JP7845136B2 - Anti-slip structure for drums loaded on pallets, and method for loading drums. - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an anti-slip structure for preventing drums, particularly drums filled with sludge containing acidic liquids, from sliding off the deck surface of a pallet, and to a method for loading drums onto a pallet.

The sulfuric acid production process at a copper smelter includes a dust cleaning and recovery process for smelting exhaust gas containing _SO₂ gas. The sludge containing acidic liquid recovered in this cleaning and recovery process is transported out of the system. At this time, the sludge is dewatered, and the dewatered sludge is filled into drums. Multiple drums (for example, four drums) are loaded onto the deck of a pallet, and the pallet loaded with drums is transported out in a transport container.

The deck surface of the pallet on which the drums are loaded is flat, making the loaded items, such as drums, prone to sliding. Therefore, during the process of transporting sludge out of the system, drums may slide off the pallet due to impacts during loading by forklift, transport in a shipping container, or unloading by forklift. Furthermore, in such cases, the bottom of the drum may be damaged, causing the acidic sludge to leak out and contaminate the inside and outside of the shipping container. Thus, transporting sludge containing acidic liquid using drums poses safety and environmental risks.

In contrast, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-130571 discloses a pallet in which grooves are formed on the deck surface for fitting ribs protruding from the bottom of drums. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-196663 discloses a pallet in which, within each section of the deck where drums are stacked, a virtual circle is drawn with a radius equal to the radius of the drum, centered approximately at the center of the section. An outer anti-slip material is provided extending both inside and outside the virtual circle, spanning the virtual circle, at positions corresponding to approximately half the distance from each of the two sides of adjacent sections across the deck corners.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-130571 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-196663

The technologies described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-130571 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-196663 are considered to be able to effectively prevent drums from sliding off the deck surface of a pallet to a certain extent. However, providing such an anti-slip structure for drums on the pallet side presents the problem of requiring time-consuming processing of the pallet. Furthermore, to prevent mixing of processed pallets with other pallets, a separate storage area for processed pallets must be prepared for separate storage, and the processed pallets must be returned to the dust cleaning and recovery process. Additionally, the technology of providing an anti-slip structure for drums on the pallet side requires placing the drums in a predetermined position on the pallet deck surface, which presents the problem of time-consuming positioning. Moreover, while inexpensive recycled drums are used for sludge removal for disposable purposes, the bottom surfaces of these recycled drums may be deformed, such as becoming oval-shaped. Therefore, the anti-slip structure on the pallet side cannot be applied to recycled drums with such deformed bottoms.

This disclosure aims to provide a drum anti-slip structure that can prevent drums from sliding off the deck surface of a pallet due to impact or other factors during the process of unloading sludge containing acidic liquids, while using a general-purpose pallet with a flat deck surface.

Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a means to effectively prevent a drum from sliding off the pallet deck due to impact during transport or delivery, causing damage to the bottom of the drum, and resulting in the leakage of acidic liquid-soaked sludge, which would contaminate the inside and outside of the transport container.

An anti-slip structure for drums stacked on the deck surface of a pallet, according to one aspect of this disclosure, is placed on the deck surface of the pallet. The anti-slip structure is characterized by being constructed by layering a first corrugated cardboard, an anti-slip sheet, a protective sheet, and a second corrugated cardboard in that order from the deck surface side.

Preferably, the protective sheet has a vertical width greater than the vertical width of the deck surface and a horizontal width greater than the horizontal width of the deck surface. That is, the protective sheet has an outer perimeter portion that is rolled up and secured to the side of the drum can, which is stacked on top of the second cardboard box. In this case, preferably, the first cardboard box, the anti-slip sheet, and the second cardboard box have vertical and horizontal widths that are the same as or slightly smaller than the vertical and horizontal widths of the deck surface.

The protective sheet is preferably made of a transparent nylon sheet.

A method for loading drums according to one aspect of this disclosure is:
A step of placing an anti-slip structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure on the deck surface of a pallet,
The process of stacking drums on the aforementioned anti-slip structure, and,
The process involves rolling up the portion of the protective sheet that is located outside the drum and securing it to the side of the drum,
It is characterized by having the following features.

In the aforementioned method of loading drums, if multiple drums are loaded onto the deck surface of the pallet, it is preferable to include a step of securing the multiple drums to each other with cable ties.

The anti-slip structure and loading method of this disclosure can be implemented by appropriately combining the configurations of each embodiment described above, to the extent that no contradictions arise.

By applying the anti-slip structure for drums according to one aspect of this disclosure, even when using a general-purpose pallet with a flat deck surface, it is possible to effectively prevent drums from sliding off the pallet's deck surface due to impacts during transport or handling while unloading sludge containing acidic liquids.

Furthermore, by applying a drum loading method according to one aspect of this disclosure, using a drum anti-slip structure according to one aspect of this disclosure, even if a drum slides off the pallet deck due to impact during transport or delivery, causing damage to the bottom of the drum and leakage of sludge wet with acidic liquid, the protective sheet constituting the anti-slip structure effectively prevents the sludge from contaminating the inside and outside of the transport container.

