Device suitable for connecting a first storage unit to a second storage unit, as well as such a method

Abstract

 A device is suitable for connecting a first storage unit (3) to a second storage unit (6). The device comprises at least one closable holder (25), in which the first storage unit (3) can be detachably positioned. The holder (25) is provided with a closable passage (29), at least one pipe (5) to be connected to the first storage unit (3), as well as at least one operating element (33) to be operated from the outside of the holder (25), which element (33) is located on a side of the holder (25) remote from the closable passage (29). The pipe (5) is connected to the second storage unit (6) disposed outside the holder (25) on a side remote from the holder (25) and is connected to the first storage unit (3), which is positioned entirely within the holder (25) in use, by means of the operating element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device suitable for connecting a first storage unit to a second storage unit.

[0002] The invention also relates to such a method.

[0003] In various production processes use is made of chemicals, which can frequently be harmful both to man and to the environment. Such chemicals are usually transported in IBC's (intermediate bulk containers) or other containers. In a factory where the production process is to be carried out, the contents of such a first transportable storage unit must be transferred to a second, generally fixedly disposed storage unit, which is connected to the desired processing machines.

[0004] After the production processes have been carried out by means of the processing machines, the remaining chemicals must be transferred from the second storage unit to the first storage unit again in order to be carried off from the factory.

[0005] Since the operator who makes the connection between the first storage unit and the second storage unit runs the risk of coming into contact with the chemicals upon making said connection, the operator will wear protective clothing. Such protective clothing limits the freedom of movement of the operator in question. Going to another space is only possible after the protective clothing has been thoroughly cleaned and taken off.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device by means of which two storage units can be connected to each other in a simple manner.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is accomplished in that the device comprises at least one closable holder which is provided with a closable passage for detachably positioning the first storage unit in the holder, at least one pipe to be connected to the first storage unit, as well as at least one operating element to be operated from the outside of the holder, which element is located on a side of the holder remote from the closable passage, by means of which operating element the pipe can be connected to the first storage unit, which is positioned entirely within the holder in use, which pipe can be connected to the second storage unit, which is disposed outside the holder in use, on a side remote from the holder.

[0008] The first storage unit is placed in the holder via the passage. Since the first storage unit is still sealed at that stage, the operator who carries out these operations is not required to wear protective clothing. Then the passage is closed, and the first storage unit is now positioned entirely within the closed holder. Then the pipe is connected to the first storage unit by means of the operating element, which is operated from the outside of the holder. The operating element prevents direct contact between the operator and the first storage unit, so that the operator need not wear protective clothing at this stage, either. Via the pipe, the chemicals contained in the first storage unit are transferred to the second storage unit.

[0009] In a similar manner it is possible to transfer chemicals from the second storage unit to the first storage unit.

[0010] Since the closable passage is located on a first side of the holder, whilst the operating element is located on a second side of the holder remote from the first side, undesirable exposure of the operator making the connection between the pipe and the first storage unit to the chemicals in the pipe and/or the first storage unit is thus prevented, also when it has accidentally been omitted to close the passage.

[0011] This also makes it possible to arrange a number of devices in side-by-side abutting relationship, so that a compact construction is obtained. As a result, a further separation between the side of the passages and the side of the operating elements is obtained, so that an operator is simply prevented from moving from the side of the operating elements to the other side.

[0012] Moreover, because of the locations of the passage and the operating element, a first operator can place the first storage unit into the holder whilst another operator can connect the first storage unit to the pipe. Since the operators will be active on sides of the holder remote from each other, they cannot be in each other's way.

[0013] The device is preferably provided with means which prevent the passage from being opened while a connection is being made between the pipe and the storage unit and/or while the pipe is connected to the first storage unit. Similarly, the device is preferably provided with means which prevent the operating element from being operated while the passage is open. In this way undesirable exposure of an operator to the chemicals in the pipe and/or the first storage unit is additionally prevented.

[0014] One embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the holder is provided with a valve disposed in the pipe.

[0015] The presence of said valve makes it possible to connect the pipe to the first storage unit first and subsequently open the pipe between the first and the second storage unit by opening the valve. In this way chemicals are prevented from flowing from the pipe while the pipe is being connected to the first storage unit.

[0016] Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the operating element comprises at least one glove which is attached to a wall of the holder with an edge that bounds a hand insertion opening.

[0017] Preferably, the holder comprises two such gloves.

[0018] An operator puts his hand in the glove via the hand insertion opening, whereupon he can use his hands to connect the pipe to the first storage unit without any direct contact taking place between his hands and the first storage unit.

