阅读说明：本技术 内衬和罐式集装箱的组装件 (Assembly of liner and tank container ) 是由 S·J·V·M·范拉霍文 于 2018-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及罐式集装箱(20)、内衬(40)和连接单元(60)的组装件(10),其用于液体的运输和/或储存。内衬存在于罐式集装箱中,并且内衬的出口连接到罐式集装箱的排放孔(25)。存在一种连接单元,所述连接单元确保两个出口的连接,并且同时提供与外部单元的液密且气密的连接以用于输送或排放液体内容物。(the invention relates to an assembly (10) of a tank container (20), an inner liner (40) and a connection unit (60) for the transport and/or storage of liquids. The liner is present in the tank container and the outlet of the liner is connected to the discharge aperture (25) of the tank container. There is a connection unit which ensures the connection of the two outlets and at the same time provides a liquid-tight and gas-tight connection with an external unit for delivering or discharging liquid contents.)

1. An assembly (10) of a tank container (20), an inner liner (40) and a connection unit (60) for the transport and/or storage of fluids,

-wherein the tank container (20):

1) is cylindrically shaped and comprises a first end portion (20a), a second end portion (20b) and a longitudinal axis (22) extending from the first end portion (20a) to the second end portion (20 b);

2) Comprising a circumferential wall (23), said circumferential wall (23) having an inner surface inside the tank container (20) and an outer surface outside the tank container (20), said circumferential wall (23) being present between a first wall (24a) at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20) and a second wall (24b) at the second end portion (20b) of the tank container (20), said first wall (24a) and said second wall (24b) having an inner surface inside the tank container (20) and an outer surface outside the tank container (20);

3) Comprising a discharge aperture (25), which discharge aperture (25) is present in the first wall (24a) at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20) so as to abut the circumferential wall (23), or at the interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the first wall (24a) at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20), which discharge aperture (25) merges into a container nozzle (26) extending from the first wall (24a) at the first end portion (21a) of the tank container (20) or at the interface of both walls, which container nozzle (26) is provided with a fastening member (27) for connection with the connection unit (60);

4) Has an inner circumference surrounding the circumferential wall (23);

5) Has a bottom length (28), which bottom length (28) is the length of the circumferential wall (23) measured in the longitudinal direction from a) a point on the interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the first wall (24a) comprising the discharge aperture (25) to b) a corresponding point at the interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the second wall (24 b);

6) Having a first wall height (29), the first wall height (29) being defined as the distance from the discharge aperture (25) to the opposite interface of the circumferential wall (23) and the first wall (24a) at the first end portion (21a) of the tank container (20) measured along the inner surface of the first wall (24a) at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20);

7) Comprising a manhole (30);

-wherein the liner (40):

1) Is present inside the tank container (20);

2) Comprising at least two sheets (46) placed one on top of the other and sealed together at their edges (42), said liner (40) having:

-a longitudinal dimension (length) (41a) between two short edges (42b) of the inner liner (40), the longitudinal dimension (41a) being equal to the bottom length (28) of the tank container (20) plus 0.4-2.0 times the wall height of the first wall (24a) of the tank container (20) plus 0.4-2.0 times the wall height of the second wall (24b) of the tank container, as measured on the surface of the inner liner (40); and

-a transverse dimension (width) (41b) between two long edges (42a) of the liner (40), the transverse dimension (41b) being perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension (41a) and in the range of 0.4-1.0 times around the inner circumference of the circumferential wall (23) as measured on the surface of the liner (40), wherein the inner circumference is the largest circumference present between the first wall (24a) and the second wall (24 b);

3) Comprising an opening (44) incorporated into a liner nozzle (45), wherein,

-the opening (44) is located on or near a centre line (49) extending along the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40), wherein the shortest distance between the liner nozzle (45) and one of the short edges (41b) of the liner (40) is in the range of 0.1-2.0 times the wall height of the first wall (24 a);

-the lining nozzle (45) extends through the discharge aperture (25) of the tank container (20) and through at least a portion of the container nozzle (26), wherein the lining nozzle (45) is attached to the container nozzle (26);

-the liner (40) is oriented in the tank container (20) in such a way that the centre line (49) along the longitudinal dimension (41a) comprising the liner nozzle (45) is aligned with the bottom length (28) of the tank container (20), wherein the short edge (42b) of the liner (40) closest to the liner nozzle (45) is located at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20);

-wherein the connection unit (60):

1) Comprising a tube (61) for liquid communication, said tube (61) having a first end portion (61a) extending through said container nozzle (26) and said liner nozzle (45) and a second end portion (61b) outside said container nozzle (26), outside said liner nozzle (45) and outside said container (20), said second end portion (61b) comprising a closing member (63) for controlling the liquid communication through said tube (61);

2) Comprising a fastening member (64) for connection to the container nozzle (26);

3) -to the container nozzle (26);

-wherein the first end portion (61a) of the tube (61) is pressed against the interior of the lining nozzle (45) such that the lining nozzle (45) is connected liquid-tight and gas-tight with the connection unit (60).

2. Assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein a tank container (20) has a cylindrical shape, wherein the length of the container (20) is in the range of 1-10 times its diameter.

3. Assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the liner (40) there is a plug (50), which plug (50) is capable of closing the liner nozzle (45) when the connection unit (60) is not fastened to the container nozzle (26) and the first end portion (61a) of the tube (61) is not pressed against the interior of the liner nozzle (45).

4. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end portion (61a) of the connection unit (60) and/or the lining nozzle (45) has a conical shape.

5. assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first end portion (61a) of the connection unit (60) extends through the liner nozzle (45) into the tank container (20) and into the liner (40), preferably at least 4cm into the liner (40).

6. Liner (40) for an assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two, preferably four sheets (46) stacked on top of each other and sealed together at their edges (42), the liner (40) comprising:

-a longitudinal dimension (length) (41a) between two short edges (42b) of the liner (40);

-a transverse dimension (width) (41b) between two long edges (42a) of the liner (40), the transverse dimension (41b) being perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension (41 a);

-an opening (44) merging into a liner nozzle (45), wherein the opening (44) is located on or near a centerline (49) extending along the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40).

7. The liner (40) of claim 6, folded, wherein the folding is performed according to a folding pattern, wherein,

-there is a first folding structure comprising two folding lines, wherein the first long edge (42a1) and the second long edge (42a2) of the liner (40) are each folded over the centre line (49) (i.e. they pass through the line) and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45), so that there is a first folding line (F1) and a second folding line (F2) substantially parallel to the centre line (49), each folding line (F1) and (F2) occurring at a distance from the centre line (49) which is between 0.17 and 0.25, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20, times the length of the short edge (42b), and each folding line (F1) and (F2) serving as a new long edge of the liner with the first folding structure;

-there is a second folding structure comprising two folding lines, wherein the first folding line (F1) and the second folding line (F2) of the liner (40) with the first folding structure are each folded without passing through the centre line (49) and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45), such that there is a third folding line (F3) and a fourth folding line (F4) substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the third folding line (F3) is present between the second long edge (42a2) and the first folding line (F1) and the fourth folding line (F4) is present between the first long edge (42a1) and the second folding line (F2);

-there is a third folding structure comprising two folding lines, wherein the first short edge (42b1) and the second short edge (42b2) of the liner (40) with the first and second folding structures are folded towards each other and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45), such that there is a fifth fold line (F5) and a sixth fold line (F6) substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the fifth fold line (F5) adjoins the lining nozzle (45) or is at a distance from the lining nozzle (45) which is less than one fifth of the minimum distance between the lining nozzle (45) and the first short edge (42b1), and wherein the sixth fold line (F6) is closer to the second short edge (42b2) than the liner nozzle (45); and is

-optionally, the liner (40) with the first, second and third folding structures is rolled from the sixth folding line (F6) towards the liner nozzle (45), wherein the rolled portion is located at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45).

