GB2481963A

GB2481963A - Flexible intermediate bulk container handling device and system

Info

Publication number: GB2481963A
Application number: GB1008441.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Snape
Original assignee: Process Link Ltd
Current assignee: Process Link Ltd
Priority date: 2010-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2012-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-20
Also published as: GB2481963B; GB201008441D0; WO2011144912A2; WO2011144912A3

Abstract

A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) 34 is located in a housing and a discharge device 18 is arranged in communication with a discharge end (38) of the FIBC 34. The housing is inverted to invert the FIBC 34, and product is dispensed through the discharge end (38) of the FIBC 34 via the discharge device 18. The housing has first 12 and second 14 parts, the first part 12 including the discharge device 18, and the second part 14 including a platform for supporting the FIBC 34. To use the discharge device 18 the first part 12 is arranged over the FIBC 34 and coupled to the FIBC 34. The FIBC is then lifted and lowered onto the platform using the first part 12, prior to inverting. The side walls of the FIBC 34 are held against inward collapse by springs during discharge of product when the FIBC 34 is inverted. The discharge device 18 is sealingly connected to the discharge end of the FIBC 34 prior to inverting. A method of dispensing from the FIBC 34 using the discharge device 18 is claimed. The discharge device 18 may be in the form of a cone having an inlet 20 for communication with the open end of the FIBC and an outlet 22 which may be closed by a valve 24 to allow for closed discharge from the FIBC. Additionally there is claimed an FIBC 34 having a discharge spout (38) and sidewalls, wherein the spout is formed of tougher, more heavy duty, material than the sidewalls which are lightweight.

Description

Bulk Handling System The present invention relates to bulk handling systems, e.g. of the kind used for bulk storage and discharge of free-flowing materials. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to flexible intermediate bulk containers and/or methods and systems for handling flexible intermediate bulk containers.

A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), sometimes called a "big bag" or "bulk bag", is a known term of art for a flexible container of the kind commonly used for transporting bulk quantities of loose, powdered or granular product, such as plastics, minerals, chemicals and agricultural products.

Various systems are known for storing and discharging product from an FIBC and it is an object of the invention to provide an improved system and method for such bulk handling applications.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispensing product from a bulk container, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bulk container (preferably an FIBC) having a discharge end through which product is to be dispensed; locating the container in an invertable housing, wherein a discharge device is arranged for communication with the discharge end of the container; and inverting the housing so as to invert the container for the purpose of a dispensing operation through the discharge end of the container via the discharge device.

The method is advantageous in that the process of inverting the container will assist in breaking up any consolidation that may have occurred within the container during transport or storage and which might otherwise inhibit discharge of the product from the discharge end. It may be preferred to rock or rotate the container in its inverted state, in order to provide additional break up of consolidation within the container.

In preferred embodiments, the discharge end of the container is the sole or primary inlet through which the container is charged with material and so will typically be arranged uppermost, prior to incorporation in the method.

Preferably, the container is at least partially filled and arranged with the discharge end uppermost, and the discharge device is then arranged in sealed communication with the discharge end, prior to inverting. This enables the discharge device to be coupled to the container when the product in the container is essentially at rest.

The discharge device is preferably provided on a first frame which is lowered over the discharge end of the container. The container is then preferably attached to the first frame and lifted into a second frame, wherein the base of the container is supported by the second frame, with the first and second frames configured to be decouplaby secured together to define said housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises first and second parts (preferably configured to be decouplably secured together for transport as a single unit), the first part including a discharge device intended for cooperation with the discharge end of an FIBC, and the second part including a platform for supporting an at least partially filled FIBC, and wherein the method includes the steps of arranging the first part of the housing over the top of an at least partially filled FIBC, coupling said FIBC to the first part of the housing, lifting the first part of the housing so as to lift the FIBC, and then positioning the lower end of the FIBC on the platform of the second part of the housing, so that the FIBC is supported on the second part, prior to inverting the FIBC.

The housing is preferably located in a rotatable mechanism for the purpose of inverting the bulk container. Preferably, the housing is removed from the rotatable mechanism, once inverted, and transferred to a discharge station for the purpose of the dispensing operation.

