulk Fluid Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging arrangements for fluids, pastes, and powders face challenges in completely emptying the contents due to residue accumulation, particularly during decanting, where the folded material in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) traps product, preventing complete pumping out.
Innovation Solution
A manifold arrangement within an inner bag, surrounded by an air pocket-forming member, which introduces air to pressurize the bag and assist in forcing fluid material out through a product outlet, reducing residue by keeping the folded material open during decanting and allowing final stages of pumping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the inner bag is folded at the bottom during decanting, then the bag structure stabilizes, but product becomes trapped in folded pockets increasing residue
Solution Approach 1:
A manifold member is introduced as an intermediary device within the inner bag. This manifold has multiple channels that extend to the bottom of the bag, acting as a mediator between the folded bag material and the pump outlet. The manifold prevents product from being trapped in folded pockets by providing alternative flow paths through its channels, while still allowing the bag to fold for structural stability during decanting operations.
2Productivity
If air pressure is applied to the inner bag, then fluid material is forced out through the product outlet, but the bag structure may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The inner bag is designed as a flexible container that can deform under air pressure while maintaining its functional integrity. The flexibility of the bag allows it to expand and contract as air pressure is applied to force product out through the manifold and product outlet, while the bag material returns to its original shape after pressure release, preventing permanent deformation.
3Strength
If the manifold member is rigid, then it maintains its structure during pumping, but it cannot adapt to bag folding movements
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold member is designed with dynamic characteristics, incorporating flexible or expandable sections that allow it to adapt to the folding movements of the inner bag during decanting operations. The manifold can change its configuration dynamically - remaining rigid when needed for structural integrity during pumping, but becoming flexible to accommodate bag folding, ensuring continuous product flow through its channels regardless of bag position.
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 manifold arrangement effectively reduces residual fluid in the bag by ensuring complete discharge during decanting, minimizing trapped product in the IBCs.
Implementation Method 1
a surrounding member adapted to surround the inner bag and adapted to form at least one air pocket or air compartment between the surrounding member and the inner bag, the pocket having an air inlet through which air can be introduced into the pocket and thereby putting pressure on the inner bag to force the fluid material out of the inner bag through the product outlet
Implementation Method 2
a manifold arrangement located within the inner bag to assist in forcing the fluid material out of the inner bag through the product outlet and thereby reducing residue in the inner bag
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a manifold arrangement for bulk handling of fluid material having an inner bag for holding fluid material, which includes a manifold member adapted to be located within the inner bag, the inner bag having a product inlet through which fluid material can be introduced into the inner bag and a product outlet through which the fluid material can flow from the inner bag, and being adapted to assist in forcing fluid material out of the inner bag through the product outlet and thereby reducing residue in the inner bag.