8. The liner (40) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the longitudinal dimension (41a) is in the range of 8-10 meters and the transverse dimension (41b) is in the range of 4-6 meters.

9. The liner (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the ratio of the longitudinal dimension (41a) to the transverse dimension (41b) is in the range of 1-5, in particular in the range of 1.5-3.0.

10. The liner (40) of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein there is a handle (52) on a side of the liner (40) opposite to a side comprising the liner nozzle (45), the handle (52) being a strip, a first end of the strip being connected to the liner (40) at the short edge (42b) furthest from the nozzle (45) or being connected to the liner (40) at a distance from this short edge (42b) which is less than one tenth of the longitudinal dimension (length) (41a), the strip having a second end at a distance from the first end which is at least 0.75 times the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40) measured on the liner (40).

11. The liner (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the liner nozzle (45) is provided with a plug (50), the plug (50) closing the liner nozzle (45), the plug (50) being releasable into the liner (40) when the liner (40) is located in the assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-5.

12. A method for folding a liner according to any of claims 6-11, comprising:

-folding the first long edge (42a1) of the liner (40) over the centre line (49) so that it passes through it and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) so that a first fold line (F1) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), the first fold line (F1) occurring at a distance from the centre line (49) of between 0.17 and 0.25 times, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20 times, the length of the short edge (42b), the first fold line (F1) serving as a new long edge of the liner; thereafter

-folding the second long edge (42a2) of the liner (40) over the centre line (49) so that it passes through it and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45) so that a second fold line (F2) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), the second fold line (F2) occurring at a distance from the centre line (49) of between 0.17 and 0.20, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20 times the length of the short edge (42b), the second fold line (F2) serving as a new long edge of the liner; thereafter

-folding the first fold line (F1) of the liner (40) without passing through the centre line (49) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that a third fold line (F3) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the third fold line (F3) is present between the second long edge (42a2) and the first fold line (F1); thereafter

-folding the second fold line (F2) of the liner (40) without passing through the centre line (49) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45) such that a fourth fold line (F4) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the fourth fold line (F4) is present between the first long edge (42a1) and the second fold line (F2); thereafter

-folding the first short edge (42b1) towards the second short edge (42b2) of the liner (40) and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45) such that a fifth fold line (F5) is formed substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the fifth fold line (F5) adjoins the liner nozzle (45) or is at a distance from the liner nozzle (45) which is less than one fifth of the minimum distance between the liner nozzle (45) and the first short edge (42b 1); thereafter

-folding the second short edge (42b2) towards the first short edge (42b1) of the liner (40) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45), so that a sixth fold line (F6) is formed substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the sixth fold line (F6) is closer to the second short edge (42b2) than to the liner nozzle (45); thereafter

-optionally rolling up the liner (40) from the sixth fold line (F6) towards the liner nozzle (45), wherein the rolled up portion is located at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45).

13. process for preparing an assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising

-providing a tank container (20) according to claim 1;

-providing a liner (40) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein

1) its longitudinal dimension (41a) is equal to the bottom length (28) of the tank container (20) plus 0.4-2.0 times the wall height of the first wall (24a) of the tank container (20) plus 0.4-2.0 times the wall height of the second wall (24b) of the tank container (20) as measured on the surface of the inner liner (40); and is

2) -its transverse dimension (41b), when measured on the surface of the liner (40), is in the range of 0.4-1.0 times the inner circumference of the circumferential wall (23), wherein the inner circumference, measured on the inner surface of the circumferential wall (23), is the largest circumference that exists between the first wall (24a) and the second wall (24 b);

3) The shortest distance between the liner nozzle (45) and one of the short edges (41b) of the liner (40) is in the range of 0.1-2.0 times the height of the first wall (24a) of the tank container (20); and is

4) -the liner nozzle (45) is provided with a plug (50), the plug (50) closing the liner nozzle (45), the plug (50) being releasable into the liner (40) when pushed from outside the liner (40);

-providing a connection unit (60) according to claim 1;

-entering the inner liner (40) into the interior of the tank container (20) by passing it through the manhole (30);

-pressing the liner nozzle (45) into the container nozzle (26) and aligning the liner (40) with the tank container (20) such that the centre line (49) of the liner (40) is substantially in the direction of the bottom length (28);

-pushing the first end portion (61a) of the pipe (61) of the connection unit (60) from outside the tank container (20) into the container nozzle (26) and the liner nozzle (45), thereby pushing the plug (50) back into the liner (40) such that the plug is released from the liner nozzle (45); and is

-fastening the connection unit (60) to the container nozzle (26) by connecting a fastening member (27) with a fastening member (64).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein after pushing the first end portion (61a) into the container nozzle (26) and the liner nozzle (45), the first end portion (61a) protrudes into the tank container (20) and into the liner (40), preferably at least 4cm into the liner (40).

15. method for filling an assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-5 with a fluid from an external unit, comprising: connecting the external unit to the connection unit (60) of the assembly (10) with a hose, and then flowing fluid from the external unit into the assembly (10) via the hose.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an assembly of a liner and a tank container, to a liner, to a method for folding a liner, to a method for preparing an assembly and to a method for filling such an assembly.

Background

for the transport and preservation/storage of liquid products it is common practice to use containers in which such liquids temporarily reside, and which are dimensioned so that they can be transported on ordinary (rail) roads and (container) ships. Such containers are typically filled and emptied via a drain hole present at or near the bottom thereof. There may also be other holes that may access the interior of the container, such as manholes or vents.

To avoid the charged liquid coming into contact with the container interior, liners can be used inside the container so that it is not necessary to clean the used container-a laborious and expensive process that is environmentally unfriendly. In addition, the liner may protect the liquid in the container from contamination, corrosion, and deterioration.

a particular type of container for transporting liquids is the so-called tank container. These containers are the largest containers used for this purpose; its capacity is typically 5.000m3 to 50.0000m 3. A typical capacity of a container is about 25.000m3 and is more or less cylindrical in shape. The container has a circular circumferential wall in the edgewise direction in order to provide the strongest construction to withstand the pressure exerted by the liquid content. Thus, the end walls of the closed cylindrical shape are also typically curved. In addition to liquids, powders can be transported in lined tank containers.

for tank containers, there is currently no satisfactory lining. This is for several reasons. For example, the narrow space typically available around the outlet of a tank container presents difficulties in the design of a simple and tight connection of the liner to the tank container, while at the same time leaving sufficient space for the presence of valves and hose connections for supplying and discharging liquids. Regulations stipulate that the outer dimensions of tank containers must be limited to a maximum extent when the tank container needs to be handled in a port and placed on board, for example for reasons of traffic safety or efficient transport. Simply shortening the container itself leaves more room for proper connection of the hoses, which is a very unattractive option, since it is at the expense of the volume available for transport. This will therefore result in a reduced amount of liquid that can be transported in one container unit.

another problem is the unfolding of the liner during filling of the container. In the event of improper deployment, blank portions of the liner may become blocked (e.g., by a large amount of liquid pressing thereon) so that these portions are not filled. At the same time, the liner itself may be subjected to high stresses due to load imbalances, which may lead to liner cracking.

