阅读说明：本技术 带有阻隔板的柔性液袋 (Flexible liquid bag with barrier plate ) 是由 安德鲁·朗 于 2019-05-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种在运输集装箱中运输流体的柔性液袋。所述柔性液袋限定了可容纳流体的容积,并包括至少一个阻隔板,其中所述阻隔板包括至少一个孔并延伸至所述容积,以将所述柔性液袋大致分为两个或多个分段。所述阻隔板的作用是抑制在运输过程中可能在所容流体内传播的潜在危险涌波。(The present application relates to a flexible liquid bag for transporting fluids in a transport container. The flexible bag defines a volume for holding a fluid and includes at least one barrier panel, wherein the barrier panel includes at least one aperture and extends into the volume to generally divide the flexible bag into two or more sections. The barrier plate functions to suppress potentially dangerous surge waves that may propagate within the contained fluid during transport.)

1. A flexible bag for transporting fluids in a transport container, the flexible bag defining a volume for containing fluids, the flexible bag comprising a plurality of barrier panels, wherein the barrier panels extend into the volume to substantially divide the flexible bag into three or more sections, the attachment of the barrier panels to the flexible bag providing an opening having a perimeter defined by an edge of the barrier panels and an inner surface of the flexible bag, the openings, in use, being substantially aligned to form a channel extending along an axis of the flexible bag.

2. The flexible fluid bag of claim 1, wherein each barrier panel of the plurality of barrier panels lies within and defines a plane, the planes being substantially parallel to each other.

3. The flexible bag of claims 1 and 2, wherein each barrier plate of the plurality of barrier plates lies on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flexible bag.

4. The flexible fluid bag of claim 3, wherein each barrier plate of the plurality of barrier plates lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag.

5. A flexible fluid bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel extends along an axis of the flexible fluid bag.

6. The flexible fluid bag of claim 5, wherein the channel extends along a longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag.

7. The flexible fluid bag of claim 6, wherein the opening extends the entire height of the barrier panel.

8. The flexible fluid bag of any of the above claims, wherein the flexible fluid bag comprises a plurality of channels, each channel within the plurality of channels being defined by a different subset of openings.

9. The flexible fluid bag of claim 8, wherein a first one of the plurality of channels and a second one of the plurality of channels extend along opposing inner surfaces of the flexible fluid bag,

10. the flexible fluid bag of any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier plate comprises a plurality of apertures.

11. The flexible fluid bag of claim 10, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is equal in size.

12. The flexible fluid bag of claim 10 or 11, wherein the apertures of the plurality of apertures are distributed along a straight line on a portion of the barrier plate.

13. The flexible fluid bag of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the apertures of the plurality of apertures are equally spaced across a portion of the barrier plate.

14. The flexible fluid bag of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier panel is permanently attached to the flexible fluid bag.

15. The flexible bag of any of the above claims, wherein the barrier plate and the flexible bag are made of the same material.

16. The flexible fluid bag of any of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of the barrier plate is substantially perpendicular to the channel and the surface comprises a curved surface.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flexible fluid bag for transporting fluids, and more particularly, to a flexible fluid bag including a plurality of barrier panels.

Background

The use of fluid bags with flexible components (commonly referred to as "containerized bags") for transporting fluids in shipping containers has become mature. This type of liquid bag may be used with a variety of shipping containers including, but not limited to, intermodal containers, ISO containers, cargo containers, freight containers, railroad containers, or sea containers. In these transportation schemes, the volume of fluid transported by any fluid bag may vary depending on the volume of fluid transported. Most often, these bags are filled with a volume of fluid so that the flexible bag can fill a large portion of the interior of the shipping container (inside which it is contained) to ensure shipping costs and space efficiency.

Typically, such fluid bags include a flexible inner liner within a protective outer liner. Providing a protective outer liner is optional, but generally preferred to reduce the overall risk of tearing and/or puncturing the fluid bag. The inner liner is generally made of a flexible polymer-based material, which may be unitary or composite and may be impermeable to the fluid being transported. The outer liner is designed to provide additional tensile strength and tear resistance to the bag. Fluid bags of this type typically have at least one aperture with an associated baffle assembly and an access valve for filling and draining the fluid bag.

