Abstract: An apparatus that allows for handling a bulk bag as an invertible container similar to a drum. An adapter assembly is fitted to the bag spout. Perimeter retainer components mount onto a machine designed for inverting a container. The perimeter retainer components secure the perimeter of a bulk bag when it is inverted so that product discharges through an inlet/outlet spout prepared with an adapter assembly. A preferred method involves pre-staging an adapter assembly to a bulk bag disposed in an upright position within a machine designed to invert a container, engaging the bulk bag spout with the adapter assembly, inverting the bulk bag so that bag attachment adapters engage the perimeter retainers and using the adapter assembly with a flow control valve to control the flow of product from the bulk bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handing and discharging bulk bags includes positioning an adapter assembly on a flexible bulk bag having a spout, inverting the bulk bag, and selectively discharging the contents. The adapter includes a rigid annular adapter ring with an annular, radially-outwardly extending flange adapted for being engaged by a surrounding clamp, The bulk bag is secured to the adapter ring by folding the edge of the spout opening over the flange and clamping the edge to the flange. With the adapter assembly installed a bulk bag may be manipulated in the same manner as a rigid drum.