EP4267356A1 - Device and method for handling volatile powders - Google Patents
Device and method for handling volatile powdersInfo
- Publication number
- EP4267356A1 EP4267356A1 EP21839588.7A EP21839588A EP4267356A1 EP 4267356 A1 EP4267356 A1 EP 4267356A1 EP 21839588 A EP21839588 A EP 21839588A EP 4267356 A1 EP4267356 A1 EP 4267356A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flexible container
- hermetic enclosure
- opening
- enclosure
- skirt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 70
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 18
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 18
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 7
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010408 sweeping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002926 oxygen Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
- B65B69/0008—Opening and emptying bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/30—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled
- B65B1/32—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled by weighing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
- B65B5/04—Packaging single articles
- B65B5/045—Packaging single articles in bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
- B65B51/146—Closing bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
- B65B51/148—Hand-operated members
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device and a method for handling volatile powders.
- Volatile powders are used in the composition of many composite materials. It is for example possible to embed such powders in a resin matrix. For example, to lighten certain resins, it is possible to include a charge of microballoons formed of hollow spheres a few micrometers in diameter. Such filled resins are used in particular for their particular acoustic properties. The presence of a vacuum inside each sphere tends to lighten them, making the powders formed from microballoons very volatile before their inclusion in the resin.
- the introduction can be carried out through a door provided in the enclosure.
- the door When handling powders in the enclosure, the door is closed tightly. To be able to open the door, it is necessary to eliminate all traces of powder located in the enclosure, for example by means of a filtration system equipped with a vacuum cleaner capable of treating the air, the interior surfaces of the enclosure and any object located inside the enclosure. If there is a risk of explosion, it is necessary to restore an acceptable proportion of oxygen after eliminating the powders. These operations are cumbersome and costly.
- the invention aims to provide a much simpler solution for introducing volatile powders into an enclosure where they are handled.
- the subject of the invention is a device for handling volatile powders comprising a hermetic enclosure comprising a hatch making it possible to close an opening arranged across a wall of the hermetic enclosure, outside the hermetic enclosure the device comprising:
- a telescopic skirt arranged so as to surround the flexible container, the telescopic skirt being fixed on the one hand to the support and on the other hand to the wall of the hermetic enclosure, the telescopic skirt being configured to retract and expand according to displacements of the support while retaining a substantially tubular shape and a section of substantially constant shape around the flexible container.
- the telescopic skirt is configured so that when the movable support approaches the opening, a characteristic dimension of an inner section of the telescopic skirt decreases so as to tighten the flexible container.
- the hermetic enclosure comprises a flange surrounding the opening of the hermetic enclosure and extending beyond the wall towards the outside of the hermetic enclosure.
- the flexible container is configured to cover the collar at its opening, and a seal seals between the collar and the flexible container.
- the seal is advantageously incorporated into a ply of the flexible container.
- the device advantageously comprises an entry lock fixed to the hermetic enclosure and in which are placed the flexible container, the mobile support and, where applicable, the skirt.
- the device advantageously comprises means for sealing the flexible container.
- the sealing means can be configured to weld the flexible container along several strips each capable of ensuring the sealing of the flexible container.
- the hermetic enclosure can be a glove box.
- the gantry moving mechanism may include an actuator configured to be operated by means of a foot pedal arranged such that an operator can operate the foot pedal while keeping hands in glove box gloves.
- the invention also relates to a method for handling volatile powders by means of a device according to the invention, the method comprising a sequence of the following operations:
- the method for handling volatile powders may also comprise the following operations:
- the sealing operation of the flexible container is advantageously carried out by means of several welding strips of the flexible container, each of which can seal the flexible container, the operation of separating the flexible container being carried out by cutting the container flexible between the extreme welding bands.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a manipulation device according to the invention
- FIG. 2 shows in more detail a flexible container of the device of Figure 1;
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible container.
- FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for handling volatile powders.
- the device comprises a hermetic enclosure 12 in which the powders are handled.
- the hermetic enclosure 12 is mainly formed of a glove box. More specifically the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises orifices 14, four in the example shown, allowing an operator standing outside the hermetic enclosure 12 to insert his hands inside the hermetic enclosure through sealed gloves attached to the wall of the sealed enclosure 12.
- a glove box allows an operator to handle products or objects located in the sealed enclosure without being in direct contact with the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- handling may consist of a sample being taken from a first transport container, weighing a quantity of products in order to place it in a second transport container.
- the first container makes it possible to fill several second containers.
- the first container can come from a powder manufacturer and the second container can be used for transfer to a reactor separate from the hermetic enclosure and in which the powder is used, for example, to be embedded in a resin matrix. It is understood that the removal of a precise quantity of powder is only one example of manipulation.
- the invention can be implemented for any type of manipulation carried out in the hermetic enclosure. It is for example possible to mix the powder and the resin in the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the invention relates to the introduction of products into the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises an opening 16 arranged across a wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12 and a hatch 20 allowing the opening 16 to be opened and closed which allows products to be introduced inside the hermetic enclosure 12 in order to be handled there. Once closed, the hatch 20 is sealed.
- the volatile powder 22 is delivered in a sealed packaging 24 which is placed in a flexible container 26 adapted to the device 10. More precisely the flexible container 26 has an opening 28 configured to fit the opening 16 in a sealed manner. of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises a collar 30 surrounding the opening 16 and projecting from the wall 18 towards the outside of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the flexible container 26 covers the collar 30 at its opening 28.
- a seal 32 is interposed between the collar 30 and the flexible container 26.
- the seal 32 is for example an O-ring.
- a flange 34 surrounds the flexible container 26 at its opening 28 and makes it possible to compress, radially around the opening 16, the joint sealing 32. Any other means allowing the flexible container 26 to come tightly marry the opening 16 of the sealed enclosure 12 is possible.
- the flexible container 26 is sandwiched in the tapered fitting. The tightening of the flange is done, in this alternative, perpendicular to the wall 18 along the axis of the conical fitting.
- the hatch 20 is closed.
- the packaging 24 is sealed allowing it to be handled without danger of contact with the volatile powder 22.
- the packaging 24, still sealed is placed inside the flexible container 26.
- the flexible container 26 is put in place so fitting the opening 16 in a leaktight manner.
- this fitting consists more precisely of placing the flexible container 26 around the flange 30 while maintaining the seal 32 between the flexible container 26 and the collar 30 and then tightening the flange 34 around the flexible container 26 so as to compress the seal 32 between the flexible container 26 and the collar 30. around the opening 16, it is possible to open the hatch 20.
- the interior of the flexible container 26 then communicates with the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12 which allows the operator to grasp the packaging 24 and to break its seal to access er to volatile powder 22.
- the device 10 When the packaging 24 is full, its level in the packaging 24 is close to the opening 16 and the operator can access the powders through the opening 16. As the operator draws powder 22 in the packaging 24, its level drops and the operator may have difficulty drawing from the packaging 24.
- the device 10 comprises a mobile support 36 on which the flexible container 26 rests.
- the support 36 is mobile in translation along an axis 38. The mobility in translation allows the support 36 to approach the opening 16, carrying in its translation the flexible container 26 and the packaging 24.
- the device 10 also comprises a mechanism 40 for moving the support 36 in translation in the direction of the opening 16. This mechanism can be manual.
- the support can be guided in translation along a rod 42 extending along the axis 38.
- a handle 43 secured to the support 36 allows the movement of the support 36.
- the maintenance in position of the support 36 along the rod 42 is for example ensured by bracing by means of the weight of the support 36.
- Associate a pinion integral with a handle makes it possible to move the support 36 in translation along the rod 42 by engagement of the pinion on the rack.
- the mechanism 40 for moving the support 36 in translation can be motorized.
- the device 10 comprises an actuator 44 making it possible to move the support 36 in translation along the axis 38.
- the control of the actuator 44 is advantageously carried out by a pedal 45 configured to be accessible by the operator when he carries out manipulations in the hermetic enclosure 12, his hands in the gloves placed in the orifices 14.
- a pedal 45 configured to be accessible by the operator when he carries out manipulations in the hermetic enclosure 12, his hands in the gloves placed in the orifices 14.
- any means of moving the support 36 is possible within the scope of the invention.
- the flexible container 26 When the support 36 causes the bottom of the flexible container 26 towards the opening 16, the flexible container 26 can be deformed so as to shrink the dimensions of its opening 28 below its retention at the collar 30. More precisely , during the ascent of the support 36 in the direction of the opening 16, the flexible container 26 can bend while sagging, thus causing a flattening of its section perpendicular to the axis 38. The operator can take care to avoid this phenomenon by placing a tool in the soup container 26 or even in the packaging 24 during the translation of the support 36 in the direction of the opening 16. Alternatively, it is advantageous to provide means limiting the risk of narrowing of the opening 28 These means comprise for example a telescopic skirt 46 surrounding the flexible container 26.
- the skirt 46 is fixed on the one hand to the support 36 and on the other hand to the wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- One of the fixings of the skirt 46 either in support 36, or to the wall 18 is removable in order to access the flange 34.
- the fixing of the skirt 46 to the wall 18 is chosen as the removable fixing.
- the skirt 46 is configured to retract and expand according to movements of the support 36, while retaining a substantially tubular shape. around the flexible container 26.
- the skirt 46 retains a section, perpendicular to the axis 38, of substantially constant shape.
- substantially constant is meant a section varying in a given proportion by its retraction and its expansion.
- the section of the skirt 46 can be circular and remain substantially circular during the movements of the support 36.
- the diameter of the skirt 46 varies little during its retraction and its expansion.
- Other section shapes of the skirt 4 are possible within the scope of the invention, for example an oval, polygonal shape, etc.
