Abstract:
An exemplary implementation of a powder product unloading and storage apparatus has a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a drum into the cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere. A rotary spout dispenses and directs the product entering into the cabinet to a preselected storage hopper which has been selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The plurality of storage hoppers are preferably all held within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to unloading and storage systems, and, more particularly, to an integrated, compact, multistation unloading and storage system for use primarily with powdered products. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Small scale production facilities commonly use powdered products that are shipped in small bags, or small drums, including drums having a liquid volume of between 20 and 200 litres, or more. The bags are often made of plastic or paper, or the drum, which can often be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or even fibrous paper materials, and can have a plastic inner liner (or plastic bag) in which the powdered material is held. The powdered material is typically transferred from the bag or the drum to a storage hopper where it is dispensed as needed in the production process. 
         [0003]    Slightly larger small scale production facilities (which can handle larger volumes), can also receive product in larger drums, or even in “bulk bags” (for example, a large bag of a cubic meter in size). However, difficulties arise when the production facility receives or uses a variety of different materials, in various containers. 
         [0004]    Commonly, large scale production facilities often use dedicated product delivery systems which are able to unload, discharge or empty the raw material from the received container, directly into a dedicated storage hopper. For either large or small scale shipments to such a larger facility, each material is handled in a separate individual system for that product since the larger facility will commonly have a dedicated transfer station for each product to be transferred from the larger shipment containers directly to the storage hopper. The amount of space needed for these separate individual systems is not typically an issue for these systems, since the larger facility will commonly have increased space available in which to transfer the powdered material from the container to the hopper. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, smaller facilities commonly do not have the space or capability to handle a wide variety of materials in the same manner. As such, more compact systems for product transfer would be desirable. 
         [0006]    One problem in any powdered product transfer system, though, is the generation of dust during the transfer and handling of the powdered product. The elimination, containment and/or control of the dust generated, is frequently an issue which must be resolved. This is particularly true if the powdered product is a hazardous material, or an environmentally unfriendly material. 
         [0007]    Again, larger facilities will commonly have dust control systems in place in order to minimize the amount of dust which escapes during the transfer of powdered product from the drum to the hopper. Smaller scale facilities may not have a suitable system in place which addresses this issue, particularly in view of the absence of dedicated transfer systems for each material. 
         [0008]    Even if the smaller scale facilities have installed suitable dust control systems (to, for example, comply with any applicable health and safety standards), the costs of installation and use of these systems, can be relatively large. This may limit the overall flexibility of a smaller facility to handle various products, or restrict the amounts and types of materials that can be used and/or that are available during production. 
         [0009]    As a result, many smaller scale facilities commonly have individual transfer stations that are used to transfer powdered product from the bags, drums or bulk bags to the storage hoppers, with minimal or no dust collection ability. Alternatively, the smaller scale facilities must invest in a system which will provide dust collection capabilities at a number of different transfer stations. 
         [0010]    One option available for dust collection is the use of a separate “glove box” (e.g. a sealed cabinet having access to its interior by using sealed gloves) for each material. The material to be transferred is unloaded from its shipping container, each in a separate and dedicated glove box, into a separate storage bin. The product is transferred by gravity, and the storage bin can include a weighing device to measure the amount of product transferred. 
         [0011]    However, this type of system can commonly stretch over several building floors and can have a total height of 5 meters, or more. Moreover, each raw material to be used in production will have its own individual glove box, storage hopper, isolation gates, dust control system, and the like. As such, the prior art systems require a significant amount of space, both in terms of floor space, but also in terms of height in which to place the necessary equipment for these systems. 
         [0012]    To overcome these difficulties, it would be advantageous to provide a compact, integrated drum unloading system wherein dust generation was minimized, and wherein one transfer station can be used to provide different powders to different storage hoppers. It would also be desirable to provide such a system having mechanisms to prevent or ameliorate cross-contamination of the powdered materials, or inadvertent placement and/or storage of the powdered material in an incorrect storage hopper. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a powdered product unloading and storage system and apparatus that can unload, store and discharge a number of different, and possibly hazardous powdered materials to a plurality of different storage hoppers. Further, the device prevents, minimizes or ameliorates the release of powdered material or dust to the atmosphere, or to the area outside of the apparatus. As such, the apparatus contains the hazardous air born dust or particles inside the device while unloading from a container and while distributing the material to the correct storage container. 