The fluid bag may be of any desired shape, but it is generally elongated to fit the interior size of the shipping container and partially fill it. For example, the fluid bag may be substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The sides of the fluid bag may comprise separate plastic sheets or fewer separate plastic sheets joined together along the edges, e.g., all four walls may be formed from one continuous plastic sheet that is wrapped around and joined along a single edge. The edges and the separate plastic sheets are connected to each other by fluid and air tight seams. Furthermore, the wall can be omitted completely and the liquid bag is formed only by the upper and bottom surfaces, i.e. the two rectangular, rounded top layers are joined together at the edges to form a pillow-like liquid bag.

Fluid bags with flexible components are generally preferred over rigid fluid bags because they are easier to use and recycle once and therefore do not require cleaning or sterilization after use. This allows this type of fluid bag to be placed within a shipping container, protecting them from weathering and other elements, thereby extending their useful life and reducing cost.

However, while there are benefits to using a fluid bag with a flexible member, there are challenges with this technology. It is well known that bags of this nature and their packaging shipping containers are subject to damage and failure from surge impacts during transit. A surge is propagated in the stored fluid by the forces expected during transport, like sudden or severe acceleration or braking. For example, a container is marshalled or unloaded from a shipping container at a marshalling station. The force of the surge can then cause the liquid bag container to malfunction, possibly spilling the fluid in the liquid bag or damaging the container itself. In addition, the propagation of waves and water surges within these bags can cause the center of mass of the container to constantly shift, thereby destabilizing the bags and container. Instability of the fluid bag during shipping or handling can present a safety risk to the carrier, other shipping users, and the potential environment.

The objects and aspects of the invention claimed in this patent attempt to at least alleviate these problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible bag for transporting fluid in a transport container, the flexible bag defining a volume in which fluid may be contained, the flexible bag comprising a plurality of barrier panels, wherein the barrier panels extend into the volume to substantially divide the flexible bag into three or more sections, each barrier panel being connected to the flexible bag to provide an opening having a perimeter defined by an edge of the barrier panel and an inner surface of the flexible bag, wherein the openings are substantially aligned in use to form a channel extending along an axis of the flexible bag.

In this way, a flexible fluid bag is provided that is better able to withstand and inhibit the destructive effects of waves and surges in the contained fluid without preventing adequate mixing of the fluid contained within the flexible fluid bag. In addition, the channel extending along the axis of the flexible fluid bag helps to prevent stress concentrations from the barrier plate adhering to the inner surface of the flexible fluid bag. This form of flexible liquid bag is advantageous because it allows the flexible liquid bag and its parent shipping container to be transported as rail, freight or road cargo with greater security. Safety is improved because the flexible fluid bag reduces the likelihood of malfunction, spillage of cargo, or damage to the shipping container due to the propagation of waves or surges. Furthermore, the shipping container is less likely to experience a destabilization that can be troublesome to the transport personnel, the surrounding environment, and the ecological environment as the propagating waves move the flexible liquid bag and the center of mass of the container.

Preferably, the flexible liquid bag comprises an inner liner layer. Preferably, the inner liner layer is single-layered. Preferably, the inner liner layer is multilayered. Preferably, the inner liner is made of a flexible polymer. Preferably, the inner liner is made of a separate polymer sheet. Preferably, the separate polymeric sheets are joined together by a sealed seam. Preferably, the inner liner is impermeable to the fluid being delivered. Preferably, the inner liner is made of polyethylene (polyethylene). Preferably, the fluid bag is single-layered. Preferably, the single layer is an innerliner layer. More preferably, the fluid bag is double-layered. Preferably, the two layers of the double-layer flexible liquid bag are an inner lining layer and an outer lining layer. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag comprises a protective outer liner layer. Advantageously, the outer liner is more resistant to puncture and tearing than the inner liner. Preferably, the outer liner completely encases the inner liner and protects it from contact with the interior of the shipping container or the surrounding environment. Preferably, the outer liner layer has a larger internal volume than the inner liner layer. Preferably, the outer liner layer is complementary in shape to the inner liner layer. Preferably, the outer layer is made of woven polypropylene (WPP).

Preferably, the inner and/or outer liner of the fluid bag is formed from two substantially rectangular sheets joined together along their respective four edges. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible fluid bag is formed from substantially cylindrical tubes of polyethylene and/or woven polypropylene that are sealed at both ends of the cylindrical tube to form the fluid bag.

