Apparatus and method for pressure dispensing of high viscosity liquid-containing materials

Abstract

A liner-based pressure dispensing container includes a connector-mounted probe arranged to seat a dip tube against an inner surface of a liner fitment for sealing utility. A dip tube and probe may include increased and/or matched flow area. A reverse flow prevention element can be arranged proximate to a liquid extraction opening to inhibit reverse flow of liquid from a dip tube into a container. A liner-less container may include a reduce diameter lower portion arranged to receive a dip tube, with at least one associated sensor to sense a condition indicative of depletion of liquid from the lower portion. A shipping cap can be included for removing headspace gas from the liner. In one embodiment, the shipping cap is suitable for direct connection to a dispensing process.

Claims

1. A pressure dispensing apparatus comprising: a rigid container comprising a neck defining a container opening; a collapsible liner arranged within the container, the collapsible liner comprising an aperture-defining liner fitment arranged in or along the neck of the rigid container; a downwardly-extending dip tube arranged within the liner; a connector engaged to the neck of the rigid container and including a probe defining a fluid flow passage therethrough, wherein an upper portion of the dip tube is arranged to receive a lower portion of the probe, and wherein the lower portion of the probe is arranged to seat an upper portion of the dip tube against an inner surface of the fitment, the dip tube being in direct contact with the lower portion of the probe and in direct contact with the fitment to sealingly engage the dip tube between the probe and the fitment; and a stress concentrator that provides sealing engagement between the dip tube and at least one of the probe and the fitment.

2. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fitment retainer positioned along the neck of the rigid container, wherein the fitment is retained proximate the neck by the fitment retainer.

3. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein a circumferential sealing element is arranged along an outer wall of the probe to sealingly engage the fitment retainer.

4. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the circumferential sealing element comprises an elastomeric material.

5. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the dip tube is positioned at or below an upper end of the fitment retainer.

6. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stress concentrator engages the upper portion of the dip tube.

7. The pressure dispensing system of claim 6, wherein the stress concentrator projects radially outward from the lower portion of the probe.

8. The pressure dispensing system of claim 6, wherein the stress concentrator projects radially inward from the fitment.

9. The pressure dispensing system of claim 6, wherein the stress concentrator comprises a continuous rib.

10. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stress concentrator engages at least one of the lower portion of the probe and the fitment.

11. A method for dispensing liquid-containing material, comprising: providing a pressure dispensing apparatus kit that includes (a) a rigid container including a neck defining a container opening, (b) a collapsible liner arranged within the container and comprising an aperture-defining liner fitment arranged in or along the neck of the rigid container, (c) a downwardly-extending dip tube arranged within the liner, (d) a connector including a probe defining a fluid flow passage therethrough, and (e) a stress concentrator that provides sealing engagement between the downwardly-extending dip tube and at least one of the probe and the aperture-defining liner fitment; providing a set of instructions on a tangible medium, the instructions comprising: threadably engaging the connector to the neck of the rigid container to cause a lower portion of the probe to seat an upper portion of the dip tube against an inner surface of the dip tube to sealingly engage the dip tube between the probe and fitment; and supplying pressurized gas through the connector to a compression space that is in fluid communication with the collapsible liner and the rigid container to compress the collapsible liner.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the instructions further comprise removing a cap from the neck of the rigid container to expose a portion of the liner fitment and to expose a portion of the dip tube retained by the liner fitment before threadably engaging the connector to the neck of the rigid container.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the stress concentrator provided in the step of providing the pressure dispensing apparatus kit projects from the lower portion of the probe and contacts the dip tube.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the stress concentrator provided in the step of providing the pressure dispensing apparatus kit projects from the dip tube and contacts the lower portion of the probe.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the stress concentrator provided in the step of providing the pressure dispensing apparatus kit projects from the dip tube and contacts the fitment.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the stress concentrator provided in the step of providing the pressure dispensing apparatus kit projects from the fitment and contacts the dip tube.

17. A pressure dispensing apparatus comprising: a rigid container comprising a neck defining a container opening; a fitment retainer defining an aperture and arranged in or along the neck of the container; a collapsible liner arranged within the container, the collapsible liner comprising an aperture-defining liner fitment retained by the fitment retainer; a downwardly-extending dip tube arranged within the liner; and a connector including a probe defining a fluid flow passage therethrough, wherein a lower portion of the probe includes a stress concentrator arranged to directly engage an upper portion of the dip tube when the connector is secured to the neck of the rigid container to provide a liquid tight seal.

18. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the probe defines a flow passage that having an inner diameter that is at least 65% of an inner diameter of a portion of the liner fitment arranged within the aperture of the fitment retainer.

19. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the probe and the dip tube defines a flow passage having an inner diameter that is at least 0.62 inches.

20. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the stress concentrator of the probe is arranged to seat an upper portion of the dip tube against an inner surface of the fitment to sealingly engage the dip tube between the probe and the fitment.

21. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a reverse flow prevention element associated with the dip tube.

22. The pressure dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the stress concentrator comprises a continuous rib that projects radially outward from the probe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a side cross-sectional view of a conventional fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a liner-based pressure dispense package with a recirculating connector as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,234.

(2) FIGS. 1B-1C are magnified portions of the fluid storage and dispensing apparatus according to FIG. 1A.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of another conventional fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a liner-based pressure dispense package as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,460.

(4) FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a liner-based pressure dispense package and connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(5) FIG. 3B is a magnified side cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 3A.

(6) FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 3B.

(7) FIG. 3D is a magnified cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the fluid storage and dispensing apparatus of FIG. 3A.

(8) FIG. 3E is an enlarged, partial view of FIG. 3D in an embodiment of the disclosure.

(9) FIG. 3F is a further magnified side cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 3A and 3D depicting an interface between the connector probe, dip tube, and liner fitment.

(10) FIG. 3G is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a stress concentrator disposed on a probe in an embodiment of the disclosure.

(11) FIGS. 3H and 3I are enlarged cross-sectional views of alternative stress concentrator arrangements in embodiments of the disclosure.

(12) FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic view of a fluid handling system arranged for dispensing a liquid-containing material from a fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a liner-based pressure dispense package according to FIG. 3A.

(13) FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a fluid handling system arranged for dispensing a liquid-containing material from a fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a liner-less pressure dispense container with a reduced width lower portion, a reverse flow prevention element, and at least one sensor element arranged to sense a condition indicative of absence or low level of liquid in the lower portion of the container.

(14) FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate side schematic cross-sectional views of a reverse flow prevention element in the form of a float valve in an open position and a closed position, respectively.

(15) FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate side schematic cross-sectional views of a reverse flow prevention element in the form of a butterfly check valve in an open position and a closed position, respectively.

(16) FIG. 7C illustrates a top plan view of a butterfly check valve according to FIGS. 7A-7B in a closed position.

(17) FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a two-port cap in assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure.

(18) FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a three-port cap in assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure.

(19) FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a shipping probe assembly in an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(20) Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C (which are adapted from FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,234), an example of a liner-based pressure dispensing package including a recirculating probe is depicted. Such liner based containers for dispensing and circulating high viscosity liquids have been developed, but the requirement to provide both liquid extraction and liquid return ports restricts the potential size of the extraction path flow area to a relatively small fraction of the fitment opening. The package 10 includes an outer container 42, a liner 43 (containing liquid chemical 48) within the container 42 and including a fitment 32 supported by a fitment retainer 39, and a recirculating connector 40 arranged to mate with a neck 41 of the container 42. The fitment retainer 39 defines a gas passage 38 permitting pressurized gas to be admitted through the connector 40 into a compression space 36 between the container 42 and the liner 43. An upper portion of the connector 40 includes a probe 65 that is threaded into a connector body 56 (and retained by a nut 53), includes an outlet port 54 defining an outlet flow passage 52 (for receiving liquid chemical from the dip tube 50), and includes a retaining collar 49 for receiving an outlet line (not depicted). A medial surface of the probe 65 includes an O-ring 51 for sealing against the connector body 56, and a lower portion of the probe 65 is inserted into a widened upper portion 55 of the dip tube 50 that is arranged between the probe 65 and the connector body 56. A lower portion 44 of the connector 56 includes an internally threaded surface for mating with the neck 41 of the container 42. A side portion of the connector body 56 includes a recirculating port 58 affixed to the body 56 with a nut 47, and with a retaining collar 45 for receiving a recirculating line (not depicted). The connector body 56 defines a recirculation passage 60 arranged around a periphery of the dip tube 50 to permit recirculated liquid chemical to flow through opening 46 between the dip tube and the fitment 32 along an external surface of the dip tube 50 into the liner 43. U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,234 discloses that the inner diameter of the dip tube should be from 0.35 inch to 0.45 inch, the outer diameter of the dip tube should be from 0.45 inch to 0.55 inch, and the inner diameter of the recirculation passage 60 should be from 0.60 inch to 0.65 inch, wherein the flow area of the recirculation passage 60 should be the same as the flow area of the flow passage 52 within the dip tube 50 (each being approximately 0.1104 square inch).

(21) Due to the need to provide the recirculation passage 60 around the periphery of the dip tube 50, the maximum flow area of the dip tube 50 is limited, thereby increasing pressure drop and reducing potential flow rate through the dip tube 50, particularly when very high viscosity liquid chemicals are dispensed. Additionally, the apparatus 10 according to FIGS. 1A-1C requires presence of a connection between the probe 65 and dip tube 50 to be made internal to the connector body 56 and outside the mouth of the container, such that it is impossible to for the dip tube to be shipped within a sealed container.