Another problem is that the discharge orifice of the tank container and the final nozzles thereon are still contaminated by the material loaded into the tank container, so that it is still necessary to clean at least a part of the tank container.

In addition, the liner needs to remain septic, which requires it to be isolated from the external environment. Currently, there is no equipment to ensure that all parts through which the liquid feed passes remain septic.

Another requirement is that the liner be manufactured in a simple manner without sacrificing the requirements for tightness and good fit of the tank container. The sheet material required to be used in a tank container is so large that any additional processing greatly increases the workload of the liner manufacturing process.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an inner liner for a tank container which solves one or more of the above mentioned problems.

The invention therefore relates to an assembly of a tank container (20), an inner liner (40) and a connection unit (60) for the transport and/or storage of fluids,

-wherein the tank container (20):

1) is cylindrically shaped and comprises a first end portion (20a), a second end portion (20b) and a longitudinal axis (22) extending from the first end portion (20a) to the second end portion (20 b);

2) Comprising a circumferential wall (23) having an inner surface inside the tank container (20) and an outer surface outside the tank container (20), the circumferential wall (23) being present between a first wall (24a) at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20) and a second wall (24b) at the second end portion (20b) of the tank container (20), the first wall (24a) and the second wall (24b) having an inner surface inside the tank container (20) and an outer surface outside the tank container (20);

3) Comprising a discharge aperture (25) present in the first wall (24a) so as to abut the circumferential wall (23), or at the interface of the circumferential wall (23) and the first wall (24a), the discharge aperture (25) merging into a container nozzle (26) extending from the first wall (24a) or at the interface of both walls, the container nozzle (26) being provided with a fastening member (27) for connection with a connection unit (60);

4) has an inner circumference surrounding the circumferential wall (23);

5) has a bottom length (28) which is the length of the circumferential wall (23) measured in the longitudinal direction from a) a point on the interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the first wall (24a) comprising the discharge aperture (25) to b) a corresponding point at the interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the second wall (24 b);

6) Having a first wall height (29) defined as the distance, measured along the inner surface of the first wall (24a), from the discharge aperture (25) to the opposite interface of the circumferential wall (23) with the first wall (24 a); and having a second wall height (29') defined as a corresponding distance at the second end portion (21b) of the tank container (20) measured along the inner surface of the second wall (24 b);

7) comprising a manhole (30);

-wherein the liner (40):

1) Is present inside the tank container (20);

2) comprising at least two sheets (46) placed one on top of the other and sealed together at their edges (42), the lining (40) having

-a longitudinal dimension (length) (41a) between two short edges (42b) of the liner (40), the longitudinal dimension (41a) being equal to the bottom length (28) plus 0.4-2.0 times the first wall height (29) plus 0.4-2.0 times the second wall height (29'), when measured on the surface of the liner (40); and

-a transverse dimension (width) (41b) between two long edges (42a) of the liner (40), the transverse dimension (41b) being perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension (41a) and in the range of 0.4-1.0 times around the inner circumference of the circumferential wall (23) as measured on the surface of the liner (40), wherein the inner circumference is the largest circumference present between the first wall (24a) and the second wall (24b) as measured on the inner surface of the circumferential wall (23);

3) Comprising an opening (44) incorporated into a liner nozzle (45), wherein,

-the opening (44) is located on or near a centre line (49) extending along the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40), wherein the shortest distance between the liner nozzle (45) and one of the short edges (41b) of the liner (40) is in the range of 0.1-2.0 times the first wall height (29);

-the lining nozzle (45) extends through the discharge aperture (25) and through at least a part of the container nozzle (26), wherein the lining nozzle (45) is attached to the container nozzle (26);

-the liner (40) is oriented in the tank container (20) in such a way that the centre line (49) along the longitudinal dimension (41a) comprising the liner nozzle (45) is aligned with the bottom length (28) of the tank container (20), wherein the short edge (42b) of the liner (40) closest to the liner nozzle (45) is located at the first end portion (20a) of the tank container (20);

-wherein the connection unit (60):

1) Comprising a tube (61) for passing a fluid, said tube (61) having a first end portion (61a) extending through said container nozzle (26) and said liner nozzle (45), and a second end portion (61b) external to said container nozzle (26), external to said liner nozzle (45) and external to said container (20), said second end portion (61b) comprising a closure member (63) for controlling the passage of fluid through said tube (61);

2) Comprising a fastening member (64) for connection to the container nozzle (26);

3) -to the container nozzle (26);

Wherein the first end portion (61a) of the tube (61) is pressed against the interior of the lining nozzle (45) such that the lining nozzle (45) is in a liquid-tight and gas-tight connection with the connection unit (60).

Drawings

figure 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the uncharged liner of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of a liner nozzle of the liner of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the connection unit of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a first three-dimensional view of the assembly of the present invention.

figure 6 shows a second three-dimensional view of the assembly of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows the relative dimensions of the tank container and liner of the invention in top view (upper view) and side view (lower view).

Fig. 8 shows a three-dimensional view of an uncharged liner of the present invention including a handle.

fig. 9 shows a view of a preferred folding pattern of the uncharged liner of the present invention.

figure 10 shows a top view and two side views of a preferred folding pattern of the uncharged liner of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a third three-dimensional view of the assembly of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows in a series of three cross-sectional views how the liner is pulled out of the tank container by means of the handle.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and the like (if any) herein are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order.

Detailed Description

as shown in fig. 1, the assembly (10) of the present invention includes a tank container (20), an inner liner (40), and a connection unit (60).

The tank container (20) comprises a first end portion (20a), a second end portion (20b) and a longitudinal axis (22) extending from the first end portion (20a) to the second end portion (20 b). The circumferential wall (23) is present between a first wall (24a) at a first end portion (20a) of the tank container and a second wall (24b) at a second end portion (20b) of the tank container. In this figure, the two interfaces of the circumferential wall (23) with the first and second walls (24a and 24b) are indicated with dashed lines (23a and 23 b). A discharge aperture (25) is present in the tank container (20), said discharge aperture being located in the first wall (24a) in the vicinity of the circumferential wall (23). The discharge orifice (25) merges into a container nozzle (26) extending from the first wall (24 a). The tank container (40) has a bottom length (28) which is the distance between the first wall (24b) and the second wall (24 b). Furthermore, a manhole (30) is present in the tank container (20), preferably in the first wall (24 a). Typically, the tank container (20) also comprises a vent (31) for releasing air during filling of the container.

An inner liner (40) is present inside the tank container (20). The liner includes an opening (44) incorporated into a liner nozzle (45). The lining nozzles (45) are present in the discharge orifice (25) and the tank nozzle (26) of the tank container (20).

The connection unit (60) comprises a tube (61) for the passage of a liquid. The tube (61) has a first end portion (61a) and a second end portion (61 b). The first end portion (61a) is present in a lining nozzle (45), which in turn is present in a container nozzle (26). The second end portion (61b) is present outside the container nozzle (26), outside the lining nozzle (45) and outside the container (20). The second end portion comprises a closing member (63) to control the liquid flow through the tube (61).

Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the liner (40) of the present invention, wherein two sheets (46) are sealed together at their edges (42). The seal is represented by dashed lines around the liner (40) at edges (42a) and (42 b). The liner (40) has a longitudinal dimension (length) (41a) between two short edges (42b) and a transverse dimension (width) (41b) between two long edges (42a), wherein the transverse dimension (41b) is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension (41 a). A centre line (49) is defined in the longitudinal dimension (41a), said line intersecting both short edges (42b) in the middle of them. There is an opening (44) at or near the centerline (49) that merges into the liner nozzle (45).