- the presence of the skirt 46 makes it possible to guide the flexible container 26 when the support 36 moves. in translation, thus limiting the risk of the opening 28 of the flexible container 26 shrinking below the flange 30.
- the skirt 46 is for example formed of a deformable film to which is fixed an elastic metal wire winding in a helix around the flexible container 26.
- the wire ensures the rigidity of the skirt 46.
- the wire deforms in the same way of a coil spring retaining a substantially tubular shape.
- Other embodiments of the skirt 46 can be considered within the scope of the invention.
- the skirt 46 can for example be formed from alternating truncated cones all extending along the same axis parallel to the axis 38. The angles at the top of the various truncated cones increase when the skirt 46 retracts and decrease when the skirt 46 expands. The skirt 46 then deforms like an accordion.
- the skirt 46 is configured so that when the movable support 36 approaches the opening 16, the diameter d of the inner section of the skirt 46 and more generally a characteristic dimension of the section decreases so as to tighten the flexible container 26.
- the skirt 46 than alternating truncated cones are possible to allow the variation of the inner section of the skirt 46. It is for example possible to equip the skirt with several retractable rings depending on the elongation of the skirt 46.
- the flexible container 26 and the skirt 46 when present, are fragile components. More specifically, a risk of puncturing by external elements exists and can lead to leaks of volatile powder in the environment of the device 10.
- the device 10 can comprise an entry lock 50 in the form of a box fixed to the enclosure hermetic 12 and in which the flexible container 26, the mobile support 36 and, if necessary, the skirt 46 are arranged. 50.
- the airlock 50 advantageously comprises a door allowing access to the flexible container 26 in order to put it in place.
- the handling of the volatile powder is carried out inside the hermetic enclosure 12 by the operator. More precisely, the operator draws volatile powder 22 from the packaging 24 then manipulates it in the hermetic enclosure 12. This manipulation consists for example of filling an outlet container 52. The filling is accompanied by a weighing allowing the quantity of powder 22 present in the outlet container 52 to be dosed with precision. A scale 54 allowing the weighing is represented schematically in the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the device 10 further comprises an outlet lock 60 for receiving the powder 22 in different outlet containers 52.
- the outlet lock 60 is, like the inlet lock 50, fixed to the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the outlet lock 60 can be sized to receive several outlet containers 52. From inside the hermetic enclosure 12, the outlet lock 60 is accessed through an opening 62 made in the wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- a hatch 64 makes it possible to isolate the hermetic enclosure 12 from the exit lock 60 by closing the opening 62.
- the volatile powders 22 may present flammability risks. This is particularly the case when the volatile powders 22 are formed from microballoons enclosing a flammable gas. To ensure the safety of the operator, it is possible to deplete the oxygen in the air present in the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the ambient air contains around 20% oxygen and the target oxygen level to be observed in the hermetic enclosure is a function of the degree of flammability of the powders 22. For example, to obtain an oxygen level of the order of 8%, it is possible to use a so-called lost sweeping technique. More precisely, a permanent flow of inert gas, such as for example nitrogen, sweeps the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12.
- a filter allows the excess air to leave the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the filter is calibrated to allow air to pass and retain the particles of powder handled in the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the sweeping is schematized by a nitrogen reserve 66 able to inject nitrogen into the hermetic enclosure 12 and a filter 68 arranged in passing through the wall 18.
- the sweep is configured so as to reach the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure 12, the interior of the flexible container 26 as well as the volume of the outlet lock 60.
- the oxygen depletion system may have a sensor for measuring the oxygen level allowing it to regulate its operation. In the case of volatile powders presenting risks of flammability, once the seal has been made between the flexible container 26 and the hermetic enclosure 12 around the opening 16, the oxygen depletion of the internal volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 is carried out before opening the hatch 20.
- the gas pressure inside the hermetic enclosure 12 can be maintained slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure prevailing in the room in which the device 10 is located.
- the overpressure thus prevents the ambient air of the room from entering the hermetic enclosure through any micro leaks or through the gloves which tend to become porous over time.
- a system for cleaning the internal volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 can be provided in order to eliminate the particles of powder 22 which may be deposited in the hermetic enclosure 12 out of the outlet container 52 during the handling of the powder. 22.
- the device 10 may comprise a vacuum cleaner 70 provided with a filter 72 similar to the filter 68.
- the vacuum cleaner 70 can be equipped with pipes, not shown, allowing the operator to reach the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 and also the interior of the flexible container 26 and of the outlet lock 60. It is also possible to provide a specific vacuum cleaner for the outlet lock 60 in order to avoid completely cleaning the internal volume of the enclosure hermetic 12 when the operator wishes to access the outlet lock 60 to take a full outlet container 52 or to deposit an empty outlet container 52 there.
- the exit lock 60 includes a door 74 allowing the exit containers 52 filled with their dose of powder 22 to be removed and also allowing the introduction of empty exit containers 52 for filling into the enclosure. hermetic 12.
- the hatch 64 is closed during the handling of powders inside the hermetic enclosure 12.
- the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12 and in particular the outer surfaces of the outlet containers 52 are cleaned by means of the vacuum cleaner 70 before opening the hatch 64.
- the internal volume of the outlet lock 60 remains clean even when the hatch 64 is open.
- the device has an oxygen depletion system for the air present in the hermetic enclosure 12, it may be useful to provide a system for restoring oxygen to the outlet airlock 60 in order to prevent the operator is subjected to air that is too low in oxygen by opening the door 74.
- This oxygen replenishment system can use a compressed air network often present in premises of the type to which the device 10 is brought to be installed.
- the oxygen replenishment system is activated after cleaning the inside of the hermetic enclosure 12 to prevent traces of powder from being in the presence of gas that is too rich in oxygen.
- the oxygen replenishment system may have a sensor for measuring the oxygen level allowing it to regulate its operation. It is also possible to actuate it when the hatch 64 is open, but this requires replenishing the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure with oxygen, to carry out this operation, which consumes inert gas before a new powder handling operation 22 inside the hermetic enclosure 12.
- FIG. 2 shows in more detail the flexible container 26 which can be used to extract waste from the device 10 and in particular the packaging 24 when it is empty.
- the device 10 comprises means for sealing the flexible container 26.
- the flexible container 26 can be made of a thermoplastic material and the sealing means can consist of a heating clamp 80 allowing the sealing of the sealed container 26 in particular to enclose the packaging 24 therein once emptied of its powder and possibly any other type of waste, such as a vacuum cleaner bag 70, which the operator can place in the flexible container 26 before it is closed.
- Other means of closures are of course possible within the scope of the invention. It is for example possible to fold the flexible container and maintain the fold by means of clamps.
- a single welding strip may be sufficient to seal the flexible container 26.
- Weld strip 82 is closest to opening 16 and strip 86 furthest away. Each welding strip can alone seal the flexible container 26.
- the heating clamp 80 can be configured to make only one strip and the operator repeats the welding operation as many times as there are strips to be made. Alternatively, the heating clamp 80 can be configured to produce the three bands simultaneously. This allows better control of the gap between the different welding strips.
- the flexible container 26 can be cut using any type of cutting tool between the two end strips 82 and 86 and in particular on the trace of the intermediate strip 84 when three strips are carried out.
- the strip 84 then serves as a guide for cutting the flexible container 26.
- the strips being made at a distance from each other, the use of a cutting guide makes it possible to limit the risk of rupture of the seal. of the flexible container 26 during the cutting operation.
- the cutting of the flexible container 26 on the strip 84 has another advantage, which is to prevent any powder particles that may be between two consecutive strips from being released.
- the flexible container 26 is cut into two parts, the part 26-1, the closest to the opening 16, remains attached to the collar 30 and the other part 26-2 can be removed, for example for treatment of waste and recycling.
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible container 26 and more specifically of the seal placed at the interface between the flange 30 and the flexible container 26. More specifically, the seal 32 can be placed in a fold 90 of the flexible container 26. It is possible to fold the edge of the flexible container 26 at the level of its opening 28, to enclose the seal 32 in the fold 90 and to fix this fold to the rest of the flexible container 26.
- Fastening can be carried out in various ways, for example by welding or gluing.
- the presence of the seal 32 in the fold 90 of the flexible container 26 makes it possible to limit the number of operations that the operator must perform when mounting the flexible container 26 on the collar 30. This also makes it possible to secure this assembly, forgetting the seal 32 is then impossible.
- the seal 32 can be single or multiple as shown in Figure 3. Inside the fold 90, it is possible to separate the seals 32 by a bead of glue or welding.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a device and a method for handling volatile powders. The device comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (12) comprising a flap (20) for closing an opening (16) disposed through a wall (18) of the hermetically sealed chamber (12), the device (10) comprising, on the outside of the hermetically sealed chamber (12): - a flexible container (26) that is intended to receive a package (24) containing volatile powders (22), - means for the sealed attachment of the flexible container (26), an opening (28) of which matches, in a sealed manner, the opening (16) of the hermetically sealed chamber (12), - a movable support (36) on which the flexible container (26) rests, - a mechanism for moving movement means (40) of the movable support (36) in translation in the direction of the opening (16) of the hermetically sealed chamber (12).
Description
DISPOSITIF ET PROCEDE DE MANIPULATION DE POUDRES VOLATILES DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING VOLATILE POWDERS
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
[0001] L’invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles. Des poudres volatiles entrent dans la composition de nombreux matériaux composites. Il est par exemple possible de noyer de telles poudres dans une matrice de résine. A titre d’exemple, pour alléger certaines résines, il est possible d’y inclure une charge de microballons formés de sphères creuses de quelques micromètres de diamètre. De telles résines chargées sont notamment utilisées pour leurs propriétés acoustiques particulières. La présence d’un vide à l’intérieur de chaque sphère tend à les alléger, rendant les poudres formées de microballons très volatiles avant leur inclusion dans de la résine. The invention relates to a device and a method for handling volatile powders. Volatile powders are used in the composition of many composite materials. It is for example possible to embed such powders in a resin matrix. For example, to lighten certain resins, it is possible to include a charge of microballoons formed of hollow spheres a few micrometers in diameter. Such filled resins are used in particular for their particular acoustic properties. The presence of a vacuum inside each sphere tends to lighten them, making the powders formed from microballoons very volatile before their inclusion in the resin.
