TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE APPARATUSES
The invention relates to a transportation apparatus for hazardous materials, in particular for at least one electrochemical energy storage apparatus, having at least one accommodation apparatus for accommodating the hazardous material, said accommodation apparatus having at least one accommodation chamber; and at least one barrier device which screens the accommodation chamber at least in sections in at least one direction, wherein the barrier device has at least a first material and at least a second material, and said invention also relates to the production and use of said transportation apparatus.
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The entire content of priority application DE 10 2011 009 696.5 is herewith incorporated in the present application by reference.
DESCRIPTIONThe present invention relates to a transportation apparatus, particularly for transporting, retrieving, storing and holding electrochemical energy storage apparatuses, more particularly lithium ion cells or lithium ion batteries, and further relates to the processes for production and use thereof.
The following specific hazards are known particularly in the case of lithium ion batteries and lithium ion cells: leakage of the liquid electrolyte, short circuit, fire or explosion. In order to reduce these risks, such cells and batteries often comprise adapted housings, which increase their reliability. Such are described for example in EP 2 180 537 A1.
Consequently, measures have to be taken during the storage and transport of electrochemical energy storage apparatuses that in particular reduce or eliminate the risk of the contents escaping into the environment under normal storage or transport conditions. Furthermore, the hazards during storage and transport of electrochemical energy storage devices are posed not only “from the inside”, that is to say by the electrochemical energy storage devices themselves. “External” hazards must also be considered. For example, if a fire breaks out as a result of a traffic accident, steps must be taken to ensure that charged lithium-ion batteries are protected from the fire and remain undamaged to the extent possible. Simple packaging, such as cardboard boxes, are not suitable for this purpose, Instead, holding apparatuses are required that safeguard electrochemical energy storage apparatuses during storing, and particularly during packing and transportation thereof, to reduce the risk of contaminating the environment by the cargo. The same applies in reverse order.
Particularly the new requirements (highest possible performance for the lowest possible weight and smallest size) imposed on electrochemical energy storage apparatuses that may be used as energy sources in electrically driven vehicles, mean that the transport thereof, particularly in the case of damaged or defective items, entails greater risk. In the event of a fire caused by a traffic accident for example (risk from “outside”) or a short-circuit in the battery (risk from “inside”), very violent decomposition reactions with even explosive force may occur, thereby forming toxic and environmentally hazardous gases such as chlorine or sulphur dioxide. Particularly in lithium-ion batteries, approximately 10 times more energy is stored as thermal energy than as electrical energy. In addition, high temperatures may cause decomposition of the cathode material, which is often in the form of a lithium metal oxide. This decomposition may result in the release of oxygen, which in turn may function as an accelerant. Lithium-metal anodes also represent a significant fire hazard.
For these reasons, transport of such electrochemical energy storage apparatuses is generally subject to strict regulations, which are summarised in the following and other directives, most of which are applicable throughout Europe:
- ADR: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
- RID: European Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail
- IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
- ADN: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways
- ICAO-TI and
- IATA DGR: Guidance documents for shipping dangerous goods by air.
These guidelines define, for example, the maximum permissible quantity of the cargo to be transported, permissible packaging types and materials, and safety measures such as securing the load against shifting and the provision of fire extinguishers.
However, these regulations still do not provide a technically cogent and above all cohesive description of a mandatory holding apparatus for electrochemical energy storage apparatuses.
Thus, for example, the requirement for used lithium-ion cells (from ADR) is that they may be transported in “1H2” drums. The description 1H2 designates the type of container, the material and the categorization:
1: Type of container (e.g., bags, boxes)
H: Container material (e.g., wood, steel)
2: Categorization (e.g., open or closed)
Since Jan. 1, 2009 a large number of new regulations have been introduced regarding the determination of the shipping destination for lithium-ion batteries. Thus, for example, a distinction must be made between lithium-ion batteries or cells and lithium-metal batteries or cells. In addition, when shipping or transporting such electrochemical energy storage apparatuses, it must be indicated whether they are being sent with devices or equipment. Moreover, electrochemical energy storage units, particularly lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries, must undergo certain tests before shipping (defined in UN regulations 3090, 3091, 3480 and 3481). These tests and criteria are summarised in the UN inspection manual, part III, section 38.3.
Yet despite these strict rules, a spate of accidents has still occurred shortly before the filing date of this application, particularly in the air shipping sector. Consequently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) felt it had no choice but to issue a warning for the transport of electrochemical energy storage apparatuses, particularly lithium-ion batteries, because until that time no suitable, safe packaging for transportation existed, particularly in the event of a fire. The requirements for such transport packaging are diverse and may vary according to the type of hazardous goods and the possible risk scenarios.
The object on which the invention is based is therefore to provide a safe transportation apparatus, particularly for the transportation and storage of electrochemical energy storage apparatuses that in particular responds to complex emergency situations and at the same time is as compact as possible.
This is achieved according to the invention by the teaching of the independent claims. Preferred refinements of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
As described in greater detail below, in order to solve this problem a transportation apparatus for hazardous material is provided, particularly for at least one electrochemical energy storage apparatus, having at least one holding apparatus for accommodating the hazardous material. The holding apparatus comprises at least one accommodation space. In addition, the holding apparatus comprises a barrier device that preferably shields at least sections of the accommodation space in at least one direction, the barrier device being made of at least a first and at least a second material.
The advantage of the transportation apparatus of the invention consists in that the barrier device with the first and second materials forms a secure barrier between the interior of the holding apparatus and the environment that is sufficient to withstand complex danger situations. In particular, if the transportation apparatus further comprises an active safety device, for example an extinguishing device, the level of safety is raised further by the barrier device because the hazard situation can initially be curbed effectively until the action of the safety device takes effect. For example, explosion, fire or corrosion may occur in combination in complex hazard situations. In complex hazard situations multiple hazards must be addressed simultaneously to the extent possible. Thus, in the case of an explosion danger exists not only in the form of a pressure wave but also in the form of flying projectiles. An explosion is often also accompanied by fire. Therefore, in the event of an explosion a package for transportation must be able to withstand not only the pressure wave, but also items that are projected against it by the blast, and it must be fireproof. A transportation apparatus should preferably also be lightweight, to keep transportation costs to a minimum. All this requires new concepts in the material combination of safe transport packaging such as are suggested as the object of the present invention.
The barrier device preferably shields the accommodation space at least partially, or completely, in at least one direction, in multiple directions, particularly in all horizontal and/or all vertical directions. The shielding refers in particular to a shielding of the accommodation space from the environment of the transportation apparatus, or from the environment of the holding apparatus, or from the environment of the barrier device, or to a shielding or separation of at least two regions of the accommodation space. The directions are relative to a transportation apparatus that comprises an underside (or a bottom border) which may be arranged in the direction of gravity (that is to say vertically downward), preferably a base plate, and an upper side (or a top border) opposite the underside.
The barrier device may be combined with other barrier devices as a part of the transportation apparatus or the holding apparatus, or it may substantially constitute the transportation apparatus or holding apparatus. The barrier device may be located inside the holding apparatus. The barrier device may be located outside and on the side or the top of the holding apparatus. The barrier device can be located between a first and at least one second holding apparatus. However, it is also possible that one or more parts of the barrier device may be arranged outside and on the side or the top of the holding apparatus, and/or one or more parts may be arranged inside the holding apparatus. The barrier device may have an operative connection with the holding apparatus and/or with the environment. However, it is also possible that the barrier device has no operative connection with the holding apparatus, or the environment, or either.
The barrier device preferably forms at least one, exactly one, exactly two, exactly three or exactly four wall(s) of the transportation apparatus or holding apparatus, wherein said wall may form or be a side wall, a bottom wall, a top wall and/or a lid wall. This wall (or walls) may also be arranged inside the accommodation space of the holding apparatus, where it preferably forms an internal lining, for example a lining for the internal wall, the bottom wall, the top wall or the lid wall. One wall is preferably arranged so as to define a plurality of compartments of the accommodation space, or for example, to serve as a partition wall. This partition wall may be disposed parallel to a base plate of the transportation apparatus, perpendicular thereto, and may for example form a multichamber system, wherein each chamber may contain and/or support for example a hazardous material such as an electrochemical energy storage cell. The barrier device may be arranged as an insert element of the accommodation space and may be connected to the holding apparatus permanently or detachably. This wall may substantially constitute the entire wall of a polygonal or other hollow body, particularly the body of the holding apparatus. The wall may also form a wall section of a hollow body, wherein the wall section may designate a wall segment or a wall layer (cut out perpendicularly to the wall surface).