(22) Otherwise, liner-based pressure dispensing containers conventionally employed with low viscosity materials may not be suitable for dispensing high viscosity materials, due to presence of relatively low flow areas of dispensing flow paths and/or presence of numerous transitions in flow area, thereby leading to increased backpressure and the potential need for impractically high pressures of pressurization gas (and further giving rise to a need for heavy gauge container materials for pressure containment).

(23) Referring to FIG. 2 (which is adapted from FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,460), an example of such a conventional liner-based pressure dispensing package for low viscosity materials is presented. The package includes an outer container 112 containing a collapsible liner 120 having a fitment 118 mounted to a mouth 130 of the container 112 with a retainer 119 defining a gas passage 172. After the liner 120 is filled with liquid chemical, a dip tube 122 (defining liquid passage 194) and a dip tube coupling 124 (defining liquid passage 180) are inserted in the fitment 118. A cap and rupturable membrane (not depicted) may be arranged to seal the container 112 (e.g., with dip tube 122 and fitment retainer 119) for shipment. At a point of use, a connector 114 is engaged to the container 112. The connector 114 includes a lower body portion 141, a retainer 143, an upper body portion 148, an adapter portion 149, and a probe 146 that defines a flow passage 144 and that defines a groove for receiving an O-ring 125. The probe 146 including shaft portion 150 thereof may be inserted through a rupturable membrane (not depicted) covering the container mouth 130, which acts to release headspace gas within the liner 120. A lower end of the probe is inserted into a cavity 176 of the dip tube coupling 124 within the fitment 118, with the dip tube coupling 124 including an upper brim 187 and including an O-ring 152 along a perimeter thereof. Pressurized gas (e.g., air or nitrogen) is supplied through gas passages 162, 142, 104, 172, and 190 (with passage 190 embodying an annular recess) into a compression space 139 between the liner 120 and the container 112 to force liquid chemical up through dip tube 122, dip tube coupling 124, and probe 146 to connecting lines (not depicted) for conveying liquid chemical to a point of use.

(24) As depicted in FIG. 2, the dip tube coupling 124 is intermediately connected between the probe 146 and the dip tube 122 with transitions between the foregoing components, and the liquid chemical flow path from the liner through the connector includes a reduction in flow area from the passage 194 defined in the dip tube 122 to the passages 180, 144 defined in the dip tube coupling 124 and probe 146, respectively. Such reduction in flow area would generate a significant pressure drop if the package of FIG. 2 were to be used for dispensing high viscosity liquid chemical. As a result, a conventional package according to the package of FIG. 2 is of limited utility.

(25) The present disclosure relates to fluid and dispensing systems and methods that overcome various issues present in conventional recirculating and low viscosity material dispensing systems.

(26) Referring to FIG. 3A-3F, a fluid storage and dispensing apparatus 300 including a liner-based pressure dispense package (including a container 330, a liner 340, and a connector 360) is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 3B-3F illustrate the connector 360 separate from the container 300, with FIG. 3D providing an enlarged view of the dispensing apparatus 300, FIG. 3E presenting a close up of the attachment of the liner 340 to the fitment 341, and with FIG. 3F providing a further enlarged side cross-sectional view of a portion of the dispensing apparatus 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3D (e.g., depicting an interface between a connector probe 380, dip tube 350, and liner fitment 341).

(27) As depicted generally to FIGS. 3A and 3D, the fluid storage and dispensing apparatus 300 includes a rigid or substantially rigid container 330 containing a collapsible liner 340 with a compression space 339 arranged between the container 330 and the liner 340. In one embodiment, the compression space 339 occupies with an annular region of the lower recess, the annular region begin defined between the body structure and the probe.

(28) The container 330 can be rigid or substantially rigid in character, can include a lower cavity wall 333 and an upper cavity wall 334 bounding an interior volume 332, with lower and upper peripheral supporting walls 335, 336 extending beyond the lower and upper cavity walls 333, 334, and with an upper peripheral supporting wall optionally including an aperture 337 permitting use as a carry handle. The upper peripheral supporting wall 336 may optionally be terminated at a rolled upper lip 338. The liner 340 bounds an interior volume 343 that may include a liquid-containing material (e.g., optionally overlaid with headspace that may include inert gas). An aperture-defining fitment 341 bounds an upper opening of the liner 340, with an upper end of the fitment 341 retained by a fitment retainer 356 intermediately arranged between the dip tube 350 and the container neck 331. The fitment retainer 356 includes a raised fitment retainer neck 357, and includes gas passages 358, 359 arranged in fluid communication with gas passages 368, 369, respectively, defined in the internal probe retainer 366. An upper end of the fitment 341, which can be flared, is arranged to contact an upper surface 354 of the raised fitment retainer neck 357. The dip tube 350 extends into an interior of the liner 340 and includes an internal liquid passage 352, an upper portion 355 that can be widened or flared, a lower end 351, and an optional liquid ingress lower side opening 353 (proximate to lower end 351).