[0002] La mise en oeuvre de telles poudres pose des problèmes de manipulation. La dimension très faible des particules formant ces poudres les rend toxiques en cas d’inhalation par un opérateur qui les manipule. De plus, dans le cas de microballons, le gaz enfermé dans chaque sphère peut être inflammable. Pour manipuler ce type de poudres deux types de réglementations doivent être appliquées. Tout d’abord, une réglementation en matière d’hygiène et de sécurité permet de protéger les opérateurs du risque d’inhalation de ces poudres. Ensuite en cas de présence de produits inflammables, une réglementation permet d’alerter et de renseigner sur la nature du risque d’explosion. A titre d’exemple de réglementation concernant les produits inflammables, on peut citer la directive européenne 2014/34/UE. [0002] The use of such powders poses handling problems. The very small size of the particles forming these powders makes them toxic if inhaled by an operator handling them. In addition, in the case of microballoons, the gas enclosed in each sphere may be flammable. To handle this type of powders two types of regulations must be applied. First of all, health and safety regulations protect operators from the risk of inhaling these powders. Then, in the event of the presence of flammable products, regulations make it possible to alert and provide information on the nature of the risk of explosion. As an example of regulations concerning flammable products, we can cite the European directive 2014/34/EU.
[0003] Afin de respecter la réglementation en matière d’hygiène et de sécurité, il est possible de manipuler les poudres dans un local étanche, l’opérateur pouvant pénétrer dans le local habillé d’une combinaison étanche aux particules manipulées. Il est également possible de confiner les poudres dans une enceinte étanche en permettant la manipulation des poudres par l’extérieur de l’enceinte. La manipulation peut être faite au moyen de bras articulés opérant dans l’enceinte et commandés par l’extérieur. Il est également possible de mettre en oeuvre une enceinte appelée boîte à gants. L’enceinte est équipée de gants dans lesquels un opérateur situé à l’extérieur de l’enceinte introduit ses mains pour lui permettre de manipuler des objets situés à l’intérieur de l’enceinte.
[0004] Concernant le risque d’explosion, il est possible de le supprimer en contrôlant l’atmosphère du local ou de l’enceinte dans laquelle les poudres sont manipulées en réduisant la proportion d’oxygène qui agit comme comburant. [0003] In order to comply with health and safety regulations, it is possible to handle the powders in a sealed room, the operator being able to enter the room dressed in a suit impervious to the particles being handled. It is also possible to confine the powders in a sealed enclosure by allowing the handling of the powders from the outside of the enclosure. Handling can be done by means of articulated arms operating in the enclosure and controlled from the outside. It is also possible to implement an enclosure called a glove box. The enclosure is fitted with gloves into which an operator located outside the enclosure introduces his hands to enable him to handle objects located inside the enclosure. [0004] Regarding the risk of explosion, it is possible to eliminate it by controlling the atmosphere of the room or of the enclosure in which the powders are handled by reducing the proportion of oxygen which acts as an oxidizer.
[0005] La mise en sécurité des opérateurs intervenant sur les poudres, aussi bien en matière d’hygiène et de sécurité que vis-à-vis de produits inflammables doit s’appliquer pour la manipulation des poudres à l’intérieur des enceintes prévues à cet effet et aussi pour l’introduction des poudres à l’intérieur de l’enceinte. [0005] The safety of operators working on powders, both in terms of hygiene and safety and vis-à-vis flammable products must apply for the handling of powders inside the enclosures provided for this purpose and also for the introduction of the powders inside the enclosure.
[0006] L’introduction peut être réalisée par une porte prévue dans l’enceinte. Lors de la manipulation des poudres dans l’enceinte, la porte est fermée de façon étanche. Pour pouvoir ouvrir la porte, il est nécessaire d’éliminer toute trace de poudre située dans l’enceinte par exemple au moyen d’un système de filtration muni d’un aspirateur apte à traiter l’air, les surfaces intérieures de l’enceinte et tout objet situé à l’intérieur de l’enceinte. En cas de risque d’explosion, il est nécessaire de rétablir une proportion d’oxygène acceptable après élimination des poudres. Ces opérations sont lourdes et coûteuses. [0006] The introduction can be carried out through a door provided in the enclosure. When handling powders in the enclosure, the door is closed tightly. To be able to open the door, it is necessary to eliminate all traces of powder located in the enclosure, for example by means of a filtration system equipped with a vacuum cleaner capable of treating the air, the interior surfaces of the enclosure and any object located inside the enclosure. If there is a risk of explosion, it is necessary to restore an acceptable proportion of oxygen after eliminating the powders. These operations are cumbersome and costly.
[0007] L’invention vise à proposer une solution beaucoup plus simple pour l’introduction de poudres volatiles dans une enceinte où elles sont manipulées. The invention aims to provide a much simpler solution for introducing volatile powders into an enclosure where they are handled.
[0008] A cet effet, l’invention a pour objet un dispositif de manipulation de poudres volatiles comprenant une enceinte hermétique comprenant une trappe permettant de fermer une ouverture disposée en traversée d'une paroi de l'enceinte hermétique, à l'extérieur de l'enceinte hermétique le dispositif comprenant : [0008] To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for handling volatile powders comprising a hermetic enclosure comprising a hatch making it possible to close an opening arranged across a wall of the hermetic enclosure, outside the hermetic enclosure the device comprising:
- un contenant souple étant destiné à recevoir un emballage contenant des poudres volatiles, - a flexible container intended to receive packaging containing volatile powders,
- un accrochage étanche du contenant souple dont une ouverture vient épouser de façon étanche l'ouverture de l'enceinte hermétique, - a sealed attachment of the flexible container, an opening of which fits the opening of the hermetic enclosure in a sealed manner,
- un support mobile sur lequel le contenant souple repose, - a mobile support on which the flexible container rests,
- un mécanisme de déplacement du support mobile en translation en direction de l'ouverture de l'enceinte hermétique - a mechanism for moving the mobile support in translation in the direction of the opening of the hermetic enclosure
- une jupe télescopique disposée de façon à entourer le contenant souple, la jupe télescopique étant fixée d’une part au support et d’autre part à la paroi de l’enceinte hermétique, la jupe télescopique étant configurée pour se rétracter et
se dilater en fonction de déplacements du support tout en conservant une forme sensiblement tubulaire et une section de forme sensiblement constante autour du contenant souple. - a telescopic skirt arranged so as to surround the flexible container, the telescopic skirt being fixed on the one hand to the support and on the other hand to the wall of the hermetic enclosure, the telescopic skirt being configured to retract and expand according to displacements of the support while retaining a substantially tubular shape and a section of substantially constant shape around the flexible container.
[0009] Avantageusement, la jupe télescopique est configurée pour que lorsque le support mobile se rapproche de l’ouverture, une dimension caractéristique d’une section intérieure de la jupe télescopique diminue de façon à resserrer le contenant souple. [0009] Advantageously, the telescopic skirt is configured so that when the movable support approaches the opening, a characteristic dimension of an inner section of the telescopic skirt decreases so as to tighten the flexible container.
[0010] Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, l'enceinte hermétique comprend une collerette entourant l'ouverture de l'enceinte hermétique et débordant de la paroi vers l'extérieur de l'enceinte hermétique. Le contenant souple est configuré pour recouvrir la collerette au niveau de son ouverture, et un joint d'étanchéité assure l'étanchéité entre la collerette et le contenant souple. [0010] In a particular embodiment, the hermetic enclosure comprises a flange surrounding the opening of the hermetic enclosure and extending beyond the wall towards the outside of the hermetic enclosure. The flexible container is configured to cover the collar at its opening, and a seal seals between the collar and the flexible container.
[0011] Le joint d'étanchéité est avantageusement incorporé dans un pli du contenant souple. [0011] The seal is advantageously incorporated into a ply of the flexible container.
[0012] Le dispositif comprend avantageusement un sas d'entrée fixé à l'enceinte hermétique et dans lequel sont disposés, le contenant souple, le support mobile et le cas échéant, la jupe. [0012] The device advantageously comprises an entry lock fixed to the hermetic enclosure and in which are placed the flexible container, the mobile support and, where applicable, the skirt.
[0013] Le dispositif comprend avantageusement des moyens de fermeture étanche du contenant souple. The device advantageously comprises means for sealing the flexible container.
[0014] Les moyens de fermeture étanche peuvent être configurés pour souder le contenant souple selon plusieurs bandes pouvant assurer chacune l'étanchéité du contenant souple. [0014] The sealing means can be configured to weld the flexible container along several strips each capable of ensuring the sealing of the flexible container.
[0015] L’enceinte hermétique peut être une boîte à gants. Le mécanisme de déplacement du support mobile peut comprendre un actionneur configuré pour être commandé au moyen d’une pédale disposée de façon à ce qu’un opérateur puisse actionner la pédale tout en conservant les mains dans des gants de la boîte à gants. [0015] The hermetic enclosure can be a glove box. The gantry moving mechanism may include an actuator configured to be operated by means of a foot pedal arranged such that an operator can operate the foot pedal while keeping hands in glove box gloves.