The container is preferably held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the container when the container is in an inverted state. In preferred embodiments, the housing includes a biasing arrangement having a biasing element (e.g. a spring) with first and second ends, the first end connected to the housing and the second end connectable to the container, and wherein, prior to inverting the container, the method includes the step of connecting the second end to the container, so that the biasing element is in tension, whereby the connected part of the container is held against inward collapse during discharge of product when the container is in an inverted state.

Hence, it may be preferred for the container to include external connection points or other attachment means (e.g. ties, straps, loops or eyelets) for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls of the container during discharge of product from the container. Such connection points are preferably arranged intermediate the top and bottom of the FIBC (e.g. at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state), and the first end of the biasing element is preferably connected to a lower part of the housing, to ensure that the biasing element is arranged in tension when connected to the intermediate connection points.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a bulk handling system for a bulk container, the system comprising a first frame having a discharge device for communication with the discharge end of a bulk container, and a second frame for supporting the base of a bulk container, wherein the first and second frames are preferably configured to define a housing for the bulk container and are configured to be secured together for movement as a single unit.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a bulk container comprising a bag of flexible material defining a discharge spout at one end thereof through which product is to be discharged from the container, wherein the container has a base and side walls of relatively tough or heavy duty material, and wherein the spout is formed in a top part of the container which is of a more lightweight material than the base and side walls, and/or wherein the container includes external attachment means (e.g. straps or loops) extending from the side walls of the container, for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls during discharge of product from the container.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, a method of handling bulk product in a flexible intermediate bulk container comprises the steps of: providing a flexible intermediate bulk container having an open end; charging said container with product via said open end (preferably with the open end upper most); providing a discharge device in communication with the open end of the charged container; inverting the container for discharge of product from the container via the discharge device; returning the container to an upright condition with the open end upper most; and sealing the open end to seal product within the container.

In each aspect of the invention, where applicable: -the discharge device is preferably sealingly connected to the container before the container is inverted; and/or -the container is preferably configured with only a single open end, which acts as the sole inlet and outlet for product into/from the container; and/or.

-the container preferably has an outlet defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second closures, e.g. ties built into or provided around the periphery of the outlet, wherein the first and second closures are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the outlet for providing first and second seals for product within the container; and/or -the container has at least one connector point (e.g. a loop, strap or eye) arranged between the upper and lower ends of the container for coupling to a biasing arrangement for inhibiting inward collapse of a side of the container during the discharge of product from the container when the container is in an inverted state; and/or -the upper part of the housing is extensible, for taking up slack in the outlet of the container once fitted to the discharge device.

Other advantages, aspects and features of the invention will be apparent from the claims and following description, made by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a preferred apparatus for inverting a bulk container; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a preferred bulk container; Figures 3 to 14 are schematic sides views illustrating a preferred method of view inverting the container of Figure 2 using the apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 15 and 16 are schematic perspective views of a further preferred bulk container for use with the apparatus of Figure 1, and Figures 17 to 26 are schematic sides views illustrating a preferred method of attaching and detaching a modified container to a discharge device.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a bulk handling apparatus 10 consists of first and second frames 12, 14 decouplably secured together to define a cage or housing for a bulk container (not shown). The lower frame 12 includes a flat base or platform 16 on which the bulk container may be located, and the upper frame 14 includes a discharge device 18 through which product from the bulk container will be discharged.

In this embodiment, the discharge device 18 is in the form of a cone having an inlet 20 for communication with an open end of a container and an outlet 22 (of smaller diameter than the inlet 20) in communication with a valve 24, to provide for controlled discharge of product from the bulk container.

The frames 12, 14 are rectangular-sided and each have four parallel corner posts 26, 28. The frame upper frame 14 is mounted on the lower frame 12. In this embodiment, the posts 28 of the upper frame 14 seat on the end of the posts 26 of the lower frame 12 (e.g. via cup-type feet 30 on the end of the posts 28). In another embodiment, the posts 26, 28 may be telescopically arranged, e.g. with the posts 26 receivable within the posts 28, or vice versa). The posts 26, 28 are preferably of odd (yet complimentary) length, to facilitate a desired alignment of the two frames 12, 14.

The upper and lower frames 12, 14 are securable together, so that the apparatus 10 can be transported securely as a single unit. The frames 12, 14 will typically be stacked one on top of the other when not in use, e.g. in the manner shown in Figure 1.

A prefelTed method of using the apparatus 10 will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 2 to 14.

