LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORT, STORAGE, AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

Reusable, flexible, lightweight, low cost flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for the delivery of granular proppant material for fracing that will allow the transport of higher weights of proppant, such as sand, per truck load. The invention includes a container made of a high strength, flexible material with a top opening for loading and deploying the proppant. The container can be lifted and deployed with a fork truck or crane. Alternatively, proprietary deployment systems, such as a conveyor system, can be used to quickly and efficiently deploy the proppant from the container at a desired site.

Claims

1. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material, said FIBC including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls; said FIBC comprising a top opening configured for receiving said bulk material; said FIBC being further configured to be lifted and tipped for deploying said bulk material at a selected location; a front opening located on said front wall, said opening configured for unloading said bulk material through a spout affixed to said front wall; a clamp configured for releasably sealing said spout; and a first horizontally-oriented strap wrapped about said FIBC and configured for releasably confining said spout in a non-deployed orientation.

2. The bulk material containment system of claim 1, further comprising: said horizontally-oriented strap comprising a buckle configured to release said spout from said non-deployed orientation; and whereby said spout is placed in a deployed position.

3. The bulk material containment system of claim 1, further comprising a hatch hingedly affixed to said top wall of said FIBC about said top opening.

4. The bulk material containment system of claim 3, further comprising a moisture-proof seal about said hatch.

5. The bulk material containment system of claim 3, further comprising a locking element configured to releasably lock said hatch about said top opening.

6. The bulk material containment system of claim 1, further comprising a second horizontally-oriented strap wrapped about said FIBC and configured for releasably confining said spout in a non-deployed orientation.

7. The bulk material containment system of claim 1, wherein said FIBC is rotated such that said FIBC is at an angle between 10 degrees and 34 degrees, wherein said bulk material is configured to be discharged through said front opening via gravity.

8. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material; an opening in a front wall of said FIBC for unloading said bulk material; a pair of rigid deflectors placed within an interior space of said FIBC at least partially against an interior face of said front wall; and said pair of rigid deflectors configured to funnel said bulk material toward said opening.

9. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material, said FIBC including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls; said FIBC comprising a top opening configured for receiving said bulk material; a front opening located on said front wall, said opening configured for unloading said bulk material through a spout affixed to said front wall; an incline ramp placed atop a truck bed; a trailer support jig placed upon said incline ramp, said trailer support jig configured for securing said FIBC within the trailer support jig atop said incline ramp; and a restrictor plate located near a bottom edge of said incline ramp, said restrictor plate configured to prevent said FIBC from sliding down said incline ramp.

10. The bulk material containment system of claim 9, further comprising: said restrictor plate including a door hingedly affixed to said restrictor plate via a door hinge; a locking element configured to secure said door against said restrictor plate in a first, upright orientation; said door configured to be placed into a second, lowered orientation about said door hinge upon release of said locking element; said door further configured to create a gap within said restrictor plate when placed in said second, lowered orientation; and wherein said spout is located within said gap such that said bulk material may be discharged via said spout through said gap.

11. The bulk material containment system of claim 9, further comprising at least one support brace configured to support trailer support jig against said incline ramp and said truck bed.

12. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material, said FIBC including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls; said FIBC comprising a top opening configured for receiving said bulk material; and a layer of ultra-violet (UV) resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material placed about an exterior of said FIBC, said UV resistant HDPE material covering at least said front wall, rear wall, top wall, and two side walls of said FIBC.

13. The bulk material containment system of claim 12, further comprising: a first lifting strap wrapped about said FIBC, said first lifting strap comprising a first set of lifting loops; a second lifting strap wrapped about said FIBC, said second lifting strap comprising a second set of lifting loops; and wherein said layer of UV HDPE material covers said lifting first and second lifting straps.

14. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material, said FIBC including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls; said FIBC comprising a top opening configured for receiving said bulk material; said FIBC being further configured to be lifted and tipped for deploying said bulk material at a selected location; a first lifting strap wrapped about said FIBC, said first lifting strap comprising a first set of lifting loops; a second lifting strap wrapped about said FIBC, said second lifting strap comprising a second set of lifting loops; a front opening located on said front wall, said opening configured for unloading said bulk material through a hatch; said hatch comprising a hatch frame, a removable cover, and a sliding gate; said removable cover configured for preventing said bulk material from existing said opening; and said sliding gate being configured to be moved from a first, closed orientation fully closing off said front opening and a second, open orientation wherein said bulk material is capable of being released through said front opening.