[0016] L’invention a également pour objet un procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles au moyen d'un dispositif selon l’invention, le procédé comprenant un enchainement des opérations suivantes : The invention also relates to a method for handling volatile powders by means of a device according to the invention, the method comprising a sequence of the following operations:
- Placer l'emballage dans le contenant souple,
- Mettre en place le contenant souple de façon à épouser de façon étanche l'ouverture de l'enceinte hermétique, - Place the packaging in the flexible container, - Put the flexible container in place so as to tightly fit the opening of the hermetic enclosure,
- Ouvrir la trappe, - Open the hatch,
- Ouvrir l'emballage par l'intérieur de l'enceinte hermétique, - Open the packaging from inside the hermetic enclosure,
- Manipuler la poudre par l'intérieur de l'enceinte hermétique. - Handle the powder inside the hermetic enclosure.
[0017] Le procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles peut comprendre en outre les opérations suivantes : [0017] The method for handling volatile powders may also comprise the following operations:
- Fermer de façon étanche le contenant souple, - Seal the flexible container tightly,
- Désolidariser le contenant souple de l'enceinte hermétique. - Detach the flexible container from the hermetic enclosure.
[0018] L'opération de fermeture étanche du contenant souple est avantageusement réalisée au moyen de plusieurs bandes de soudage du contenant souple, chacune pouvant assurer l'étanchéité du contenant souple, l'opération de désolidarisation du contenant souple étant réalisée par découpe du contenant souple entre les bandes extrêmes de soudage. [0018] The sealing operation of the flexible container is advantageously carried out by means of several welding strips of the flexible container, each of which can seal the flexible container, the operation of separating the flexible container being carried out by cutting the container flexible between the extreme welding bands.
[0019] L’invention sera mieux comprise et d’autres avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée d’un mode de réalisation donné à titre d’exemple, description illustrée par le dessin joint dans lequel : The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment given by way of example, description illustrated by the attached drawing in which:
- la figure 1 représente schématiquement un exemple de dispositif de manipulation selon l’invention ; - Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a manipulation device according to the invention;
- la figure 2 représente plus en détail un contenant souple du dispositif de la figure 1 ; - Figure 2 shows in more detail a flexible container of the device of Figure 1;
- la figure 3 représente une variante de réalisation du contenant souple. - Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible container.
[0020] Par souci de clarté, les mêmes éléments porteront les mêmes repères dans les différentes figures. [0020] For the sake of clarity, the same elements will bear the same references in the various figures.
[0021] La figure 1 représente un dispositif 10 permettant la manipulation de poudres volatiles. Le dispositif comprend une enceinte hermétique 12 dans laquelle les poudres sont manipulées. L’enceinte hermétique 12 est principalement formée d’une boîte à gants. Plus précisément l’enceinte hermétique 12 comprend des orifices 14, quatre dans l’exemple représenté, permettant à un opérateur se tenant à l’extérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 d’insérer ses mains à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique
au travers de gants étanches fixés à la paroi de l’enceinte hermétique 12. De façon générale, une boîte à gants permet à un opérateur de manipuler des produits ou des objets situés dans l’enceinte hermétique sans être en contact direct avec l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Figure 1 shows a device 10 for handling volatile powders. The device comprises a hermetic enclosure 12 in which the powders are handled. The hermetic enclosure 12 is mainly formed of a glove box. More specifically the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises orifices 14, four in the example shown, allowing an operator standing outside the hermetic enclosure 12 to insert his hands inside the hermetic enclosure through sealed gloves attached to the wall of the sealed enclosure 12. In general, a glove box allows an operator to handle products or objects located in the sealed enclosure without being in direct contact with the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12.
[0022] Pour des poudres volatiles, la manipulation peut consister en un prélèvement dans un premier contenant de transport, en une pesée d’une quantité de produits pour la disposer dans un second contenant de transport. Le premier contenant permet de remplir plusieurs seconds contenants. Le premier contenant peut provenir d’un fabricant de poudre et le second contenant peut être utilisé pour le transfert vers un réacteur distinct de l’enceinte hermétique et dans lequel la poudre est utilisée par exemple pour être noyée dans une matrice de résine. Il est bien entendu que le prélèvement d’une quantité précise de poudre n’est qu’un exemple de manipulation. L’invention peut être mise en oeuvre pour tout type de manipulation réalisée dans l’enceinte hermétique. Il est par exemple possible de mélanger la poudre et la résine dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. [0022] For volatile powders, handling may consist of a sample being taken from a first transport container, weighing a quantity of products in order to place it in a second transport container. The first container makes it possible to fill several second containers. The first container can come from a powder manufacturer and the second container can be used for transfer to a reactor separate from the hermetic enclosure and in which the powder is used, for example, to be embedded in a resin matrix. It is understood that the removal of a precise quantity of powder is only one example of manipulation. The invention can be implemented for any type of manipulation carried out in the hermetic enclosure. It is for example possible to mix the powder and the resin in the hermetic enclosure 12.
[0023] L’invention s’intéresse à l’introduction de produits dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. A cet effet, l’enceinte hermétique 12 comprend une ouverture 16 disposée en traversée d’une paroi 18 de l’enceinte hermétique 12 et d’une trappe 20 permettant d’ouvrir et de fermer l’ouverture 16 qui permet d’introduire des produits à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 afin d’y être manipulés. Une fois fermée, la trappe 20 est étanche. The invention relates to the introduction of products into the hermetic enclosure 12. For this purpose, the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises an opening 16 arranged across a wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12 and a hatch 20 allowing the opening 16 to be opened and closed which allows products to be introduced inside the hermetic enclosure 12 in order to be handled there. Once closed, the hatch 20 is sealed.
[0024] La poudre volatile 22 est livrée dans un emballage étanche 24 que l’on dispose dans un contenant souple 26 adapté au dispositif 10. Plus précisément le contenant souple 26 possède une ouverture 28 configurée pour venir épouser de façon étanche l’ouverture 16 de l’enceinte hermétique 12. The volatile powder 22 is delivered in a sealed packaging 24 which is placed in a flexible container 26 adapted to the device 10. More precisely the flexible container 26 has an opening 28 configured to fit the opening 16 in a sealed manner. of the hermetic enclosure 12.
[0025] Dans l’exemple représenté sur la figure 1 , l’enceinte hermétique 12 comprend une collerette 30 entourant l’ouverture 16 et débordant de la paroi 18 vers l’extérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Le contenant souple 26 vient recouvrir la collerette 30 au niveau de son ouverture 28. Un joint d’étanchéité 32 est interposé entre la collerette 30 et le contenant souple 26. Le joint d’étanchéité 32 est par exemple un joint torique. Une bride 34 entoure le contenant souple 26 au niveau de son ouverture 28 et permet de comprimer, radialement autour de l’ouverture 16, le joint
d’étanchéité 32. Tout autre moyen permettant au contenant souple 26 de venir épouser de façon étanche l’ouverture 16 de l’enceinte hermétique 12 est possible. Il est par exemple possible de prévoir un emmanchement conique entre une excroissance entourant l’ouverture 16 et une bride. Le contenant souple 26 est pris en sandwich dans l’emmanchement conique. Le serrage de la bride se fait, dans cette alternative, perpendiculairement à la paroi 18 selon l’axe de l’emmanchement conique. [0025] In the example shown in Figure 1, the hermetic enclosure 12 comprises a collar 30 surrounding the opening 16 and projecting from the wall 18 towards the outside of the hermetic enclosure 12. The flexible container 26 covers the collar 30 at its opening 28. A seal 32 is interposed between the collar 30 and the flexible container 26. The seal 32 is for example an O-ring. A flange 34 surrounds the flexible container 26 at its opening 28 and makes it possible to compress, radially around the opening 16, the joint sealing 32. Any other means allowing the flexible container 26 to come tightly marry the opening 16 of the sealed enclosure 12 is possible. It is for example possible to provide a conical fitting between a protrusion surrounding the opening 16 and a flange. The flexible container 26 is sandwiched in the tapered fitting. The tightening of the flange is done, in this alternative, perpendicular to the wall 18 along the axis of the conical fitting.
[0026] Avant l’arrivée de la poudre volatile 22 dans son emballage 24, la trappe 20 est fermée. L’emballage 24 est scellé permettant sa manipulation sans danger de contact avec la poudre volatile 22. L’emballage 24, toujours scellé, est placé à l’intérieur du contenant souple 26. Ensuite, le contenant souple 26 est mis en place de façon à épouser de façon étanche l’ouverture 16. Dans l’exemple représenté, cette mise en place consiste plus précisément, à placer le contenant souple 26 autour de la collerette 30 en maintenant le joint d’étanchéité 32 entre le contenant souple 26 et la collerette 30 puis à serrer la bride 34 autour du contenant souple 26 de façon à comprimer le joint d’étanchéité 32 entre le contenant souple 26 et la collerette 30. Une fois l’étanchéité réalisée entre le contenant souple 26 et l’enceinte hermétique 12 autour de l’ouverture 16, il est possible d’ouvrir la trappe 20. L’intérieur du contenant souple 26 communique alors avec l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 ce qui permet à l’opérateur de saisir l’emballage 24 et de rompre son scellement pour accéder à la poudre volatile 22. [0026] Before the arrival of the volatile powder 22 in its packaging 24, the hatch 20 is closed. The packaging 24 is sealed allowing it to be handled without danger of contact with the volatile powder 22. The packaging 24, still sealed, is placed inside the flexible container 26. Then, the flexible container 26 is put in place so fitting the opening 16 in a leaktight manner. In the example shown, this fitting consists more precisely of placing the flexible container 26 around the flange 30 while maintaining the seal 32 between the flexible container 26 and the collar 30 and then tightening the flange 34 around the flexible container 26 so as to compress the seal 32 between the flexible container 26 and the collar 30. around the opening 16, it is possible to open the hatch 20. The interior of the flexible container 26 then communicates with the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12 which allows the operator to grasp the packaging 24 and to break its seal to access er to volatile powder 22.