The barrier device may also form another part of the transportation apparatus or holding apparatus, such as a frame, stanchions, edge sections. The terms holding apparatus and holding device are preferably used interchangeably in the description of the present invention.
The barrier device is characterized in that it comprises at least a first material and at least one second material, which are preferably different from one another. The first material may form one (for example the first) layer and/or the second material may form one (for example the second) layer. A layer may comprise multiple sublayers. The two layers may be in direct contact with one another or be directly or indirectly connected or coupled with one another, or they may not be in direct contact or directly or indirectly connected or coupled with one another. For example, it is possible and preferred to provide a heat-reflecting first, for example inner, and/or a heat-reflecting second, for example external material layer, between which a third material layer may be arranged, which may for example be designed to withstand impact and may be positioned at a distance from the inner and/or the outer material layer, for example with a gap between 1 mm and 50 mm. The gap between the first and the third and/or the second and the third material layers may thus serve to prevent a mutual direct thermal diffusion effect between the layers, so that particularly the third layer may be protected from overheating at least for a short time.
In a preferred embodiment, the barrier device comprises a first layer of the first material and a second layer of the second material. With this sequential arrangement of different materials, it is possible for the physical properties thereof to be used to advantage in a composite layer with both properties or new properties. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier device comprises a first layer of the first material and the second material and may also comprise a second layer of the first and/or second material. This sequential arrangement of different materials also makes it possible to use the physical properties thereof to advantage in a composite layer with both properties or new properties.
The first and second materials are preferably each adapted to serve as effective barriers against a specific hazardous interaction between the accommodation space of the holding apparatus and the ambient environment of the corresponding material or the ambient environment of the barrier device. The first or second material, or both materials, are each preferably fluid-impermeable, particularly liquid-impermeable and/or gas-impermeable, heat-resistant, heat-reflective, heat absorbing, heat insulating, resistant to pressure (explosion-resistant) impact resistant, puncture resistant and corrosion resistant.
The barrier device preferably comprises a layer system that comprises or consists of the first and/or second material. In a preferred embodiment, the layer system comprises a first layer that is preferably an outer layer of the layer system, and is preferably the layer of the layer system facing toward the accommodation space of the holding apparatus. The layer system preferably comprises a second layer that is preferably an inner layer of the layer system. This second layer can consist of one layer or again of multiple layers. The layer system preferably comprises a third layer which is preferably another outer layer of the layer system, and is preferably the layer of the layer system facing away from the accommodation space of the holding apparatus, that is to say it faces toward the ambient environment of the transportation apparatus.
In a preferred embodiment of the transportation apparatus, the first and/or third layer of a layer system of the barrier device comprises a metal or metal alloy, or consists thereof, for example steel or preferably aluminium, particularly a metal foil. Such a layer may particularly serve to reflect heat, and thus to protect the ambient environment or the accommodation space or the second layer. In a preferred embodiment, the second layer preferably comprises a composite fibre material. Such a layer system may have a sufficiently heat-resistant, mechanically stable, impact- and explosion-resistant effect and may be of particularly lightweight construction so that the resulting transportation apparatus is safe, yet has a relatively low net weight. The second layer preferably comprises a first sublayer of a fibre composite material and a second sublayer of a different material from the first sublayer, preferably a metal material, preferably steel (sheet steel for example). The first sublayer and the second sublayer are preferably bonded to one another. The high tensile strength of fibre composite materials can lend the second sublayer, for example the steel, increased resistance to explosion for example, so that the two sublayers complement and protect one another, thereby producing a synergistic effect.
It is also possible and preferably provided that the first material and/or the second material do not form separate layers. The first material and the second material preferably form a mixture, wherein the first material may serve as a matrix material that surrounds or supports is another material, in particular the second material, and the second material may be in the form of an additive material, for example fibrous, which strengthens the first material and the barrier device. The barrier device may comprise a composite material that contains at least the first material and the second material, or consists thereof.
The barrier device, particularly the first and/or second material, preferably has a density between 1.0 g/cm̂3 and 10.0 g/cm̂3. This density is preferably between 1.0 g/cm̂3 and 3.0 g/cm̂3 in order to make the barrier device or the component(s) thereof as lightweight as possible. This is particularly the case with aluminium materials and materials with composites, fibre-reinforced plastics. In this manner, the transportation apparatus may be lightweight, thereby reducing transport costs. In this context it is preferable for the barrier device, particularly the first material or the second material, to consist partially or completely of sections that have a density between 7.0 g/cm̂3 and 9.0 g/cm̂3, which is true for steel, iron or other metals for example. Such sections often have a high stability, in particular high thermal resistance, a high yield point and/or high dielectric strength.
The barrier device and/or the first material and/or the second material or the fibre composite material preferably comprises fibre structural elements, for example glass fibres, carbon fibres or aramid fibres, or consists of such fibre structural elements. These may advantageously serve as reinforcing elements. It is preferably provided that the barrier device comprises at least one fibre composite material of which the matrix material is said first material and the fibre material is said second material. It is also preferably provided that the fibre composite material comprises at least one layer, preferably at least 2, 3, 4, 5 or more layers, that comprises/comprise a fibre material. These layers of fibre material be in contact with one another in pairs or may be kept apart from one other in pairs, for example by means of a third layer or a gas-containing layer. The fibrous materials may be of the same or different construction. Fibre structure elements may be coated or uncoated. A multilayer arrangement, particularly comprising multiple layers of fibre material, produces a multi-functional structure, the physical properties of which vary from layer to layer so that, for example, an outer layer of the multilayer arrangement may be particularly heat resistant whereas an inner layer, for example, may be particularly impact damping.
The fibre structure elements are preferably aligned essentially in one direction in at least one layer of the barrier device, so that said layer has very high tensile and compressive strengths in the given direction. It is also possible and preferred that the fibre structure elements are aligned essentially multidirectionally as a woven fabric in at least one layer of the barrier device, so that the multidirectional tensile and compressive strengths of the layer and thus also the impact damping effect are enhanced.
The fibre structural elements preferably comprise glass fibres or consist substantially thereof. This increases the tensile and compressive strength of the layer and the barrier device. The fibre structure elements preferably contain carbon fibres or consist substantially thereof. This also increases the tensile and compressive strength of the layer and the barrier device. But these fibres are lighter than glass fibres and are highly thermally and electrically conductive, which can be used to suppress electrostatic charging of the barrier device. The fibre structural elements preferably comprise aramid fibres (e.g., polyparaphenylene terephthalamide fibres) or consist substantially thereof. In this way, the layer or the barrier device is given higher tensile and compressive strength, high impact resistance, high fracture strain, good vibration damping properties and resistance to acids and alkalis. Aramid fibres also have good thermal stability up to 400° C. Aramid fibres are therefore particularly suitable for use as impact damping and heat resistant layers.
The first material is preferably a plastic, particularly a semi-crystalline or amorphous plastic, for example polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyolefin, high-density polyethylene, or modifications thereof. The first and second materials preferably form a fibre-reinforced plastic. The proportion of the fibre elements in the fibre-reinforced plastic is, preferably in each case, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, 55-65, 65-75 percent relative to the volume or mass of the fibre-reinforced plastic, or comprises a different percentage thereof. Fibre-reinforced plastics typically have high specific stiffness and strength. They are therefore particularly suitable for the preferred variant of the transportation apparatus as a lightweight construction. The mechanical and thermal properties of the fibre-reinforced plastic can be influenced by a wide variety of parameters, particularly the fibre volume, the braid angle and the layer sequence, so that the properties of the barrier device and the transportation apparatus may be specified flexibly according to requirements. The first material is preferably a thermoplastic. In this manner, the fibre-reinforced plastic is readily mouldable. It is also preferred that the first material is a thermosetting plastic. Such a fibre-reinforced plastic has high temperature resistance and particularly high strength. The barrier device may also comprise an elastomer plastic, which may be used in particular to form a shock absorbing layer or region.
It is preferred that the fibre structural elements comprise continuous filaments (that is to say a length>=50 mm) or are entirely or partially or substantially entirely in the form of continuous filaments. This has the effect of further increasing the stability of a fibre-reinforced plastic. The fibre structural elements preferably comprise smooth filament yarn, or alternatively rovings, or are partially or essentially entirely in the form of a smooth filament yarn, or alternatively the form of rovings. It is further preferred that the fibre structural elements constitute a semi-finished product, each preferably individually or combined: wovens, non-crimp fabrics, multiaxial fabrics, embroidered fabrics, braided fabrics, mats, non-woven fabrics, fine cut, spacer fabrics, particularly by weaving continuous filaments, such as rovings. The fibre structural elements particularly preferably form non-crimp fabrics, since these have very good mechanical properties. In a non-crimp fabric the fibres are ideally parallel and stretched. Essentially, continuous fibres are used. Non-crimp fabrics may be held together by a paper or stitch binding. The non-crimp fabric is preferably a multiaxial non-crimp fabric particularly in the form of a laminate. In this non-crimp fabric the fibres are not orientated only in one plane. Additional fibres are preferably orientated perpendicularly to the plane of the laminate to improve the delamination and impact behaviour.