(29) As depicted generally to FIGS. 3A-3D, the connector 360 is coupled to the container 330, with an internally threaded lateral wall 363 of the connector 360 affixed to the container neck 331. The connector 360 includes an upper connector body 370, an internal (probe) retainer 366 arranged to retain a probe 380, and a lower connector body 362. The upper connector body 370 includes apertures defined in the top surface 371 thereof for receiving a pressure relief valve 376 and a pressurization gas tube fitting 377, and further defines gas passages 378, 379 in fluid communication with the pressure relief valve 376 and pressurization gas tube fitting 377, respectively. The upper connector body 370 can be coupled to the lower connector body 362 with fasteners 389. The probe 380 defines an internal flow passage 382 that is concentric about a central axis 375 and is retained between the upper connector body 370 and the internal retainer 366, with an O-ring or other sealing element 372 provided between the probe 380 and internal retainer 366 along an interface surface 388. The internal retainer 366 defines gas passages 368, 369 that serve as extensions of the passages 378, 379 defined in the upper connector body 370, with O-rings or other sealing elements 373 provided at transitions between the respective pairs of gas passages 368-378 and 369-379. The internal retainer 366 further defines a recess 367 that receives a portion of the probe 380. The lower connector body 362 abuts the upper connector body 370 and surrounds a lateral wall 365 of the internal retainer 366, with an O-ring or other sealing element 374 arranged between the lower connector body 362 and the internal retainer 366. A lower recess 364 of the lower connector body 362 is threaded along an internal surface of a lateral wall 363, with the lower recess 364 of the lower connector body 362 being continuous with the recess 367 of the internal retainer 366. A lower edge 361 of the lower connector body 362 bounds an opening of the lower recess 364. A lower portion of the probe 380 protrudes into the recesses 367, 364, with a lower end 381 of the probe 380 arranged in the lower recess 364 above the lower end 361 of the lower connector body 362. A lower tip 381 of the probe 380 is bounded along an outer radius thereof to define a tapered face 384 that is inclined with respect to the central axis 375 of the probe 380. In one embodiment, the tapered face 384 defines a chamfered surface. An outer wall 389 of the probe 380 defines a recess 385 arranged to receive an O-ring or other sealing element 386, with the recess 385 being bounded from below by a locally widened travel stop portion 387.

(30) As depicted generally to FIGS. 3D-3F, the upper portion 355 of dip tube 350 is arranged within the fitment 341, with the fitment 341 being retained by the fitment retainer 356. In one embodiment, after the liner 340 of the container 330 is filled with liquid chemical through the fitment 341, the dip tube 350 is inserted into the fitment 341, and a threaded cap (e.g., caps 800, 850, or shipping probe assembly 870, described attendant to FIGS. 8-10) is affixed to the container neck 331 to seal the liquid chemical and dip tube 340 within the liner 340 and container 330 for shipping. Thereafter, the capped container is transported to a point of use (e.g., facility for fabricating electronic devices), whereupon the previously-affixed cap is, in some embodiments, removed, and the connector 360 is mated with the container 330. (In other embodiments, such as with shipping probe assembly 870, no removal of a cap is necessary, as discussed below attendant to FIG. 10.)

(31) As the internally threaded lateral wall 363 of the connector 360 is mated with the container neck 331, a reduced wall thickness lower (male) end 381 of the probe 380 is inserted into the upper (female) portion 355 of a dip tube 350. The upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350 can be widened (e.g., flared). As the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350 is received by the lower end 381 of the probe 380, the tapered face 384 of the probe 380 is arranged to depress or seat a surface of the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350 against an inner surface of the fitment 341 to sealingly engage the dip tube 341 between the probe 360 and the fitment 341.

(32) In one embodiment, a slight lateral gap “G” is provided between the upper end of the dip tube and the inner wall surface of the fitment 341. Functionally, the gap “G” augments seating of the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350 within the fitment 341 by enabling the dip tube 350 to seat without being bound up on the interior surface of the right cylindrical portion of the upper portion 355.

(33) In operation, as the internally threaded lateral wall 363 of the connector 360 is mated with the container neck 331, the lower end 381 of the probe 380 is brought into contact with the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350. In one embodiment, tightening the connector 360 relative to the container neck 331 causes the tapered face 384 of the probe 380 to translate downward and exert a force on the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350.

(34) The force can plastically deform (e.g., leave an indentation in) the fitment 341 to promote positive sealing. Lateral sealing between the outer wall 389 of the probe 380 and an internal wall of the fitment 340 is also promoted by the O-ring or other sealing element 386.

(35) Referring to FIGS. 3G-3I, stress concentration arrangements for enhanced sealing between the probe 380, dip tube 350, and fitment 341 are presented in embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 3G, an optional rib portion 392 that protrudes from the tapered face 384 is depicted. The rib portion 392 is continuous about the central axis 375 and projects a distance 394 normal to the tapered face 384 to engage with the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350. In FIG. 3H, an alternative arrangement utilizing one or both of rib portions 396 and 397 on the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350 is depicted, each being characterized as protruding the distances 394 normal to the tapered mating surfaces.