[0027] Lorsque l’emballage 24 est plein, son niveau dans l’emballage 24 est proche de l’ouverture 16 et l’opérateur peut accéder aux poudres au travers de l’ouverture 16. A mesure que l’opérateur puise de la poudre 22 dans l’emballage 24, son niveau baisse et l’opérateur peut avoir des difficultés à puiser dans l’emballage 24. Afin de faciliter le prélèvement de la poudre 22 dans l’emballage 24, et notamment pour permettre de vider au mieux l’emballage 24 en accédant au fond de l’emballage 24, le dispositif 10 comprend un support mobile 36 sur lequel le contenant souple 26 repose. Le support 36 est mobile en translation selon un axe 38. La mobilité en translation permet au support 36 de se rapprocher de l’ouverture 16, entraînant dans sa translation le contenant souple 26 et l’emballage 24. Le dispositif 10 comprend également un mécanisme 40 de déplacement le support 36 en translation en direction de l’ouverture 16. Ce mécanisme peut être manuel. Le
support peut être guidé en translation le long d’une tige 42 s’étendant selon l’axe 38. Une manette 43 solidaire du support 36 permet le déplacement du support 36. Le maintien en position du support 36 le long de la tige 42 est par exemple assuré par arc-boutement au moyen du poids du support 36. Alternativement, pour un mouvement plus précis, il est possible de munir la tige 42 d’une crémaillère s’étendant selon l’axe 38. Associer un pignon solidaire d’une poignée permet de déplacer le support 36 en translation le long de la tige 42 par engrènement du pignon sur la crémaillère. Le mécanisme 40 de déplacement le support 36 en translation peut être motorisé. A cet effet, le dispositif 10 comprend un actionneur 44 permettant de déplacer en translation le support 36 le long de l’axe 38. La commande de l’actionneur 44 est avantageusement réalisée par une pédale 45 configurée pour être accessible par l’opérateur lorsqu’il réalise des manipulations dans l’enceinte hermétique 12, les mains dans les gants placés dans les orifices 14. De façon générale tout moyen de déplacement du support 36 est possible dans le cadre de l’invention. When the packaging 24 is full, its level in the packaging 24 is close to the opening 16 and the operator can access the powders through the opening 16. As the operator draws powder 22 in the packaging 24, its level drops and the operator may have difficulty drawing from the packaging 24. In order to facilitate the removal of the powder 22 from the packaging 24, and in particular to enable the the packaging 24 by accessing the bottom of the packaging 24, the device 10 comprises a mobile support 36 on which the flexible container 26 rests. The support 36 is mobile in translation along an axis 38. The mobility in translation allows the support 36 to approach the opening 16, carrying in its translation the flexible container 26 and the packaging 24. The device 10 also comprises a mechanism 40 for moving the support 36 in translation in the direction of the opening 16. This mechanism can be manual. the support can be guided in translation along a rod 42 extending along the axis 38. A handle 43 secured to the support 36 allows the movement of the support 36. The maintenance in position of the support 36 along the rod 42 is for example ensured by bracing by means of the weight of the support 36. Alternatively, for a more precise movement, it is possible to provide the rod 42 with a rack extending along the axis 38. Associate a pinion integral with a handle makes it possible to move the support 36 in translation along the rod 42 by engagement of the pinion on the rack. The mechanism 40 for moving the support 36 in translation can be motorized. To this end, the device 10 comprises an actuator 44 making it possible to move the support 36 in translation along the axis 38. The control of the actuator 44 is advantageously carried out by a pedal 45 configured to be accessible by the operator when he carries out manipulations in the hermetic enclosure 12, his hands in the gloves placed in the orifices 14. In general, any means of moving the support 36 is possible within the scope of the invention.
[0028] Lorsque le support 36 entraine le fond du contenant souple 26 vers l’ouverture 16, le contenant souple 26 peut se déformer de façon à rétrécir les dimensions de son ouverture 28 au-dessous de son maintien à la collerette 30. Plus précisément, lors de la remontée du support 36 en direction de l’ouverture 16, le contenant souple 26 peut se plier en s’avachissant, entraînant ainsi un aplatissement de sa section perpendiculairement à l’axe 38. L’opérateur peut veiller à éviter ce phénomène en plaçant un outil dans le contenant soupe 26 ou même dans l’emballage 24 lors de la translation du support 36 en direction de l’ouverture 16. Alternativement il est avantageux de prévoir des moyens limitant le risque de rétrécissement de l’ouverture 28. Ces moyens comprennent par exemple une jupe télescopique 46 entourant le contenant souple 26. La jupe 46 est fixée d’une part au support 36 et d’autre part à la paroi 18 de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Une des fixations de la jupe 46 soit au support 36, soit à la paroi 18 est amovible afin d’accéder à la bride 34. Avantageusement on choisit la fixation de la jupe 46 à la paroi 18 comme fixation amovible. Ainsi on bénéficie de la gravité, la jupe 46 se rétractant naturellement vers le support 36, facilitant ainsi l’accès à la bride 34. [0028] When the support 36 causes the bottom of the flexible container 26 towards the opening 16, the flexible container 26 can be deformed so as to shrink the dimensions of its opening 28 below its retention at the collar 30. More precisely , during the ascent of the support 36 in the direction of the opening 16, the flexible container 26 can bend while sagging, thus causing a flattening of its section perpendicular to the axis 38. The operator can take care to avoid this phenomenon by placing a tool in the soup container 26 or even in the packaging 24 during the translation of the support 36 in the direction of the opening 16. Alternatively, it is advantageous to provide means limiting the risk of narrowing of the opening 28 These means comprise for example a telescopic skirt 46 surrounding the flexible container 26. The skirt 46 is fixed on the one hand to the support 36 and on the other hand to the wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12. One of the fixings of the skirt 46 either in support 36, or to the wall 18 is removable in order to access the flange 34. Advantageously, the fixing of the skirt 46 to the wall 18 is chosen as the removable fixing. Thus one benefits from gravity, the skirt 46 retracting naturally towards the support 36, thus facilitating access to the flange 34.
[0029] La jupe 46 est configurée pour se rétracter et se dilater en fonction de déplacements du support 36, tout en conservant une forme sensiblement tubulaire
autour du contenant souple 26. La jupe 46 conserve une section, perpendiculairement à l’axe 38, de forme sensiblement constante. On entend par sensiblement constante, une section variant dans une proportion donnée par sa rétractation et sa dilatation. Par exemple, la section de la jupe 46 peut être circulaire et rester sensiblement circulaire lors des déplacements du support 36. Le diamètre de la jupe 46 varie peu lors de sa rétractation et sa dilatation. D’autres formes de section de la jupe 4 sont possibles dans le cadre de l’invention, par exemple une forme ovale, polygonale, ... La présence de la jupe 46 permet de guider le contenant souple 26 lorsque le support 36 se déplace en translation, limitant ainsi le risque rétrécissement de l’ouverture 28 du contenant souple 26 en dessous de la collerette 30. [0029] The skirt 46 is configured to retract and expand according to movements of the support 36, while retaining a substantially tubular shape. around the flexible container 26. The skirt 46 retains a section, perpendicular to the axis 38, of substantially constant shape. By substantially constant is meant a section varying in a given proportion by its retraction and its expansion. For example, the section of the skirt 46 can be circular and remain substantially circular during the movements of the support 36. The diameter of the skirt 46 varies little during its retraction and its expansion. Other section shapes of the skirt 4 are possible within the scope of the invention, for example an oval, polygonal shape, etc. The presence of the skirt 46 makes it possible to guide the flexible container 26 when the support 36 moves. in translation, thus limiting the risk of the opening 28 of the flexible container 26 shrinking below the flange 30.
[0030] La jupe 46 est par exemple formée d’un film déformable auquel est fixé un fil métallique élastique s’enroulant en hélice autour du contenant souple 26. Le fil assure la rigidité de la jupe 46. Le fil se déforme à la façon d’un ressort hélicoïdal en conservant une forme sensiblement tubulaire. D’autres modes de réalisation de la jupe 46 peuvent être envisagés dans le cadre de l’invention. La jupe 46 peut par exemple être formée à partir de troncs de cônes alternés s’étendant tous selon un même axe parallèle à l’axe 38. Les angles au sommet des différents troncs de cônes augmentent lorsque la jupe 46 se rétracte et diminuent lorsque la jupe 46 se dilate. La jupe 46 se déforme alors à la façon d’un accordéon. De façon plus générale, la jupe 46 est configurée pour que lorsque le support mobile 36 se rapproche de l’ouverture 16, le diamètre d de la section intérieure de la jupe 46 et plus généralement une dimension caractéristique de la section diminue de façon à resserrer le contenant souple 26. Ainsi au fur et à mesure qu’un opérateur prélève de la poudre dans l’emballage 24, l’opérateur rapproche le support mobile 36 de l’ouverture 16 et la poudre encore présente dans l’emballage 24 est poussée vers l’intérieur de l’emballage 24, ce qui facilite le prélèvement par l’opérateur de la poudre encore présente dans l’emballage 24. D’autres modes de réalisation de la jupe 46 que des troncs de cônes alternés sont possibles pour permettre la variation de la section intérieure de la jupe 46. Il est par exemple possible d’équiper la jupe de plusieurs anneaux rétractables en fonction l’élongation de la jupe 46. The skirt 46 is for example formed of a deformable film to which is fixed an elastic metal wire winding in a helix around the flexible container 26. The wire ensures the rigidity of the skirt 46. The wire deforms in the same way of a coil spring retaining a substantially tubular shape. Other embodiments of the skirt 46 can be considered within the scope of the invention. The skirt 46 can for example be formed from alternating truncated cones all extending along the same axis parallel to the axis 38. The angles at the top of the various truncated cones increase when the skirt 46 retracts and decrease when the skirt 46 expands. The skirt 46 then deforms like an accordion. More generally, the skirt 46 is configured so that when the movable support 36 approaches the opening 16, the diameter d of the inner section of the skirt 46 and more generally a characteristic dimension of the section decreases so as to tighten the flexible container 26. Thus, as an operator takes powder from the packaging 24, the operator brings the mobile support 36 closer to the opening 16 and the powder still present in the packaging 24 is pushed towards the inside of the packaging 24, which facilitates the removal by the operator of the powder still present in the packaging 24. Other embodiments of the skirt 46 than alternating truncated cones are possible to allow the variation of the inner section of the skirt 46. It is for example possible to equip the skirt with several retractable rings depending on the elongation of the skirt 46.
