WO2001000510A1

WO2001000510A1 - Container for particulate material

Info

Publication number: WO2001000510A1
Application number: PCT/SG2000/000043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eng Hock Goh; Eng Soon Goh
Original assignee: Eng Hock Goh; Eng Soon Goh
Priority date: 1999-06-29
Filing date: 2000-03-25
Publication date: 2001-01-04
Also published as: GB0201798D0; WO2001000509A2; AU3690300A; AU1839701A; GB2369098A; WO2001000509A3

Abstract

A container is disclosed which is suitable for the storage and discharge of particulate materials including particulate materials having poor flow characteristics. The container comprises: a fill inlet through which particulate matter can be charged into the container; a particulate matter discharge outlet arranged to a lower end of the container through which the particulate matter can be discharged from the container; a compressed gas inlet through which compressed gas can be directed into the container; and dislodgment means associated with the container which, in use, can be operated to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter so that the particulate matter can move towards the particulate matter discharge outlet to be discharged from the container. The dislodgment means may comprise a vibrator which may be in the form of a vibrating bed.

Description

CONTAINER FOR PARΗCULATE MATERIAL

The present invention relates to a container for the storage and discharge of particulate matter.

The present invention relates particularly, but by no means exclusively, to containers suitable for mounting on trucks, trailers and/or skids either permanently or temporarily.

Known containers for the storage, transportation and discharge of dry particulate matter are provided with filling holes which enable the dry particulate matter to be poured into the container, compressed gas inlets located in the lower region of the container for supplying compressed gas into the container, and discharge pipes through which the dry particulate matter is pneumatically discharged. Located above the compressed gas inlets are filters that prevent the particulate material from contacting the compressed gas inlets. These filters are mounted to bed plates which define the lower surface of the region of the container which receives the particulate material .

The containers of the prior art can be used tp store, transport and discharge fine particulate materials such as cement, mortar and flour. Compressed gas is charged into the container from the compressed gas inlet, through the filters and into the fine particulate material causing the fine particulate material to be "fluidised" or disbursed throughout the gas in the pressurised container. To discharge the fine particulate material from the container, a discharge pipe is opened and the fine particulate material is pneumatically discharged from the container. Whilst this apparatus can be used effectively for the storage, transportation and discharge of dry finely particulate matter such as cement, mortar and flour, this container is not suitable for the storage, transport and pneumatic discharge of coarse or heavy particulate matter, such as pellets, sand, rice, beans, sugar, wheat, grains and hay.

The main problem associated with the use of known containers for the storage and discharge of such materials results from the poor flow characteristics of such coarse particulate materials. These materials do not achieve the fluidisation effect which is achieved with very finely particulate materials and which enables the material to be pneumatically conveyed through a discharge pipe and out of the container without leaving behind a significant quantity of material.

In particular, it has been found by the applicant that when using such known containers for the storage and discharge of coarse particulate materials having poor flow characteristics, fluidisation or floating of the material throughout the compressed gas in the pressurised container is not achieved. Instead, when the pressure inside the container is raised to a desired level, and a discharge pipe of the known apparatus is opened, the pressurised compressed air will escape through the discharge pipe and the matter gathered in the region near the opening of the pipe inside the container will be discharged from the container through the discharge pipe together with the escaping compressed air.

However, due to the shape, size, weight and surface characteristics of the coarse particulate material, little of this material will be dispersed into the compressed gas stream to a level sufficient to achieve the desired discharging phenomenon. Specifically, once the compressed air commences to escape from the chamber and the material in the region of the discharge pipe inside the chamber is drawn out of the chamber, less and less material will remain around the discharge opening. Over this period of time, the pressure in the container will be reduced, and any material that has achieved "fluidisation" or is dispersed in the air in the container will start to fall out of suspension and accumulate on the container bed.

As a result of this, various regions of the filter will be obstructed by accumulated particulate material that has fallen out of suspension and that was not suspended in the first instance. Compressed air continuing to flow into the container will do so through the regions of the filter that are not covered with the particulate material. Accordingly, instead of the accumulated material being blown into the air stream and thereby being able to be discharged pneumatically through the discharge pipe, the compressed air actually by-passes the accumulated material and exhausts through the discharge pipe without conveying the particulate material from the container.