Thus, the technology disclosed herein has extremely high industrial value because it significantly reduces safety and environmental risks in the process of removing sludge containing acidic liquids.

Figure 1 is a conceptual perspective view showing a drum anti-slip structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, together with a pallet and a drum. Figure 2 is a front view of the same configuration as in Figure 1, viewed from the horizontal direction. Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, showing the state after the protective sheet constituting the anti-slip structure of the drum has been rolled up and fixed to the side of the drum. Figure 4 is a front view of the same configuration as in Figure 3, viewed from the horizontal direction.

The following describes an example of a drum anti-slip structure and a drum loading method using this anti-slip structure according to one embodiment of this disclosure. However, the contents of this disclosure are not limited to these, and improvements and modifications can be made as needed. Such improvements and modifications are also included in the contents of this disclosure.

<Anti-slip structure for drums>
Figures 1 to 4 are perspective and front views schematically illustrating the anti-slip structure and drum stacking method for the drums in this example. The anti-slip structure (1) for the drums in this example is placed on the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2). The anti-slip structure (1) can be constructed by stacking a first corrugated cardboard (4), an anti-slip sheet (5), a protective sheet (6), and a second corrugated cardboard (7) in that order from the deck surface (3) side.

The type of drum (8) used in this example is arbitrary, but typically, a 200L drum, commonly used in this field, can be used. Furthermore, in the sludge removal process, since the container is damaged by the sludge, it is preferable that the sludge removal container be disposable. Therefore, recycled drums, made of metal with sufficient strength and readily available at low cost, are frequently used. Such recycled drums are included in the drum (8) used in this example.

Furthermore, the type of pallet (2) used in this example is arbitrary; metal, synthetic resin, or wooden pallets can be used. While a general-purpose pallet with a flat deck surface can be used in this example, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to pallets with a non-slip structure on the deck surface. Typically, a total of four drums (8) can be loaded onto the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2). However, depending on the size of the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2) and the size of the drums (8), it may be possible to load more than four drums (8), and even if there is ample space on the deck surface (3), loading only one, two, or three drums (8) is also acceptable.

The first corrugated cardboard (4) and the second corrugated cardboard (7) have the function of preventing damage to the anti-slip sheet (5) and protective sheet (6) when loading drums. More specifically, the first corrugated cardboard (4) has the function of preventing unevenness or splinters on the surface of the pallet (2), or dirt or gravel on the pallet (2), from becoming embedded in the anti-slip sheet (5) and protective sheet (6). Furthermore, the second corrugated cardboard (7) has the function of allowing the ribs around the bottom of the drum to become embedded, thereby holding the drum (8) in place. Commonly used corrugated cardboard sheets can be applied to the first corrugated cardboard (4) and the second corrugated cardboard (7).

The anti-slip sheet (5) has the function of increasing friction between the first corrugated cardboard (4) and the protective sheet (6), thereby preventing the drum (8) from sliding off the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2) due to impact. The anti-slip sheet (5) can be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric sheet composed of a highly elastic material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber (chloroprene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber), silicone rubber, or various types of fluororubber, as well as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, a blend of polyester and rayon, or a blend of cellulose fibers and polyester. Furthermore, as the anti-slip sheet (5), it is also possible to use an anti-slip sheet with a nonwoven fabric sheet as the base material, on which an anti-slip coating made of silicone or the like is formed on one or both sides.

The protective sheet (6) has the function of protecting the pallet (2). Specifically, the drum (8) may corrode due to acidic liquid seeping from the sludge inside the drum (8), or the drum (8) may wear down due to the sludge, causing small holes to form on the bottom and sides of the drum (8), especially on the bottom. In this case, the acidic liquid may seep out from these small holes on the bottom and sides of the drum (8). Furthermore, due to impacts during the transport process, these small holes may cause larger gaps to form on the bottom and sides of the drum (8), and the sludge itself, wet with acidic liquid, may leak out. General pallets have many irregularities of various sizes, such as forklift tines and pores in the wood, so if sludge or acidic liquid adheres to them, it will take a great deal of effort to restore them. In contrast, by using an acid-resistant material for the protective sheet (6) to prevent the penetration of sludge and acidic liquids, even if sludge or acidic liquids adhere to it, they can simply be washed away from the protective sheet (6). Therefore, the protective sheet (6) is preferably thin, lightweight, and flat. Such a protective sheet (6) can be lifted and any attached material washed away at any desired location.

As the protective sheet (6), for example, protective sheets made of nylon, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or a durable composite material such as tarpaulin can be used. From the viewpoint of improving visibility when checking for sludge leakage from the bottom of the drum (8), it is preferable that the protective sheet (6) be transparent. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing sludge leakage from the protective sheet (6), it is preferable to use a nylon protective sheet with excellent chemical resistance.

