6 Ways not to empty a container

We regularly receive enquiries from companies looking to improve the way they empty containers ranging from totes, drums and IBC’s, to large fixed storage containers.We have been quite baffled as to some methods of container emptying.

Here are six examples of how not to empty a barrel:

1.      “Its not emptying fast enough”

In this incident a person was having difficulty extracting a gel from a container. Frustrated at how long it was taking to empty, an individual thought “if I can get push more air into the container, the gel will flow out quicker!”

A compressed air line was connected to the container which increased the outflow of fluid shortly before a loud bang as the container split.

2.      “Tip It”

On this occasion a container was filled with an expensive chemical, and rather than fluid be wasted, an “engineer” thought if only the container could be tipped to extract the fluid…

The container was lifted and tipped by a forklift shortly before falling from the forks, and breaking the IBC and the fluid leaking.

3.      Siphon

This person unable to empty the container via the bottom outlet, and instead chose to siphon fluid from the tank using a hose. Luckily this was spotted and stopped before ingestion.

4.      Materials Melting

Thinking the chemical used was similar to others on site, the container was decanted using a small container on hand. The use of incorrect material using to hand bail the fluid, led to the container melting, causing chemical spillage. This led to the area having to be decontaminated. On occasions people have suffered burns by utilising incorrect containers

5.      Leaking

Overnight the bottom outlet valve leaked on a container, meaning the contents leaked. The bottom outlet valve and been incorrectly fitted with the seal not mated correctly.

6.      “Fork It”

Whilst a forklift was moving around on site a container of diluted cyanide was accidentally pierced. 7 People required decontaminating, with a local pond and streams contaminated killing over 100 fish.

The Top 9 reasons for containers leaking:

1. Container leak due to age, or wear and tear

2. Leakage during filling

3. Forklift piercing

4. Uncontrolled polymerization – liquid turns more viscous or solid causing volume to increase and split container

5. Leak during emptying

6. Container overfilling

7. Loose outlet valve

8. Spill during IBC switchover

9. Operator in contact with hose

Are you making the best use of Liquid Handling Equipment? What are the ways in which a container can be emptied safely?

Batching – Amounts can be batched or metered according to set amounts within 1% accuracy.

Mix & Pump all in one pump– 2 fluids mixed which can separate when stood, and then pumped at required flows

Combine & Pump – 2 fluids can be pumped from two separate containers, mixed and pumped through the discharge

Complete Fluid extraction – Typically standard pumps will only extract up to 95% of a fluid within a container. By utilisation of specific models up to 99.98% of a container can be emptied ensuring costly chemicals are not wasted

Mobile Kit – Portability between containers without risk of spillage, and utilisation across processes.

Variable Speed & Lances – Preventing the foaming, or splashing of dangerous chemicals during transfer

IBC Storage System - IBC Storage systems can be used to ensure extremely hazardous liquids are decanted from IBC’s and stored within secure double bunded tanks. This eliminates the possibility of units being damaged and leaking

9 Safety features to consider when using barrel pumps

Here are our top 9 safety features to consider when using a barrel pump:

Swaged fittings – Ensure zero chance of leakage between connections

ATEX rated pump Kit – built and tested for conductivity such kits ensure should static build it can be discharged safely

Hand Nozzle / Tap: Allowing the operator to control and stop dispensing when required

Overfill prevention – A back pressure device prevents containers from being overfilled similar to that at a petrol station

Speed Control – Preventing foaming or splashing of corrosive liquids

Pressure Relief Valve – Preventing over pressure in the discharge line

Independent Tube sets – Tube sets which can remain in containers preventing cross contamination across products thus allowing motors to be used across many pumps

Lifting Hoist – Hoist to allow easy removal of pumps safely without users having to touch the tube which has been in contact with the liquid.

No Volt release – This prevents unattended restart in the even of a power failure. Should there be an interruption to electric supply the motor will not restart until it is switched off and on again

Easily Cleaning– Designs are available which can be stripped easily for quick cleaning and thorough sanitation without pressure

If you are looking to empty a container, and want to discuss your requirement with a Technical Sales Engineer contact us.

References:

? 2008 IChemE THE CAUSES OF IBC (INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINER) LEAKS AT CHEMICAL PLANTS – AN ANALYSIS OF OPERATING EXPERIENCE

GPT Environmental