         [0014]    The apparatus can include load cells to measure transfer weights, and from the storage hopper, the different ingredients can be discharged to a batch or continuous weighing system or addition to the facility production system. As such, the system and apparatus of the present invention, is particularly well suited for applications requiring the addition of multiple, and possibly hazardous, powder ingredients in small quantities. 
         [0015]    An exemplary implementation of the unloading and storage apparatus of the present invention first comprises a product unloading device, which preferably comprises a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a product container into the product unloading device, wherein the product unloading device includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere. 
         [0016]    The product unloading device can also comprise a system for unloading of plastic or paper bags of material, in a cabinet, or a mechanism to unload a bulk bag directly to the storage apparatus. 
         [0017]    Next, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a rotary spout which receives, dispenses and/or directs the product entering into the product unloading device to a preselected storage hopper selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The rotary spout preferably has a upper opening at an upper end which upper opening is centred around an axis or rotation. One side wall of the rotary spout is preferably angled so as to allow product to slide by gravity along the inner wall of the spout. The lower opening of the rotary spout rotates around a center of rotation which is offset from the central axis of the lower opening. As such, by rotation of rotatable spout, the position of the lower opening will move around to transcribe a circle around the center of rotation of the upper opening of the rotary (or rotatable) spout. However, the position of the upper opening remains essentially in a constant position (other than rotating). 
         [0018]    Other arrangements for the rotatable spout can be provided depending on the nature of the installation. For example, in more confined areas, an essentially horizontal rotatable spout could be provided by using a screw feeder to move the product along an essentially horizontal chute, or a vibrating or moveable belt or bed, might also be used. 
         [0019]    Third, the apparatus of the present invention provides a plurality of storage hoppers, the loading openings of which are preferably all completely positioned within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated. The loading openings to the storage hoppers are preferably greater in size than the lower opening of the rotary spout. In one preferred embodiment, however, the tops of the storage hoppers are completely uncovered, so that the loading opening is the size of the top of the storage hopper. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the storage hoppers are contiguous one to one another. In a most preferred embodiment, the storage hoppers are located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout. The storage hoppers can vary in size, but in one preferred embodiment, the storage hoppers are identical in size and shape, and are located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout. 
         [0021]    In any case, while the size, shape and placement of the storage hoppers can vary, the loading openings of the storage hoppers are arranged in a circular pattern around the circle transcribed by the movement of the lower rotary spout opening. 
         [0022]    The positioning of the lower opening of the rotary spout can be positioned manually, but preferably is positioned and controlled by a computer operated system to avoid accidental loading of a material into an incorrect storage hopper. 
         [0023]    In the embodiment wherein the tops of the storage hoppers are completely open, the contiguous loading openings of adjacent storage hoppers are divided by a narrow ridge which passes between the storage hoppers. In this respect, the narrow ridge is a ridge of material which is sufficiently strong to resist movement, but which is sufficiently thin to prevent or ameliorate the collection of powdered material on the ridge. For example, joined plates of 1 cm steel plate (from the walls of adjacent storage hoppers, or the dividing wall between hoppers) would provide a suitable narrow ridge. 
         [0024]    In any case, the openings of the storage hoppers, as well as the area wherein the lower opening of the rotary spout is position, are preferably contained within a housing which prevents the escape of dust or material from the housing. The housing is preferably vented through a dust collection system to prevent the release of dust from the system. 
         [0025]    Further, the housing and the storage hoppers can be provided with humidity control systems such as by providing an air exchange system which dries the air. This allows hygroscopic materials to be stored in the hopper(s). 
         [0026]    Further, the storage hoppers and/or housing can be fitted with explosive resistant covers that will minimize any damage if an explosive material is stored within the apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0027]    In a further aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus as herein described with respect to the drawings and following discussion, as provided hereinbelow. 
         [0028]    In a still further aspect, the present invention also provides a powdered product unloading and distribution system, which utilizes the device of the present invention as hereinafter described. 