[0031] Le contenant souple 26 et la jupe 46, lorsqu’elle est présente, sont des composants fragiles. Plus précisément, un risque de poinçonnement par des
éléments extérieurs existe et peut entrainer des fuites de poudre volatiles dans l’environnement du dispositif 10. Pour limiter l’occurrence de ce risque, le dispositif 10 peut comprendre un sas d’entrée 50 sous forme d’un caisson fixé à l’enceinte hermétique 12 et dans lequel sont disposés, le contenant souple 26, le support mobile 36 et le cas échéant, la jupe 46. Du sas 50 peut sortir la manette 43 ou la pédale 45 afin de déplacer le support 36 par l’extérieur du sas 50. Le sas 50 comprend avantageusement une porte permettant d’accéder au contenant souple 26 afin de le mettre en place. The flexible container 26 and the skirt 46, when present, are fragile components. More specifically, a risk of puncturing by external elements exists and can lead to leaks of volatile powder in the environment of the device 10. To limit the occurrence of this risk, the device 10 can comprise an entry lock 50 in the form of a box fixed to the enclosure hermetic 12 and in which the flexible container 26, the mobile support 36 and, if necessary, the skirt 46 are arranged. 50. The airlock 50 advantageously comprises a door allowing access to the flexible container 26 in order to put it in place.
[0032] La manipulation de la poudre volatile est réalisée à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 par l’opérateur. Plus précisément, l’opérateur puise de la poudre volatile 22 dans l’emballage 24 puis la manipule dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. Cette manipulation consiste par exemple en un remplissage d’un contenant de sortie 52. Le remplissage est accompagné d’une pesée permettant de doser avec précision la quantité de poudre 22 présente dans le contenant de sortie 52. Une balance 54 permettant la pesée est représentée schématiquement dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. The handling of the volatile powder is carried out inside the hermetic enclosure 12 by the operator. More precisely, the operator draws volatile powder 22 from the packaging 24 then manipulates it in the hermetic enclosure 12. This manipulation consists for example of filling an outlet container 52. The filling is accompanied by a weighing allowing the quantity of powder 22 present in the outlet container 52 to be dosed with precision. A scale 54 allowing the weighing is represented schematically in the hermetic enclosure 12.
[0033] Le dispositif 10 comprend en outre un sas de sortie 60 permettant de recevoir la poudre 22 dans différents contenants de sortie 52. Le sas de sortie 60 est, comme le sas d’entrée 50, fixé à l’enceinte hermétique 12. Le sas de sortie 60 peut être dimensionné pour recevoir plusieurs contenants de sortie 52. Par l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12, on accède au sas de sortie 60 par une ouverture 62 réalisée dans la paroi 18 de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Une trappe 64 permet d’isoler l’enceinte hermétique 12 du sas de sortie 60 en obturant l’ouverture 62. The device 10 further comprises an outlet lock 60 for receiving the powder 22 in different outlet containers 52. The outlet lock 60 is, like the inlet lock 50, fixed to the hermetic enclosure 12. The outlet lock 60 can be sized to receive several outlet containers 52. From inside the hermetic enclosure 12, the outlet lock 60 is accessed through an opening 62 made in the wall 18 of the hermetic enclosure 12. A hatch 64 makes it possible to isolate the hermetic enclosure 12 from the exit lock 60 by closing the opening 62.
[0034] Les poudres volatiles 22 peuvent présenter des risques d’inflammabilité. C’est notamment le cas lorsque les poudres volatiles 22 sont formées de microballons enfermant un gaz inflammable. Pour assurer la sécurité de l’opérateur, il est possible d’appauvrir en oxygène l’air présent dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. L’air ambiant contient de l’ordre de 20% d’oxygène et le taux d’oxygène cible à respecter dans l’enceinte hermétique est fonction du degré d’inflammabilité des poudres 22. Par exemple pour obtenir un taux d’oxygène de l’ordre de 8%, il est possible d’utiliser une technique dite de balayage perdu. Plus précisément, un flux permanent de gaz inerte, tel que par exemple l’azote, balaye l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Un filtre permet à l’excédent d’air de sortir de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Le filtre est
calibré pour laisser passer l’air et retenir les particules de poudre manipulées dans l’enceinte hermétique 12. Le balayage est schématisé par une réserve d’azote 66 pouvant injecter de l’azote dans l’enceinte hermétique 12 et un filtre 68 disposé en traversée de la paroi 18. Dans la pratique, le balayage est configuré de façon à atteindre la totalité du volume de l’enceinte hermétique 12, l’intérieur du contenant souple 26 ainsi que le volume du sas de sortie 60. Alternativement au balayage perdu qui peut entrainer une grande consommation de gaz inerte, il est possible de mettre en oeuvre un système de purification en boucle fermé qui permet de limiter la consommation de gaz inerte. Le système d’appauvrissement en oxygène peut disposer d’un capteur de mesure du taux d’oxygène lui permettant de réguler son fonctionnement. En cas de poudres volatiles présentant des risques d’inflammabilité, une fois l’étanchéité réalisée entre le contenant souple 26 et l’enceinte hermétique 12 autour de l’ouverture 16, l’appauvrissement en oxygène du volume interne de l’enceinte hermétique 12 est réalisé avant d’ouvrir la trappe 20. The volatile powders 22 may present flammability risks. This is particularly the case when the volatile powders 22 are formed from microballoons enclosing a flammable gas. To ensure the safety of the operator, it is possible to deplete the oxygen in the air present in the hermetic enclosure 12. The ambient air contains around 20% oxygen and the target oxygen level to be observed in the hermetic enclosure is a function of the degree of flammability of the powders 22. For example, to obtain an oxygen level of the order of 8%, it is possible to use a so-called lost sweeping technique. More precisely, a permanent flow of inert gas, such as for example nitrogen, sweeps the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12. A filter allows the excess air to leave the hermetic enclosure 12. The filter is calibrated to allow air to pass and retain the particles of powder handled in the hermetic enclosure 12. The sweeping is schematized by a nitrogen reserve 66 able to inject nitrogen into the hermetic enclosure 12 and a filter 68 arranged in passing through the wall 18. In practice, the sweep is configured so as to reach the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure 12, the interior of the flexible container 26 as well as the volume of the outlet lock 60. Alternatively to the lost sweep which can lead to a large consumption of inert gas, it is possible to implement a closed-loop purification system which makes it possible to limit the consumption of inert gas. The oxygen depletion system may have a sensor for measuring the oxygen level allowing it to regulate its operation. In the case of volatile powders presenting risks of flammability, once the seal has been made between the flexible container 26 and the hermetic enclosure 12 around the opening 16, the oxygen depletion of the internal volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 is carried out before opening the hatch 20.
[0035] La pression de gaz à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 peut être maintenue légèrement supérieure à la pression atmosphérique régnant dans le local dans lequel le dispositif 10 est situé. La surpression empêche ainsi l’air ambiant du local à pénétrer dans l’enceinte hermétique au travers d’éventuelles micro fuites ou au travers des gants qui tendent à devenir poreux avec le temps. The gas pressure inside the hermetic enclosure 12 can be maintained slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure prevailing in the room in which the device 10 is located. The overpressure thus prevents the ambient air of the room from entering the hermetic enclosure through any micro leaks or through the gloves which tend to become porous over time.
[0036] Un système de nettoyage du volume interne de l’enceinte hermétique 12 peut être prévu afin d’éliminer les particules de poudre 22 pouvant se déposer dans l’enceinte hermétique 12 hors du contenant de sortie 52 lors de la manipulation de la poudre 22. A cet effet, le dispositif 10 peut comprendre un aspirateur 70 muni d’un filtre 72 semblable au filtre 68. L’aspirateur 70 peut être équipé de tuyaux, non représentés, permettant à l’opérateur d’atteindre la totalité du volume de l’enceinte hermétique 12 et également l’intérieur du contenant souple 26 et du sas de sortie 60. Il est également possible de prévoir un aspirateur spécifique au sas de sortie 60 afin d’éviter de nettoyer complètement le volume interne de l’enceinte hermétique 12 lorsque l’opérateur souhaite accéder au sas de sortie 60 pour prélever un contenant de sortie 52 plein ou pour y déposer un contenant de sortie 52 vide. A system for cleaning the internal volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 can be provided in order to eliminate the particles of powder 22 which may be deposited in the hermetic enclosure 12 out of the outlet container 52 during the handling of the powder. 22. For this purpose, the device 10 may comprise a vacuum cleaner 70 provided with a filter 72 similar to the filter 68. The vacuum cleaner 70 can be equipped with pipes, not shown, allowing the operator to reach the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure 12 and also the interior of the flexible container 26 and of the outlet lock 60. It is also possible to provide a specific vacuum cleaner for the outlet lock 60 in order to avoid completely cleaning the internal volume of the enclosure hermetic 12 when the operator wishes to access the outlet lock 60 to take a full outlet container 52 or to deposit an empty outlet container 52 there.