[0019] Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the wall is at least partially transparent.

[0020] Thus an operator is able to see the pipe as well as the storage unit while operating the operating element.

[0021] Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the first and the second storage unit are disposed in separate spaces in use, with the pipe extending from the holder disposed in the first space to a second storage unit disposed in the second space.

[0022] By disposing the storage units in separate spaces, each space can be adapted to meet for example statutory requirements regarding the storage unit present in the space in question. Furthermore, operator safety can be ensured because the operators are present in a space where no second storage units are present when connecting the first storage units. Thus, errors are prevented in a simple manner and the level of reliability will be higher. Furthermore, efficiency is increased, as a result of which time is saved.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterised in that the holder is provided with a pump connected to the pipe.

[0024] Using said pump, a fluid present in the first or the second storage unit can be easily transferred to the other storage unit.

[0025] The invention further relates to a method which is characterised in that the first storage unit is placed into a closable holder via a closable passage, whereupon said closable passage is closed, after which at least one pipe is connected to the first storage unit, which is positioned entirely within the holder, by means of at least one operating element to be operated from the outside of the holder, which operating element is located on a side of the holder remote from the closable passage, which pipe is connected to the second storage unit disposed outside the holder on a side remote from the holder.

[0026] Using such a method, the first storage unit can be connected to a second storage unit in a simple manner, after which chemicals present in the first storage unit or the second storage unit can be safely transferred to the other storage unit.

[0027] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a production process;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first space in which a device according to the invention is disposed;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention shown in figure 2;

Figures 4A and 4B are a side view and front view, respectively, of the device according to the invention shown in figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second space, in which second storage units are disposed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a space in which storage units as well as devices according to the invention are disposed.

[0028] Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the figures.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a production process 1 in which chemicals are supplied to a production device, used and subsequently carried off again, frequently in different compositions.

[0030] The supply of the chemicals takes place by means of tankers 2 or first transportable storage units 3, for example. The storage units 3 are IBC's, for example, or other containers which are supplied on trucks. The tankers 2 and the first storage units 3 are connected to coupling units 4, which are each connected to second storage units 6 by means of pipes 5. From said second storage units 6, the chemicals are passed on to metering devices 9 via pipes and distribution stations 8. Using said metering devices 9, the chemicals are transported the various production devices 11 in the desired amounts and at the right time via the pipes 10. In the production devices 11, the chemicals are processed into other chemicals, used for chemically treating surfaces of objects and/or for applying a coating to an object. Such production processes are known per se and will not be explained in more detail herein, therefore.

[0031] After the chemicals have been used, the remaining chemicals are carried to third storage units 13 via pipes 12 and subsequently transferred to tankers 2 or first storage units 3 via pipes 14 and coupling units 15. Waste water is carried off to a water purification plant 16.

[0032] The transfer of the chemicals from the first storage units 3 to the second storage units 6 and the transfer of the chemicals from the third storage units 13 to the first storage units 3 takes place by means of devices 20 according to the invention.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a first space 21 of a factory where the production process 1 shown in figure 1 is carried out. The first space 21 is bounded by a floor 22, walls 23 and a ceiling (not shown). One wall 23 is provided with a closable passage 24. In said space, three devices 20 according to the invention are disposed beside each other. Via the passage 24, three first storage units 3 have been placed in the space, for example by means of a forklift truck. Since the first storage units 3 are hermetically sealed, operators can move the first storage units 3 into and out of the space 21 without having to wear protective clothing.

[0034] Figures 3, 4A and 4B show a perspective view, a side view and a front view, respectively, of the device 20 according to the invention. The device 20 is provided with a holder 25, which is kept spaced from the floor 22 of the space 21 by a support 26. The support 26 is provided with a platform 27 disposed near the wall 23 and stairs 28 via which the platform 27 can be reached (see figure 2).

[0035] On a side remote from the platform 27, the holder 25 is provided with a passage 29, which can be closed by means of a roller shutter 30 that is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow P1 and in the opposite direction. The roller shutter 30 is guided in sections 31 on either longitudinal side. The passage 29 can be closed by means of the roller shutter 30 and the sections 31. The passage 29 is preferably provided with a safety device which prevents continued further use of the device 20 when the passage 29 is not fully closed.

[0036] On a side remote from the passage 29, the holder 25 is provided with a wall 32 extending at an angle of 20-60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, to the horizontal, which wall is made of a transparent material, for example plastic or glass. Provided in the wall 32 are two elements 33 disposed beside each other, each operating element 33 comprising a flexible glove 34 which is mounted in the wall 32 of the holder 25 by means of an edge 35 bounding a hand insertion opening.