Optionally, the flexible fluid bag has at least one aperture for filling or draining the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, each aperture of the or each bag for loading and discharging fluid has an associated inlet/outlet valve. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag and the transport container have a baffle assembly. Preferably, the baffle assembly is located between the flexible liquid bag and the door of the shipping container. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag is sized to fit within a shipping container when filled with a fluid. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag is adapted to be placed within a standard ISO shipping container. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag is adapted to be placed within a standard ISO shipping container having a length of 6.06 meters or 12.2 meters (20 feet or 40 feet, respectively).

Preferably, the flexible fluid bag is adapted to be placed in an ISO shipping container of 6.06 metres or 12.2 metres length when loaded for maximum capacity. Preferably, the flexible liquid bag does not contact the front and rear walls of a 40 foot ISO shipping container when fully loaded. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag comprises a strap for securing it within a transport container.

Preferably, the barrier plate is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the barrier plate is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longest axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the barrier panel is located perpendicular to the most common transport direction. Preferably, the barrier plate comprises a flexible material. Preferably, the barrier sheet comprises a polymer. Preferably, the barrier sheet comprises a polymeric film. Preferably, the flexible fluid bag and the barrier plate comprise the same material. Preferably, the barrier panel comprises polyethylene.

Preferably, the barrier plate is substantially rectangular in shape. Preferably, the barrier panel has two substantially straight edges and two inwardly curved edges. Preferably, the substantially straight edges are parallel to each other. Preferably, the inwardly curved edges overlap substantially straight intermediate portions, the intermediate portions being parallel to one another. Preferably, the straight edge intermediate portion is no more than 50% or no more than the length of the inwardly curved edge. Preferably, the inwardly curved edges and straight edges intersect at four corners of the barrier plate and have acute angles. Preferably, the acute angle is less than 45 °. Preferably, the acute angle is less than 30 °. Preferably, the acute angle is less than 15 °.

Preferably, the barrier plate is located at the midpoint of the axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, each barrier panel of the plurality of barrier panels lies in and defines a plane, wherein the planes are substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the barrier plates of the plurality of barrier plates are evenly distributed along the axis of the flexible fluid bag.

Preferably the perimeter of the or each opening is defined by a curved edge portion of the baffle. Preferably, the opening extends substantially the entire height of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the or each opening has a location directly adjacent a bottom surface or base of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the or each barrier panel is connected to the flexible fluid bag to form a plurality of openings.

Preferably, the channel defines a volume or space in which fluid can flow unimpeded between different sections of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the channel extends along a longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the channel extends continuously to half of the longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the channel extends continuously to 75% of the longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the channel extends continuously for the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag.

Preferably, the flexible fluid bag has a plurality of channels. Preferably, the first and second channels of the plurality of channels are located on opposite sides of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the cumulative cross-section of the channels is no more than 50% of the cross-section of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the cumulative cross-section of the channels is no more than 40% of the cross-section of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the cumulative cross-section of the channels is no more than 30% of the cross-section of the flexible fluid bag.

Preferably, the barrier plate has an aperture. Preferably, the aperture is circular. Preferably, the size of the aperture is 10 to 500 mm. Preferably, the pore size is 50 to 350 mm. Preferably, the pore size is 100 to 250 mm.

Preferably, the barrier plate comprises a plurality of apertures. Preferably, each of the plurality of holes is equal in size. Preferably, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures is distributed along a straight line over a portion of the barrier plate. Preferably, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures are equidistantly distributed across a portion of the barrier plate.

Preferably, the barrier plate comprises four apertures. More preferably, the barrier plate comprises eight apertures. Most preferably, the barrier plate comprises nine apertures. Preferably, the apertures are arranged in rows and columns to form a square grid. Preferably, the holes are arranged in a diamond-shaped grid. Preferably, the apertures are arranged in three rows and three columns. Preferably, the arrangement of the holes is such that the barrier plate has a dual axis of rotational symmetry and two planes of symmetry.