15. The bulk material containment system of claim 14, further comprising: an incline ramp placed atop a truck bed; a trailer support jig placed upon said incline ramp, said trailer support jig configured for securing said FIBC within the trailer support jig atop said incline ramp; and a restrictor plate located near a bottom edge of said incline ramp, said restrictor plate configured to prevent said FIBC from sliding down said incline ramp.

16. The bulk material containment system of claim 15, further comprising: said restrictor plate including a door hingedly affixed to said restrictor plate via a door hinge; a locking element configured to secure said door against said restrictor plate in a first, upright orientation; said door configured to be placed into a second, lowered orientation about said door hinge upon release of said locking element; said door further configured to create a gap within said restrictor plate when placed in said second, lowered orientation; and wherein said spout is located within said gap such that said bulk material may be discharged via said spout through said gap.

17. The bulk material containment system of claim 15, further comprising at least one support brace configured to support trailer support jig against said incline ramp and said truck bed.

18. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material; a top opening within said FIBC, said top opening configured for unloading said bulk material from said FIBC; a hatch about said top opening; an attachment assembly comprising a door and at least one clamp for affixing said attachment assembly to said hatch; a remotely controlled actuator configured to open and close said door; and whereby said bulk material is discharged from said FIBC through said top opening via said hatch and said door of said attachment assembly.

19. The bulk material containment system of claim 18, further comprising a pair of strengthening straps affixed to said attachment assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view of frame elements thereof.

[0032] FIG. 3 is another three-dimensional isometric view of frame elements thereof.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a raised orientation with a fork truck.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view thereof.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention including a covering.

[0038] FIG. 9 is another three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a covered orientation.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a conveyor unloading system which forms another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 11A is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in a loading orientation.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an loaded orientation.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a slightly alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in a stored orientation.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 15A is a detailed three-dimensional view of a lifting loop element thereof.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a raised orientation with a fork truck.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an alternative FIBC system with a chute in a deployed position.

[0050] FIG. 19 is another three-dimensional isometric view thereof with the chute in a stored position.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away three-dimensional isometric view thereof showing internal elements.

[0052] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view thereof shown in a stored orientation on a truck bed with a ramp.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the truck bed with ramp without the FIBC.

[0054] FIG. 22A is a front elevational view thereof with the FIBC stored within.

[0055] FIG. 23 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof showing an additional application to the FIBC.

[0056] FIG. 24 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a slightly alternative embodiment thereof.

[0057] FIG. 25 is a front elevational view thereof.

[0058] FIG. 26 is a side sectional view taken about the line of FIG. 25.

[0059] FIG. 27 is a detailed side sectional view taken about the circle of FIG. 26.

[0060] FIG. 28 is a partially-exploded three-dimensional isometric view of an alternative embodiment FIBC system.

[0061] FIG. 29 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an assembled orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

[0062] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0063] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, inwardly and outwardly refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Proppant Container System 2

[0064] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment proppant container system 2 for containing proppant for fraccing purposes, such as sand. The embodiment consists of a reusable, flexible, lightweight, low cost flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) 6 which stores the proppant. The proppant is inserted into the container via an opening 8, which is then secured using a tie or other suitable closure. The FIBC material could be heavy weight high strength nylon fabric or other suitable materials.

[0065] A rigid frame 4 is shown about the container 6 to secure it for transport and to prevent damage to the container. The frame consists of side frame members 14 which enclose the container 6. The container 6 is accessible via a top opening 21 of the frame 4. Straps 16 connect the side frame members 14 together.

[0066] Lifting loops 10 designed for receiving connections from a crane or forklift are secured to the frame 4. These loops 10 are connected to the frame 4 via lifting straps 12 which can wrap around underneath the container 6 and constrains the container 6 about the top end which prevents the container 6 from exiting the frame 4 when the frame is tilted to empty the container.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows that the pallet 18 may have slots 19 for receiving the bottom ends 17 of the frame elements 14 to further secure the entire assembly together.

III. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 52

[0068] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment proppant container system 52 which has an external housing consisting of four three side walls 54 and a door 58 which define an interior space 60 for storing the proppant, either loose or in an FIBC as described above. The funnel assembly 28 can be deployed on top of the three side walls 54 and door 58. The spout 32 is located on the same side of the container system 52 as the door 58, and extends out over the door.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows the proppant container system 52 used in an unloading configuration 22 where the system 52 is lifted by a fork truck 24 having a pivotable arm assembly 38. A funnel assembly 28 is connected to the top opening of the proppant container system 52. This allows the container 6 to be safely and efficiently unloaded via the spout 32 opening 34 of the funnel assembly 28. A vacuum pump 36 within the funnel assembly 28 allows for the removal of dust within the assembly. A strap 54 secures the container system 52 to the carriage 26 of the fork truck 24.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container system 2 is lifted by inserting the carriage 26 of the fork truck 24 through the pallet 18.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows how the entire container assembly 2 can be tipped down by the pivotable arm assembly 38 to empty the proppant 40 from the funnel assembly 28. The assembly can tilt up to 180 degrees preferably.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 102

[0072] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another alternative embodiment proppant container system 102 which contains a similar enclosure to the first embodiment described above. However, these show a frame 104 which does not insert into the pallet 118. Otherwise, the frame and container 6 could be identical to that embodiment.

[0073] As before, the rigid frame 104 is built about the container 6 to secure it for transport and to prevent damage to the container. The frame consists of side frame members 114 which enclose the container 6. The container 6 is accessible via a top opening 121 of the frame 104. Straps 116 connect the side frame members 114 together. The same lifting loops 10 and straps 12 can be used in this embodiment.

[0074] A cover 130 can be secured about the top opening 121 of the frame 104. This cover 130 would protect the container 6 within the frame 114. It could be secured to the frame 104 using tie downs, clasps, a large elastic band, or other suitable devices.

V. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 152

[0075] FIG. 10 shows another alternative embodiment proppant container system 152 which has a frame 164 formed from four side walls 170 and a floor 172. A funnel system 178 with a spout 182 can be connected to the top of the container 164 using clips 188 with claps 190 located on the walls 170 of the container 164 having hooks 192 for connecting into receivers 194 on the wall 180 of the funnel system 178. The spout 182 includes an opening 184 for discharging bulk material or proppant from the container 164 through the funnel assembly 178. The spout may be selectively removable and adjustable about an opening 186 on the wall 180 of the funnel system 178. A gate valve 171 can be used to open and shut the spout 182 as desired. A controller 175 is connected via control wire or hose 173 to the gate valve 171 and may be remotely connected to the gate valve. Lifting straps 12 with lifting loops 10 as discussed above may or may not be used.

VI. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 202

[0076] FIG. 11 shows a proppant container system 202 for loading proppant containers as described throughout this application. The system 202 has a conveyor assembly 204 including conveyor belt 206 for moving unloaded proppant 240 as shown in FIG. 11A. An enclosure 208 to hold container system 2 for unloading includes an interior space 210, and a door 212 for closing the interior space. A gate valve 214 opens the enclosure 208 spout 238 for emptying the container system 2 within the enclosure. A pivot frame 216 supports the enclosure and allows it to rotate about the pivot point 218. The gate valve 14 may be a Pratt knife gate valve, provided by the Henry Pratt company of Aurora, Ill., or a similarly suited gate valve for opening and closing the spout 238.

[0077] A hydraulic piston and cylinder 234 mounted to a frame 236 can move a lever 220 to rotate the enclosure 208 about the pivot point 218. A hydraulic pump 230 connects to the frame 236 and cylinder 234 via a hose 232.

[0078] In another embodiment, multiple such enclosures 208 can be positioned along the belt 206 and on both sides of the belt such that multiple containers 6 can be emptied simultaneously.

[0079] A tent or enclosure 280 can cover the entire assembly to prevent weather from disturbing the unloaded proppant.

[0080] The conveyor 204 may be fully enclosed. A port could receive the proppant 240 from the enclosure 208 to move it into the enclosed conveyor. A rubber bumper seal would be used to seal the port, preventing dust and contaminants from contaminating the proppant.

VII. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 302

[0081] FIG. 12 shows yet another alternative embodiment bulk material or proppant container system 302 where the container 306 includes a zip-top interface 330 for closing the container 306 once filled. There is an exterior zipper 332 and an interior zipper 334. In a preferred embodiment, he zippers 332, 334 are similar to that used for plastic storage bags, and prevents the elements from entering the container. The exterior greater holding-strength zipper prevents the contents from spilling out of the container 306 during transport, and is manually activated. When the top zipper 332 is opened and the container is tipped, however, the interior lesser holding-strength zipper 334 automatically will open due to the pressure of the bulk material or proppant 340 within the container, allowing the container to be emptied.