(36) Functionally, the rib portion 392 of FIG. 3G, when implemented, provides a stress concentrator that enhances the integrity of the seal between the tapered face 384 and the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350. Essentially, the stress concentrator is an interference fit to the flared upper portion 355 of the dip tube that provides a positive seal. The stress concentrator can enhance the integrity of the seal by overcoming variance of surface angle/flatness of the flared mating surface of the upper portion 355 of the dip tube 350, resulting in improved seal between both components. The local deformation caused on the interior surface of the upper portion 355 can also cause deformation on the exterior surface of the upper portion 355, thereby enhancing the integrity of the seal between the upper portion 355 and the fitment 341.

(37) After the connector 360 is affixed to the container 330, dispensing of liquid within the liner 340 may be accomplished by flowing pressurized gas through the pressurization gas tube fitting 377, through gas passages 379, 369 defined in the connector 360, and though gas passage 359 defined in the fitment retainer 356 to pressurize the compression space 339 arranged between the container 330 and the liner 340. Application of pressure to the compression space 339 serves to compress (and progressively collapse) the liner 340 and thereby pressurize liquid chemical contained within the liner 340. Such action forced liquid chemical from the liner 340 through the liquid ingress opening 353 of the dip tube 350 upward into the internal liquid flow passage 352, and into and through the liquid flow passage 382 of the probe 380 to be discharged into outlet piping (not depicted) connected to the upper end 383 of the probe 380 to be conveyed a point of use (e.g., a liquid-utilizing process tool). If gas pressure within the compression space 339 exceeds a predetermined setpoint pressure of the pressure relief valve 376, then the pressure relief valve 376 will automatically open and permit pressurization gas to leave the compression space 339 through gas passage 358 defined in the fitment retainer 356 and gas passages 368, 378 defined in the connector 360 to be discharged through the pressure relief valve 376.

(38) In one embodiment, an inner diameter of the flow passages 352, 382 defined in the dip tube 350 and the probe 380, respectively, is at least 0.62 inches. Internal dimensions of flow passages 352, 382 defined in the dip tube 350 and the probe 380, respectively, can be matched in flow area (e.g., with variation in diameter or flow area of less than about 5%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, or less than about 0.1%), to reduce potential pressure drop along the transition between the dip tube 350 and probe 380 to prevent formation of bubbles in the dispensed liquid.

(39) After an empty condition or an approach to empty condition is sensed (wherein liquid contents of the liner-based container are substantially exhausted), the connector 360 (including probe 380) may be disengaged from the container neck 331, and the connector 360 may be connected to another (liquid-filled) liner-based container of substantially identical type to the container 330 to continue dispensation of liquid to the point of use from the other container. In certain embodiments, liquid-containing material may continue to be supplied to the liquid-utilizing process from an optional downstream reservoir while a new liner-based pressure dispense container is readied for dispensing operation.

(40) It is noted that, while the probe 380 is depicted as being a metal, use of polymeric materials is also an option. Likewise, various other components in the figures are depicted as being of a polymeric material, but can optionally be of a metallic material. For example, the upper connector body 370 and lower connector body 362 are often metallic (e.g., aluminum alloy or stainless steel), and the container 330 is often metallic (e.g., stainless steel).

(41) Referring to FIG. 4, a fluid handling system 401 for dispensing liquid-containing material (e.g., liquid chemical) from a fluid storage and dispensing apparatus 400 is schematically depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing apparatus includes a container 430 and a collapsible liner 440. A dip tube 450 extends downward from a liner fitment 441 into an interior of the liner 440 in contact with liquid 448 contained in the liner 440. The dip tube 450 is elongated in character, includes a liquid flow passage 452, and includes a lower end 451 serving as a liquid extraction point proximate to the bottom of the liner 440. A compression space 439 between the liner 440 and the container 430 is in fluid communication with (i) a pressurization gas source 412 by way of a first gas passage 479 in the connector 460, and (ii) a pressure relief valve 476 (and overpressure vent 476A) by way of a second gas passage 478 in the connector 460. The connector 460 further includes a probe 480 defining a liquid flow passage 482 arranged in fluid communication with, and, in one embodiment, having the same flow area as, the liquid flow passage 452 defined in the dip tube 450. Downstream of the liquid flow passage 482 defined in the probe 480, a control valve 413, an empty detect sensor 414, and a reservoir 415 may be provided upstream of a liquid-utilizing process (or process tool) 416. The empty detect sensor 414 may include a pressure transducer arranged to sense pressure of the dispensed liquid to detect a pressure droop condition (characteristic of liner-based pressure dispensing) indicative of an approaching empty condition. Alternatively, the empty detect sensor 414 may embody one or more level sensors arranged to sense level in the (optional) reservoir 415 intermediately arranged between the liner 440 and the liquid-utilizing process or process tool 416. The reservoir 415 may include a bottom outlet for extraction of liquid and a top outlet permitting ventilation of gas. To supplement or supplant the foregoing empty detection elements, a scale 411 may be provided to sense weight of the container 430 and its contents, with a change in weight being useful to determine when liquid contents of the liner 440 are exhausted or nearly exhausted. A controller 410 may be arranged to receive inputs from one or more sensors, arranged to control operation of one or more valves or other flow control elements, arranged to control a pressurization gas source, and arranged to control operations such as starting and stopping of fluid dispensing, adjust fluid flow rate, changing of pressure dispense containers upon depletion, notify operators of abnormal conditions, manage material inventory requirements, and/or control or affect operation of a liquid-utilizing process tool.