Preferably, the barrier panel is permanently attached to the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the barrier plate is attached to the flexible fluid bag by a weld. Preferably, the weld is water-tight. Preferably, the weld is generally rectangular. Preferably, the weld is made of a separate welded member welded to the barrier panel and the inner liner. Preferably, each weld consists of two sub-welds located on different sides of the edge of the barrier sheet, but welded near the same edge. Preferably, each of said welds consists of a single sub-weld on a single side of the edge of the barrier panel. Preferably, the barrier plate is welded to the inner liner at two different locations. Preferably, the barrier plate is welded to the inner liner on the opposite side of the inner liner surface. Preferably, only two of the four barrier panels are welded to the inner liner. Preferably the entire straightedge length of the barrier plate is connected to the inner liner by welding. Preferably, the welds are present on both sides of a straight edge of the barrier plate. Preferably, the barrier plate is attached to the flexible fluid bag by a plurality of welds. Preferably, the weld and barrier panel extend to about 75-100% of the width of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the weld and barrier plate extend to about 85-97% of the width of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the weld and barrier panel extend to about 90-95% of the width of the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the weld is formed by a thermoplastic welding process. Preferably, the height of the barrier plate is greater than the height of the flexible liquid bag. Preferably, the barrier panel has a height that is about 15% greater than the flexible fluid bag. Preferably, the barrier panel is not taut when said flexible fluid bag is full.

Preferably, the weld and the barrier plate are composed of the same material. Preferably, the weld and the flexible fluid bag are comprised of the same material. Preferably, the weld, the flexible fluid bag and the barrier plate are comprised of the same material. Preferably, the material is a polymer. Preferably, the polymer is flexible and water impermeable. Preferably, the polymer is polyethylene.

Preferably, the barrier panel extends substantially over the inner liner and the inner volume of the flexible fluid bag to divide the inner volume into two or more sections. Preferably, the portions are substantially equal in size and shape.

Preferably, one face of the barrier plate is substantially perpendicular to the channel and the face comprises a curved surface.

Drawings

The technical solution of the present application is further explained below with reference to the drawings and the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a flexible liquid bag within a shipping container according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric schematic view of a barrier plate and weld according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a flexible fluid bag with six barrier panels according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a flexible fluid bag with baffles according to the present invention;

fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a flexible fluid bag with a barrier panel within a shipping container according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 of the drawings, there is depicted a liquid filled flexible liquid bag 10 including a barrier panel in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The flexible fluid bag 10 is positioned within the shipping container 20 and is generally in the shape of an elongated rectangular parallelepiped having a generally hemispherical surface and partially filling the interior volume of the shipping container 20.

The flexible fluid bag 10 includes an inner liner or layer 30 that contains the interior volume of the flexible fluid bag 10. The shape and size of the flexible fluid bag 10 and its internal volume vary with the volume of fluid contained. While a single layer inner liner and making the inner liner from other suitable polymers are contemplated, inner liner 30 is made of polyethylene, is multi-layered, and is impermeable to the fluid being conveyed. The inner liner 30 comprises separate polymeric sheets permanently joined together by a water-tight seal. The flexible liquid bag is filled and drained with fluid through a specially made opening in the inner liner 30 and its accompanying inlet/outlet valve 50. The inlet/outlet valve 50 passes through the bulkhead assembly 60 and is proximate to the door 70 of the shipping container 20. The diaphragm assembly 60 generally includes a planar backing plate 80, a stiffening member support 90 extending the length and width of the diaphragm assembly 60, and an opening that enables the inlet/outlet valve 50 to be connected to the flexible fluid bag 10.

The inner liner 30 is completely surrounded by a protective outer liner. The outer liner is larger in shape and size and is complementary to the shape and size of inner liner 30. The outer liner comprises a number of flexible plastic sheets permanently joined together. The protective outer liner layer is made of a suitable polymer, such as WPP. The suitable polymer should increase the force required to tear, puncture or destroy the outer liner layer, inner liner layer 30 and flexible fluid bag 10. The outer liner layer may be multilayered.

Referring to fig. 2 of the drawings, a barrier plate 110 for a flexible liquid bag 10 in a shipping container is depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrier plate 110 may also be accurately described as a film or a film barrier plate. The barrier plate 110 is a polymer film or barrier with specific apertures 120 and openings 130 to allow fluids to move and mix within the flexible fluid bag 10, while the barrier plate 110 should prevent the propagation of waves, especially gushes during transport. Waves and water surges are potentially dangerous. The opening 130 may be considered a cut-out of a rectangular barrier panel, and the opening 130 is formed when the barrier panel 110 is attached to the inner liner 30, as described below.