A further problem associated with known container designs with a filter located on the lower bed of the container, is that such containers are not suitable for handling liquid cargo such as water, beverages, oil and liquid chemicals. One reason for this container being unsuitable for handling liquid materials is that the liquid materials pass through the filter anc down to the compressed gas inlet . Once the liquid has been removed from the container, before the container can be used again for storage and discharge of dry products such as food products, all remaining traces of the liquid must be removed. Accordingly, each filter must be removed and cleaned thoroughly. However, the filters used in the known apparatus are difficult if not impossible to completely clean. Accordingly, it is thereafter not possible for the container to be used for the storage, transport and discharge of particulate materials because of contamination by the residual liquid in the filter.

In addition, liquid stored in the container can penetrate and can be trapped inside the region between the bed and the compressed air inlet known as the "air compartment", resulting in a further potential source of contamination for dry particulate material later stored, transported and discharged from the container. As a result of these problems inherent with the prior art designs, the number of applications to which the containers can be put to use are limited.

In addition, these known containers are not suitable for world-wide shipping and transportation needs, since the contamination problems lead to a likelihood of the container being empty on a return shipping journey. This results in higher costs for transporting goods from one country to another.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container which is suitable for the storage and discharge of particulate materials including particulate materials having poor flow characteristics .

An object of a preferred embodiment of the invention is to provide a container which is capable of storage and discharging both particulate and liquid matters .

According to the present invention, there is provided a container for the storage and discharge of particulate matter comprising: a fill inlet through which particulate matter can be charged into the container; a particulate matter discharge outlet arranged to a lower end of the container through which the particulate matter can be discharged from the container; a compressed gas inlet through which compressed gas can be directed into the container; and dislodgment means associated with the container which, in use, can be operated to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter so that the particulate matter can move towards the particulate matter discharge outlet to be discharged from the container.

It is to be understood that the terms "dislodge" or "dislodgment" refer to the movement of particulate matter from a settled or established position, by disturbance, shifting, scattering, dispersing or any other similar means.

Preferably, the dislodgment means comprises a vibrator.

The vibrator can be located in any suitable location, however it is preferred that the vibrator be located to a lower end of the container.

By providing a dislodgment means, preferably a vibrator, in a lower region of the container, it has been found by the applicant that it is possible to discharge substantially all of the particulate material from the container, even if the material has poor flow characteristics. Accordingly, the container of the present invention is much more versatile than the known containers since it can be used for storing and discharging a wide variety of particulate materials.

Preferably the vibrator is located adjacent the particulate matter discharge outlet. Accordingly, this assists the particulate matter to be dislodged or shifted from the lower region of the container where it is most likely to settle and towards the particulate matter discharge outlet.

The particulate matter discharge outlet may be of any suitable configuration and may include one or more openings through which the particulate matter is discharged.

Preferably the particulate matter discharge outlet is located in a laterally centrally region of the container.

Preferably the container includes a bed which defines the lower internal face of the container, said bed being formed from a fluid-impervious and being equipped with a vibrator. In distinct contrast to the container of the prior art, the lower internal face of the container does not include a filter. Accordingly, the container may be used for the storage and discharge of liquid materials in addition to particulate matter.

More preferably, the vibrating bed is angled towards the particulate matter discharge outlet so as to channel material towards the particulate matter discharge outlet. For example, for a single particulate matter discharge outlet located in a laterally central region of the container, the vibrating bed may be of a funnel shape.

Preferably, the vibrator is associated with the bed and operates to cause the vibrating bed to vibrate. More preferably, the vibrator is located on an under side of the bed. It has been found by the applicant that this combination of features is particularly effective in dislodging and channelling particulate material having even very poor flow characteristics, such as hay, towards the particulate matter discharge outlet and out of the container.