A three-dimensional view of the liner nozzle (45) is shown in fig. 3. The liner nozzle includes a plug (50) with a handle (51). The handle (51) allows a user of the liner (40) to pull the plug (50) towards the end of the liner nozzle (45) and/or pull the liner nozzle (45) into the container nozzle (26).

In fig. 4a three-dimensional view of a connection unit (60) is shown, said connection unit comprising a first end portion (61a), a second end portion (61b) and a closing member (63).

In fig. 5 is shown a three dimensional external view of the part of the assembly (10) of the invention, said part comprising the container nozzle (26), the first wall (24a), the manhole (30) comprising the lid and the connection unit (60) comprising the closing member (63).

In fig. 6 is shown a three-dimensional internal view of the part of the inventive assembly (10), said part comprising a discharge aperture (25) in the first wall (24a), a container nozzle (26) extending from the discharge aperture (25), and a connecting unit (60) connected to the container nozzle (26) and comprising a closing member (63). The first end portion (61a) of the connection unit (60) protrudes into the tank container (20) through the discharge hole (25).

In fig. 7, the liner (40) of the present invention and the tank container (20) of the present invention are shown. The liner (40) is fully deployed and on a flat surface, while the tank container (20) is placed on top of the liner (40) with the container nozzle (26) and liner nozzle (45) aligned. The upper view of fig. 7 is a top view, and the lower view is a side view. The figure illustrates the shape and relative dimensions of the tank container (20) and liner (40), such as the longitudinal dimension (length) (41a), the bottom length (28), the first wall height (29) and the second wall height (29'). In the lower drawing, such an inner liner (40') is shown in a state of being filled with air when the tank container (20) is not present (broken line of oval shape), so that the inner liner (40') is obtained in a pillow-like shape. This clearly shows that when the liner (40) is filled with liquid during its residence inside the tank container (20), the liner may at some point be oversized and large enough to allow the tank container (20) to be completely filled.

Fig. 8 shows an uncharged liner (40) of the present invention including a handle (52) highlighted in gray.

Fig. 9 shows a preferred folding pattern of the uncharged liner (40) of the present invention, wherein folding first occurs at a first fold line (F1) and a second fold line (F2); secondly, folding occurs at a third fold line (F3) and a fourth fold line (F4); third, folding occurs at a fifth fold line (F5) and a sixth fold line (F6). This will result in a folded liner (40 "), the upper surface of which is highlighted in grey in figure 9. The folded liner (40 ") may then be rolled from the sixth fold line (F6) toward the liner nozzle (indicated by the arrow in fig. 9).

Fig. 10 shows this preferred folding pattern in more detail from three perpendicular viewing directions (top, left and front). All three views show the folded liner (40 "). The top view shows the rectangular shape of the surface of the inner liner (40), with the folded inner liner (40 ") surface highlighted in grey. The left view faces the second short edge (42b2) and shows the first two stages of the folding process; namely a first stage after folding at fold lines (F1) and (F2), and a second stage after folding at fold lines (F3) and (F4). The left view after the second stage of folding shows the folded liner (40 "), clearly illustrating the requirement that the first long edge (42a1) and the second long edge (42a2) remain in their positions during folding at fold lines (F3) and (F4). The front view faces the first long edge (42a1) and shows the subsequent stage of the folding process, namely folding at fold lines (F5) and (F6). This view also shows the folded liner (40 "). Finally, the folded liner (40 ") may be rolled up as indicated by the bold curved arrow.

Fig. 11 shows an assembly (10) of the present invention which is a variation of the assembly shown in fig. 6. The first end portion (61a) of the connection unit (60) has an inclined end portion protruding into the tank container (20) through the discharge hole (25), i.e., the end portion (61a) may be considered to have a chamfered cut. In the figure, the chamfered cut faces the bottom of the tank container (20) so that the farthest projection is farthest from the bottom of the tank container (20).

figure 12 shows in a series of three cross-sectional views how the liner (40) may be removed from the tank container (20) by pulling it through the manhole (30) by means of the shank (52). In the top view, it is shown that the shank (52) is connected to the second short edge (42b2), which is the edge of the liner (40) furthest from the manhole (30). A pulling mechanism (65) is placed close to the manhole (30) to support the pulling, although in principle the pulling may also be performed manually. By pulling the handle (52), the second short edge (42b2) is moved towards the manhole (30). In the middle and bottom views, the progress of pulling the liner (40) is shown. In the middle view, the removal of the liner (40) is approximately half. In the bottom view, the liner (40) is almost completely removed from the tank container (20). The removal has now reached the stage where the liner nozzle (45) needs to be disconnected from the container nozzle (26).

the tank container has a cylindrical shape. By cylindrical is meant any shape having a circumferential surface extending in a longitudinal direction (longitudinally) and curved in a transverse direction, wherein two (more or less) transverse surfaces are present on either side of the circumferential surface and intersect therewith, thereby forming a confined space. For the purposes of the present invention, a circumferential surface refers to a surface which is closed in the transverse direction and thus forms an annular surface. The circumferential surface is open at both ends, similar to a section of a pipe. Circumferential surfaces are not meant to include surfaces having sharp edges or corners, such as those in the shape of, for example, a cube.

A cylindrical shape is meant to include a true cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section in the transverse direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) and substantially the same cross-sectional shape at any point between the two ends in the longitudinal direction. This means that the circumferential surface extends in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Such a shape has a longitudinal axis extending along the center of the cylinder between the two ends of the cylinder.

the cylindrical shape may also include any shape derived from a cylindrical shape, such as a cylinder (appearing to have collapsed to give a flattened shape) having an elliptical cross-section at one or more points between the two ends along the longitudinal direction. Or it is a cylinder with a circular cross-section in the transverse direction, which has different dimensions in the longitudinal direction, which may give the cylindrical shape a conical shape.

the tank container of the invention comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein a first wall is present at the first end portion and a second wall is present at the second end portion. The tank container contains a longitudinal axis extending from one end portion to the other end portion of the tank container-this is the length of the tank container. A circumferential wall is enclosed between the first wall and the second wall, the circumferential wall extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first wall, the second wall and the circumferential wall in principle define a confined space. The first wall and the second wall may be flat or curved independently of each other. In case the tank container has a cylindrical shape, the first wall and the second wall are circular.

The tank container has an inner circumference which is an inner circumference around the circumferential wall measured inside the tank container. As described above, the inner circumference coincides with the circumference of the cross section in the transverse direction. The inner circumference may be different at different points along the longitudinal axis; in the case of a true cylinder, the inner circumference is constant over the length of the container, and in the case of a conical container, for example, the inner circumference varies in length.

The inner circumference of the tank container may thus be different from one end to the other. If the inner circumferences are different, the inner circumference at one end including the discharge hole is generally smaller than the inner circumference at the other end, generally not smaller than 0.9 times the circumference at the other end.

If the tank container has a cylindrical shape, its length is defined as the distance between the first wall and the second wall measured along the longitudinal axis; and the diameter is defined as the length of the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Typically, such a tank container has a length of 1.0 to 12 times its diameter, preferably 2.0 to 8.0 times its diameter.

If the tank container has a cylindrical shape, wherein the cross-section of the first wall and/or the second wall is not circular, but has a radially varying diameter, the length of such a tank container is typically 1.0-12 times, preferably 2.0-8.0 times the diameter of the largest cross-section of either of the first wall and the second wall.