The barrier panel 110 is quadrilateral like a rectangle, except that the two edges are generally straight 140 and the two edges are generally curved inwardly 150 toward a center point of the barrier panel 110. The inwardly curved sides 150 include a middle portion 160 that is substantially straight and substantially perpendicular to the generally straight sides 140. Each straight middle portion 160 includes less than about 30% of the length of the inwardly curved edge 150. Straight sides 140 are located on opposite sides of the quadrilateral (rectangle). In addition, the curvilinear edges 150 are also located on opposite edges of the quadrilateral. Thus, the straight edge 140 and the curved edge do not intersect similarly described edges at the corner 170. The straight edges 140 are substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the straight middle sections of the inwardly curved edges 170 are substantially parallel to each other.

The interior angle of the baffle plate 110 at the four corners 170 is acute and is approximately less than 10 °. Starting at the corners 170, the inwardly curved edges 150 are inwardly curved in a general arc of a circle forming about one quarter of a circumference, wherein the circumference is about 33% of the linear distance between the corners 170. The inwardly curved edges 150 have intermediate portions 160 that are generally straight and connect two inwardly curved arcs from their corners to form a complete edge.

The baffle plate 110 includes 9 apertures 120 of the same size and shape. The aperture 120 is substantially circular, although other sizes and shapes of apertures 120 are contemplated, with a diameter of about 150 millimeters. The apertures 120 are arranged in three rows 180, 190, wherein each row 180, 190 includes one aperture 120 (three in total), wherein one row is oriented parallel to the straight edge 140 of the barrier plate 110. In each individual row 180, 190, the centers of each aperture 120 are generally aligned on a straight line, wherein the direction of the line is substantially parallel to the straight edge 140. Thus, the holes are substantially parallel to each other. The middle row of three rows 180 lies on approximately the middle line of the distance between the straight edges 140, while the two outer rows 190 lie approximately 25% and 75% of the distance between the straight edges 140, respectively. The central apertures of each row 180, 190 are located approximately on a midline between the linear central portions 160 to form a column of central apertures 200, aligned in a straight line. The outer apertures of each row form two outer columns 210. The middle aperture of column 210 is offset toward the center of barrier plate 110 from the other two aligned apertures in column 210. The three apertures in each outer column 210 are located at the corners of a generally isosceles triangle. The holes are arranged in the barrier plate 110 with a dual axis of rotational symmetry and two planes of symmetry.

The barrier plate 110 is permanently attached to the inner surface of the inner liner 30 by a sealing weld 220. The weld 220 is generally rectangular and extends the entire length of its associated straight edge 140. Welds 220 are located on both sides of straight edge 140. Either side of the weld 220 is typically made of a rectangular plastic plate, with the longest edge of the rectangle being approximately the same length as the straight edge 140 of the barrier plate. Each side of the weld 220 is polymer heat welded to the inner surface of the flexible fluid bag and then to the barrier plate 110, so that each weld 220 consists of two separate and distinct sub-welds permanently connecting the barrier plate 110 and the flexible fluid bag 10.

The inner liner 30, the barrier plate 110, and the weld 220 comprise the same polymer, i.e., polyethylene, and are permanently joined by polymeric heat welding. Alternative methods of attaching the polymers to each other are contemplated, such as adhesives, solvents, hot air, contact, high frequency, induction, rotation, laser, extrusion welding, and using different polymers alone or together for the liner 30 layer, barrier plate 110, and weld 220.