Preferably the container also comprises a discharge chamber positioned adjacent to the particulate matter discharge outlet. The discharge chamber and the outlet may be of any suitable configuration, and as mentioned above, there may be more than one particulate matter discharge outlet. The particulate matter discharge outlet may be provided by any suitable component such as the open end of a discharge pipe.

Preferably the container further comprises a liquid matter discharge outlet to a lower end of the container. According to this embodiment of the invention, the container can be used for the storage and discharge of liquid matter in addition to particulate matter. The liquid matter discharge outlet may be of any suitable configuration, and may be provided by any suitable component such as the opening of a liquid matter discharge pipe.

Preferably, the liquid matter discharge outlet is at the lowest region of the container such that liquid matter in the container can be drained from the container through the liquid matter discharge outlet. The compressed gas inlet can be located at any appropriate location in the container. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compressed gas inlet is located to an upper end of the container. It is to be understood that a reference to "an upper end of the container" is intended to encompass a compressed gas inlet which is located either at the top of the container or towards a top end of the container. Effectively, the compressed gas inlet is preferably located more than half way up the height of the container. It is particularly preferred however that the compressed gas inlet be located at the top of the container.

As will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention, the compressed gas inlet can be of any suitable configuration and may include a plurality of inlets. The compressed air can enter the container through piping, tubing or a hose or any appropriate arrangement.

Preferably the container includes an external frame which enables the container to be mounted onto a vehicle or onto a moveable structure which can enable the container to be transported.

Preferably the container includes an external frame which enables the container to be stacked with like containers.

Preferably the dislodgment means is separate from the container but is associated with the container in such a way as to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter in use.

The container may be in the form of a trailer, having wheels to enable transportation thereof.

According to the present invention there is also provided a vehicle such as a tanker or truck or trailer including a container as described above.

The vehicle may also include a compressor for supplying compressed gas to the container.

According to the present invention there is also provided a method of discharging a particulate matter from the container described above, the method comprising: delivering compressed gas into the container; opening the particulate matter discharge outlet; activating the dislodgment means to dislodge particulate matter accumulated at a lower end of the container; and pneumatically conveying the particulate matter out of the container through the particulate matter discharge outlet.

According to the present invention there is also provided a method of retro- fitting a container for the storage and discharge of fine particulate matter having a filter located on a lower inner surface of the container defining a bed, so as to be suitable for the storage and discharge of coarse particulate matter, the method comprising : removing the filter from the bed of the container; and replacing the filter with a vibrating bed having an upper surface which defines the bed of the container.

The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation of the container of one preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the container illustrated in Figure 1 having a frame making the container capable of being located on a skid, or stacked;

Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 1 mounted on a truck;

Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 1 mounted on a trailer;

Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 1 mounted on a trailer and having a frame which enables like containers to be stacked on top;

Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Figure 5 and including further details illustrating discharge of particulate material from the container;

Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation corresponding to that shown in Figure 5 illustrating use of the container to store liquid;

Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are schematic side elevations illustrating alternative arrangements for the discharge pipes;

Figure 14 is a schematic side elevation illustrating filling of the container shovn in Figure 1 with particulate matter;

Figure 15 is a schematic side elevation of the container of Figure 14 filled with particulate matter;

Figure 16 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 15 illustrating pressurisation of the container;

Figure 17 is a schematic side elevation of the container shown in Figure 16 illustrating discharge of particulate matter from the container;

Figure 18 is a schematic side elevation of the container shown in Figure 17 illustrating a later stage in the discharge of the particulate matter;

Figure 19 is a schematic side elevation corresponding to Figure 18 illustrating the end of the discharge process;

Figure 20 is a schematic side elevation of the container shown in Figure 1 illustrating filling of the container with a liquid matter;

Figure 21 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 20 during transportation of the liquid matter;

Figure 22 is a view corresponding to Figure 21 illustrating non-pressurised discharge of liquid from the container;

Figure 23 is a view corresponding to Figure 22 illustrating the end of the non-pressurised discharge operation; Figure 24 is a view corresponding to Figure 21 illustrating pressurised discharge of liquid matter from the container; and

Figure 25 is a schematic side elevation of the container illustrated in Figure 24 at the end of the pressurised discharge operation.