[0037] The holder of 25 is further provided with a vent connection 36, by means of which a slight underpressure in relation to the rest of the space 21 can be generated in the holder 25. Said underpressure ensures that any gases that may be released from the first storage unit will not flow into the space 21.

[0038] The holder 25 also comprises at least one pipe 5, 14 which extends from the space bounded by the holder 25, via the support 26, to at least one second storage unit 6 or third storage unit 13. Disposed in the pipe 5, 14 is a coupling element 4, which inter alia comprises a valve. Furthermore disposed in the pipe 5, 14 is a pump, by means of which fluid can be transferred from the first storage unit 3 to the second storage unit 6 or from the third storage unit 13 to the first storage unit 3.

[0039] The operation of the device 20 is as follows.

[0040] An operator places a first storage unit 3 into the holder 25 via the passage 29, for example by means of a forklift truck. Then the roller shutter 30 is lowered, so that the passage 29 is closed and the first storage 3 is fully enclosed within the holder 25. An operator 40 then puts his hands in the gloves 35 and can now unscrew a sealing cap present on the first storage unit 3, thereby releasing an opening. By wearing the gloves 34, the operator 40 will not come into contact with the chemicals. The operator 40 then connects the pipe 5, 14 to the released opening. The first storage unit 3 is now connected to the second or the third storage unit 6, 15. Following that, the operator 40 can open the valve disposed in the pipe 5, 14 and activate the pump, so that fluid can be transferred from one storage unit 3, 15 to the other storage unit 6, 3.

[0041] While one operator 40 connects a first storage unit 3 to a pipe 5, 14 from the platform 17, another operator can place another first storage unit 3 into another holder 25. Since the wall 32 is located on a side of the holder 25 remote from the passage 29, the operators will not be in each other's way. Since one operator stands on the platform 27, he takes up a position safely outside the reach of a forklift truck being operated by another operator.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a second space 41 of the factory, which space 41 is located beside the first space 21, for example, being separated therefrom by the wall 23. The second space 41 is bounded by a floor 22, walls 23 and a ceiling (not shown). One wall 23 is provided with a closable passage 24. Disposed in said second space 41 are second storage units 6 as well as distribution stations 8. The second storage units 6 are connected to first storage units disposed in the first space 21 via pipes 5. Operators only need to be present in the second space 41 for carrying out maintenance or in case of malfunctions. In this way the presence near the second storage units 6 and the distribution stations 8 of operators only charged with handling the first storage units 3 is prevented in a simple manner.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a space 51 in which first storage units 3, second storage units 6, distribution stations 8 as well as devices 20 according to the invention are present. The pipework between the devices 20, the second storage units 6 and the distribution stations 8 is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0044] It is also possible to use a quick action coupling provided with a code instead of using a valve.

Claims

1. A device suitable for connecting a first storage unit to a second storage unit, characterised in that the device (20) comprises at least one closable holder (25) which is provided with a closable passage (29) for detachably positioning the first storage unit (3) in the holder (25), at least one pipe to be connected to the first storage unit (3), as well as at least one operating element (33) to be operated from the outside of the holder (25), which element is located on a side of the holder (25) remote from the closable passage (29), by means of which operating element (33) the pipe (5) can be connected to the first storage unit (3), which is positioned entirely within the holder (25) in use, which pipe (5) can be connected to the second storage unit (6), which is disposed outside the holder (25) in use, on a side remote from the holder (25).

2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the holder is provided with a valve disposed in the pipe.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the operating element comprises at least one glove which is attached to a wall of the holder with an edge that bounds a hand insertion opening.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that said wall is at least partially transparent.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and the second storage unit are disposed in separate spaces in use, with the pipe extending from the holder disposed in the first space to a second storage unit disposed in the second space.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holder is provided with a pump connected to the pipe.

7. A method suitable for connecting a first storage unit to a second storage unit, characterised in that the first storage unit (3) is placed into a closable holder (25) via a closable passage (29), whereupon said closable passage (29) is closed, after which at least one pipe (25) is connected to the first storage unit (3), which is positioned entirely within the holder (25), by means of at least one operating element (33) to be operated from the outside of the holder (25), which operating element is located on a side of the holder (25) remote from the closable passage (25), which pipe (5) is connected to the second storage unit (6) disposed outside the holder (25) on a side remote from the holder (25).

Drawing