(42) Referring to FIG. 5, a fluid handling system 501 arranged for dispensing a liquid or liquid-containing material 548 from a liner-less fluid storage and dispensing apparatus 500 is schematically depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The liner-less fluid storage and dispensing apparatus 500 can include a container 530 with a reduced width lower portion 532, a reverse flow prevention element 590 associated with a dip tube 552, and at least one sensor element 518, 518A arranged to sense a condition indicative of absence or low level of liquid in the lower portion 532 of the container 530. In certain embodiments, a sensor element 518 is arranged solely outside the container 530 (e.g., proximate to the reduced width portion 532); in other embodiments, at least one sensor element or portion thereof 518A may be arranged within (or in fluid communication with) the reduced width portion 532 of the container 520. A dip tube 550 extends downward into an interior of the container 520 into contact with liquid or liquid-containing material 548 contained therein. The dip tube 550 is elongated in character, includes a liquid flow passage 552, and includes a lower end 551 serving as a liquid extraction point proximate to the bottom of the reduced width lower portion 532 of the container 540. In one embodiment, a reverse flow prevention element 590 (e.g., float valve, butterfly check valve, or other valve element) is associated with the dip tube 552, proximate to the liquid extraction opening at the lower end 551, and serves to inhibit flow of liquid from the dip tube 550 into the container 530.

(43) The interior of the container 530 is in fluid communication with (i) a pressurization gas source 512 by way of a first gas passage 579 in the connector 560, and (ii) a pressure relief valve 576 (and overpressure vent 576A) by way of a second gas passage 578 in the connector 560. The connector 560 further includes a probe 580 defining a liquid flow passage 582 arranged in fluid communication with, and can have the same flow area as, the liquid flow passage 552 defined in the dip tube 550. Downstream of the liquid flow passage 582 defined in the probe 580, a control valve 513 and reservoir 515 (which may optionally include one or more associated empty detect sensors, such as one or more level sensors) may be provided upstream of a liquid-utilizing process (or process tool) 516. A reservoir 515 may be intermediately arranged between the container 530 and the liquid-utilizing process or process tool 516; such reservoir 515 may include a bottom outlet for extraction of liquid and a top outlet permitting ventilation of gas. The reservoir 515 may optionally include one or more level sensors arranged to sense liquid level therein. To supplement or supplant the foregoing empty detection elements, a scale 511 may be provided to sense weight of the container 530 and its contents, with a change in weight being useful to determine when liquid contents of the container 530 are exhausted or nearly exhausted. A controller 510 may be arranged to receive inputs from one or more sensors, arranged to control operation of one or more valves or other flow control elements, arranged to control a pressurization gas source, and arranged to control operations such as starting and stopping of fluid dispensing, adjust fluid flow rate, changing of pressure dispense containers upon depletion, notify operators of abnormal conditions, manage material inventory requirements, and/or control or affect operation of a liquid-utilizing process tool.

(44) Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, side schematic cross-sectional views of a reverse flow prevention element is illustrated in an embodiment of the disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the reverse flow prevention element is in the form of a float valve 690 in an open position and a closed position, respectively. A floating element 691 within a liquid flow passage 652 includes a reduced width lower portion 693 and an increased width upper portion 692 arranged to cooperate with a valve seating element 695 associated with a dip tube 650 or extension thereof. An optional tether 696 may be arranged to prevent egress of the floating element 692. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when liquid is flowing upward in the liquid flow passage 652, the floating element 691 rises upward relative to the valve seating element 695, thereby opening a gap under and around the floating element 691 through which liquid may be extracted from the interior of a container through the dip tube 650. Conversely, when upward flow of liquid ceases, gravity (or reverse flow of liquid) may pull the floating element 691 downward within the liquid flow passage 652 to cause the increased width upper portion 692 to contact the valve seating element 695 and inhibit downward (i.e., reverse) flow of liquid from the dip tube 650 into an associated container, thereby reducing introduction of bubbles into liquid in the container.