Figure 1 illustrates the container 1 of one preferred embodiment of the invention. This container includes a generally oval shaped vessel having two fill openings 2 on the upper side through which particulate material can be charged into the container, a particulate matter discharge outlet 3 in the form of the open end of a discharge pipe 4 which is located inside the container, two compressed gas inlets 5 (not illustrated in detail) at the upper end of the container which open to the container at the same location as the fill openings 2, and dislodgment means in the form of two vibrators 6 (not illustrated in detail in Figures 1 and 2) which, in use, can be operated to effect dislodgment of particulate matter being discharged from the container.

The dimensions of the container illustrated in Figure 1 contribute to the aerodynamic requirements for efficient pneumatic conveying of the particulate matter during the discharge process. Whilst one particular configuration of the container is illustrated in the Figures of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that various arrangements having different specific dimensions and designs may also be suitable for the simple and efficient storage and discharge of particulate matter from the vessel. Accordingly, the Figures provided are in schematic form in order to illustrate the concept of the invention, and further features that could be incorporated into a container made in accordance with the present invention would be readily supplied by a person skilled in the art of the invention using common general knowledge in the art .

The container is manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example, steel. The inner surface of the container may be coated with a protective coating if necessary so that the container can be used for the storage, transportation and discharge of various products including food products, liquids, chemicals and/or any other corrosive materials .

The container of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated includes in addition to the features outlined above, a bed 8 which defines the lower internal face of the container. The vibrator is located to an underside of the bed so as to cause the bed to vibrate. Accordingly, the bed 8 is a vibrating bed.

The bed 8 is impervious to particulate and fluid materials. This is in contrast to the containers of the prior art in which the beds 8 included a filter which provided fluid contact between the region of the container above the bed and the region of the container below the bed.

The container of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1-7 and 13-25 includes a liquid matter discharge pipe 9 which opens into the container at the lowest point of the container thereby defining a liquid matter discharge opening 10. As will be explained in further detail below, the provision of the liquid discharge opening 10 and a liquid discharge pipe 9 enables the container to be used for the storage and discharge of liquid matter in addition to particulate matter.

Particulate and liquid matter discharge pipes 4, 9 each include a valve 11, 12.

The large open arrows marked on Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the air movement in the container 1. In the container illustrated in Figure 1, the covers 2 are located to close off the fill openings 2 to the container, and the two valves 11, 12 are open. Compressed air directed into the container moves in the path illustrated towards the particulate matter and liquid matter discharge openings 3, 10 and out through the particulate matter and liquid matter discharge pipes 4, 9.

Figure 2 illustrates the container of an alternative form of the present invention including an external frame 13 which enables the container to be stacked on a like container or on a skid. This container includes the other features illustrated in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the container is mounted on a truck. The container includes all of the features shown in the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1. The truck includes an air compressor 15 which supplies compressed air to the container via an air hose 16. As can be seen from Figure 3, one of the covers 7 of the fill openings 2 is located so that the fill opening is in an open condition. The second of the fill openings is closed by the cover. The air hose 16 directs compressed air to the top of the container and opens into the container in the region of each of the fill openings 2. The valve 11 of the particulate matter discharge pipe 4 is in an open condition, whereas the valve 12 of the liquid matter discharge pipe is in a closed position.

Figure 4 illustrates a trailer mounted (non- stackable) container. This container again includes the features illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. Specifically, the truck 14 linked to the trailer 18 includes an air compressor 15 which is connected to the container by an air hose 16. At least a portion of the air hose is flexible (as illustrated by the broken line 19) .

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 4 of a trailer mounted (stackable) container according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Again, this container includes all of the features illustrated and described above in relation to Figures 1 and 4.

The container of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures includes a discharge chamber 20 located adjacent to the particulate matter discharge outlet. This discharge chamber 20 is located in a laterally central region of the container, with the particular matter discharge outlet 3 located in the cavity defined by the discharge chamber 20. The liquid matter discharge outlet 10 is also located in the region of the discharge chamber, or more specifically at the lowest point of the discharge chamber 20 so that liquid matter in the container can be drained from the container through the liquid matter discharge pipe 9 via the discharge chamber 20.