If the tank container has a cylindrical (but not cylindrical) shape, the diameter of the tank container at the first wall may deviate from the diameter of the tank container at the second wall. The two diameters may differ from each other by a factor of 0.5 to 1.0 or 0.7 to 1.0. Typically, the length of such a tank container is 1.0-12 times the diameter of the tank container at the second wall, preferably 2.0-8.0 times its diameter.

The tank container also includes a drain hole for supplying and draining the liquid contents of the container. The discharge orifice is located in the first wall, very close to the interface of the first wall with the circumferential wall, or at the interface. When the discharge aperture is present at the interface of the circumferential wall and the first wall, it may then be present partly in the circumferential wall and partly in the first wall. The nozzle is connected to a discharge orifice, which is typically a tubular structure that extends at a certain angle to the container at the location of the discharge orifice, wherein the discharge orifice is aligned with the opening of the nozzle. This nozzle is called a "container nozzle".

when a tank container is used, it is preferred to orient the tank container so that the discharge aperture faces the ground; for example, when the tank container is cylindrical and the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal, then the tank container is oriented such that the discharge aperture is located at the bottom of the tank container. When a tank container is used, the container nozzles extending at an angle to the tank container (and outside the container) preferably also face and/or are directed towards the ground. The container nozzle is provided with fastening members for connecting it to the connection unit. The unit includes complementary fastening members.

the circumferential wall of the tank container comprises a bottom length, which is the distance between the first wall and the second wall over that part of the circumferential wall comprising or adjoining the discharge aperture. In view of the fact that the discharge aperture faces the ground in the operating situation, the bottom length of the circumferential wall is at that part of the circumferential wall (and the tank container) which faces the ground, measured in the longitudinal direction of the circumferential wall. Thus, the bottom length is the same as the length of the tank container at its bottom. Typically, the bottom of the tank container is straight (substantially unbent) in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the bottom length is typically a section of the circumferential wall of the container that is straight in the longitudinal direction and faces the ground.

both walls of the tank container have a wall height. The wall height of the first wall (i.e. the first wall height (29)) is the distance from the discharge aperture to the interface of the opposing circumferential wall and the first wall at the first end portion of the can, measured along the inner surface of the first wall. If the first wall is not curved but flat, the wall height of the first wall corresponds to the diameter of the tank container at the first wall (as is the case, for example, in fig. 7). The wall height of the second wall (i.e. the second wall height (29')) is the distance between two opposing interfaces of the circumferential wall and the second wall at the second end portion of the can, measured from the end of the bottom length at the second end portion and along the inner surface of the second wall. If the second wall is not curved but flat, the wall height of the second wall corresponds to the diameter of the tank container at the second wall (as is the case, for example, in fig. 7).

When a tank container is used in which the first wall and the second wall have the same dimensions (for example, when the tank container is symmetrical about an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the cylinder), then the first wall height (29) is equal to the second wall height (29'), as is the case, for example, with fig. 1 and 7.

in the assembly of the present invention, the inner liner is present inside the tank container. The liner must be introduced into the tank container via a hole different from the vent hole. Thus, the tank container comprises holes large enough to let the (folded) liner pass through. Typically such a hole is a manhole, for example a hole large enough to allow one person to pass through, for example a hole having a diameter in the range 25-50 cm. The aperture is typically equipped with a door to close the aperture. Preferably, the manhole is located in the same wall as the discharge hole, in particular the first wall, so as to facilitate the positioning of the liner in the tank container. Typically, the tank container also comprises vents for releasing air during filling of the container.

The liner is made of at least two sheets, preferably rectangular sheets, which are sealed together at their ends to form a closed compartment. When more than two sheets are used in the wall of the liner, there is less chance of leakage if there are punctures in the sheets before sealing. Thus, preferably, the liner is made of four (or more) sheets sealed together ("bag-in-bag system").

The sheet material itself may be layered and thus comprise a plurality of layers that have been glued together prior to sealing the resulting sheet material to another sheet material. Typically, the sheet material comprises at least one barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to air and water. The sheets preferably have substantially the same shape such that a substantially flat liner is formed after sealing, i.e. when the liner is substantially empty, it is flat in shape. The liner may also be made from a single sheet made into a hose (with a circumferential surface) from which only two open ends have to be sealed together to form a closed compartment.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40) is in the range of 8-10 meters, preferably in the range of 8.2-9.0 meters, while the transverse dimension (41b) is in the range of 4-6 meters, preferably in the range of 4.2-5.0 meters. In such a liner, or in any other liner of the invention, the distance from the nozzle to the nearest short edge (42b) is in the range of 1.0-1.5 meters.

The liner (40) preferably includes a handle (52), for example a handle attached to two different points (preferably two distal points, such as points on opposing edges) of the liner (40). It is generally preferred that the handle (52) is present on the side of the liner (40) opposite the side of the liner (40) comprising the liner nozzle (45).

in a preferred embodiment, the handle (52) is a strap, such as a plastic strap, in particular made of the same sheet material as the inner liner (40). One end of such a strip may be connected to one short edge (42b) and the other end of such a strip is connected to the other short edge (42b) such that the strip is present on and aligned with the centre line (49) (see fig. 8). Furthermore, it is then preferred that the strip is present on the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side comprising the liner nozzle (45).

When the handle (52) is a strip present on the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side comprising the liner nozzle (45), a first end of the strip is connected to the liner (40) at a second short edge (42b2) furthest from the nozzle (45) or to the liner (40) at a distance from the second short edge (42b2) which is less than 0.30 times, less than 0.25 times, less than 0.20 times, less than 0.15 times, less than 0.10 times or less than 0.05 times the longitudinal dimension (41 a). Such a strip preferably terminates at the other short edge (42b1) (i.e., the short edge closest to the lining nozzle (45)) so that the strip is accessible to an operator standing in front of the manhole (30). Thus, the strip has a second end measured on the surface of the strip at a distance from the first end of at least 0.75 times, at least 0.80 times, at least 0.85 times, at least 0.90 times, at least 0.95 times, at least 1.0 times, at least 1.05 times, at least 1.10 times, at least 1.15 times, at least 1.20 times, or at least 1.25 times the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40). Typically, the length of the strip itself is in the range of 0.75-1.3 times, preferably 0.85-1.15 times the longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40), measured on the surface of the strip.

the second end of the strap may also be connected to the inner liner (40). In such a case, the distance between the connection of the first end of the strip and the connection of the second end of the strip is in principle equal to or less than the length of the strip. Typically, the distance is at least 0.90 times the length of the strip.

preferably, the strap is connected to both short edges (42b) of the liner (one end at one short edge (42b2) and the other end at the other short edge (42b1) such that the strap extends the entire length of the liner (40). In this case, the length of the strip is in principle at least as long as the longitudinal dimension (41 a).

The presence of the handle (52) has a number of functions which are advantageous when applying the liner. First, the handle protects the actual liner from contact with the inner wall of the tank container facing the strap. When the liner is filled, the strip is located at the highest position in the tank, i.e. the bottom furthest from the discharge aperture. During transport, this portion of the liner tends to move during acceleration and deceleration and may thus repeatedly contact the inner wall of the tank container. It may then wear and weaken. The shank forms a protective layer that prevents this. The second function of the handle (52) is to help drain the last trace of liquid from the tank container. The operator may pull the portion of the shank connected to the shortest edge (42b2) and then pull the shank (52) with the liner through the manhole and out of the tank container. When the shortest edge (42b2) is lifted a little by the first pulling action of the handle and approaches the discharge aperture during further pulling, the remaining liquid in the liner is forced to flow out of the liner and out of the tank container through the discharge aperture. The third function of the handle (52) is that it assists in removing the liner from the tank container. After pulling on the handle, the furthest connection point of the handle to the liner will eventually reach the manhole, so that the entire liner can be easily removed from the tank container via the manhole.