         [0029]    Through the use of the apparatus and system of the present invention, the user can reduce the number of transfer stations, and thus, the overall unloading and storage system space requirement. The apparatus and system utilize one dumping station for emptying the product material (from drums, bags, bulk bags, or the like) into any one of a plurality of storage hoppers. Further, the apparatus and system of the present invention preferably incorporates a dust filter and/or containment system that keeps any dust generated within the apparatus. 
         [0030]    As a result, the apparatus and system of the present invention uses a smaller “foot print” when compared to using multiple systems, uses less vertical space, and commonly has less capital cost, all while providing better dust containment and better spillage containment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus and system of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a further perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a cutaway perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a further cutaway view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a still further cutaway view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an apparatus according to the prior art; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a storage hopper collection according to the prior art; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a storage hopper collection according to the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0047]    The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements. 
         [0048]    It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
         [0049]    Further, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , a first embodiment of a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus  10 , is shown, which is being used to provide a facility to unload powdered material supplied in drum. In these figures, fibrous drum  12  holding a powdered product weighting, in this example, 25 kg, is positioned on top of powdered product unloading and storage apparatus  10 . Drum  12  can be any suitable size, but typically is between 20 and 200 liters in liquid capacity, and can be made of any suitable material, as previously described. Typically, however, drum  12  is a fibrous drum, and the powdered material contained within drum  12 , is held in the drum in a plastic bag (not shown). 
         [0051]    For this embodiment, drum  12  rests against a drum support arm and bracket  16 , and is held in place using an elasticized cord  18 . A top lid  14 , and lower lid (not shown) to drum  12 , are maintained in a closed position using clamps  17 , and drum  12  essentially fills the opening  20  at or near the top of an otherwise sealed glove box  22 . A small gap  15 , is left between drum  12 , and glove box  22  in order to provide air leakage around drum  12 , so that air can be first drawn into glove box  22 , and then withdrawn from the glove box  22  under negative air pressure, by the dust collection system, as discussed hereinbelow. 
         [0052]    Glove box  22  has two additional openings  24  in which the arms  30  of user  32 , can be inserted. While the openings  24 , can be open to the air, they can also be fitted with two gloves sealed to the cabinet, in order to provide a more effective seal, and minimize contact of the product with the user, or for release of the powdered product. 
         [0053]    A viewing port can also be provided if needed or desired. 
         [0054]    The air quantity and the size of the integrated cabinet filters (see below) will depend on whether sealed gloves are used and/or the size of gap  15 , around the drum The skilled artisan will be aware that this can be varied depending on, for example, the hazard level of the material being handled. 
         [0055]    Other types of cabinets can be used in place of glove box  22  depending on the nature of the products, and the like. For example, a totally closed cabinet, with mechanical or electrically controller operating arms, might be used in some applications. Other modifications to the cabinet will be apparent to the skilled artisan depending on the products being handled. For example, opening  20  might also be adjustable by using inflatable seals or the like, to allow for different sized drums to be unloaded. Further, as discussed hereinbelow, other product unloading systems can be utilized, such as unloading systems for bags, bulk bags, or the like. 
         [0056]    At opening  20 , a vacuum gate  26  is positioned and is attached to glove box  22  using a hinge  23 . Vacuum gate  26  can be moved to a position adjacent to lower drum lid  17 , or moved to its open position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Integral with vacuum gate  26  are a plurality of suction cups  28 , and a vacuum source (not shown) is connectable to vacuum gate  26 . 
         [0057]    It is to be noted that other container unloading arrangements, such as for bags or bulk bags, can be provided in place of the drum handling section of this embodiment, as described hereinbelow. 
         [0058]    At the bottom of glove box  22 , is a rotatable spout  40  having an angled wall surface  41 , and a straight wall surface  42 . Rotatable spout  40  has an upper opening  43  located at the base of glove box  22 , and a lower opening  44  located within a lower cabinet assembly  46 . Spout  40  is rotated using motor  48 , around a center of rotation which is offset from the central axis of the lower opening. As such, by rotation of rotatable spout  40 , the position of lower opening  44  will move around to transcribe a circle around the center of rotation of rotatable spout  40 . However, the position of upper opening  43  remains essentially in a constant position (other than rotating). 