(45) Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, a reverse flow prevention element is illustrated in an embodiment of the disclosure. In this depiction, the reverse flow prevention element is in the form of a butterfly check valve 790, illustrated in an open position and a closed position in FIGS. 7A and 7B, respectively, and in a closed position in FIG. 7C. A lateral support 797 spans the width of a dip tube 750 and supports first and second hinged semi-circular flap elements 798A-798B arranged to cooperate with walls of the dip tube 750. As depicted in FIG. 7A, when liquid is flowing upward in the liquid flow passage 752, the flap elements 798A-798B swing upward to an open position, thereby opening gaps through liquid may be extracted from the interior of a container through the dip tube 750. Conversely, when upward flow of liquid ceases, gravity (or reverse flow of liquid) may pull the flaps 798A-798B downward to contact interior walls of the dip tube 750 and inhibit downward (i.e., reverse) flow of liquid from the dip tube 750 into an associated container, thereby reducing introduction of bubbles into liquid in the container.

(46) Referring to FIG. 8, a two-port cap 800 is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The two-port cap 800 comprises a top portion 802 from which a skirt portion 804 depends. The skirt portion 804 can comprise an inner surface 806 and an outer surface 808 and can include threads 812 formed thereon for coupling with the container neck 331. The top portion 802 further defines a dispense port 814 and a pressurization port 816. The dispense port 814 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 343 of the liner 340. The pressurization port 816 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 332 of the container 330 and the external surface 342 of the liner 340.

(47) The dispense port 814 and the pressurization port 816 can each be terminated on the top portion 802 with fittings 818 and 822, respectively. The fittings 818 and 822 can accommodate caps or plugs that can be installed or removed, such as with Luer fittings, for selective access to the container 330. In some embodiments, one or both of the fittings 818 and 822 can accommodate valves for selective isolation of one or more of the dispense port 814 and the pressurization port 816. In one embodiment, a stem portion 824 depends from the top portion 802, to engage or nearly engage the dip tube 350. The stem portion 824 can define the dispense port 814, and can include an elastomeric seal 825 proximate a distal end, for example an O-ring disposed in a properly sized gland, that forms a seal between the stem portion 824 and the retainer neck 357 of the fitment retainer 356.

(48) In one embodiment, the two-port cap 800 is bifurcated into a base portion 800a and a closure portion 800b, each having its own top portion 802a and 802b, respectively. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 8, such bifurcated arrangement is utilized. In this embodiment, the base portion 800a includes a neck portion 826 that extends upwards into the closure portion 800b, the neck portion 826 also defining a bypass 828 that enables fluid communication between the pressurization port 816 and the interior volume 332 of the container. The closure portion 800b can be coupled to the base portion 800a, for example, by threaded engagement (as depicted). An elastomeric seal 832 can be disposed between the closure portion 800b and the top portion 802a of the base portion 800a, for example by an O-ring seated in a gland as depicted.

(49) Functionally, the two-port cap 800 can be utilized to remove headspace gas from the liner 340 filled with liquid and replace the headspace gas with an inert gas such as nitrogen, for storage or transport. The stem portion 824 extends the seal 825 down into the fitment 341 for isolation of the dispense port 814 and dip tube 350 from areas external to the stem portion 824. The bifurcated arrangement enables caps designed for smaller containers, such as the connector 360 of FIGS. 3A through 3G, to be adapted to larger containers by providing a larger, appropriately sized based cap 800a.

(50) In operation, the liner 340, disposed in the container 330, is filled with a liquid and the dip tube 350 inserted into the liquid filled liner 340 and coupled to the fitment 341. The two-port cap 800 is secured to the container neck 331. With the dispense port 814 open, the pressurization port 816 can be pressurized, causing the liquid filled liner 340 to partially contract and causing the headspace gas to be pushed outward through the dispense port 814. The gas used to pressurize the pressurization port 816 can be any appropriate gas, such as air or an inert gas. It is noted that, in various embodiments, the stem portion 824 does not contact or inhibit vertical motion of the dip tube 350; accordingly, any headspace gas that is located external to the dip tube 350 can escape into the retainer neck 357 of the fitment retainer 356 for expunging through the dispense port 814.

(51) An inert gas supply is then connected to the dispense port 814, and the pressurization port 816 exposed to ambient. Exposure of the pressurization port 816 to ambient can cause inert gas from the inert gas supply to be drawn into the dispense port 814. In one embodiment, the inert gas supply is controlled to a predetermined pressure above ambient, for example, 1 or 2 psig. By this technique, the headspace gas originally present in the liner after the fill operation is replaced or substantially replaced with the inert gas. The dispense port 814 and, optionally, the pressurization port 816 can then be capped for shipping or storage.

(52) Referring to FIG. 9, a three-port cap 850 is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The three-port cap can include many of the same characteristics and attributes as the two-port cap 800, which are indicated with same-numbered numerical references. In addition, the three-port cap 850 includes a separate inert gas port 852 that is in fluid communication with the interior volume 343 of the liner 340. For embodiments that utilize the stem portion 824, the inert gas port 852 can be defined therein, as depicted in FIG. 9. The inert gas port 852 can be terminated on the top portion 802 with a fitting 854 that can be capped, such as Luer fittings, which accommodates caps or plugs that can be installed or removed for selective access to the interior volume 343 of the liner 340.