The barrier device, particularly the first and/or second material or the composite fibre material, preferably comprises a polyoxazole, particularly poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole, PBO), a synthetic fibre manufactured by Toyobo, Osaka, Japan and known by the trade name Zylon®. With a melting point of 650° C. Zylon® combines particularly high heat resistance and mechanical strength with low density, so it is particularly suitable for use in constructing a safe transportation apparatus. A protective layer or material encasement for the polyoxazole, made for example from plastic such as PE or UHMWPE, or from metal, is preferably provided to protect it particularly against corrosion.
The barrier device, particularly the first and/or second material or the composite fibre material preferably comprises ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), particularly Dyneema, or consists thereof. Dyneema is a high strength polyethylene fibre (PE) with high tensile strength and is a highly crystalline, highly stretched UHMWPE. It is particularly suitable for use as a lightweight, anti-abrasive, shock and impact damping material, which makes it particularly suitable for constructing a safe transportation apparatus.
The barrier device preferably comprises a penetrating composite, wherein particularly the first and second materials are components of a penetrating the composite. In such a penetrating composite, the individual components not only combine with each other, as happens with most fibre composites for example, but also penetrate each other.
Consequently, it is possible to derive material properties that can be used advantageously for the safe transportation apparatus, for example with regard to heat resistance. Silicon carbide (SiC) is such a penetrating composite.
The barrier device, particularly the first and/or second material or the composite fibre material preferably comprises ceramic material, for example a technical ceramic, or consists thereof. The ceramic material is also preferably a ceramic fibre composite material, that is to say in particular a matrix of normal ceramic embedded between continuous filaments that is reinforced by ceramic fibres and is then referred to as fibre-reinforced ceramic, ceramic composite, ceramic fibre or CMC. The matrix and the fibres may consist of known ceramic materials, wherein carbon is also considered to be a ceramic material in this context. Ceramic fibres may comprise or consist of a polycrystalline or amorphous material. Ceramic fibres may consist of: crystalline alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, which may be substantially crystalline, zirconia, carbon fibres with the graphite layers aligned in the direction of the fibres, and amorphous fibres of silicon carbide; or may comprise any of said materials. The advantages of ceramic fibre composites are similar to those of ceramic, with high resistance to heat and temperature variations but without the relatively low fracture toughness and relatively high sensitivity to thermal shock. With these properties, said materials may advantageously be used to construct a safe transportation apparatus. Fibre-reinforced ceramics that use oxides are good electrical insulators and due to their porosity have good thermal insulation effect, even better than that of many oxide ceramics. Ceramic fibre composite material is particularly preferable, at least in sections or as a layer of the barrier device, for example since it is even less susceptible to corrosion and sensitive to heat than many metallic materials and components. Besides the advantage of weight reduction, the use of ceramic fibre composite material may result in a longer service life of the transportation apparatus. Ceramic fibre composite material may also assume load-bearing functions, particularly in constructing or supporting a frame or cradle of the transportation or holding apparatus, or it may be used for mechanical protection against abrasion and as a barrier against puncturing and impacts.
The barrier device and/or, the first material and/or the second material preferably comprises steel or sheet steel, preferably galvanized in each case, preferably as a duplex system as defined in DIN EN ISO 12944-5. These offer high mechanical stability, are particularly resistant to impacts and projectiles resistant and heat-resistant, which renders them particularly suitable for use in constructing a safe transportation apparatus. The thickness of the sheet steel may be for example between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably 1.4 mm-2.1 mm. A thickness between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm results in high stability and acceptable total weight of the transportation apparatus.
The barrier device and/or the first material and/or the second material preferably comprises aluminium and/or zinc-copper, zinc, lead or steel/iron or alloys thereof, and particularly preferably, metal foams made therefrom, preferably an aluminium foam with relatively low density and high stability. It is preferable that components of the transportation apparatus, preferably each of a plate, a (bottom, side or top) wall, a frame, a cradle, tubes or support stanchions, are filled with metal foam. Foam-filled tube profiles and sandwich panels may be used as semi-finished products for constructing the transportation apparatus. Aluminium foam panels consist for example of an aluminium alloy with for example about 1.5% calcium to which a blowing agent is added. Said blowing agent, for example titanium hydride (TiH), is added to the molten aluminium during the melting operation. During the melting process, the hydrogen content in the blowing agent may form bubbles. During the subsequent cooling of the melt the bubbles thus create pores in the aluminium matrix. The density of the aluminium foam produced in this way (for example 0.2 to 0.25 g/cm3) then is approximately only 10-15% of that of solid aluminium (2.7 g/cm3).
It is further preferred that the barrier device and/or the first material and/or the second material comprise or form a metal coating, wherein said metal coating, being for example a metal such as aluminium or a metal alloy, may particularly serve to reflect radiated heat, and may thus serve as a heat shield, which is particularly preferred in the design of a safe transportation apparatus.
At least one of the materials preferably has the property of being able to absorb the action of kinetic energy (for example from penetrating splinters or projected fragments) and convert it into deformation energy and/or heat energy. Materials having such a property are characterized for example by a “yield point”, which may be defined as the shear stress at which a non-reversible deformation of the material occurs. Such materials are often bulletproof or ballistic-resistant materials. Particularly preferred are fibre composite materials. Other materials may also be used, however, for example polymer- or metal-based materials, provided such materials are at least partially capable of absorbing but not releasing, that is to say causing penetrating fragments or impacting projectiles to bounce off. Typical impenetrable materials of such kind comprise aramid fibres or polybenzazole fibres. However, other composites known to a person skilled in the art as impenetrable materials are also conceivable. The barrier device and/or the first material and/or the second material preferably comprises a polymer blend material. This may comprise or consist of epoxy resin and natural fibres such as corn and rape fibres for example, may be porous and may thus be better capable of absorbing the energy of an explosion or collision than rigid materials. Destructive pressure peaks can be resisted in this way.
The barrier device may also preferably consist of or comprise another combination of various materials. Thus it is conceivable for example that sand particles, gels, fabrics, foams, or other materials, are arranged between two sheets made for example from metal. The barrier device may be of flexible construction, which may be assured for example by the use of fibre composite materials or elastomers, but it may also be constructed with relatively little elasticity for example, which would be possible through the use of metal plates or ceramic materials for example. The barrier device may further comprise both flexible components and also rigid components. More preferably, materials are used that lose little of their bulletproof properties at temperatures up to 400° C., preferably up to 1,000° C., more preferably up to 1,500° C., particularly up to 2.000° C. or higher, for example, SiC-containing ceramic fibre composite.
At least one holding apparatus or parts of a holding apparatus may preferably connected in bonded and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner to at least one barrier device, particularly permanently (not non-destructively detachable) or detachably (that is to say detachable in proper use and non-destructively).
The holding apparatus preferably comprises an underside that may particularly be designed for supporting a receptacle on an optional base plate by constructing said underside for example as or comprising projections for engaging in a europallet or unit load devices (ULD) or other underlays, (electro)magnetic retaining members for retaining on a metal base, or plinth elements that may be elastically deformable, for example, or the like. The underside preferably comprises at least one substantially flat section, so that when the transportation apparatus is prepared for its proper use the normal of this plane extends perpendicularly to the direction of gravity. For the purposes of the description of the present invention this corresponds to the negative z-direction, which is also designated “downward” (corresponding to the positive z-direction, which is designated “upward”). The holding apparatus has an upper side positioned opposite, that is to say directly above the underside.
The holding apparatus preferably comprises or consists of a frame or a cradle. In each case, this is preferably constructed in such manner that it encloses or spans a holding volume. The holding apparatus, particularly the frame or cradle, is preferably constructed so as to guarantee stability and provide protection against mechanical stress on the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus is preferably constructed to withstand stresses created by positive or negative pressure ±1 bar or higher, or lower, in the interior of the holding apparatus, wherein said pressure differences act on a notional or actual enclosure of the holding apparatus that delimits the interior of the holding apparatus with respect to the exterior thereof. The holding apparatus is preferably able to withstand external loads of preferably up to 130 N/cm2 or higher without sustaining any substantial damage. The holding apparatus is preferably designed such that in the event of an explosion, flash fire, deflagration or detonation no fragments or projectiles are able to penetrate the interior of the holding apparatus or are able to escape from the interior of the holding apparatus. Each holding apparatus preferably has a ballistic resistance that preferably corresponds to at least one of the resistance classes FB1, FB2, FB3, FB4, FB5, FB6, FB7 or FSG defined by European Standard EN 1522 or, particularly if the barrier device comprises glass, one of the resistance classes BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 or SG2 defined by EN 1063.
