Flexible tank for fluid containerisation

Abstract

A flexible walled bag, tank ( 1 ), or flexitank, for shipping fluids, in particular liquids, disposed within an outer container ( 12 ) confines, and supportable by a container floor, side walls and end structures, an upper tank surface being constrained, loaded or biassed, by external restraints, such as depending local spaced intrusions or baffles ( 22 ) extending from one side towards the other.

1 . A flexible walled tank or bag ( 1 ) disposed within a container, for transport and storage of liquid, wherein said tank or bag is configured such that, in a filled condition, it is supported by side walls of said container, with an overlying headspace ( 75 ) between a top wall of said tank or bag and a roof of said container, and at least one local constraint configured to achieve at least one baffle ( 22 ) operative upon the top wall of said tank or bag and underlying liquid content when said tank or bag is in said filled condition, wherein said at least one local constraint comprises at least one elongate tensioner which is fastened at a fastening point within said headspace at each opposing sidewall of said container and extending directly therefrom across the top wall of said tank or bag toward an opposite side of said container. 
     
     
         2 . A flexible tank of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate tensioner comprises two tensioning devices, each tensioning device having a first end which is fastened at one of said fastening points and a second end which is fastened at an intermediate region of the opposite sidewall of said container below said headspace as cross-bracing. 
     
     
         3 . A flexible tank of  claim 2 , wherein said elongate tensioners are configured for fastening to container lashing hoops located on opposite container top side rails. 
     
     
         4 . A flexible tank of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate tensioner passes under and around said tank or bag to said fastening points at said container side walls. 
     
     
         5 . A flexible tank of  claim 1  further comprising a liner disposed between said tank or bag and said container, wherein said elongate tensioner is fastened to said liner. 
     
     
         6 . A flexible tank of  claim 2  further comprising a liner disposed between said tank or bag and said container, wherein each said tensioner device is fastened to said liner at said intermediate region. 
     
     
         7 . A flexible tank of  claim 4  further comprising a liner disposed between said tank or bag and said container, wherein said elongate tensioner is fastened to said liner.