[0082] A frame 304 of structural walls 309 can be placed around the top portion of the container 306 to help when loading the container 306 via the container opening 308. The container is placed within the open space 321 between the structural walls 339. Hooks 334 affixed to latches 332 on the structural walls 309 can be used to then pull the walls away from the container 306 once filled. When filled, the container retains its shape.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 13, the container 306 is secured by vertical lifting straps 312 and horizontal lifting straps 316. Several rows of lifting loops 310 separated by a distance of more than 20% of the container height allow the container to be lifted using a fork lift truck with 2 or 4 or more tines or other suitable method such that the weight of the container is supported on the weight bearing side of the container to avoid deformation or rupture. As with the previous embodiments, the container 306 can then be tilted until at an angle such that the zip-top interface 330 is forced open by the proppant 340 within the container 306, and the container is emptied.

[0084] Tie-down straps 340 for securing the container 306 during transport or unloading may be affixed to all corners.

VIII. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 352

[0085] FIG. 14 shows a separate container cover which is used to provide extra protection for the container when storing and also provides a means for packing and transporting the discharged container. In this embodiment, the proppant container system 352 where the container 356 has been emptied of proppant and has been compacted into a folded position. The interior of the container is visibly empty of proppant as would be viewable through its opening. Handles 362 on either side of the container 356 allow for easy carrying of the container. Straps 364 can be used to secure the container 356 into a compact orientation using buckles or other fastening elements. A pouch containing a plastic bag 366 for sealing and storing the used container into for transport for reuse may also be included.

IX. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 402

[0086] Similar to the embodiment 302 above, FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment proppant container system 402 where the container 406 includes a spout 404 for filling and emptying the container. The spout may be an excess portion of the container 406 material itself which simply extends outwards and upwards from the container, or it may be a physical element which is placed around the opening 408 of the container. A spout clamp 418, which may be a tie, proprietary clamp, or other closure device, cinches the spout closed or otherwise seals the spout until the container system 402 is in position to be emptied.

[0087] The container may include markings 403 which indicate the weight of the container based on how full the container 406 is. The weight may be written or printed around these markings 403, or may be in a reference manual separate from the container system 402. The numbers could indicate by sand weight by volume (e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13) in thousands of pounds or kilos determined by the density of the material. Gravel would have different number scale because in has a different density. An FBIC could have multiple different scales printed on its sides for different material and designated as such materials.

[0088] The container 406 is secured by vertical lifting straps 412 and horizontal straps 416 or protective material. Two or more rows of lifting loops 410 separated by a distance of more than 20% of the container height allow the container to be lifted using a fork lift truck with 4 or more tines or other suitable method such that the weight of the container is supported on the sides of the lifting loops to avoid deformation or rupture when the container is rotated in the z axis for discharge from the top of the container. It is preferred that the lifting straps run under the container and over the top of the container. These lifting loops may be located on either the vertical 412 or horizontal 416 lifting straps.

[0089] FIG. 15A shows a detailed view of one of the lifting loops 410 showing how it is a rigid lifting loop for receiving a fork lift fork or crane hook for lifting and turning the container system 402. The loops consist of a rigid external or internal structure 422, an outer layer 420 and an internal loop 424 for receiving the fork or hook. The internal structure 422 may be a spring-like material which forces the loop away from the container to keep it in an open orientation. The loop may optionally have an opening such as a buckle or a clasp to allow the user to selectively open and close the loop about an object.

[0090] FIG. 16 shows the proppant container system 402 used in an unloading configuration 432 where the system 402 is lifted by a fork truck 434 having a pivotable arm assembly 438. The container system 402 is lifted by inserting the fork 436 of the fork truck 434 through the pallet lifting loops 410.

[0091] FIG. 17 shows how the entire container assembly 402 can be rotated about an axis by the pivotable arm assembly 438 to empty the proppant 440 from the funnel assembly 438. The assembly can tilt up to 180 degrees preferably.

X. Alternative Embodiment FIBC System 502

[0092] FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment FIBC 504 storage and deployment system 502. The FIBC has a front wall 507 and three additional walls 506, a top 508, and a bottom 510. The top includes an opening 562 covered by a hatch 512. The hatch includes a hinge 514 and a locking cam 534 or other locking element to prevent the hatch from accidentally opening. The FIBC is filled through the hatch 512 using a loading funnel or any of the loading methods or systems described in the embodiments above. In a preferred embodiment a rubber seal 536 is placed around the hatch to prevent moisture from entering the FIBC.