In this example, the bulk container is a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) 34 having a flat bottom 36 and a single discharge end 38 (at its top). The FIBC 34 is full of product with its discharge end 38 tied shut. The FIBC 34 includes an array of external straps, ties or loops 40 at the top and bottom ends of the FIBC, for attachment to the frames 12, 14.

Firstly, a forklift truck 32 is used to lift the upper frame 14 off the lower frame 12 (see Figure 3). The upper frame 14 is then lowered over the top of a bulk container 34 (see Figure 4). The discharge cone 16 is positioned over the tied discharge end 38 and the external straps 40 at the top of the FIBC 34 are then attached to a plurality of hooks or other fasteners (not shown) on the upper frame 14.

The forklift truck 32 is then used to lift the FIBC 34, via the upper frame 14 (see Figure 5). The upper frame 14 is then located on the lower frame 12 (see Figure 6), with the FIBC safely positioned on the base of the lower frame 14. The frames 12,14 may then be immovably secured together to form a single cage around the FIBC 34.

The external straps 40 at the lower end of the FIBC are connected to the lower frame 12, e.g. by a plurality of hooks (not shown) on the lower frame 12.

At that stage, the product in the FIBC 34 is supported by the base 36 and the sidewalls of the FTBC 34 and is effectively inert, i.e. unable to move freely, and is not easily disturbed. This is of particular advantage when dealing with hazardous product.

The product is supported in the container with the outlet uppermost, and the outlet of the container can be readily opened or closed without discharge or significant disturbance of the product in the container. As such, the method has the potential to allow for a dust-free sealing or opening operation.

The discharge end 38 of the FIBC 34 is then opened and fitted over the inlet 18 of the discharge cone 16. The open end of the FIBC 34 is then pulled tight around the cone 16 and clamped in place, to provide a dust-tight seal against egress of product or ingress of contaminates between the FIBC 34 and the cone 16. An annular clamping ring 42 is preferred (see Figure 7).

In order to discharge product from the FIBC 34, it is preferred to invert the FIBC 34 (so that the discharge cone 16 is lowermost). In this example, the forklift truck 32 is used to transfer the united apparatus 10 and FIBC 34 to an inverter 44 (see Figure 8).

The inverter 44 is preferably a cage or framework 46 rotatably mounted on a support structure 48, including means (e.g. a clamping mechanism 50) to securably hold the united apparatus 10 in the cage 46 (see Figure 9) for the purpose of a rotating operation (see Figure 10).

The forklift truck 32 can be used to transport the inverted apparatus 10 and FIBC 34 to a discharge station 52 (see Figures 11 to 14), for controlled discharge of product from the inverted FIBC through the discharge cone 16, via the valve 24, e.g. under gravity or via agitated discharge. The shape of the cone is preferably configured to compliment the flow characteristics of the product to be dispensed.

After part or full discharge of product, the apparatus 10 and FIBC 34 can be removed from the discharge station, and returned to storage (e.g. by reversing the method steps described above). It may be preferred to remove the FIBC 34 from the frames 12, 14 (e.g. by re-tracing the steps described above), so that the apparatus can be used in a discharge operation with another FIBC.

The method and apparatus 10 has numerous advantages. The ease with which an FIBC 34 can be located within the apparatus 10, inverted and taken to process is particularly attractive as an alternative to conventional bulk handling systems.

An example of a preferred FIBC is shown at 60 in Figure 15. In this embodiment, the FIBC 60 is rectangular-sided and is of flat-bottomed configuration. The base 62 and sidewalls 64 are preferably of the same relatively tough or heavy duty material, e.g. of the kind used commonly for transporting sand or aggregates. However, the upper end 66 and spout portion 68 (which is to be fitted over the discharge cone 16, in use) is preferably of a more lightweight and more flexible material than the sides 64 and base 62.

Attachment loops 70 are provided at upper and lower regions of the FIBC 60, more particularly at the corners of the FIBC 60, for attachment to the apparatus (as described with reference to the straps 40 of the FIBC 34 shown in Figure 2.

The lightweight nature of the spout portion 68 means that it can be readily tied off and may be pushed inside the full FIBC 60 (see Figure 16). A re-usable liner (not shown) may be provided inside the FIBC 60, e.g. configured to match the internal profile of the FIBC 60.

The FIBC 60 is an attractive alternative to bulk containers.