The frame or cradle may comprise fastening devices such that the holding apparatus and therewith also the transportation apparatus may be secured, that is to say the displaceability thereof relative to its surroundings, such as the floor of a transporter may be minimised, preferably prevented entirely. The fastening devices may comprise force means, via which fastening can be achieved by engagement of the transportation apparatus with mating latching means in the surrounding area. Mating fastening means such as complementary detent means may also be arranged on the holding apparatus or the transportation apparatus itself. In this case, a plurality of transportation apparatuses and/or holding apparatuses can be connected or engaged with each other, for example to create a group of several transportation apparatuses or to form one transportation apparatus with a plurality of connected holding apparatuses. By coupling multiple holding apparatus of the transportation apparatus, the movability thereof is limited, which may increase safety during storage or transportation.
The holding apparatus preferably comprises a base plate. The base plate may be formed by a preferably rectangular body that is extremely robust, especially for loads up to 2000 kg or more, for example by at least one plate conforming to an industry standard, such as a europallet, preferably a europallet according to DIN EN 13698, or another base plate that preferably has a footprint of 0.1 to 2 m2, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 m2, particularly preferably 0.7 to 1.0 m 2, most preferably 0.96 m2, or any other standard plate.
Said base plate may for example be a unit load device (ULD) pallet or may have the same dimensions as a ULD pallet and may be made of sheet aluminium, may preferably be an LD8 pallet or may have the dimensions of a ULD pallet, may be an LD11 pallet or an LD7 pallet, or may have the respective dimensions thereof. A ULD pallet or base plate preferably has a footprint of 1 to 10 m2, preferably 3 to 7 m2, more preferably up to 5 m2. The footprint may preferably also be larger or smaller.
The base plate preferably designed as a europallet preferably has external length dimensions of 100 to 2000 mm, more preferably 800 to 1500 mm, particularly preferably 1000 to 1300 mm, most preferably 1200 mm. The base plate preferably designed as a europallet preferably has width dimensions of 50 to 2,000 mm, more preferably 300 to 1500 mm, particularly preferably 700 to 1200 mm, most preferably 800 mm, and external height dimensions of 10 to 500 mm, more preferably from 50 to 350 mm, particularly preferably from 70 to 200 mm, most preferably 144 mm. The length and/or width dimensions and/or height dimensions of the base plate may preferably also be larger or smaller. But the base plate may preferably also be configured as a ULD pallet, the external length dimensions of which are from 500 to 3000 mm, more preferably from 1500 to 2500 mm, particularly preferably from 1530 mm or 2240 mm. The preferred external width dimensions in this case are between 1500 mm and 4000 mm, more preferably 2000 to 3500 mm, particularly preferably 2440 mm or 3180 mm. The external length and/or width dimensions may preferably also be larger or smaller.
The use of a standardized base plate, for example a europallet or ULD pallet, or a base plate that has the dimensions and/or load capacity thereof, has the advantage that it enables the best possible use to be made of many facilities that are already available in the transportation and warehousing infrastructure, such as the cargo areas of truck, rail cars, shipping or aircraft containers, as these are often already optimally sized for the standard dimensions of said base plates. Furthermore, the base plate may comprise a fastening device for securing the holding apparatus to the base plate and for securing the transportation apparatus with respect to its surroundings, thereby making it possible to secure the item in such manner that displacement of the holding apparatus or transportation apparatus is limited, and preferably prevented entirely.
The base plate or transportation apparatus is preferably designed in such manner that it may be transported and/or stacked by means of a forklift truck. For this purpose, the base plate or transportation apparatus preferably comprises at least one recessed region or aperture region that is designed to accommodate the forks of a forklift truck. The base plate may be designed for example as a standard pallet (for example with external height and/or width and/or depth dimensions of a europallet or ULD pallet, for example), wherein the base plate may comprise one or more plinth elements and a bearing plate section. The plinth elements are preferably below the bearing plate section on which the holding apparatus may be mounted, and are connected thereto. A second bearing plate section may be provided underneath the plinth elements similarly to a standard pallet. In this manner, the transportation apparatus may be integrated in an existing logistics system more easily.
The peripheral dimension of the base plate may preferably be the same as the peripheral dimension of the optional frame or cradle. However, the peripheral dimension of the base plate may also be larger or smaller than that of the frame or cradle.
The holding apparatus may comprise a closure device such as a closure plate, which may be in the form of a lid structure. The closure device may be a separate component, particularly connectable with the holding apparatus, or it may be permanently attached to the holding apparatus, that is to say it cannot be detached non-destructively. The holding apparatus may further comprise a retaining device for retaining the closure device. The retaining device may comprise a hinge arrangement or track arrangement, such that the closure device can be designed as a pivoting or sliding closure. The closure plate may comprise a fixing device so that it may be fixed to the holding apparatus. The fixing device may include for example latching means or magnetic closure elements or ring members.
The peripheral dimension of the closure plate may correspond to the peripheral dimension of the optional frame or the optional cradle. However, the peripheral dimension of the closure plate may also be larger or smaller than the peripheral dimension of the frame or cradle.
The holding apparatus may be designed as an open or closed receptacle or may comprise such, which may comprise a base plate, frame or cradle and closure plate for example. The receptacle preferably comprises at least one side wall which may be in the form of a hollow cylinder for example, or preferably comprises at least four connected side walls that enclose a substantially cuboid volume. The holding apparatus is preferably designed as a ULD container, which is constructed such that at least one area is created by two side walls that are positioned at an angle other than with respect to the baseplate or cover plate, such that the receptacle is approximately U-shaped. Such an air freight container is preferably constructed as an LD1, LD2, LD3, LD6, LD7, LD8, LD9 or LD11 container.
The holding capacity of the receptacle is preferably suitable for holding a liquid volume of preferably 1 to 1000 dm3, 100 to 800 dm3, 200 to 700 dm3, 500 to 700 dm3 for example, or more or less, and for preventing said liquid from leaking at least in the direction of gravity under the force of gravity.
The components of the transportation apparatus, such as the base plate or the frame or cradle or side walls of the holding apparatus may be made from any materials that are suitable for accommodating the hazardous material in question, preferably treated, for example coated, or untreated wood, or similarly treated or untreated plastic, metal, steel, aluminium, thin sheet metal, thick plate, fibres, fibrous structures or felt or composite materials. Preferred materials are particularly iron-containing alloys, steel, lightweight metals such as aluminium, titanium or magnesium, plastics, in particular polypropylene, polyethylene or polyamide, which in particular are cross-linked and are in particular reinforced with fillers and/or wovens/non-crimped fabrics, in particular with glass fibres and/or carbon fibres and/or aramid fibres and/or polybenzazole fibres or combinations thereof. However, it is also possible to use non-crosslinked plastics, elastomers, gels, particles of glass or sand, textile mats or non-crimped fabrics, foams, particularly of steel, lightweight metals, polymers particularly such as polyurethane or polystyrene, or combinations thereof. In particular, the materials also have flame-retardant or flame-resistant properties. The operating temperature of the materials used is particularly up to 400° C., preferably up to 1,000° C., more preferably up to 1,500° C., most preferably up to 2,000° C. or higher. Particularly suitable and therefore preferred refractory or flame retardant materials are high-temperature resistant polymers such as materials of aramid, epoxy resins polybenazole or other high-temperature resistant polymers, metal-based materials such as alloys or refractory metals or ceramic materials, or combinations thereof, such as are known in the art.
The components, such as the base plate, side surfaces, frame or cradle and closure plate may preferably be connected to each other, preferably in material-locking and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner, so that the undesirable escape of a substance from the transportation apparatus into the environment, and conversely penetration of the transportation apparatus by a material from the surrounding atmosphere may preferably be reduced, or more preferably prevented altogether. The holding apparatus or the transportation apparatus may be designed as a module that is connected with other modules in material-locking and/or more preferably force-locking and/or most preferably form-locking manner to form a compact group of holding apparatuses within a transportation apparatus or a group of transportation apparatuses.