The shape of the (flat) liner is typically a rectangular shape. This means that the liner has a longitudinal dimension (long dimension-its length) and a transverse dimension (short dimension-its width), which dimensions are perpendicular or at least substantially perpendicular. Thus, the liner has two long edges (42a) and two short edges (42 b). More specifically, the liner has a first long edge (42a1) and a second long edge (42a 2); and a first short edge (42b1) closer to the nozzle and a second short edge (42b2) further from the nozzle. The edges may be straight or curved and the corners of the rectangle may be curved.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the longitudinal dimension (41a) to the transverse dimension (41b) of the liner is in the range of 1-5, in particular in the range of 1.5-3.0.

the length of the inner liner in the assembly of the invention, as measured on the inner liner surface and along the inner surface of the first and second walls, is equal to the bottom length of the tank container plus 0.4-2.0 times, preferably 0.5-1.0 times, the wall height of the first wall of the tank container plus 0.4-2.0 times, preferably 0.5-1.0 times, the wall height of the second wall of the tank container. These dimensions ensure that the liner is large enough to receive full support from the tank container walls when filled with liquid inside the tank container, and does not itself withstand unacceptable tension forces.

Similarly, the width of the inner liner in the assembly of the invention, when measured on the inner liner surface and along the inner surface of the circumferential wall, is in the range of 0.4-1.0 times, preferably in the range of 0.5-0.8 times, the circumference around the inner circumference of the circumferential wall. Preferably, the width is chosen such that it is 2-20% greater than half of the inner circumference around the circumferential wall. The inner circumference for determining the width of the liner in the assembly is the largest inner circumference between the first wall and the second wall if the inner circumference is not constant over the entire length of the container.

The liner includes openings for supplying and discharging liquid. The opening merges into the liner nozzle and is located at or near a centerline extending along a longitudinal dimension of the liner. The liner and the canister are connected via their nozzles. The liner nozzle extends through the discharge orifice of the tank container and through at least a portion of the container nozzle. The angle of the nozzle to the centerline of the liner toward the nearest short edge of the liner is typically in the range of 30-75.

Typically, the outer shape of the liner nozzle corresponds to the inner shape of the container nozzle. The liner nozzle is then attached to the container nozzle, for example by a ridge on the liner nozzle which falls into a corresponding groove of the container nozzle, or onto the end of the container nozzle. The only portion of the liner that may be outside the container is the portion of the liner nozzle that extends through and protrudes from the container nozzle. However, this is not necessary as the end of the liner nozzle may also remain within the container nozzle. Typically, the liner has only one opening.

When using the assembly of the invention, the discharge aperture is usually facing the ground, which means that the longitudinal axis of the tank container is substantially horizontal and the tank container is rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the discharge aperture is closest to the ground (as shown in figure 1). In this orientation, the liner rests on the bottom of the inner circumferential surface of the container.

the liner is preferably oriented in the tank container in such a way that a centerline along a longitudinal dimension including the liner nozzle is aligned with the bottom length of the tank container.

As can be seen from fig. 7, the longitudinal and transverse dimensions exceed those of the tank container, and therefore the liner must be folded and/or rolled up in some way in order to be actually introduced into the interior of the tank container. Thus, the liner may be folded in the following manner (fig. 9).

-there is a first folding structure comprising two folding lines, wherein the first long edge (42a1) and the second long edge (42a2) of the liner (40) are each folded over the centre line (49) (i.e. they pass through the line) and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that the first folding line (F1) and the second folding line (F2) are substantially parallel to the centre line (49), each folding line (F1) and (F2) appears at a distance from the centre line (49) which is between 0.17 and 0.25 times, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20 times, the length of the short edge (42b), and each folding line (F1) and (F2) serves as a new long edge of the liner with the first folding structure;

-there is a second fold structure comprising two fold lines, wherein the first fold line (F1) and the second fold line (F2) of the liner (40) with the first fold structure are each folded without passing through the centre line (49) and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that the third fold line (F3) and the fourth fold line (F4) are substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the third fold line (F3) is present between the second long edge (42a2) and the first fold line (F1) and the fourth fold line (F4) is present between the first long edge (42a1) and the second fold line (F2);

-there is a third fold structure comprising two fold lines, wherein the first short edge (42b1) and the second short edge (42b2) of the liner (40) with the first fold structure and the second fold structure are folded towards each other and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that a fifth fold line (F5) and a sixth fold line (F6) are substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the fifth fold line (F5) adjoins the liner spout (45) or is at a distance from the liner spout (45) which is less than one fifth of the minimum distance between the liner spout (45) and the first short edge (42b1), and wherein the sixth fold line (F6) is closer to the second short edge (42b2) than to the liner spout (45).

-optionally, the liner (40) having the first, second and third folded structures is rolled up from the sixth fold line (F6) towards the liner spout (45) in that the rolled up portion is located at the opposite side of the liner (40) to the side containing the liner spout (45).

Thus, a third fold line (F3) exists between the first fold line (F1) and the second long edge (42a 2); and a fourth fold line (F4) exists between the second fold line (F2) and the first long edge (42a 1). In this way, during folding, both long edges (42a) are not displaced on the third folding line (F3) and the fourth folding line (F4). In turn, this reduces the layers stacked after folding over the third fold line (F3) and the fourth fold line (F4). This allows for smoother deployment of the liner during filling and reduces the chance of tension build-up in the liner. This folding is particularly advantageous at high liner widths, for example when the short edge (42b) is longer than 3.0m, longer than 3.20m or longer than 3.45 m.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a method for folding a liner, comprising

-folding the first long edge (42a1) of the liner (40) over the centre line (49) (i.e. it passes through the line) and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that a first fold line (F1) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), the first fold line (F1) occurring at a distance from the centre line (49) of between 0.17 and 0.25, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20, times the length of the short edge (42b), the first fold line (F1) serving as the new long edge of the liner; thereafter

-folding the second long edge (42a2) of the liner (40) over the centre line (49) (i.e. it passes through the line) and at the side of the liner opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45) such that a second fold line (F2) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), the second fold line (F2) occurring at a distance from the centre line (49) of between 0.17 and 0.20, preferably between 0.17 and 0.20, times the length of the short edge (42b), the second fold line (F2) serving as a new long edge of the liner; thereafter

-folding the first fold line (F1) of the liner (40) without passing through the centre line (49) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that a third fold line (F3) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the third fold line (F3) is present between the second long edge (42a2) and the first fold line (F1); thereafter

-folding a second fold line (F2) of the liner (40) without passing through the centre line (49) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45) such that a fourth fold line (F4) is formed substantially parallel to the centre line (49), wherein the fourth fold line (F4) is present between the first long edge (42a1) and the second fold line (F2); thereafter

-folding the first short edge (42b1) towards the second short edge (42b2) of the liner (40) and at the side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45) such that a fifth fold line (F5) is formed substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the fifth fold line (F5) adjoins the liner spout (45) or is at a distance from the liner spout (45) which is less than one fifth of the smallest distance between the liner spout (45) and the first short edge (42b 1); thereafter

-folding the second short edge (42b2) towards the first short edge (42b1) of the liner (40) and at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner spout (45), so that a sixth fold line (F6) is formed substantially perpendicular to the centre line (49), wherein the sixth fold line (F6) is closer to the second short edge (42b2) than to the liner spout (45); thereafter

-optionally, rolling up the liner (40) from the sixth fold line (F6) towards the liner nozzle (45), wherein the rolled up portion is located at a side of the liner (40) opposite to the side containing the liner nozzle (45).