[0093] A first 524 and second 526 lifting strap is shown deployed around the FIBC, looped below the bottom 510 of the FIBC, and up another side 506. Each end of these lifting straps ends in a lifting loop 528 which can be used to lift, move, load, and unload the FIBC using fork trucks or by other methods. Hooks 530 may also be affixed to the sides 506 of the FIBC and used for loading, unloading, moving, lifting, and securing the FIBC during any phase of the loading and unloading process.

[0094] A security strap 522 wraps around the FIBC and can be used to secure the spout 516 against the front face 507 of the FIBC 504 as shown in FIG. 19. A second such strap 523 can be used lower than the first security strap 522 to help prevent the spout from being pushed outward by the material stored within the FIBC. Each of these straps 522, 523 includes a buckle 532 or other fastening device to allow the straps to be disconnected to allow the spout 516 to drop down into an unloading orientation. A clamp 520 can also be placed on the spout 516 near the spout tip 518 to prevent premature release of the material through the spout.

[0095] FIG. 20 shows the FIBC 504 partially cut away to show a pair of rigid deflectors 558 which help to guide material within the FIBC toward the front opening 556 which leads to the spout 516. These deflectors could be made of plastic or other rigid materials and may be permanently or temporarily placed within the FIBC.

[0096] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the FIBC system 502 loaded onto an incline ramp 540 placed onto a truck bed 538 for transporting and unloading the FIBC 504. Instead of the ramp 540, the FIBC can simply be tilted using any suitable mechanism to approximately 34 degrees which is the angle of repose for sand which is a typical material to be stored within the FIBC 504. This allows the material to be unloaded from the FIBC using gravity.

[0097] A trailer support jig 542 secures the FBIC to the trailer bed 538 and/or incline ramp 540. The jig 542 can be secured to the FBIC using the hooks 530 or through other means. Support braces 546 secure the jig 542 to the trailer bed 538 and/or the incline ramp 540. A restrictor plate 544 secured to the jig 542 restricts the FIBC 504 from sliding down the incline ramp 540.

[0098] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the trailer bed 538 and incline ramp 540 showing the jig 542. A pair of notch sliding receptors 554 are above the jig 542. These notch sliding receptors can receive the lifting loops 528 to secure the FIBC 504 in place when filling the container. The restrictor plate 544 is shown having a door 548 hingedly connected to the restrictor plate 544 with a hinge 550. Locking elements 552 can be used to secure the door 548 up until released to allow the FIBC 504 to be unloaded as shown in FIG. 22A. These locking elements 552 could be manual, hydraulic, or electronically controlled pins or other known locking elements. When the door 548 is in a lowered orientation as shown in FIG. 22, it provides an opening 551 within the restrictor plate 544.

[0099] FIG. 22A shows the FIBC 504 stored on the trailer bed 538 and the spout 516 oriented through the opening 551 of the restrictor plate 544 provided by the door 548.

[0100] FIG. 23 shows the FIBC 504 having an additional cover application 560 applied to it. The cover application 560 is a layer of ultra-violet (UV) resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, such as a fabric, film, or spray, which is placed on the exterior of the FIBC prior to assembly of the container. While some existing FIBC containers include some UV resistance in their outer shells, these containers may sit for long periods of time, up to years. The outer layer of the cover application 560 will prevent the interior FIBC 504 from degrading under UV rays, while the interior FIBC 504 has the strength to hold the bulk material.

XI. Alternative Embodiment FIBC System 602

[0101] FIGS. 24-27 shows an alternative embodiment FIBC loading and unloading system 602 which is identical to the previous embodiment 502 and uses the same FIBC 504. An alternative unloading option 604 is provided. This includes a hatch frame 606 with a sliding gate 608 which leads to an opening 610 into the FIBC 504. A cover 612 within the hatch frame 606 is removed for unloading. The user would then connect a discharge hose, funnel, or other unloading apparatus (not shown) to the hatch frame 606, and the sliding gate 608 is slid to access the opening 610, thereby unloading the material within the FIBC as described above using gravity. The cover 612 is shown to be convex to prevent the sliding gate 608 from being pressed against and potentially damaged by the material within the FIBC 504.

XII. Alternative Embodiment FIBC System 702

[0102] FIG. 28 shows an FIBC 704 with a top opening hatch 716. An attachment assembly 706 can be clamped to the hatch 716 with clamps 708 or locks and further secured using strengthening straps 714 when under heavy load. The attachment assembly 706 includes doors 710 which are remotely controlled using a remote controlled actuator 712. The remote control may be wireless or wired. The FIBC can be turned and emptied of bulk material through the top opening hatch 716 and through the attachment assembly 706.

[0103] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.