The container illustrated in Figure 7 is stackable and is mounted on a trailer, and is filled with liquid material. As will be explained in further detail below, the container of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is suitable for the storage, transport and discharge of a variety of materials including coarse particulate matter and liquid matter. Particulate material suitable for storage and discharge from the container includes cement, mortar, flour, sand, rice, beans, wheat, grains and hay. With the use of the vibrator 6, dry particulate matter with poor flow characteristics (as a result of a coarse or uneven surface properties, large particle size and/or heavier particle weight) can be discharged efficiently from the container without a significant amount of residual material being left in the container.

The vibrator 6 may be operated pneumatically, electrically, mechanically or hydraulically or by any appropriate combination of these means. The vibrator may be a permanent or temporary feature of the container.

The vibrator may be integrated into the container during construction, or can be designed as a portable unit attachable to the container by magnetic and/or mechanical means. Accordingly, as is used throughout the specification and claims, the term "dislodgment means" is intended to cover features of the container which enable a vibrator to be attached thereto so that in use the vibrator can be operated to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter so that the particulate matter can be pneumatically discharged from the container.

The dislodgment means, preferably in the form of a vibrator, can be separate from the container but associated with the container in such a way as to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter in use. For example, a hydraulic vibrator could be placed in close proximity to the container, thereby causing the container to vibrate as a whole and effect the dislodgment of the particular matter within the container so that it can be discharged from the container .

The vibrator can be designed to be concealed and/or exposed. A combination of concealed and exposed vibrators can be used. The main purpose of the vibrator is to help the matter inside the container to move from the bed or any other lower surface of the container to the discharge chamber so that effective discharge of the particulate matter from the container can be achieved.

The vibrator can be turned on or off at any suitable time. Accordingly, if there is more than one vibrator, these can be programmed so that a variety of on and off modes can be selected to suit operational requirements .

The container may have any appropriate number of fill openings and discharge openings located at any appropriate locations in the container.

The container of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated includes a discharge chamber 20 which is normally located at the internal lowest portion of the container, so that matter can be dislodged and moved by the vibrating means to this lowest region for efficient discharge from the container. Of course, the container can be designed to have any suitable number of discharge chambers. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, there is one discharge chamber 20, and the bed 8 is angled towards this discharge chamber so as to be configured in the shape of a flattened funnel.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-7 and 13-25, the container includes one particulate matter discharge pipe 4 and one liquid matter pipe 9. However, alternative arrangements can be envisaged, as illustrated schematically in Figures 8-12.

Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement in which there are two discharge chambers 20', and two discharge pipes 4 ' .

Figure 9 illustrates an arrangement in which there are two particulate matter discharge pipes 4 ' departing from a single discharge chamber 20'.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which there is a single discharge chamber 20' with two discharge pipes 4' (suitable for either particulate matter or liquid matter) which open into the container at a lower end of the discharge chamber 20'. Figure 11 illustrates an arrangement in which the particulate matter discharge pipe 4 ' and the liquid matter discharge pipe 9' extend in opposite directions out of the container. As illustrated in Figure 12, it is of course possible to have a single pipe 4 ' which acts as a particulate matter and a liquid matter discharge pipe which opens to the lowest region of the discharge chamber 20'.

The container of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated can be used to effect storage and discharge of a wide variety of particulate matters. When using the container to store and discharge finely particulate matter having good flow characteristics, it has been found that the arrangement of the container of the present invention enables such finely particulate matter to be more quickly discharged from the container. These improved results are achieved as a result of the vibration produced by the vibrator which serves to increase the flow of the particulate matter towards the discharge chamber, especially when the discharge processes is close to completion.

The vibrator also serves to speed up the process of filling the container with particulate material, and can also help to increase the capacity of the container by minimising air gaps between particles.

The method of operation of the container to fill, store and discharge particulate matter will be described with reference to an operation for the storage and discharge of rice.