Of course, it should be understood that the order of forming the first fold line (F1) and the second fold line (F2) is arbitrary; as in the order in which the third fold line (F3) and the fourth fold line (F4) are formed; and in order of forming the fifth fold line (F5) and the sixth fold line (F6). However, the first fold line (F1) and the second fold line (F2) must be formed before the third fold line (F3) and the fourth fold line (F4) are formed; and the third fold line (F3) and the fourth fold line (F4) must be formed before the fifth fold line (F5) and the sixth fold line (F6) are formed.

The invention also relates to a folded liner obtainable by the above folding method.

the opening comprising the liner nozzle is preferably located at a considerable distance from the short edge of the liner. At such distances, there is no short edge near the interface of the bottom length with either wall of the tank container. For example, the short edge is present at least half way along the length of the base and the center of the first wall. This is advantageous for the unfolding of the liner during filling of the liner into the tank container and prevents undesirably high forces on the liner sheets and seals. For example, the shortest distance between the liner nozzle and one of the short edges of the liner is in the range of 0.1-2.0 times the wall height of the first wall measured along its inner surface, preferably in the range of 0.2-1.0 times, more preferably in the range of 0.4-0.8 times.

thus, the liner has three measures related to the size of the tank container; 1) its length; 2) its width; 3) the position of the nozzle (in particular the shortest distance from the nozzle to the nearest short edge).

The connection unit has multiple functions. First, the connection unit can be secured to the container nozzle while establishing a connection with the liner nozzle, thereby placing it in fluid communication with the interior of the liner. Second, the connection unit can isolate the container nozzle (and thus the entire container) from the environment by acting as a plug on the container nozzle, and/or can control the passage of liquid through the connection unit. To this end, the unit may comprise a valve. Third, the connection unit strengthens the connection between the liner nozzle and the container nozzle so that the liner nozzle does not shift during filling, emptying, storing or transporting the tank container. Fourth, the connection unit can be connected to an external unit, such as a supply system or a discharge system, for example via a hose or a pipe. In this way, the interior of the liner can be in fluid communication with an external supply/drain system. The fluid communication may be intentionally prevented or released by a valve in the connection unit. The fifth function of the coupling unit is to push it towards the removable cap originally present in the lining nozzle. This will be explained in further detail in the method of the invention in the text below.

The connection unit comprises a fastening member for connection to the container nozzle. Thus, the container nozzle comprises a fastening member complementary to the fastening member of the connection unit. Preferably, the connection unit further comprises a fastening member for connection to an external supply/discharge system, in particular to a hose or pipe being part of such a system.

The connection unit is basically a pipe that can guide the flow of liquid from (or into) the tank container, the first end portion of the pipe being connected to the tank container and the second end portion being connected to an external unit that can supply or receive liquid. The tube may be closed by a closure member present at the second end portion. The closure member may be a valve or a cover to regulate or completely prevent liquid flow into or out of the tank container.

When the connection unit is connected to the container nozzle, the first end portion of the pipe is present in the liner nozzle and the container nozzle. It may even extend through the liner nozzle and through the discharge orifice so that the end is present in the liner and tank container.

In this way, by the secure connection with the container nozzle, the attachment of the liner nozzle to the container nozzle is secured as the first end portion of the pipe is pressed against the interior of the liner nozzle. This is the outward force exerted by the first end portion of the tube. A second consequence of this force is that a very tight connection is achieved between the lining nozzle and the first end portion of the tube. In order to improve the gas and/or liquid tightness of the connection, the first end portion of the connection unit and/or the lining nozzle may have a conical shape.

With the connection unit in place, the liquid flow contacts only the tube and the liner nozzle of the connection unit. During filling or emptying of the tank container, the container nozzles (only at the remaining parts of the tank container) do not come into contact with the liquid passing through the connection unit.

the assembly of the present invention comprises three components connected to each other. The tank container is connected with the liner by attaching the container nozzle to the liner nozzle when the liner nozzle is closed by the container nozzle. The connection unit is connected to the container nozzle by complementary fastening members on each entity. At the same time, the first end of the connection unit presses against the inner wall of the nozzle, thereby creating an outward force, so that there is a direct connection between the lining nozzle and the connection unit. Any liquid feed entering or leaving the tank container need not be in contact with any part of the tank container, need not be in contact with its inner surface, nor need it be in contact with the container nozzles. Thus, the entire containerized container itself is not in contact with the liquid feed. After use, the connection unit can be disconnected and the liner can be removed via the (man) hole, so that the tank container can be used again without intermediate cleaning.

preferably, the first end portion of the connection unit is slid so far through the liner nozzle that it protrudes through the opening in the liner and through the discharge aperture into the tank container. In this case, in the assembly, the first end portion of the connection unit extends through the liner nozzle and protrudes into the tank container and the liner, for example by at least 4cm, at least 6cm or at least 10cm into the liner. This has the advantage that the discharge holes are less prone to becoming blocked by the liner itself when the liner collapses, for example during emptying, and a ring of the liner is in front of the discharge holes due to the suction of fluid. To allow a proper flow of liquid, the first end portion may be provided with openings or notches along its length (on the circumferential surface of the tube). In this way, any liquid that cannot pass through the main opening of the tube can pass at least laterally. For example, the first end portion protrudes at least 4cm, at least 8cm, or at least 15cm into the tank container.

In a particular assembly, 1) the tank container is a cylinder (i.e. its internal diameter is substantially constant over its entire length), the internal diameter of said cylinder being in the range of 2.2-2.5 metres, while the bottom length is in the range of 5.5-6.5 metres, in particular in the range of 5.9-6.1 metres; and 2) the liner has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal dimension (41a) in the range of 8-10 meters, preferably in the range of 8.2-9.0 meters, a transverse dimension (41b) in the range of 4-6 meters, preferably in the range of 4.2-5.0 meters, and a distance from the nozzle to the nearest short edge (42b) in the range of 1.0-1.5 meters.

The invention further relates to a liner (40) for the assembly according to the invention, said liner (40) comprising at least two, preferably four, sheets (46) placed one on top of the other and sealed together at their edges (42), the liner (40) comprising

-a longitudinal dimension (length) (41a) between two short edges (42b) of the liner (40);

-a transverse dimension (width) (41b) between two long edges (42a) of the liner (40), said transverse dimension (41b) being perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension (41 a);

-an opening (44) merging into the liner nozzle (45), wherein the opening (44) is located on or near a centerline (49) extending along a longitudinal dimension (41a) of the liner (40).

The liner nozzle (45) is preferably provided with a plug (50) which closes the liner nozzle (45), the plug (50) being releasable into the liner (40) when the liner (40) is in the assembly (10) of the invention. Such a plug (50) keeps the interior of the liner (40) isolated from the environment, thereby preventing contamination of the liner (40) prior to its filling into the assembly (10).