[0037] Le sas de sortie 60 comprend une porte 74 permettant de prélever les contenants de sortie 52 remplis de leur dose de poudre 22 et permettant aussi d’introduire des contenants de sortie 52 vides pour un remplissage dans l’enceinte
hermétique 12. La trappe 64 est fermée lors des manipulations de poudres à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12. Lorsque les manipulations sont achevées, l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 et notamment les surfaces extérieures des contenants de sortie 52 sont nettoyés au moyen de l’aspirateur 70 avant ouverture de la trappe 64. Ainsi le volume interne du sas de sortie 60 reste propre même lorsque la trappe 64 est ouverte. Alternativement, il est possible d’ouvrir la trappe 64 pendant les manipulations de poudre et de placer un à un les contenants de sortie 52 dans le sas de sortie 60 dès leur scellement après remplissage. Cependant cela nécessite un nettoyage du sas de sortie 60 avant ouverture de la porte 70. The exit lock 60 includes a door 74 allowing the exit containers 52 filled with their dose of powder 22 to be removed and also allowing the introduction of empty exit containers 52 for filling into the enclosure. hermetic 12. The hatch 64 is closed during the handling of powders inside the hermetic enclosure 12. When the manipulations are completed, the interior of the hermetic enclosure 12 and in particular the outer surfaces of the outlet containers 52 are cleaned by means of the vacuum cleaner 70 before opening the hatch 64. Thus the internal volume of the outlet lock 60 remains clean even when the hatch 64 is open. Alternatively, it is possible to open the hatch 64 during powder handling and to place the outlet containers 52 one by one in the outlet lock 60 as soon as they are sealed after filling. However, this requires cleaning of the exit lock 60 before opening the door 70.
[0038] Si le dispositif dispose d’un système d’appauvrissement en oxygène l’air présent dans l’enceinte hermétique 12, il peut être utile de prévoir un système de remise en oxygène du sas de sortie 60 afin d’éviter que l’opérateur ne soit soumis à de l’air trop pauvre en oxygène en ouvrant la porte 74. Ce système de remise en oxygène peut utiliser un réseau d’air comprimé souvent présent dans des locaux du type de ceux dans lesquels le dispositif 10 est amené à être installé. Le système de remise en oxygène est actionné après nettoyage de l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12 pour éviter que des traces de poudre ne puissent être en présence de gaz trop riche en oxygène. Le système de remise en oxygène peut disposer d’un capteur de mesure du taux d’oxygène lui permettant de réguler son fonctionnement. Il est également possible de l’actionner lorsque la trappe 64 est ouverte mais cela nécessite de remettre en oxygène la totalité du volume de l’enceinte hermétique, pour réaliser cette opération ce qui est consommateur en gaz inerte avant une nouvelle opération de manipulation de poudre 22 à l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique 12. [0038] If the device has an oxygen depletion system for the air present in the hermetic enclosure 12, it may be useful to provide a system for restoring oxygen to the outlet airlock 60 in order to prevent the operator is subjected to air that is too low in oxygen by opening the door 74. This oxygen replenishment system can use a compressed air network often present in premises of the type to which the device 10 is brought to be installed. The oxygen replenishment system is activated after cleaning the inside of the hermetic enclosure 12 to prevent traces of powder from being in the presence of gas that is too rich in oxygen. The oxygen replenishment system may have a sensor for measuring the oxygen level allowing it to regulate its operation. It is also possible to actuate it when the hatch 64 is open, but this requires replenishing the entire volume of the hermetic enclosure with oxygen, to carry out this operation, which consumes inert gas before a new powder handling operation 22 inside the hermetic enclosure 12.
[0039] La figure 2 représente plus en détail le contenant souple 26 qui peut être utilisé pour extraire des déchets du dispositif 10 et notamment l’emballage 24 lorsqu’il est vide. A cet effet, le dispositif 10 comprend des moyens de fermeture étanche du contenant souple 26. Le contenant souple 26 peut être réalisé dans un matériau thermo plastique et les moyens de fermeture étanche peuvent consister en une pince chauffante 80 permettant de souder le contenant étanche 26 pour y enfermer notamment l’emballage 24 une fois vidé de sa poudre et éventuellement tout autre type de déchet, comme un sac de l’aspirateur 70, que l’opérateur peut placer dans le contenant souple 26 avant sa fermeture. D’autres moyens de
fermetures sont bien entendu possibles dans le cadre de l’invention. Il est par exemple possible de replier le contenant souple et de maintenir le pli au moyen de pinces. Figure 2 shows in more detail the flexible container 26 which can be used to extract waste from the device 10 and in particular the packaging 24 when it is empty. To this end, the device 10 comprises means for sealing the flexible container 26. The flexible container 26 can be made of a thermoplastic material and the sealing means can consist of a heating clamp 80 allowing the sealing of the sealed container 26 in particular to enclose the packaging 24 therein once emptied of its powder and possibly any other type of waste, such as a vacuum cleaner bag 70, which the operator can place in the flexible container 26 before it is closed. Other means of closures are of course possible within the scope of the invention. It is for example possible to fold the flexible container and maintain the fold by means of clamps.
[0040] Lorsqu’une pince à souder est mise en oeuvre, une seule bande de soudage peut suffire pour sceller le contenant souple 26. Cependant pour plus de sécurité, il est possible de réaliser plusieurs bandes de soudage parallèles, trois bandes 82, 84 et 86 dans l’exemple représenté. La bande de soudage 82 est la plus proche de l’ouverture 16 et la bande 86, la plus éloignée. Chaque bande de soudage peut à elle seule assurer l’étanchéité du contenant souple 26. [0040] When a welding clamp is used, a single welding strip may be sufficient to seal the flexible container 26. However, for greater security, it is possible to produce several parallel welding strips, three strips 82, 84 and 86 in the example shown. Weld strip 82 is closest to opening 16 and strip 86 furthest away. Each welding strip can alone seal the flexible container 26.
[0041] La pince chauffante 80 peut être configurée pour ne réaliser qu’une seule bande et l’opérateur répète l’opération de soudage autant de fois que de bandes à réaliser. Alternativement la pince chauffante 80 peut être configurée pour réaliser les trois bandes simultanément. Cela permet de mieux maîtriser l’écart entre les différentes bandes de soudage. The heating clamp 80 can be configured to make only one strip and the operator repeats the welding operation as many times as there are strips to be made. Alternatively, the heating clamp 80 can be configured to produce the three bands simultaneously. This allows better control of the gap between the different welding strips.
[0042] Une fois les trois bandes réalisées, on peut découper le contenant souple 26, à l’aide de tout type d’outil coupant entre les deux bandes extrêmes 82 et 86 et notamment sur la trace de la bande intermédiaire 84 lorsque trois bandes sont réalisées. La bande 84 sert alors de guide pour réaliser la découpe du contenant souple 26. Les bandes étant réalisées à distance l’une de l’autre, l’utilisation d’un guide de découpe permet de limiter le risque de rupture de l’étanchéité du contenant souple 26 lors de l’opération de découpe. La découpe du contenant souple 26 sur la bande 84 présente un autre intérêt qui est d’éviter que d’éventuelles particules de poudre pouvant se trouver entre deux bandes consécutives ne puissent être libérées. Ainsi le contenant souple 26 est coupé en deux parties, la partie 26-1 , la plus proche de l’ouverture 16, reste solidaire de la collerette 30 et l’autre partie 26-2 peut être enlevée, par exemple pour un traitement des déchets et un recyclage. Once the three strips have been made, the flexible container 26 can be cut using any type of cutting tool between the two end strips 82 and 86 and in particular on the trace of the intermediate strip 84 when three strips are carried out. The strip 84 then serves as a guide for cutting the flexible container 26. The strips being made at a distance from each other, the use of a cutting guide makes it possible to limit the risk of rupture of the seal. of the flexible container 26 during the cutting operation. The cutting of the flexible container 26 on the strip 84 has another advantage, which is to prevent any powder particles that may be between two consecutive strips from being released. Thus the flexible container 26 is cut into two parts, the part 26-1, the closest to the opening 16, remains attached to the collar 30 and the other part 26-2 can be removed, for example for treatment of waste and recycling.
[0043] Après découpe du contenant souple 26, il est possible de nettoyer par l’ouverture 16 l’intérieur de la partie 26-1 restée accrochée à la collerette 30, puis de fermer la trappe 20 et enfin de désolidariser la partie 26-1 de la collerette 30 en déposant la bride 34. La mise en place d’un nouveau contenant souple 26 peut ensuite être effectuée.
[0044] La figure 3 représente une variante de réalisation du contenant souple 26 et plus précisément du joint d’étanchéité placé à l’interface entre la collerette 30 et le contenant souple 26. Plus précisément, le joint d’étanchéité 32 peut être disposé dans un pli 90 du contenant souple 26. Il est possible de replier le bord du contenant souple 26 au niveau de son ouverture 28, d’enfermer le joint d’étanchéité 32 dans le pli 90 et de fixer ce pli au reste du contenant souple 26. La fixation peut être réalisée de diverses manières, par exemple par soudage ou collage. La présence du joint d’étanchéité 32 dans le pli 90 du contenant souple 26 permet de limiter le nombre d’opérations que l’opérateur doit effectuer lors du montage du contenant souple 26 sur la collerette 30. Cela permet aussi de sécuriser ce montage, l’oubli du joint d’étanchéité 32 est alors impossible. [0043] After cutting the flexible container 26, it is possible to clean through the opening 16 the inside of the part 26-1 which has remained attached to the collar 30, then to close the hatch 20 and finally to separate the part 26- 1 of the flange 30 by depositing the flange 34. The establishment of a new flexible container 26 can then be performed. [0044] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible container 26 and more specifically of the seal placed at the interface between the flange 30 and the flexible container 26. More specifically, the seal 32 can be placed in a fold 90 of the flexible container 26. It is possible to fold the edge of the flexible container 26 at the level of its opening 28, to enclose the seal 32 in the fold 90 and to fix this fold to the rest of the flexible container 26. Fastening can be carried out in various ways, for example by welding or gluing. The presence of the seal 32 in the fold 90 of the flexible container 26 makes it possible to limit the number of operations that the operator must perform when mounting the flexible container 26 on the collar 30. This also makes it possible to secure this assembly, forgetting the seal 32 is then impossible.