Figure 14 schematically illustrates the filling process in which the container is filled with rice 21. The container 1, equipped with vibrators 6, receives rice at a loading bay. The covers 7 are removed from the fill openings 2 so that the fill openings 2 are in an open condition. Valves 11, 12 are closed. The filling process is carried out by filling the container through one or more of the fill openings 2.

Figure 14 illustrates that the two fill openings are receiving rice at the same time. During the filling operation, the vibrators can be turned on so that the quantity of rice can be evenly distributed across the width of the container, and the filling speed can be increased.

Figure 15 illustrates the configuration of the container during transport of the rice. The covers 7 are located over the fill openings 2 to close the fill openings 2. The valves 11, 12 remain in a closed condition. When the rice is required to be discharged from the container, the container is pressurised. This is illustrated in Figure 16. With all of the openings to the container being closed, including the fill openings 2 and the valves 11, 12, compressed air is pumped into the container. At this stage the vibrator is usually turned to the "ON" position. By turning on the vibrator, the vibrations will help to break any "bonding" between particles (eg. by way of caking of the particulate matter) , and helps the compressed air to penetrate into the gaps of the matter and to separate the particles from each other. This vibration operation together with the penetration of compressed air into the gaps between the rice directly contribute to improved "fluidisation" or dispersing of the particulate matter throughout the air in the chamber.

Figure 17 illustrates the discharge process. The large open arrows illustrate the movement of compressed air through the container. When it is detected that the pressure inside the container has reached the desired level, valve 11 is opened to enable the particulate matter to be discharged from the chamber. The vibrator is operated either continuously or in any other operational mode to facilitate discharge of the material from the container. For some materials it may be found that it is not necessary for the vibrator to be operated throughout the whole of the discharge process.

Once valve 11 has been opened, the compressed air will start to exhaust through the particulate matter discharge pipe 4, and the matter around the discharge chamber 20 will pass with the outgoing air to be conveyed to the point of delivery. During this stage, compressed air is continued to be supplied into the container .

Figure 18 illustrates a later stage in the discharge process. As illustrated, the sloped configuration of the bed 8 together with the assistance of vibration and the continual gas flow makes it possible for matter remote from the particulate matter discharge outlet 3 to be conveyed to the particulate matter discharge outlet 3 and out of the container. As a result, the problem of accumulated matter which is experienced with the containers of the prior art is avoided.

Figure 19 illustrates the container from which the particulate matter has been discharged entirely. As can be seen by the open (unshaded) arrow extending from the valve 11, no more particulate matter is being discharged from the container.

The container of the preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be used for the storage, transport and discharge of liquid matter.

Figure 20 illustrates the filling of the container with liquid matter. The container equipped with a vibrator receives liquid matter at a loading bay. The filling process is carried out by filling into all of the fill openings 2 at the same time, although the process can be conducted by filling into just one of the fill openings 2. Vibration is not required due to the good flow characteristics of the liquid which is filling into the container.

Referring to Figure 21, with the valves 11, 12 and the fill openings 2 being in a closed orientation, the liquid is delivered to the required location. As is illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, the liquid can be discharged from the chamber in a non- pressurised operation. This is achieved by opening the valve 12 for the liquid matter discharge pipe 9 and the two fill openings 2, by removing the covers 7 from these openings .

Pressurising of the container is not usually required during a normal discharge process for liquids. Accordingly, it is not necessary to turn the compressor on. Liquid discharge is effected by gravity alone. Of course, it is possible to use an external pump to withdrawal liquid from the container at a fast discharge rate. In addition, liquid can also be delivered to a distant location or higher delivery point if necessary using any suitable pump means.

As illustrated in Figures 24 and 25, the container can also be operated to achieve pressurised discharge of the liquid from the container. This process may be conducted when liquid is required to be delivered at a fast rate from the container, or when the liquid is required to be delivered through tubing to a point far away and/or at a higher location to the liquid matter discharge opening.