The invention further relates to a method for producing an assembly according to the invention, comprising

-providing a tank container (20) as described above;

-providing a liner (40) as described above, wherein

1) its longitudinal dimension (41a) is equal to the bottom length (28) of the tank container (20) plus 0.4-2.0 times the first wall height (29) plus 0.4-2.0 times the second wall height (29') when measured on the surface of the lining (40); and is

2) The transverse dimension (41b) of the liner (40), when measured on the surface thereof, is in the range of 0.4-1.0 times around the inner circumference of the circumferential wall (23), wherein the inner circumference, measured on the inner surface of the circumferential wall (23), is the largest circumference that exists between the first wall (24a) and the second wall (24 b); and is

3) The shortest distance between the liner nozzle (45) and one of the short edges (41b) of the liner (40) is in the range of 0.1-2.0 times the wall height of the first wall (24 a);

-providing a connection unit (60) as described above;

-entering the inner liner (40) into the interior of the tank container (20) by passing it through the manhole (30);

-pressing the liner nozzle (45) into the container nozzle (26) and aligning the liner (40) with the tank container (20) such that the centre line (49) of the liner (40) is substantially in the direction of the bottom length (28);

-pushing a first end portion (61a) of a pipe (61) of the connection unit (60) from outside the tank container (20) into the container nozzle (26) and the lining nozzle (45); and pushing the plug (50) back into the liner (40) in case the liner (40) is plugged by the plug (50); and is

-fastening the connection unit (60) to the container nozzle (26) by connecting the fastening member (27) with the fastening member (64).

If the liner is provided with a plug, the plug that plugs the liner nozzle is pushed back into the liner by pushing the first end portion (61a) of the pipe (61) of the connection unit (60) from outside the tank container (20) into the container nozzle (26) and the liner nozzle (45). In this way, the plug is released from the liner nozzle (45) and thus opens the liner nozzle, thereby making it possible for fluid to pass through the liner nozzle. When the container nozzle (26) is connected to the connection unit simultaneously (or shortly thereafter) by means of the fastening members (27) and (64), a tight connection between the lining nozzle and the first end portion (61a) of the pipe (61) is achieved. The advantage of this procedure is that any contamination of the components of the assembly (10) that come into contact with the fluid to be injected into the liner is minimized. Furthermore, when connected, any fluid entering or leaving the tank container passes through the discharge orifice (25) of the tank container without coming into contact with any part of the tank container, such as its inner wall and the container nozzles (26).

In the method of the invention, it is preferred that the first end portion (61a) is pushed so far through the lining nozzle (45) that the first end portion is present at a side of the lining nozzle (45) opposite to the side entering the lining nozzle (45). This means that the first end portion (61a) is located in the liner (40). In practice this also means that the first end portion is located in the tank container (20) because an opening (44) located at the junction of the liner nozzle (45) and the liner (40) is present inside the tank container (20) adjacent to the discharge orifice (25) located at the junction of the container nozzle (26) and the tank container (20). Thus, in this method, the first end portion (61a) is pushed into the container nozzle (26) and the liner nozzle (45) until the first end portion extends through the container nozzle (26) and through the liner nozzle (45) into the tank container (20) and into the liner (40).

The first end portion (61a) does not necessarily protrude into the tank container (20) over its entire circumference. For example, some portion of the circumference may still be located within the liner nozzle (45) or coincident with the opening (44). In other words, in this case, the first end portion (61a) does not protrude into the liner (40) through the liner nozzle (26) at the entire circumference of the opening (44). This may be the case when the first end portion (61a) of the connection unit (60) has an inclined end which protrudes through the discharge aperture (25) into the tank container (20), i.e. which end can be considered as having a bevelled cut.

In this case, it is then preferred that the part of the first end portion (61a) having the smallest extension into the tank (or no extension at all) is closest to the bottom length (28) (i.e. closest to the bottom of the container).

in other words, the portion of the first end portion (61a) closer to the bottom length (28) then has a smaller extension into the liner (40) than the opposite portion of the first end portion (61a) that is further away from the bottom length (28). In this case, there are the following advantages: when the connection unit (60) is put in place, the chance of the first end portion (61a) piercing the liner is minimized while at the same time preventing the vent hole from becoming clogged by the liner itself (clogging may happen in unfortunate cases when the liner collapses during evacuation and a portion of the liner eventually drains in front of the vent hole due to the suction of fluid).

when the end portion (61a) protrudes into the liner (40), this is preferably at least 4 cm. It may also be at least 10cm, at least 15cm, at least 20cm, at least 25cm, at least 30cm or at least 40 cm.

preferably, the inner liner provided in the method of the present invention is folded. More preferably, the liner is folded according to a folding pattern as described above.

The invention also relates to a method for filling an assembly according to the invention with a fluid, in particular a liquid, from an external unit, the method comprising: the external unit is connected to the connection unit (60) of the assembly (10), preferably by means of a hose, and then the fluid is made to flow from the external unit into the assembly (10) via the hose.

during or after the connection of the external unit to the connection unit, a fluid communication between the two parts has to be achieved. For example, if a valve is present on the connection unit, the valve needs to be opened before filling the liquid into the tank container.

In the filling method of the present invention, it is preferred that the liner is folded (i.e., the liner is in a folded state) at the beginning of filling the assembly. The liner may also be rolled up as shown in fig. 9 and 10. As the amount of liquid in the tank container increases, the liner will self-unroll (unroll if initially the liner is also rolled up). The liner is in a folded state prior to filling is advantageous for filling because filling then proceeds more smoothly and does not create stresses in the liner sheets and seals that may cause the liner to crack. Furthermore, in this way, the empty parts are not blocked by the mass of the other parts of the lining that have been filled, for example, which could press on the empty parts and thus prevent them from being filled (self-blocking). With the particular folding pattern of the liner as described above, unfolding and filling occurs with particularly advantageous minimal chance of liner rupture and self-plugging.

in a particular method, 1) the tank container is a cylinder (i.e. its internal diameter is substantially constant over its entire length), the internal diameter of said cylinder being in the range of 2.2-2.5 metres, while the bottom length is in the range of 5.5-6.5 metres, in particular in the range of 5.9-6.1 metres; and 2) the liner has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal dimension (41a) in the range of 8-10 meters, preferably in the range of 8.2-9.0 meters, a transverse dimension (41b) in the range of 4-6 meters, preferably in the range of 4.2-5.0 meters, and a distance from the nozzle to the nearest short edge (42b) in the range of 1.0-1.5 meters.

The advantage of the assembly of the present invention is that the use of the connection unit provides a simple and reliable means to establish a tight connection between the inner liner in the container and the external unit providing or receiving the fluid feed of the tank container. Furthermore, such fluids do not come into contact with the tank container or any accessories of the container, such as the container nozzles. The connection unit in contact with the fluid is easily removed from the tank container and can be cleaned as required.

Another advantage of the assembly of the present invention is that the liquid in the container, when emptied, does not come into contact with any air present in the tank container. Prior to filling, the liner is empty and in principle does not contain any air. During filling, the volume of the liner increases and discharges the gas (usually air) present in the tank container before it is fed. The gas typically leaves the tank container via a vent. This non-atmospheric filling prevents degradation of the liquid feed that may be caused by oxidation.

Another advantage of non-atmospheric filling is that during filling of the container (liner), foam formation can be suppressed by applying a counter-pressure to the liner in the tank container, especially when the liquid contains dissolved carbon dioxide, such as in beer. The application of counter-pressure, usually in the absence of a liner, is carried out by means of an inert gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, or by means of a specific gas mixture of special design. However, when a liner is present in the tank container, it can be done with any gas available. The gas may also be air, which is environmentally friendly to use.