Chemical containers: a hot topic
Demand is growing for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), used mainly for the transport and storage of fluids and bulk materials by the chemical industry. Many materials become viscous at room temperature, creating flow problems for manufacturing companies during their discharge from the IBC. A better way to quickly, efficiently and economically heat up the contents of an IBC, particularly in hazardous areas, was needed. The project 'A novel conductive surface for efficient heating of bulk containers and drums' (SAFE HEAT), funded by the EU, was established to meet this market demand. In its first stage, the project modelled the dynamics of heating an IBC container to show the effects of an internal heating layer. The researchers then developed a suitable conductive compound for moulding into a shape able to exhibit a safe electrical resistance when its temperature is changed. SAFE HEAT subsequently used this compound to produce a heating system comprising self-contained sheets of the material with electrodes moulded into them. The system can be connected directly to an electrical supply using a standard electrical plug. A prototype IBC was adapted using the new system, and the heating trials that followed proved successful. However, the small and medium-sized enterprises within the SAFE HEAT project consortium have agreed that the heating system requires further product enhancement. In the meantime, project results will remain confidential until further validation work has been carried out and the project team is ready to apply for a patent.