Another example of a bulk handling apparatus and handling method will now be described with reference to Figures 17 to 26.

In this apparatus, the upper part 14 includes telescopic legs 72, which allow the overall height of the upper part 14 of the frame to be increased or reduced (e.g. using removable pins 82), in order to take up slack between the outlet 38 and main body of the FIBC 34, as will be described below.

The extendable part of the frame may be supported by an external device, e.g. a hoist or fork lift mechanism 84, during adjustment of the height of the frame 14.

In this example, the FIBC 34 is modified to include first and second ties 74, 76 (e.g. of draw string type construction) spaced in the longitudinal axis of the outlet 38, for providing first and second closures for the FIBC 34.

To connect the outlet 38 to the cone 16, the upper most tie 74 undone, thereby freeing sufficient material to enable the outlet 38 to be fitted over the discharge end of the cone 16 (see Figure 18). The material is then preferably clamped to the external surface of the cone 16, to provide a dust-tight seal (e.g. using an annular clamping ring 42 -see Figure 19).

The second tie 76 is then undone and the height of the upper frame 14 is adjusted (via the telescopic legs 72) to take up slack in the outlet material (see Figure 20). The legs 72 are preferably held in their extended position, e.g. via pins. The frame is then ready to move to an inverter, prior to discharge of product via the cone 16 and valve 24.

When it is desired to return the FIBC 34 to storage, it may be preferred to use an extraction device 78 (coupled to the outlet 38, via the valve 24 and cone 16) to remove unwanted dust etc prior to re-closing of the outlet 38 (see Figure 21).

To close the outlet 38, the legs 72 are preferably retracted to enable the lowest closure 76 to be re-closed, and so seal the remaining product in the FIBC 34 (See Figures 22 and 23). This is preferably done whilst the outlet 38 is still sealing engaged on the discharge cone 16 and more preferably under extraction.

The upper end of the outlet 38 is then removed from contact with the cone 16, so that the upper closure 74 can be re-closed (see Figures 24 and 25), thereby sealing any product in contact with the internal surface of outlet 38 between the upper and lower closures 74, 76. The modified container 34 having first and second closures 74, 76 spaced along the outlet 38 is therefore of particular use for handling hazardous materials.

A cover 80 can be provided over the discharge end of the cone 16 (see Figure 26), to prevent any product in contact with the internal surface of the cone 16 from falling on to the sealed container 34.

Figures 27 to 32 relate to another bulk handling method, features of which may be taken in conjunction with one or more of the steps and features discussed above.

The method involves the use of a two-part housing 100 substantially of the kind discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 14. The first part 102 includes a discharge device 104 intended for cooperation with the discharge end 106 of the FIBC 108. The second part 110 includes a platform 112 for supporting an at least partially filled FIBC 108. In use, the first part 102 of the housing 100 is arranged over the top of the FIBC 108. The FIBC 108 is then lifted via the first part 102 and then positioned with the lower end of the FIBC 108 on the platform 112 of the second part 110, prior to inverting the FIBC 108.

In this embodiment, the platform 112 of the lower frame 110 is movable between a plurality of positions. More particularly, the platform 112 can be raised and secured at one of a plurality of elevated positions, which enables the housing 100 to accommodate different sizes of FIBC. Figures 27 to 29 show the housing 100 in use with an FIBC 108 which is much taller than the FIBC 108 shown in Figures 30 to 32,

for example.

The FIBC 108 includes straps, ties or loops 114 arranged around its upper and lower ends, for connection to the housing 100, in the same way as the FIBC discussed with respect to Figures ito 14. However, the FIBC 108 also additional external connection points 116 intermediate the upper and lower ends of the FIBC (e.g. located somewhere at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state).

These intermediate connection points 116 may take the form of external ties, straps, loops or eyelets or the like, and are intended for connection to a biasing arrangement 118 on the housing 100, for inhibiting inward collapse of the side walls during discharge of product when the FIBC 108 is in an inverted condition. The biasing arrangement 118 has a biasing element 120 (e.g. a spring element) with first and second ends, the first end connected to the lower part 110 of the housing 100 and the second end connectable to the FIBC 108 (e.g. at the connection points 116). In a preferred method, prior to inverting the FIBC 108, the second end of the biasing element 120 is coupled to the FIBC 108 via the intermediate connection points 116.