Since the compressed gas inlet is located to an upper region of the container, compressed air directed into the container presses downwardly on the upper surface of the liquid so that the liquid is forced towards the liquid matter discharge outlet.

The container of the present invention can be obtained by retro- fitting a container of the prior art (which is suitable for use with fine particulate matter) having a filter located on a lower inner surface defining a bed of the container, by removing the filter and replacing the filter with a vibrating bed having an upper surface defining the bed of the container .

In prior art designs, the filters (of which there are usually two) are formed from a fibre material and include mounting holes for mounting to a lower surface of the container. Bolts extend upwardly from a lower surface of the container and the filters are attached to the container by mounting onto the bolts and are held in place by nuts. The filters are designed to be replaceable. Accordingly, the container of the prior art can be retro- fitted by removing the filters and replacing with a vibrating bed. The vibrating bed is constructed to have similar dimensions and mounting configuration to the filters so that the or each vibrating bed can be directly and simply fitted into the container.

The vibrator can be installed before or after installation of the bed plate in the container.

In addition, to retro- fit a container of the prior art, the compressed gas inlets can be re- channelled to enter into the container at any appropriate location to achieve the desired operational requirement. For example, the compressed gas inlet could be relocated to an upper end of the container.

Many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Several of these modifications have been discussed above in relation to the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it is to be understood that the modifications described above are not exhaustive.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A container for the storage and discharge of particulate matter comprising: a fill inlet through which particulate matter can be charged into the container; a particulate matter discharge outlet arranged to a lower end of the container through which the particulate matter can be discharged from the container; a compressed gas inlet through which compressed gas can be directed into the container; and dislodgment means associated with the container which, in use, can be operated to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter so that the particulate matter can move towards the particulate matter discharge outlet to be discharged from the container.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dislodgment means comprises a vibrator.

3. The container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the vibrator is located to a lower end of the container.

4. The container as claimed in claim 3 wherein the vibrator is located adjacent the particulate matter discharge outlet.

5. The container as claimed in any one of claims

1 to 4 wherein the particulate matter discharge outlet is located in a laterally centrally region of the container.

6. The container as claimed in any one of claims

2 to 5 wherein the container includes a bed which defines the lower internal face of the container, said bed being formed from a fluid- impervious material and being equipped with a vibrator.

7. The container as claimed in claim 6 wherein the bed is angled towards the particulate matter discharge outlet so as to channel material towards the particulate matter discharge outlet.

8. The container as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the vibrator is associated with the bed and operates to cause the bed to vibrate.

9. The container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the container comprises a discharge chamber positioned adjacent to the particulate matter discharge outlet.

10. The container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the container further comprises a liquid matter discharge outlet.

11. The container as claimed in claim 10 wherein the liquid matter discharge outlet is located to a lower end of the container such that liquid matter in the container can be drained from the container through the liquid matter discharge outlet.

12. The container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the compressed gas inlet is located to an upper end of the container.

13. The container as claimed in claim 12 wherein the compressed gas inlet is located at the top of the container.

14. The container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the container includes an external frame which enables the container to be mounted onto a vehicle or onto a moveable structure which can enable the container to be transported.

15. The container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the container includes an external frame which enables the container to be stacked with like containers.

16. The container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the dislodgment means is separate from the container but associated with the container in such a way as to effect dislodgment of the particulate matter in use.

17. A vehicle including a container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. The vehicle as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a compressor for supplying compressed gas to the container.

19. A method of discharging a particulate matter from the container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 the method comprising: delivering compressed gas into the container; opening the particulate matter discharge outlet; activating the dislodgment means to dislodge particulate matter accumulated at a lower end of the container; and pneumatically conveying the particulate matter out of the container through the particulate matter discharge outlet.

20. A method of retro-fitting a container for the storage and discharge of fine particulate matter having a filter located on a lower inner surface of the container defining a bed, so as to be suitable for the storage and discharge of coarse particulate matter and liquid matter, the method comprising: removing the filter from the bed of the container; and replacing the filter with a vibrating bed having an upper surface which defines the bed of the container.

21. A container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A trailer substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of discharging a particulate matter from a container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.