Pressure differential discharge system for a shipping container and methods of use

Abstract

A pressure differential discharge system is provided for use with a shipping container. The pressure differential discharge system includes a manifold having a mock hatch configured for attachment about a manhole of the shipping container; a mating plate attached to the mock hatch and defining a valve aperture therethrough, the mating plate shaped complementary to the spillbox, wherein the mating plate and spillbox mate, the valve of the spillbox extending through the valve aperture of the mating plate for discharge of the shipping container.

1 . A pressure differential discharge system for use with a spillbox defining a valve, the pressure differential discharge system comprising:
 a mock hatch being configured for attachment about a manhole of a shipping container; and   a mating plate disposed in the mock hatch and defining a valve aperture therethrough, the mating plate shaped complementary to the spillbox, wherein the mating plate and spillbox mate, the valve of the spillbox extending through the valve aperture of the mating plate for discharge of the shipping container.   
     
     
         2 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 1 , wherein the mock hatch and the mating plate are made of metal. 
     
     
         3 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of lugs for attaching the mock hatch to the shipping container. 
     
     
         4 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 3 , wherein the lugs attach to respective latches of the shipping container. 
     
     
         5 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a carrying handle. 
     
     
         6 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a support flange disposed proximate the valve aperture, the support flange being configured to position the valve for discharge. 
     
     
         7 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a restraining plate spaced apart from the support flange, the restraining plate defining a restraining plate aperture therethrough, the valve being configured to extend through the valve aperture and the restraining plate aperture for connection of a hose. 
     
     
         8 . A method of unloading a shipping container with a pressure differential discharge system, the method comprising:
 placing a spillbox about a manhole in a shipping container such that the spillbox covers the manhole;   placing a pressure differential discharge manifold over the spillbox, the pressure differential discharge manifold including a hatch and a mating plate defining a valve aperture therethrough, the mating plate being shaped complementary to a contour of the spillbox such that a valve of the spillbox extends through the valve aperture;   connecting the hatch of the pressure differential discharge manifold to the shipping container;   connecting a hose to the valve; and   pressurizing the shipping container to cause a cargo in the shipping container to discharge through the valve.   
     
     
         9 . The method of as in  claim 7 , further comprising forming a seal between the spillbox and the mating plate upon pressurization. 
     
     
         10 . The method of as in  claim 7 , wherein the mating plate includes a support flange and a restraining plate defining a restraining plate aperture therethrough, the support flange and the restraining plate spaced apart from each other and disposed proximate the valve aperture, the valve extending through the restraining plate aperture, the support flange and the restraining plate controlling movement of the valve upon pressurization. 
     
     
         11 . A pressure differential discharge system for use with a spillbox defining a valve, the pressure differential discharge system comprising:
 a pressure differential discharge manifold including a mock hatch and a mating plate disposed in the mock hatch, the mock hatch being configured for attachment about a manhole of a shipping container, the mating plate defining a valve aperture therethrough; and   a spillbox being configured for insertion between the pressure differential discharge manifold and the manhole, the spillbox including a valve, the mating plate shaped complementary to the spillbox, wherein the mating plate and the spillbox mate, the valve of the spillbox extending through the valve aperture of the mating plate for discharge of the shipping container.   
     
     
         12 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 11 , further comprising a support flange disposed proximate the valve aperture, the support flange being configured to position the valve for discharge. 
     
     
         13 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 11 , further comprising a restraining plate spaced apart from the support flange, the restraining plate defining a restraining plate aperture therethrough, the valve being configured to extend through the valve aperture and the restraining plate aperture for connection of a hose. 
     
     
         14 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 11 , wherein the mating plate is a metal. 
     
     
         15 . The pressure differential discharge system as in  claim 11 , further comprising forming a seal between the spillbox and the mating plate upon pressurization.