Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer Unit

Abstract

The invention is based on using existing approved tanks and shipping containers for transportation of liquids. It is a combination rotomolded plastic tanks customized for industrial, petrochemical and agricultural applications placed in a secured standard shipping container (20′/40′/53′). As well as custom outfitted with inlets and outlet for top and side filling and extraction from the bottom side. The tanks are equipped to be bolted on the floor or braced from the sides of the container. Each tank is elliptically shaped outfitted with four legs for stability. The top center of the tank has an inlet which also functions as ventilation for the tank. The inlets are custom made to ensure easy access for top loading and side loading purposes. The extraction will be from the bottom of the tank and run to the exit access doors to the side of the container.

Description

This invention provides an alternative for moving bulk liquids with existing approved transport tanks and shipping containers allowing movement by most modes of transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many existing forms of moving bulk liquids. Some examples are bulk truck tankers, rail cars, ISO tanks, and flexi-bags. Similar designs are captured in the following United States patents:

6,012,598       Antoniou
6,015,055       Bonerb
7,624,885 B2    Pfau
8,162,164 B2    Podd
8,708,626 B2    Bennetto
2012/0138630 A1 Kinsey, III

Although these are currently being used there is always a need for improvement and versatility. The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer invention can satisfy most modes of transportation except for air.

Below are some disadvantages of the existing options currently being used in the market. This invention aims to fulfill all these areas of concern.

ISO Tanks  Not compartmentalized.
Bulk       Cannot move via rail/ocean.
Tankers
Rail Cars  Only services customers who have access to rail and
           cannot move by ocean.
Flexi-Bags Sized only for 20′ containers and the bag's integrity can be
           compromised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer invention is primarily plastic tanks in a shipping container with the capacity to fill liquids from the top, bottom and side of the tank/container. Along with extracting the liquids from the bottom of the tank/container. The tanks will be secured inside of the container and the container top, as well as, side and bottom side being outfitted with hatches for inlets and outlets. Due to the tanks being plastics and lightweight, load capacity and volumes can maximized for freight being shipped.

DRAWING DETAILS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional drawing of one (1) of the tanks and its respective connections housed inside of a standard shipping container;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the tanks and the piping for inlets and outlets;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tanks housed in a shipping container with emphasis on the extraction points;

FIG. 4 is the front view of the tank housed inside of the shipping container; and

FIG. 5 is the three-dimensional snapshot of the rear of the container with ladder access to the top and a collapsible rail for safe operations and usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Multi-Compartment Liquid Transfer invention compromises of a standard shipping container specially outfitted with multiple polyurethane/plastic tanks. Additionally, it is customized with inlets and outlets to fill, move and extract bulk liquids. This example illustrates three tanks housed in a 40′ shipping container:

FIG. 1—1 illustrates the top-loading inlet;

FIG. 1—2 is the side top-loading inlet;

FIG. 1—3 is the side inlet pipe connection which connects to the side top load inlet;

FIG. 1—4 is the slide inlet pipe connection which connects to the second tank's top load inlet;

FIG. 1—5 is the slide inlet pipe connection which connects to the third tank's top load inlet;

FIG. 1—6 is the bottom extraction port connected an extraction pipe;

FIG. 1—7 is the bottom outlet pipe connection which connects to an extraction hose;

FIG. 1—8 is the bottom outlet pipe connection which connects to an extraction hose for the second tank;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the tanks and the piping for inlets and outlets;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tanks housed in a shipping container with emphasis on the extraction points;

FIG. 4 is the front view of the tank housed inside of the shipping container;

FIG. 5—1 shows the collapsible rail for operator safety; and

FIG. 5—2 is a ladder which gives access to the top of the container.

Claims

1. Multiple modes of transportation—this invention can be used in most modes of transportation, such as road, intermodal rail, and ocean.

2. Multiple options for loading (top, side, bottom)—it offers top, side and bottom loading of liquids which can be used for a variety of non-corrosive liquids.

3. Tanks can accommodate a wide variety of liquids—this is designed only for the movements of non-corrosive liquids.