Referring to fig. 3 of the drawings, there is depicted a schematic top view of an embodiment of the flexible fluid bag 10 with a series of six baffle plates 110 that divide the interior volume of the flexible fluid bag 10 into seven generally similarly sized segments. As illustrated in fig. 2, the barrier plate 110 is attached to the inner surface of the inner liner 30 of the flexible fluid bag 10 by two welds 220 extending along its straight edge 140. The weld 220 is located on the upper and lower surfaces of the interior of the flexible fluid bag. In the present embodiment of the invention, six barrier panels are welded to the inner surface of the flexible fluid bag 10 to form seven sections 230. The barrier plates 110 are oriented such that their straight edges 140 and welds 220 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 260 of the flexible fluid bag 10, and thus the welded barrier plates 110 are substantially parallel to each other. The barrier panel is also substantially parallel to the end wall of the flexible fluid bag 10. If each baffle plate defines a plane, each plane is substantially parallel to any other plane. The width of each barrier plate 110 and weld 220 is about 90-95% of the width of the flexible fluid bag. The baffle 110 is evenly distributed along the longitudinal axis 260 of the flexible fluid bag 10, thereby subdividing the interior volume of the flexible fluid bag 10 into seven substantially equal volume and shape segments 230. The barrier panel 110 is designed to have a height greater than the height of the flexible fluid bag 10 when filled with fluid. For example, in this embodiment, the height of the bag when full is 1.2 meters, while the height of the barrier panel 110 is 1.4 meters (when straightened and fully extended). The extra height of the barrier panel 110 allows the barrier panel to be less taut during use.

The barrier panel 110 extends substantially to the size (in this case the width) of the flexible fluid bag 10, which forms a region 240 between the inner curved edge 150 of the barrier panel and the inner liner 30, which may be defined as an opening 240, space or aperture. The opening 240 extends from the lower surface to the upper surface of the flexible fluid bag and thus extends the full height of the flexible fluid bag 10 and its associated barrier plate 110. In other words, the opening extends from the bottom surface or bottom to the upper surface or top of the flexible fluid bag. Thus, the openings allow the fluid to mix between the different sections 230 regardless of the amount of fluid contained in the flexible fluid bag. Thus, the design of the opening 140 prevents the barrier plate 110 from trapping residual fluid within the segment during loading or draining.

Further, when in use or full, the openings are substantially aligned, forming two continuous channels 250 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible fluid bag and along opposite sides of the interior volume 40 of the flexible fluid bag. The channel 250 extends continuously the entire length of the flexible fluid bag. The channel 250 is located on a sidewall of the flexible fluid bag 10. All of the openings 240 in the channel 250 are substantially similar in size, shape, and orientation. The center point and the edge of the opening 240 are aligned substantially in a straight line and the direction of the channel is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the barrier plate 110. The channel 250 defines a space or volume in which fluid may flow unobstructed between different sub-segments 230 of the flexible fluid bag 10. The cross-sectional area of the channel 250 is the same as the area of its associated opening 140 and the cross-sectional area of the channel 250 is defined as the area between the inwardly curved edge of the barrier plate 150 and the interior of the liner 30. The channel is located to extend primarily along the side wall of the flexible fluid bag 10, i.e., not along the bottom or top surface of the flexible fluid bag.

Referring to fig. 4, a liquid filled flexible fluid bag 300 is depicted that includes a barrier panel in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. The figure shows a flexible liquid bag without a transport container. This embodiment of the flexible fluid bag with baffles 300 is designed to fit within a 40 foot ISO storage container, as shown in fig. 5.

The flexible fluid bag 300 is generally in the shape of an elongated cuboid having a generally domed surface. The liner and materials used to make the flexible fluid bag 300 are the same as those used in the first embodiment. The flexible fluid bag 300 is formed by two substantially rectangular sheets of similar dimensions joined along their four edges. The sheets may be joined by welds as described in detail above and reinforced with stitches. As in the previous embodiment, the fluid bag includes inner and outer liners. The flexible fluid bag 300 with barrier plates in this embodiment has a total of 6 barrier plates. The shape and design of the baffle plate is similar to that described above for the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 5, the flexible fluid bag 300 does not fill the entire floor area of the 40 foot ISO storage container 330. In other words, the flexible fluid bag 300 does not contact the front door of the storage container and may not contact the rear wall of the storage container. Thus, the flexible fluid bag 300 does not use a baffle assembly. Fluid is added and removed from the flexible fluid bag through the inlet/outlet valve 310. The flexible fluid bag 300 may be secured to the interior of the transport device using a strap 320. The strap 320 is attached at one end to the flexible fluid bag 300 and at the other end to the inner wall of the shipping container 330. The strap 320 provides a fastening mechanism to prevent the flexible fluid bag 300 from sliding within the shipping container 330.

In additional embodiments of the present invention, the flexible fluid bag is formed from substantially cylindrical tubes of polyethylene and/or woven polypropylene that are sealed at both ends of the cylindrical tube to form a fluid bag. As previously indicated, the seal is secured with a seam and secured with a seam.