The arrangement is such that the biasing element 120 is extended and thereby in tension, when connected to the intermediate connection points 116 (e.g. see Figures 27 and 30).

When the FIBC 108 has then been moved to an inverted state, the connected part of the FIBC 108 is held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the discharge end 106 of the FIBC 108 (e.g. see Figures 28 and 31). Moreover, as the weight of product bearing against the side walls of the inverted FIBC reduces, the biasing element 120 automatically retracts, thereby pulling the side walls outwards (e.g. see Figures 29 and 32). This greatly assists with the discharge of product from the FIBC 108, particularly product which might otherwise have become lodged or consolidated in the corners of FIBC 108.

It should be noted that it is preferred to disconnect the top straps 114 from the upper housing 102 before inverting the FIBC 100.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a forklift truck for lifting and transporting the frame, other methods may be preferred, e.g. using a crane or hoist to manoeuvre the frame.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of dispensing product from an FIBC, the method comprising the steps of: providing an FIBC having a discharge end through which product is to be dispensed; locating the FIBC in a housing; providing a discharge device in communication with the discharge end of the FIBC; and inverting the housing so as to invert the FIBC for the purpose of a dispensing operation through the discharge end of the FIBC via the discharge device.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the housing comprises first and second parts, the first part including a discharge device intended for cooperation with the discharge end of an FIBC, and the second part including a platform for supporting an at least partially filled FIBC, and wherein the method includes the steps of arranging the first part of the housing over the top of an at least partially filled FIBC, coupling said FIBC to the first part of the housing, lifting the first part of the housing so as to lift the FIBC, and then positioning the lower end of the FIBC on the platform of the second part of the housing, so that the FIBC is supported on the second part, prior to inverting the FIBC.
3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the discharge device is provided on a first frame which is lowered over the discharge end of the FIBC, the FIBC is attached to the first frame and lifted into a second frame, wherein the base of the FIBC is supported by the second frame, with the first and second frames defining said housing.
4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the FIBC has a plurality of side walls, and wherein at least one of said side walls is held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the container when the FIBC is inverted.
5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the housing includes a biasing arrangement having a biasing element (e.g. a spring element) with first and second ends, the first end connected to the housing and the second end connectable to the FIBC, and wherein, prior to inverting the FIBC, the method includes the step of connecting the second end to the FIBC, so that the biasing element is in tension, whereby, when the FIBC is in an inverted state, the connected part of the FIBC is held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the discharge end of the FIBC.
6. The method according to any preceding claim wherein the discharge end of the container defines an outlet having a longitudinal axis, wherein the outlet includes first and second closures spaced along the longitudinal axis of the outlet for providing first and second seals for product within the container, and wherein the distal most of said closures is positioned so that, once opened, there is sufficient material for the distal end of the outlet to be sealingly coupled to the discharge device, with the second of said closures remaining closed with product sealed in the container.
7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the discharge device is sealingly connected to the discharge end of the FIBC prior to inverting the FIBC for a dispensing operation.
8. A method of handling bulk product in a flexible intermediate bulk container comprising the steps of: providing a flexible intermediate bulk container having an open end; charging said container with product via said open end, preferably with the open end upper most; providing a discharge device in sealed communication with the open end of the container; inverting the container; discharging product from the inverted container via the discharge device; and returning the container to an upright condition with the open end upper most for storage purposes.
9. The method according to claim 8 wherein the discharge device is removed from the container and any remaining product is sealed within the container after the container has been returned to its upright condition
10. The method according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the open end of the container defines an outlet having a longitudinal axis, wherein the outlet includes first and second closures spaced along the longitudinal axis of the outlet for providing first and second seals for product within the container, and wherein the distal most of said closures is positioned so that, once opened, there is provided sufficient material for the distal end of the outlet to be sealingly coupled to the discharge device, whilst the second of said closures remains closed with product sealed in the container.
11. The method according to any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the container is located in an invertable housing and in communication with said discharge device, prior to inverting.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said housing comprises first and second parts, the first part including a discharge device intended for cooperation with the discharge end of an FIBC, and the second part including a platform for supporting an at least partially filled FIBC, and wherein the method includes the steps of arranging the first part of the housing over the top of an at least partially filled FIBC, coupling said FIBC to the first part of the housing, lifting the first part of the housing so as to lift the FIBC, and then positioning the lower end of the FIBC on the platform of the second part of the housing, so that the FIBC is supported on the second part, prior to inverting the FIBC.