The holding apparatus(es) may be designed to be flexible, particularly elastic, that is to way with an E-modulus 0.5 kN/mm2 for example (or 0.1 or 0.05) which may be achieved by the use of elastomers such as silicone rubber. Alternatively or additionally, the holding apparatus may be rigid, in particular essentially designed to be non-elastic, for example with an E-modulus>0.5 kN/mm2 (or 0.1 or 0.05). In addition, the holding apparatus may have flexible components in combination with rigid components or without rigid components, which may also be assigned to a safety device, for example. Elastic properties offer the advantage that mechanical shocks, acting on the outside of the holding apparatus for example, can be absorbed, which may prevent damage. Rigid properties prevent undesirable deformation and provide dimensional stability, which may also be preferred in order to provide a stable holding apparatus.
The holding apparatus preferably comprises at least one damping device. This may comprise one or more elastically or non-elastically deformable portions, by means of which kinetic energy can be converted into deformation energy and heat energy in the event of mechanical shocks such as impact situations, for example, in order to substantially absorb the mechanical shock or vibrations. In this way, the cargo may be protected. Such sections may be components of the respective optional side walls or closure device, the base plate, the frame or the cradle or casing of the holding apparatus. The number of sections may be 1, 2 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 20, 30 to 50 or more. They may be arranged on one or more sides of the holding apparatus, and particularly spaced uniformly, for example equidistantly. Moreover, these sections may be separate components that are arranged or fixed on the holding apparatus or on one of the components thereof. For example, said deformable section may also be constructed so as to enclose or partially enclose the holding apparatus, to form an “external buffer zone”.
A holding apparatus may preferably comprise essentially a single component, and may be formed integrally, for example, as an aluminium composite foil or an aluminium component and/or may comprise multiple components, for example a base plate, a frame or a cradle or a closure plate.
The transportation apparatus may be designed such that a first holding apparatus completely or at least partially surrounds at least one second holding apparatus. A first holding apparatus may completely or at least partially surround at least one second holding apparatus, so that no effective relationship exists between the at least one second holding apparatus and the ambient surroundings of the first holding apparatus and thus of the entire transportation apparatus. A first holding apparatus may completely or at least partially surround the at least one second holding apparatus, so that an effective relationship is possible between the at least one second holding apparatus and the ambient surroundings. A first holding apparatus may be operatively connected to at least one second holding apparatus. A first holding apparatus may have no operative connection with at least one second holding apparatus. A first holding apparatus may have parts in common with at least one second holding apparatus. A first holding apparatus may be in material-locking and/or force-locking and/or form-locking contact with at least one second holding apparatus.
These combination possibilities of at least a first and a second holding apparatus enable the creation of a transportation apparatus with particular advantages in terms of functionality, flexibility, holding safety, content protection and manageability.
A first transportation apparatus may preferably be connected to at least one second transportation apparatus preferably in material-locking and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner by means of a connecting device which may be arranged or mounted on a transportation apparatus or which may be provided at least partly separately.
In one embodiment, the one or more holding apparatus(es) is/are (an) outer packaging(s), which at least partially delimit(s) the transportation apparatus from the outside environment, and is/are particularly recyclable or non-recyclable and accordingly may or may not be recycled after use.
In one embodiment, the holding apparatus(s) is/are (a) salvage packaging(s), which can be used repeatedly for packing goods to be transported so that said goods may be salvaged in hazardous situations for example (for example in the event of an accident, storage damage, etc.), and which is preferably recyclable and is recycled accordingly during use.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises at least one safety device in addition to the barrier device. The safety device may be a component of the transportation apparatus alone or in combination with other safety devices. At least one holding apparatus and/or at least one barrier device or parts of a holding apparatus may preferably be connected in material-locking and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner to at least one safety device.
The safety device(s) may be located inside the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device. The safety device(s) may be located outside and on the top or side of the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device. The safety device(s) may be located between a first and at least one second holding apparatus and/or barrier device. One or more parts of the safety device(s) may be disposed outside and on the top or side of the holding apparatus and/or the barrier device while other parts are arranged inside the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device.
The safety device(s) may be operatively connected to the holding apparatus(es) and/or the environment and/or the barrier device. The safety device(s) may not be operatively connected to the holding apparatus(es) and the environment and/or the barrier device.
In one embodiment, at least two safety devices may be provided. The at least two safety devices may be located inside the holding apparatus(es). The at least two safety devices may be located outside and on the side or on top of the holding apparatus(es). The at least two safety devices may be located between holding apparatuses and/or the barrier device. The at least two safety devices may comprise parts outside and on the side or on top of the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device and/or parts inside the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device.
The at least two safety devices may be operatively connected to the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device. The at least two safety devices may not be operatively connected to the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device. The at least two safety devices may not be operatively connected to the ambient surroundings. The at least two safety devices may be operatively connected to the ambient environment.
The at least two safety devices may be operatively connected to each other. The at least two safety devices may not be operatively connected to each other. The at least two safety devices may be operatively connected to each other and/or the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device and/or the ambient environment. The at least two safety devices may not be operatively connected to each other and/or the holding apparatus(es) and/or the barrier device and/or the ambient environment. The at least two safety devices may be operatively connected to at least one holding apparatus and/or the barrier device and the ambient environment. The at least two safety devices may not be operatively connected to at least one holding apparatus and/or barrier device and the ambient environment.
The safety devices may be used for the same purpose, for example, for fire prevention. The safety devices may be used for different purposes, for example a first safety device may be used for fire prevention while the second safety device is used to collect leaking liquids.
Advantageously, at least one safety device is part of the transportation apparatus for fire prevention and/or fire fighting. Advantageously, at least one safety device is part of the transportation apparatus to prevent hazardous material from leaking from the transportation apparatus into the ambient environment.
Advantageously, at least two safety devices and at least one barrier device are provided, wherein at least one first safety device serves for fire prevention and/or fire-fighting, at least one second safety device serves for collecting and/or disposing of solid, liquid or gaseous (chemical) substances from the interior of a holding apparatus, and at least one barrier device is capable of absorbing and/or slowing, but not releasing (due to penetration by splinters or projectiles for example) flying splinters or projectiles that may have resulted from an explosion, for example. It is unimportant whether the projectiles or splinters are flying from the surrounding atmosphere towards the inside of the transportation apparatus or in the opposite direction.
The safety device(s) may preferably in each instance be introduced before, during and after assembly of the transportation apparatus.
A safety device, particularly a receptacle with extinguishing agent, is advantageously placed on a first holding apparatus, wherein the safety device particularly releases the extinguishing agent at a minimum temperature and/or minimum pressure. Preferably, a rapidly disintegrating capsule causes the release of the extinguishing agent at a minimum temperature and/or a minimum pressure. The extinguishing agent is preferably released by spraying.
The safety device is preferably constructed as a receptacle, preferably as a pad. The term pad is used to refer to a receptacle that contains a filler material. A pad preferably has an interior space for containing substances, for example extinguishing agents, which are preferably dry, in gel or fluid form, or preferably contain aerosol extinguishing agents. The space for holding said substances is preferably defined by an enclosure of the pad, which is preferably flexible. The enclosure preferably has the form of a foil. The enclosure may be constructed as a single part or in multiple sections. A defined rupture point is preferably defined at one or more specified positions, and said rupture point opens, releasing its contents into the environment when the values of certain parameters exceed or fall below certain setpoint values, in the case of increased pressure or elevated temperature, for example. Such a defined rupture point may have the form of a seam, particularly a weld seam, for example.
A rapidly disintegrating capsule is preferably located inside or within the enclosure and, when values for certain parameters exceed or fall below certain setpoint values for the parameters, in the case of increased pressure or elevated temperature, said capsule triggers an increase in pressure inside the enclosure, for example by releasing gases, thereby causing the extinguishing agent to be released, preferably sprayed, by the opening of one or more predetermined rupture points. However, it is also conceivable for an extinguishing agent to be located inside the enclosure which, after activation, for example, due to a temperature rise above a defined value, is activated and is converted into a rapidly expanding extinguishing agent, an aerosol for example.
In one embodiment, at least one safety device is advantageously designed as a fire extinguishing device, preferably as a fire extinguishing system that complies with the German industrial standard DIN 14497. The fire extinguishing device preferably contains at least one extinguishing agent or mixtures of extinguishing agents. The extinguishing agent may consist of or comprise inert gas, particularly of CO2, Ar or N2 or mixtures of gases. The extinguishing agent may consist of or comprise a reaction retarding agent and/or installation foam. The extinguishing agent may consist of or comprise coolant water, which may contain at least one extinguishing agent additive. The extinguishing agent may also consist of or comprise an aerosol. This aerosol may be a dry aerosol. The extinguishing agent may be an extinguishing powder, particularly an ABC, BC, or D powder.
Preferably, at least one extinguishing agent additive consisting of a polymer composition that absorbs a multiple of its weight in water, and an adhesive and heat-shielding gel without air inclusions, consisting of uniformly thickened water is used.
