METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINERS

摘要

A method of assembling an intermediate bulk container from an outer envelope (76) comprising a prefabricated base from which extends a substantially tubular side wall structure of woven fabric and from a prefabricated, substantially tubular liner (70) of substantially impervious material. The material comprises fitting the liner over a former having support sections (37) that engage the liner along at least three circumferentially spaced axially extending regions of the interior thereof, reducing pressure in the space within the liner to cause parts of the liner each to take up an inwardly convex form between adjacent support sections, applying adhesive to at least part of the outer surface of at least one inwardly convex part of the liner, fitting the outer envelope over the liner with the inner surface of the side wall structure in contact with the outer surface of the liner in areas corresponding to the support sections and out of contact with the outer surface of the liner in those parts to which adhesive has been applied, expanding the liner outwardly into contact with the side wall structure and maintaining such contact until the adhesive maintains adhesion between the liner and the side wall structure. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.