13. A method according to claim 11 wherein the discharge device is provided on a first frame which is lowered over the discharge end of the container, the container is then attached to the first frame and lifted into a second frame, wherein the base of the container is supported by the second frame, and the first and second frames are connected together to define said housing for the container.
14. A method according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the sidewalls of the container are attached to the housing, so as to be held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the container, preferably wherein the housing includes a biasing arrangement having a biasing element (e.g. a spring element) with first and second ends, the first end connected to the housing and the second end connectable to the FIBC, and wherein, prior to inverting the FIBC, and the method preferably includes the step of connecting the second end to the FIBC, so that the biasing element is in tension, whereby, when the FIBC is in an inverted state, the connected part of the FIBC is held against inward collapse during discharge of product from the discharge end of the FIBC.
15. A bulk container comprising a bag of flexible material defining a discharge outlet at one end thereof through which product is to be discharged from the container, wherein the outlet has a longitudinal axis and is provided with first and second closures, e.g. integral ties or similar devices provided around the periphery of the outlet, wherein the closures are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the outlet for providing first and second seals for product within the container.
16. A bulk container according to claim 15 wherein the container has only a single open end, which acts as the sole inlet and outlet for product into/from the container.
17. A bulk container according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the container includes external attachment means (e.g. ties, straps, loops or eyelets) for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls of the container during discharge of product from the container, the attachment means arranged intermediate the top and bottom of the FIBC (e.g. at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state).
18. A bulk container according to any of claims 15 to 17 wherein the container has a base and side walls of relatively tough or heavy duty material, wherein the spout is formed in a top part of the container which is of a more lightweight material than the base and side walls.
19. A bulk container according to any of claims 15 to 18 wherein the container is an FIBC.
20. A bulk container comprising a bag of flexible material defining a discharge spout at one end thereof through which product is to be discharged from the container, wherein the container has a base and side walls of relatively tough or heavy duty material, wherein the spout is formed in a top part of the container which is of a more lightweight material than the base and side walls.
21. A bulk container according to claim 20 wherein the spout has a longitudinal axis and is provided with first and second closures, e.g. integral ties or similar devices provided around the periphery of the spout, wherein the closures are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the spout for providing first and second seals for product within the container.
22. A bulk container according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the container includes external attachment means (e.g. ties, straps, loops or eyelets) for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls of the container during discharge of product from the container, the attachment means arranged intermediate the top and bottom of the FIBC (e.g. at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state).
23. A bulk container according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the container has only a single open end, which acts as the sole inlet and outlet for product into/from the container.
24. A bulk container according to any of claims 20 to 23 wherein the container is anFIBC.
25. A bulk handling system for a bulk container, the system including a first frame having a discharge device for communication with the discharge end of a bulk container, and a second frame for receiving the base of a bulk container, wherein the first and second frames are mountable together to define a housing for a bulk container for a discharging operation via the discharge device.
26. A bulk handling system according to claim 25, the system further including an inverter mechanism configured to receive, hold and rotate the housing, in use.
27. A bulk handling system according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the height of the first frame is selectively adjustable, for taking up slack between the discharge device and the discharge end of a bulk container connected thereto, in use.
28. A bulk handling system including a bulk container according to any of claims to 24.
29. An FIBC for use in the method of any of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 14, the FIBC including one or more of the following features: a) a discharge outlet through which product is to be discharged from the container, wherein the outlet has a longitudinal axis and is provided with first and second closures, e.g. integral ties or similar devices provided around the periphery of the outlet, wherein the closures are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the outlet for providing first and second seals for product within the container; and/or b) external connections points (e.g. ties, straps, loops or eyelets), for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls during discharge of product from the container, the external connections points arranged intermediate the top and bottom of the FIBC (e.g. at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state); and/or c) a base and side walls of relatively tough or heavy duty material, and a spout formed in a top part of the container which is of a more lightweight material than the base and side walls.
30. A flexible intermediate bulk container having upper and lower ends separated by side walls, and includes external attachment means (e.g. ties, straps, loops or eyelets) for connection to an external object to prevent inward collapse of the side walls of the container during discharge of product from the container, the attachment means arranged intermediate the upper and lower ends of the container, e.g. at or between 50% and 80 % of the height of the bag in its filled state.