Preferably at least one extinguishing agent additive has good adhesion even on smooth, vertical surfaces. Preferably, foil thicknesses up to 10 mm are formed. The foil thickness may also be larger or smaller. The physicochemical properties of the at least one extinguishing agent additive preferably have the effect of slowing the evaporation rate of water at high temperatures. This also leads in preferred manner to reduced consumption of extinguishing water. The at least one extinguishing agent additive is preferably at least partially biodegradable. Particularly preferred extinguishing agents have a product viscosity of 200 to 500 mPas at 20° C. However, the product viscosity may also be higher or lower. Further particularly preferred extinguishing agent additives have densities of 1.05 g/cm3. The density may also be higher or lower.
Particularly preferred extinguishing agents (additives) have a pH value between 6.9 and 7.1 at 20° C. The pH value may also be higher or lower. The preferred dosage rate of the extinguishing agents (additives) is 1.0% to 1.5% for firefighting, 2.0% to 3.0% for shielding, and 1.0% to 2.0% for extinguishing systems. The dosage can also be larger or smaller. Such an extinguishing agent additive is marketed for example under the trade name “Firesorb” by Evonik, Germany (2010; registration number PL 1-98).
At least one safety device preferably comprises a pressure relief device that is preferably reclosable, and which may particularly comprise a valve, for example a Horbiger valve and/or flap, for example a multi-flap, which may comprise a plurality of vanes for example, wherein adjacent vanes may touch each other in the closed state. The flap may particularly be a spring-loaded flap. The safety device may further comprise a setpoint breaking point, particularly in a part of the holding apparatus, for example in the closure device.
At least one barrier device is preferably designed as an explosion protection device. The term explosion protection is also used to refer to detonation protection, flash fire protection or deflagration protection. The explosion protection device is preferably capable of reducing, preferably minimising, more preferably preventing the entry of splinters/projectiles into the interior of the holding apparatus and/or the exit of splinters/projectiles from inside the holding apparatus. The barrier device preferably has a bulletproof rating corresponding preferably in each case to at least one of the resistance classes FB1, FB2, FB3, FB4, FB5, FB6, FB7 or FSG defined in European standard EN 1522 or, particularly if the barrier device comprises glass, one of the specific resistance classes BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 or SG2 defined in EN 1063.
The explosion protection device is preferably capable of at least partially, preferably completely absorbing the kinetic energy of the projectiles/splinters that strike the explosion protection device and converting it into thermal energy and/or deformation energy, so that the impacting splinters/projectiles are at least decelerated and preferably stopped (Ekin=0 m/s). In this process, the explosion protection device and/or the impacting splinters/projectiles may be deformed by the effect of the deformation energy and/or heated by the effect of the thermal energy generated.
An explosion protection device or the barrier device preferably comprises a gas-impermeable and/or fibre-reinforced foil that expands, preferably in a defined or undefined direction, more preferably in up to two defined or undefined directions, particularly preferably in up to four defined or undefined directions, most preferably in all directions, under conditions of elevated pressure (that is to say a pressure value that differs from atmospheric pressure, 1.028 bar) inside the space defined by the foil. Said foil may comprise at least some carbon fibres or aramid fibres or glass fibres. Fibres are understood also to comprise wovens, non-crimped fabrics or non-woven fabrics. The foil may also preferably be in the form of a fibre-reinforced composite material. The explosion protection device preferably comprises a free-flowing material, for example sand, and/or a fluid. The fluid is preferably viscous. The fluid is preferably compressible. The explosion protection means is preferably designed as a pressure distribution layer, preferably comprising a honeycomb and/or ridge and/or ribbed and/or corrugated profile and/or beads, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged in the holding apparatus transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the vector of the kinematic moment of the incident splinter/projectile. Preferably at least two, more preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least six or more pressure distribution layers are arranged successively. In this context, “successively” is understood to mean that the sequence of pressure distribution layers takes place either horizontally or vertically, or it takes place horizontally and vertically. The alignments of the longitudinal axes of the successive pressure distribution layers are different, more preferably they are identical. A pressure distribution layer preferably comprises a material selected from a ferrous alloy, steel, a lightweight metal such as aluminium, titanium or magnesium, crosslinked plastics, plastics with fillers and/or fabrics and/or nonwovens, preferably with carbon fibres, glass fibres and/or aramid fibres or combinations thereof. Preferably, at least two or more explosion protection devices are contained in the holding apparatus.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises at least one trough element. A trough element may be a component in the form of a tub, particularly a catch basin. Preferably, at least one safety device is configured as a catch basin for liquids that leak from the holding apparatus, and is preferably made from a suitable material or combinations of suitable materials, particularly steel or sheet steel (preferably galvanised), sheet metal, aluminium, copper, metal, plastic, for example PVC or PE, or also from one or more sheets of one or more of said materials, and may comprise one or more coatings of such and other materials. The holding apparatus is preferably arranged inside and/or above the catch basin and preferably inside the catch basin. The lateral dimensions of the catch basin are such that the lateral dimensions of a standard europallet or ULD pallet or ULD container are not exceeded or that the lateral dimensions of the catch basin are substantially the same as the lateral dimensions of a standard europallet or a ULD pallet or a ULD container. The catch basin may be connected permanently, that is to say not it cannot be detached non-destructively, to at least one holding apparatus in bonded and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner. However, it is possible for the catch basin not to be connected to the at least one holding apparatus.
The bottom or sides of a trough element preferably comprise at least one spacing device, for example one or more plinths or ribs to maintain a distance between the bottom of the tank and the underside of the bottom of the holding apparatus arranged above it. However, it may also be the underside of the bottom of said holding apparatus that comprises the spacing device. Said spacing device preferably comprises or consists of materials suitable for this purpose, such as plastic or metal. The transportation apparatus may comprise one or more grating element(s) which may serve as floor elements or the bearing surface, and which may particularly comprise or be a part of said spacing means. A grid element may comprise or be a steel grating, which in particular may be galvanised. It may be connected, particularly permanently (that is to say it cannot be detached non-destructively) or detachably, that is to say it may be removable, to the transportation apparatus, particularly to the spacing device, in bonded, force-locking and/or form-locking manner.
Preferably, at least one safety device is capable of chemical and/or physical adsorption and/or chemical and/or physical absorption of solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous (chemical) substances.
The cargo is preferably enclosed by at least one safety device that is capable of chemical and/or physical adsorption and/or chemical and/or physical absorption of solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous chemical substances.
In one embodiment, a safety device is a fast-curing foam. This foam may be, for example, fire-retarding and/or have moisture-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties and/or may be connected to the bottom of the catch basin and the underside of the bottom of the holding apparatus in force-fitting manner. A spacing device may have latching means with which the transportation apparatus is able to be fastened to complementary latching means on the tub.
At least one safety device, particularly for fire prevention, preferably has the form of a flame resistant and/or gas- and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of the transported goods, preferably consisting of composite foil and/or ceramic spray material (for example such as is manufactured by Evonik Industries AG and known by the trade name Separion) and/or heat-shielding, adhesive gel and/or expanding foam with ignition protection and/or Phase Change Material (PCM), and is preferably sprayed onto the cargo from cans.
The flame-resistant and/or gas- and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of the transported goods may preferably consist of a polymer formulation that absorbs many times its weight in water and an adhesive and heat-shielding gel without air inclusions consisting of uniformly thickened water. The flame resistant and/or gas- and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of the transported goods preferably has good adhesion even on smooth, vertical surfaces. Foil thicknesses up to 10 mm are preferred. However, the layer thickness may also be greater or smaller. The flame-resistant and/or gas- and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of the transported goods preferably reduces the evaporation rate of water at high temperatures due to its physicochemical properties. Also advantageously, this results in lower consumption of fire extinguishing water. The flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of the transported goods is preferably at least partially biodegradable. Particularly preferred flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosures of transported goods have a viscosity from 200 to 500 mPas at 20° C. Product viscosity may also be higher or lower. Particularly preferred flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosures of transported goods further have densities of 1.05 g/cm3. The density may also be higher or lower.
Particularly preferred flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosures of transported goods have a pH value between 6.9 and 7.1 at 20° C. The pH may also be higher or lower.
The preferred dosage rate of the flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosures of transported goods is 2.0% to 3.0% for shielding. The dosage rate can be higher or lower. Such flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosures of transported goods is marketed for example under the trade name “Firesorb” by Evonik (2010; registration number PL 1-98).
Particularly preferably, at least one safety device is in the form of a flame-resistant and/or gas-impermeable and/or liquid-impermeable enclosure of transported goods with heat shielding capabilities. The enclosure is preferably designed such that a temperature of 100° C., 150° C., 200° C. respectively is not exceeded in the interior of a holding apparatus on the transportation apparatus.