In this example, the protective sheet (6) has a length greater than the vertical width of the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2), and a width greater than the horizontal width of the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2). This makes it possible to roll up the portion of the protective sheet (6) that is outside the drum can (8), i.e., the outer perimeter of the protective sheet (6), after the drum can (8) has been loaded onto the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2), as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and fix it to the side of the drum can (8). With this configuration, even if sludge leaks outward from the side of the drum can (8), it is possible to effectively suppress further leakage of sludge from the protective sheet (6). In addition, if there is deposits on the surface or back of the protective sheet (6), it is possible to narrow down whether the source is on the pallet (2) or not, depending on the location of the deposits. Furthermore, the size of the protective sheet (6) is preferably such that, when rolled up, it can enclose at least 1/10 of the height of the drum (8), more preferably it can enclose about 1/5 to 1/2 of the height of the drum (8), and even more preferably it can enclose about 1/4 to 1/3 of the height of the drum. Alternatively, when compared to the length and width of the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2), the length and width are preferably about 1.2 to 2.0 times the length and width of the deck surface (3), and more preferably about 1.3 to 1.5 times the length and width of the deck surface (3).

While a thin protective sheet (6) is preferable for ease of rolling up, it is preferable to double-layer it from the viewpoint of enhancing leak prevention. Furthermore, in this case, it is even more preferable that the protective sheet (6) consists of two protective sheets with another anti-slip sheet inserted between them.

The length and width of the first corrugated cardboard (4), the anti-slip sheet (5), and the second corrugated cardboard (7) are arbitrary, but it is preferable that they be the same as or slightly smaller than the length and width of the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2). However, even if they are smaller than the length and width of the deck surface (3), it is preferable that they are large enough to accommodate the entire drum can (8) (or all drum cans (8) if multiple drum cans (8) are loaded) placed on the anti-slip structure (1).

<Stacking structure for drums>
In the drum stacking method of this example, first, the anti-slip structure (1) is placed and constructed on the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2) by stacking the first corrugated cardboard (4), anti-slip sheet (5), protective sheet (6), and second corrugated cardboard (7) in that order.

Next, using conveying equipment such as a drum lift, drums filled with sludge containing an acidic liquid (four drums in this example) are loaded onto the anti-slip structure (1) placed on the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2).

Furthermore, the portion of the protective sheet (6) of the anti-slip structure (1) that is outside the placed drum (8) is rolled up, and the rolled-up portion of the protective sheet (6) is fixed to the side of the drum (8) using any fixing tape (9) or the like. That is, an enclosure is formed consisting of the portion of the protective sheet (6) laid under the drum (8) (bottom) and the portion fixed to the side of the drum (8) (peripheral wall). This makes it possible to retain sludge inside the enclosure if sludge leaks from the bottom of the drum (8).

In this example, since multiple drums (8) are stacked on the deck surface (3) of the pallet (2), cable ties (10) are used to secure the drums (8) to each other in order to prevent them from tipping over during transport.

Finally, wrap a packing sheet of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene (not shown) around the pallet (2) and the drum (8) to secure the drum (8) to the pallet (2).

The pallet (2) on which the drums (8) are placed is loaded into the transport container using a forklift or other transport equipment. Similarly, at the destination, the pallet (2) can be unloaded from the transport container using a forklift or other transport equipment, and then the packaging can be removed.

Wooden pallets (1150mm x 1150mm x 150mm) were used as pallets.

As an anti-slip structure, the following materials were used: a first corrugated cardboard sheet (1100mm x 1100mm), a polyethylene anti-slip sheet (1100mm x 1100mm), a transparent nylon protective sheet (1800mm x 1800mm), and a second corrugated cardboard sheet (1100mm x 1100mm).

A non-slip structure was constructed on the deck surface of the pallet by sequentially placing the first corrugated cardboard, anti-slip sheet, protective sheet, and second corrugated cardboard on the deck surface.

Four 200L drums filled with sludge containing an acidic liquid were sequentially loaded onto a non-slip structure using a drum lift. Then, the drums were secured to each other with cable ties, and finally, packaging vinyl sheets were wrapped around the pallet and drums.

We repeatedly loaded pallets containing drums into transport containers using a forklift, transported them, and unloaded them at the destination using a forklift. In all of these processes, the drums never slid off.

1. Anti-slip structure 2. Pallet 3. Deck surface 4. First layer of cardboard 5. Anti-slip sheet 6. Protective sheet 7. Second layer of cardboard 8. Drum can 9. Fixing tape 10. Cable ties

Claims (5)

A non-slip structure for drums stacked on a pallet, wherein the structure is placed on the deck surface of the pallet and consists of layers stacked in the following order from the deck surface side: a first corrugated cardboard, a non-slip sheet, a protective sheet, and a second corrugated cardboard. The anti-slip structure according to claim 1, wherein the protective sheet has a vertical width greater than the vertical width of the deck surface and a horizontal width greater than the horizontal width of the deck surface .
The protective sheet is made of a transparent nylon sheet, as described in claim 1. A step of placing the anti-slip structure described in claim 2 on the deck surface of the pallet,
The process of stacking drums on the aforementioned anti-slip structure, and,
The process involves rolling up the outer peripheral portion of the protective sheet that is located outside the drum and securing it to the side of the drum,
A method for loading drums, which includes [a specific feature/feature]. The drum stacking method according to claim 4, comprising the step of stacking multiple drums on the deck surface of the pallet and securing the multiple drums to each other with cable ties.