[0045] Le joint d’étanchéité 32 peut être unique ou multiple comme représenté sur la figure 3. A l’intérieur du pli 90, il est possible de séparer les joints 32 par un cordon de colle ou de soudage.
[0045] The seal 32 can be single or multiple as shown in Figure 3. Inside the fold 90, it is possible to separate the seals 32 by a bead of glue or welding.
Claims
REVENDICATIONS Dispositif de manipulation de poudres volatiles comprenant une enceinte hermétique (12) comprenant une trappe (20) permettant de fermer une ouverture (16) disposée en traversée d’une paroi (18) de l’enceinte hermétique (12), à l’extérieur de l’enceinte hermétique (12) le dispositif (10) comprenant : CLAIMS Device for handling volatile powders comprising a hermetic enclosure (12) comprising a hatch (20) making it possible to close an opening (16) arranged across a wall (18) of the hermetic enclosure (12), at the exterior of the hermetic enclosure (12), the device (10) comprising:
- un contenant souple (26) étant destiné à recevoir un emballage (24) contenant des poudres volatiles (22), - a flexible container (26) being intended to receive a packaging (24) containing volatile powders (22),
- un accrochage étanche du contenant souple (26) dont une ouverture (28) vient épouser de façon étanche l’ouverture (16) de l’enceinte hermétique (12),- a sealed attachment of the flexible container (26) of which an opening (28) fits in a sealed manner the opening (16) of the hermetic enclosure (12),
- un support mobile (36) sur lequel le contenant souple (26) repose, - a mobile support (36) on which the flexible container (26) rests,
- un mécanisme de déplacement (40) du support mobile (36) en translation en direction de l’ouverture (16) de l’enceinte hermétique (12), - a movement mechanism (40) of the mobile support (36) in translation in the direction of the opening (16) of the hermetic enclosure (12),
- une jupe télescopique (46) disposée de façon à entourer le contenant souple (26), la jupe télescopique (46) étant fixée d’une part au support (36) et d’autre part à la paroi (18) de l’enceinte hermétique (12), la jupe télescopique (46) étant configurée pour se rétracter et se dilater en fonction de déplacements du support (36) tout en conservant une forme sensiblement tubulaire et une section de forme sensiblement constante autour du contenant souple (26). Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel la jupe télescopique (46) est configurée pour que lorsque le support mobile (36) se rapproche de l’ouverture (16), une dimension caractéristique (d) d’une section intérieure de la jupe télescopique (46) diminue de façon à resserrer le contenant souple (26). Dispositif selon l’une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l’enceinte hermétique (12) comprend une collerette (30) entourant l’ouverture (16) de l’enceinte hermétique (12) et débordant de la paroi (18) vers l’extérieur de l’enceinte hermétique (12), dans lequel le contenant souple (26) est configuré pour recouvrir la collerette (30) au niveau de son ouverture (28), et dans
lequel un joint d’étanchéité (32) assure l’étanchéité entre la collerette (30) et le contenant souple (26). - a telescopic skirt (46) arranged so as to surround the flexible container (26), the telescopic skirt (46) being fixed on the one hand to the support (36) and on the other hand to the wall (18) of the hermetic enclosure (12), the telescopic skirt (46) being configured to retract and expand according to displacements of the support (36) while maintaining a substantially tubular shape and a section of substantially constant shape around the flexible container (26) . Device according to Claim 1, in which the telescopic skirt (46) is configured so that when the mobile support (36) approaches the opening (16), a characteristic dimension (d) of an interior section of the telescopic skirt (46) decreases so as to tighten the flexible container (26). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hermetic enclosure (12) comprises a flange (30) surrounding the opening (16) of the hermetic enclosure (12) and projecting from the wall (18) towards the exterior of the hermetic enclosure (12), in which the flexible container (26) is configured to cover the collar (30) at the level of its opening (28), and in which a gasket (32) seals between the flange (30) and the flexible container (26).
4. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le joint d’étanchéité (32) est incorporé dans un pli (90) du contenant souple (26). 4. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the seal (32) is incorporated in a fold (90) of the flexible container (26).
5. Dispositif selon l’une des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un sas d’entrée (50) fixé à l’enceinte hermétique (12) et dans lequel sont disposés, le contenant souple (26), le support mobile (36) et le cas échéant, la jupe (46). 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an entrance lock (50) fixed to the hermetic enclosure (12) and in which are arranged the flexible container (26), the mobile support (36) and if applicable, the skirt (46).
6. Dispositif selon l’une des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre des moyens de fermeture étanche (80) du contenant souple (26). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising sealing means (80) of the flexible container (26).
7. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel les moyens de fermeture étanche (80) sont configurés pour souder le contenant souple (26) selon plusieurs bandes (82, 84, 86) pouvant assurer chacune l’étanchéité du contenant souple (26). 7. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the sealing means (80) are configured to weld the flexible container (26) along several strips (82, 84, 86) each capable of sealing the flexible container (26) .
8. Dispositif selon l’une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l’enceinte hermétique (12) est une boîte à gants, dans laquelle le mécanisme de déplacement (40) du support mobile (36) comprend un actionneur (44) configuré pour être commandé au moyen d’une pédale (45) disposée de façon à ce qu’un opérateur puisse actionner la pédale (45) tout en conservant les mains dans des gants de la boîte à gants. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed enclosure (12) is a glove box, wherein the movement mechanism (40) of the movable support (36) comprises an actuator (44) configured to be controlled by means of a pedal (45) arranged so that an operator can actuate the pedal (45) while keeping his hands in gloves of the glove box.
9. Procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles au moyen d’un dispositif selon l’une des revendications précédentes, le procédé comprenant un enchainement des opérations suivantes : 9. Method for handling volatile powders by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a sequence of the following operations:
- Placer l’emballage (24) dans le contenant souple (26), - Place the packaging (24) in the flexible container (26),
- Mettre en place le contenant souple (26) de façon à épouser de façon étanche l’ouverture (16) de l’enceinte hermétique (12), - Put the flexible container (26) in place so as to tightly fit the opening (16) of the hermetic enclosure (12),
- Ouvrir la trappe (20), - Open the hatch (20),
- Ouvrir l’emballage (24) par l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique (12), - Open the packaging (24) from inside the hermetic enclosure (12),
- Manipuler la poudre (22) par l’intérieur de l’enceinte hermétique (12).
- Handle the powder (22) from inside the hermetic enclosure (12).
10. Procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles selon la revendication précédente, comprenant en outre les opérations suivantes : 10. Method for handling volatile powders according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following operations:
- Fermer de façon étanche le contenant souple (26), - Seal the flexible container (26) tightly,
- Désolidariser le contenant souple (26) de l’enceinte hermétique (12). - Separate the flexible container (26) from the hermetic enclosure (12).
11. Procédé de manipulation de poudres volatiles selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle l’opération de fermeture étanche du contenant souple (26) est réalisée au moyen de plusieurs bandes de soudage (82, 84, 86) du contenant souple (26), chacune pouvant assurer l’étanchéité du contenant souple (26) et dans lequel l’opération de désolidarisation du contenant souple (26) est réalisée par découpe du contenant souple entre les bandes extrêmes de soudage (82, 86).
11. Method for handling volatile powders according to the preceding claim, in which the sealing operation of the flexible container (26) is carried out by means of several welding strips (82, 84, 86) of the flexible container (26), each able to seal the flexible container (26) and in which the operation of separating the flexible container (26) is carried out by cutting the flexible container between the end welding strips (82, 86).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR2013999A FR3117911B1 (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2020-12-23 | Device and method for handling volatile powders |
PCT/EP2021/087190 WO2022136494A1 (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2021-12-22 | Device and method for handling volatile powders |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4267356A1 true EP4267356A1 (en) | 2023-11-01 |
Family
ID=74592267
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21839588.7A Pending EP4267356A1 (en) | 2020-12-23 | 2021-12-22 | Device and method for handling volatile powders |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4267356A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021405605A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3203228A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3117911B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022136494A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102007017816A1 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2008-10-30 | Hecht Anlagenbau Gmbh | Adapter device for containers for contamination-free removal of their contents |
ATE503688T1 (en) * | 2008-10-14 | 2011-04-15 | Fydec Holding Sa | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING A POWDER |
JP6086830B2 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2017-03-01 | 澁谷工業株式会社 | Container opening method using containment isolator and containment isolator |
CN106514721B (en) * | 2016-12-26 | 2018-11-13 | 河南华瑞高新材料有限公司 | A kind of glove box transfer chamber |
CN111872978A (en) * | 2020-08-26 | 2020-11-03 | 江苏华益科技有限公司 | Isotope protection production device meeting GMP (good manufacturing practice) certification requirements |
-
2020
- 2020-12-23 FR FR2013999A patent/FR3117911B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-12-22 AU AU2021405605A patent/AU2021405605A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-22 CA CA3203228A patent/CA3203228A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-22 EP EP21839588.7A patent/EP4267356A1/en active Pending
- 2021-12-22 WO PCT/EP2021/087190 patent/WO2022136494A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3203228A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
FR3117911A1 (en) | 2022-06-24 |
AU2021405605A1 (en) | 2023-07-06 |
FR3117911B1 (en) | 2023-06-30 |
WO2022136494A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
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