The at least one safety device preferably comprises a gas extraction apparatus, which may comprise a fan, for example. The gas extraction apparatus preferably comprises a filter device such as an activated charcoal filtering system that is able to extract a gas (mixture) forming in the interior of the holding apparatus in order to reduce, modify or prevent the gas escaping into the surrounding environment of the holding apparatus. The filter system may be a catalytic and/or mechanically acting filter system.
The safety device may further comprise a filtering means independent of the gas extraction apparatus. The gas extraction apparatus may also be configured such that a gas (mixture) is extracted and enclosed in a container and/or liquefied. The container may be located inside or outside the holding apparatus.
At least one safety device preferably comprises a sensor system that in particular measures atmospheric pressure, and/or mechanical pressure, and/or temperature, and/or moisture, and/or air composition inside and/or outside the transportation apparatus and/or inside and/or outside the holding apparatus(es), and/or inside and/or outside the transported goods. The sensor system may comprise at least one temperature probe. The safety device, particularly the sensor system may comprise a control device that in particular may comprise a computing device, for example integrated circuits or a microcontroller.
The sensor system may preferably be operatively connected to the vehicle and/or the transported goods, in contact with the battery management system (BMS) of an electrochemical energy storage unit for example, and may preferably trigger another safety device, a fire extinguishing system for example, if captured values exceed or fall below defined parameter values.
In one embodiment, the sensor system may be operatively connected to at least one safety device that is designed for example for fire prevention or fire fighting.
In this context, the phrase “operatively connected to” is also understood to mean that the sensor system measures specific parameters such as temperature or the charge level of batteries, and triggers the release of extinguishing agent from a safety device for fire fighting if captured values exceed or fall below certain previously defined parameter values. However, the sensor system may also cause the vehicle driver to be alerted, via a warning light located in the cab or via an acoustic signal for example, to the fact that captured values have exceeded or fallen below certain parameter values, so that the vehicle driver can take appropriate measures such as activating a fire extinguishing system designed as a safety device.
The sensors are advantageously in contact with a control element that is part of the sensor system and which compares the parameter values measured by the sensor system, for pressure or temperature for example, with predefined parameter values, and triggers safety devices such as a fire extinguishing system if the measured data exceeds or falls below the previously defined parameter values. The values for parameters such as pressure or temperature measured by the sensor system are reported to the vehicle driver, so that he can activate safety devices if the measured data exceeds or fall below pre-defined values.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises a control device. This may comprise electrical circuits, a microcontroller, data and voltage supply elements. It may also be connected to sensors that are optional components of the transportation apparatus, particularly of the holding apparatus or the safety device. This enables active control and monitoring of the transportation apparatus.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises a display device that is visible from outside. The display device is preferably designed such that changes of state in the hazardous goods, particularly danger situations, are made visible to the outside world without having to open the transportation apparatus. The transportation apparatus preferably has a viewing window. This may be integrated in a side wall or a top wall or in a lid wall of the holding apparatus, for example, or one of said walls may consist substantially of said window. The display device, particularly said window, is preferably designed such that the contrast or colour thereof is changed partially or completely, particularly that a visible area is filled with a signal colour, in the event of a change of state (increased temperature or pressure, fire, gas formation, etc.). The viewing window is preferably part of the barrier device and is preferably bullet-proof according to one of the resistance classes BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 or SG2 defined in EN 1063.
The display device may also comprise other signalling elements, such as displays, lamps, LEDs, or non-electrical signal elements. The display device is preferably designed as a display unit that renders visible at least one parameter, such as pressure, temperature or atmosphere composition that is detected in the accommodation space (by a sensor device for example).
The display device is preferably connected to a safety device which preferably comprises a sensor that causes a display to appear on the display device when captured values exceed or fall below the predetermined values for at least one parameter such as temperature or pressure, or as a consequence of other parameters such as vibration. An acoustic alert signal is preferably emitted in addition to the visual display.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises a cooling and/or temperature control device, which may particularly be monitored by said control device. In this way it is possible to take corrective steps if a critical temperature is reached in the interior of the transportation apparatus or the holding apparatus.
The transportation apparatus preferably comprises means for monitoring the state of charge of electrochemical energy storage elements such as cells, batteries, secondary batteries. These means are designed in particular to enable the state of charge and/or discharge of said energy storage apparatuses to be monitored. This makes it possible to monitor the state of energy storage apparatuses located in the transportation apparatus during transport or storage for example, particularly any charging or discharging that takes place during transportation or storage thereof.
The transportation apparatus or holding apparatus preferably comprises electrical connections for connecting electrochemical energy storage apparatuses.
In this way, a transportation apparatus is created which is particularly safe and compact, particularly for transporting cargo such as electrochemical energy storage apparatuses.
For the purposes of the description of the invention, the following terms are defined in particular:
“Transport” means the movement of goods of any kind by water, land, or air. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “transport” comprises in particular the transportation, storage, recovery, packing, shipping, etc., of cargo.
“Chemical substances” comprise compounds, substances, solutions, batches, mixtures and/or preparations, in solid, liquid or gaseous state.
The “outer packaging” is the outer covering of a combination packaging or a mixed packaging system, including any devices that are necessary and/or useful for surrounding and protecting inner receptacles or inner packaging.
A first part is “operatively connected” to a second part when a change in state of the first part portion also causes a change in stage of the second part and/or vice versa. For example, if a sensor measures a rise in temperature and consequently triggers the extinguishing system, the sensor and the extinguishing system are operatively connected to one another. On the other hand, for example, if a sensor measures a temperature increase but merely signals the temperature rise to the driver, for example, and it is the driver who activates the extinguishing system, the extinguishing system and the sensor are not operatively connected.
An “electrochemical energy storage apparatus” preferably comprises at least one galvanic cell. It may also comprise other devices that serve to operate the at least one galvanic cell. In this context, the at least one galvanic cell and the supplementary devices may be arranged in a common housing. Moreover, above a certain number of galvanic cells the electrochemical energy storage apparatus may consist of multiple units. The term galvanic cell comprises electrical energy storage apparatuses of any kind, in particular electrochemical energy storage apparatuses, that is to say particularly primary cells and secondary cells, but also other electrical energy storage apparatuses such as capacitors.
A “plate” is a body whose primary extension in the preferably vertical direction (height) is smaller in each case than the two-dimensional preferably horizontal extension (length and/or width) thereof. For example, the europallet or ULD pallet is called a plate.
The “periphery” of an area is the encompassing line extending around the outer border of an area, or the outline of the area. The “periphery” of a three-dimensional body, which this extends above a purely two-dimensional area, is the encompassing area that spans the body, or it represents the outer surface of the body.
“Adsorption” describes a process in which substances are enriched at the phase boundary between two phases (for example a surface).
“Absorption” describes a process in which substances are assimilated into the absorbing phase.
In one embodiment, a pallet, preferably a europallet advantageously forms part of the transportation apparatus as the base plate. In one embodiment, a pallet collar made of wood, metal, steel, or plastic for example is incorporated in the transportation apparatus for the purpose of confining and enclosing it. In one embodiment, a holding apparatus consisting of aluminium composite foil and PU foam padding is advantageously used to enclose the hazardous material. In one embodiment, a safety device, particularly a container with extinguishing agent is advantageously placed on a first transportation apparatus, wherein the safety device releases the extinguishing agent at a minimum temperature and/or minimum pressure and a rapidly disintegrating capsule preferably causes the release of the extinguishing agent at minimum temperature and/or minimum pressure.
The process according to the invention for producing the holding apparatus according to the invention comprises the following steps, each being individually optional:
In a first step, all components of a holding apparatus are provided, in particular the barrier device. In a further step, the provided components of the holding apparatus are assembled. In a further step, all components of a safety device are provided. In a further step, all components of the safety device are assembled. Alternatively, pre-assembled safety devices (such as fire extinguishers) or holding apparatuses (such as boxes) may be used. In a further step, the safety device may be arranged on or in the holding apparatus, or vice versa, thereby providing a transportation apparatus of the invention. Alternatively, multiple holding apparatuses may also be arranged with at least one safety device to produce a transportation apparatus according to the invention. It is preferably provided that after an electrochemical energy storage apparatus, particularly a lithium-ion cell, has been manufactured, that is to say in factory-new condition, it is arranged in the transportation apparatus according to the invention by laminating, gluing, stitching clamping, bracing or otherwise connecting it with (or to) the transportation apparatus, the holding apparatus or the barrier device in bonded and/or force-locking and/or form-locking manner, each such means being preferred.