(53) In operation, the liner 340, disposed in the container 330 with the liner 340 empty. The dip tube 350 is inserted into the empty liner 340 and coupled to the fitment 341. The three-port cap 850 is secured to the container neck 331. The liner 340 can then be cycled (collapsed and inflated) one time by first applying pressure to the pressurization port 816 to collapse the liner about the dip tube 350, then removing the pressure from the pressurization port 816 and inflating the liner via the inert gas port 852. Typically, the inflation is performed with an inert gas. Inert gas can also be applied to the inert gas port 852 at a low but positive pressure, for example 1 or 2 psig. In one embodiment, the inert gas supply is controlled to this positive pressure, to assure that the liner is completely filled with gas. After pressurizing the liner 340 to the low pressure, the liner 340 is filled with liquid that is applied through the dispense port 814. In one embodiment, the pressure for the liquid fill is applied at a pressure that is higher than ambient to assure a positive pressure is maintained on the liner 340 during the fill, thereby mitigating entry of ambient air into the liner 340. After the fill operation is complete, the dispense port 814, inert gas port 852, and, optionally, the pressurization port 816 can be capped for shipping or storage.

(54) Referring to FIG. 10, a shipping probe assembly 870 for filling and removing non-inert gases from the liner 340 is depicted in an embodiment of the disclosure. The shipping probe assembly 870 includes components similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, including the base cap 800a of the two- and three-port caps 800 and 850, as well as the connector 360 (both upper connector body 370 and lower connector body 362) and the internal retainer 366. These components include many (but not necessarily all) of the same features and attributes as previously described, which are indicated in FIG. 10 with same-numbered numerical references.

(55) In addition, the shipping probe assembly 870 includes a gas removal probe 872 that can be substituted for the probe 380 of the dispensing apparatus 300 (e.g., FIG. 3D). The gas removal probe 872 defines a liquid fill port 874 and an inert gas port 876, which can be terminated exteriorly with connectors 878 and 882, respectively. The gas removal probe 872 is captured and secured to the shipping probe assembly 870 in the same manner that the probe 380 is captured within the connector 360 of FIG. 3B. The gas removal probe 872 can also include the stress concentrator (e.g., rib portion 392) such as depicted in FIG. 3G.

(56) Functionally, the shipping probe assembly 870 enables the liner to be filled and headspace gas to be removed or replaced with an inert gas in a manner identical or similar to that outlined above for the three-port cap 850. In addition, the gas removal probe 872 can be the same as the probes utilized for dispensing of fluid to a tool or dispensing system, providing ready connection to the tool or dispensing system.

(57) Each of the caps 800 and 850, and the shipping probe assembly 870, are depicted in assembly with the container 330 and with the fitment 341 and liner 340. It is understood, however, that each of the caps 800 and 850, and shipping probe assembly 870, can be considered exchangeable, and therefore each constitutes a standalone component or system that can be provided separate from the container 330, fitment 341, and liner 340.

(58) Embodiments disclosed herein can provide one or more of the following beneficial technical effects: reducing pressure drop (or backpressure) in dispensation of liquids—especially high viscosity liquids; improved integrity of mechanical connections between connectors and liner-based containers; simplified manufacture of dispensing apparatuses; enablement of shipment of dip tube components inside liner-based pressure dispense containers with liners containing liquid chemical; reduced reverse flow of liquid chemical from dip tubes (thereby inhibiting bubble formation); reduced pressure requirements for pressurization gas (e.g., in liner-less embodiments), and improved detection of near-exhaustion of liquid chemical from a dispensing container.

(59) While inventions have been described herein in reference to specific aspects, features and illustrative embodiments of the disclosure, it will be appreciated that the utility of an invention is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of the disclosure. Any one or more features described in connection with one or more embodiment(s) are contemplated to combined with one or more features of any other embodiment(s), unless specifically indicated to the contrary herein. Correspondingly, the inventions as hereinafter claimed are intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, as including all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its spirit and scope.

(60) Each of the additional figures and methods disclosed herein can be used separately, or in conjunction with other features and methods, to provide improved devices and methods for making and using the same. Therefore, combinations of features and methods disclosed herein may not be necessary to practice the disclosure in its broadest sense and are instead disclosed merely to particularly describe representative embodiments.

(61) Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features described for the different embodiments can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations. Likewise, the various features described above should all be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

(62) Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that various embodiments can comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the claims can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

(63) Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

(64) References to “embodiment(s)”, “disclosure”, “present disclosure”, “embodiment(s) of the disclosure”, “disclosed embodiment(s)”, and the like contained herein refer to the specification (text, including the claims, and figures) of this patent application that are not admitted prior art.

(65) For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in the respective claim.