The transportation apparatus according to the invention may preferably be used particularly for the transport of new, innovative, newly developed or ready-to-sell shipments of hazardous or dangerous goods, more particularly for the transport of new, innovative, newly developed or ready-to-sell electrochemical energy storage apparatuses.
The transportation apparatus according to the invention may preferably be used particularly for transporting damaged, defective or leaking shipments of hazardous or dangerous goods, more particularly for the transport of damaged, faulty or leaking electrochemical energy storage apparatuses. The transportation apparatus according to the invention may be preferably used for transporting, recovering, storing and holding electrochemical energy storage apparatuses, particularly lithium-ion cells or lithium-ion batteries that are fresh from the factory, used, defective or partially or completely charged or partially or completely discharged, or may be of unknown status. Transport may be by air (aeroplane, helicopter, etc.), by land (e.g., road, rail, etc.) or by water (e.g., by ship). The transportation apparatus is preferably configured to satisfy the conditions for transport according to at least one of the pertinent official rules and regulations such as ADR, RID, IMDG, RID, ICAO TI, IATA DGR, FAA.
The transportation apparatus according to the invention may comprise one (or more, particularly a plurality>=10) electrochemical energy storage apparatus(es), in particular lithium-ion cell(s), arranged in the accommodation space. The transportation apparatus then forms an enclosing device that comprises the transfer device or consists essentially thereof. Such an enclosing device according to the invention provides a high level of safety. The electrochemical energy storage apparatus, particularly a lithium-ion cell is, preferably in each case, connected with (or to) the transportation apparatus, the holding apparatus or the barrier device particularly in force-locking and/or form-locking manner and/or bonded manner particularly, and preferably in each case, by laminating, gluing, welding, stitching clamping, bracing or hooking.
Features of the inventive method and apparatus may be combined to produce a variant of the respective object of the invention.
Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing:
Frame 120, lid 130 and base plate 110 of the holding apparatus are connected to each other, preferably in such manner that no gas or liquid can escape from transportation apparatus 100 into the surrounding environment or vice versa.
A first step comprises providing the holding apparatus comprising a frame 120, a lid 130 and the base or bottom plate 110, which is formed by a europallet. In a second step, frame 120 is placed on bottom plate 110 and connected to the bottom plate.
A third, separate step comprises introducing the hazardous material 150 into a receptacle 140, which may comprise casing 144, which contains filler material 142 that may also be in the form of a safety device that surrounds hazardous material 150. Casing 144 may be made for example from aluminium composite foil, preferably such that neither gases nor liquids can escape into the environment through casing 144 or vice versa. Filler material 142 may be made from fast curing foam, PU foam for example.
Hazardous material 150 may be inserted before container 140 is filled with filler material 142 or also afterwards. Hazardous material 150 is preferably placed in container 140 in such manner that filler material 142 surrounds the hazardous material 150 evenly in all directions.
In a fourth step, receptacle 140 comprising hazardous material 150, casing 144 and filler material 142 is inserted into the holding apparatus that consists of base plate 110 and frame 120.
The volume of receptacle 140 is preferably selected such that it corresponds to the interior volume of the holding apparatus consisting of frame 120 and base plate 110. The upper limit is equal to the height of frame 120. The lateral dimensions of receptacle 140 are selected such that the lateral dimensions of europallet 110 are not exceeded. Any gaps between frame 120, base plate 110 and receptacle 140 may be filled with filler material, for example polyurethane foam, polystyrene, or paper, such that movement of receptacle 140 inside holding apparatus 110, 120 is limited, preferably prevented entirely.
In a fifth step, a closure device, specifically a lid 130, is placed on the holding apparatus filled with receptacle 140, and is attached firmly to the holding apparatus, more precisely to frame 120, preferably in such manner that no liquid and gas can be exchanged between the surrounding environment and completed transportation apparatus 100. Lid cover 130 preferably lies flush with receptacle 140. Any gaps between lid 130 and receptacle 140 may be filled with filler material, for example PU foam, polystyrene, or paper to ensure that a perfectly tight fit can be made between lid 130 and receptacle 140.
Lid 130 comprises a safety device with extinguishing agent 132, and a further safety device 134, such as a decomposable capsule which triggers the release of extinguishing agent 132 into the interior of transportation apparatus 100, preferably by spraying, in the event of a rise in temperature or pressure.
Lid 130 is assembled in a separate step. For example, a lid 130 furnished with a cavity may be provided. A pressurised container, for example, filled with extinguishing agent 132 and which may be equipped with a setpoint rupture point is introduced into said cavity. The activation device 134, such as a decomposable capsule that causes the setpoint rupture point to rupture in the event of a rise in temperature or pressure for example, may be located at the setpoint rupture point of the container filled with extinguishing agent 132. For example, if container filled with extinguishing agent 132 is under pressure, the extinguishing agent may be released by spraying, which is preferable according to the invention.
The result is a safe, simple and compact transportation apparatus 100 for transporting and storing of hazardous materials 150.
Receptacle 140 is preferably made from a sturdy casing 144. Casing 144 encloses a volume. The casing comprises a barrier device, particularly as shown in
Gases given off by hazardous material 150 may be evacuated via an exhaust gas extraction apparatus 180, preferably equipped with activated charcoal filter system and/or preferably rendered harmless.
Receptacles 140 each comprise a casing 144, which preferably allows stacking of multiple receptacles 140. The casing comprises a barrier device, particularly as shown in
A sensor 135 is attached to the hazardous material 150 in each receptacle 140. Said sensor 135 may also extend into hazardous material. If hazardous material 150 is an electrochemical energy storage apparatus for example, sensor 135 may be connected to the Battery Management System (BMS) of the electrochemical energy storage apparatus 150.
Sensor 135 may measure parameters such as pressure, temperature, air composition, and forward the data to control device 138. Additional sensors 136 are preferably located inside and outside outer casing 190 of transportation apparatus 104 to measure parameters such as pressure, temperature, air composition, for example, and to forward the data to control device 138.
Said control device 138 may, for example, compare the parameter values received from sensors 135, 136 with predetermined parameter values and activate extinguishing agent 132 or release said agent into the interior of transportation apparatus 104 if the received values exceed or fall below the predetermined values. Control device 138 preferably reports the parameter values received to the vehicle driver, who is also able to initiate release of extinguishing agent 132 from the extinguishing device.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
- 100, 102, 104, 105 Transportation apparatus
- 110, 160 Base plate, bottom plate
- 120 Frame with barrier device
- 130 Closure device, lid
- 132 Extinguishing agent
- 134 Activation device
- 135, 136 Sensors
- 138 Control device
- 140 Receptacle
- 142 Filler material
- 144 Casing
- 150, 201 Hazardous material
- 170 Catch basin
- 172 Spacing device(s)
- 180 Gas extraction apparatus
- 190 Outer casing
- 210 Side wall with barrier device
- 202 Holding apparatus
- 203 Accommodation space
- 204, 205 Barrier device
- 206 Hood element
- 207 Partition wall
- 208 Base plate
- 209 Fastening device
- 210 Layer system
- 211 First layer
- 212′ Second layer
- 213, 213′ Third layer
- 212a, 212a′ First sublayer
- 212b, 212b′ Second sublayer
Claims
1. A transportation apparatus for hazardous materials including at least one electrochemical energy storage apparatus, for transporting, recovering, storing and holding electrochemical storage apparatuses including lithium-ion cells or lithium-ion batteries, comprising:
- at least one holding apparatus for holding the hazardous material, which comprises at least one accommodation space; and
- at least one barrier device that shields at least sections of the accommodation space in at least one direction,
- wherein the barrier device comprises at least one first material and at least one second material, and
- at least one of the first or second materials comprises or forms a fiber composite.
2. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barrier device comprises a first layer made from the first material and a second layer made from the second material.
3. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second material comprises fiber structural elements including glass fibres.
4. (canceled)
5. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second material comprises aramid fibers.
6. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first material is a metallic material and the second material is a fiber composite material.
7. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barrier device is constructed as a wall or wall panel of the holding apparatus and is bullet-proof in accordance with a resistance class defined in European Standard EN 1522.
8. The transportation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transportation apparatus comprises a safety device including a fire extinguishing device.
9. A method of use of a transportation apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
- at least one of transporting or recovering, a fresh-from-factory, used or defective electrical energy storage apparatus.
10. The method of use according to claim 9, wherein the electrochemical energy storage apparatus is a lithium-ion cell.
11. The method of use according to claim 9, wherein the transporting is performed via air freight.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 3, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2014
Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GmbH (Kamenz)
Inventor: Tim Schaefer (Harztor)
Application Number: 13/981,921