         [0059]    Other arrangements for the rotatable spout  40  can be provided depending on the nature of the installation. For example, in more confined areas, an essentially horizontal rotatable spout could be provided by using a screw feeder to move the product along an essentially horizontal chute, or a vibrating or moveable belt or bed, might also be used. Other options will be apparent to the skilled artisan. 
         [0060]    Six storage hoppers  50 , are shown, in this embodiment, and each has an opening  52 . Openings  52  are located beneath the circular path transcribed by lower opening  44  as it rotates. As such, lower opening  44  can be positioned above any one of the openings  52  in hoppers  50 . 
         [0061]    The skilled artisan will understand that the number and size of hoppers  50  can vary for different embodiments. Most preferably, though, the number of hoppers will be between 2 and 10. Most preferably, however, the number of hoppers is between 4 and 8, with 6 hoppers being a most preferred value. The size of each hopper can be the same, but can also vary one to the next, depending on the relative volume of material being used. 
         [0062]    Also, it should be noted that openings  52  are shown in a solid plate  53 , and are preferably slightly larger than lower opening  44  so that the position of lower opening  44  does not need to be exactly positioned, while still ensuring that all of the product exiting lower opening  52 , enters the appropriate hopper  50 . As such, the size of openings  52  are preferably at least 10% larger in diameter than the diameter of lower opening  44 . 
         [0063]    More preferably though, openings  52  are at least 20%, and still more preferably, at least 30% larger in diameter than the diameter of lower opening  44 . 
         [0064]    Hoppers  50  are all open within lower cabinet assembly  46 . Lower cabinet assembly  46  includes two filter cartridges  54  which filter the air moving between lower cabinet assembly  46 , and the area  56  formed around the base of glove box  22 . The number of filter cartridges, and the type of cartridge can vary depending on the nature of the product being used, the frequency of use, and the like. 
         [0065]    Area  56  can be kept under vacuum when apparatus  10  is in use, so that any material or dust within lower cabinet assembly  46  is drawn into filter cartridges  54  and so that any dust escaping around rotatable spout  40 , is also collected. Vacuum to area  56  is provided through dust control pick up  58 , which is attached to a remote vacuum source. A “flush” air source can be provided through piping  59 . 
         [0066]    Each of hoppers  50  preferably contain a unique raw material for use in the production process. Not shown at the bottom of each hopper is a discharge chute which can be opened or closed to allow material to exit the hopper. These chutes can discharge into a container  60 , shown in  FIG. 8 , which containers  60  can be connected to load cells  62 , or the like, which can measure the amount of material added to container  60 . In a batch operation, for example, a single container  60  with a load cell  62 , can also be used to collect and measure the quantity of material taken from each hopper  50 . 
         [0067]    In operation, a drum  12  is positioned on the top of glove box  22 . Drum  12  rests against drum support arm and bracket  16 , and an elasticized cord  18  is placed around drum  12  to hold it in place. Vacuum lines are connected to vacuum gate  26 , and to dust control pick up  58  in order to activate vacuum gate  26 , and initiate collection of any dust generated in apparatus  10 . It is preferred, and recommended, that vacuum gate  26  be prevented from opening until the dust control system is operational. This can, however, be controlled by many possible automatic control systems. 
         [0068]    The operator selects the appropriate hopper for the product, and moves the rotatable spout  40  so that its lower opening  44  is positioned over the opening of the appropriate hopper  50 . Movement of the rotatable spout  40  can be controlled manually by the operator, but preferably is computer controlled by merely having the operator select the desired hopper from a display and/or control screen (not shown). More preferably, the position of rotatable spout is controlled and/or verified by a computer controller (not shown) that verifies the contents of drum  12  using a bar code reader, RFID codes or any other drum identification system, or the like, so that the appropriate hopper  50  is automatically selected based on the type of material held within drum  12 . 
         [0069]    Vacuum gate  26  is positioned adjacent to the lid of drum  12 , so that suction cups  28  engage the lid. Clamp  17  is released so that vacuum gate  26  can be rotated out of the way, and take and hold the drum lid in an open position. Using openings  24 , the operator can reach in to glove box  22  in order to open the plastic bag within drum  12 , and allow the product to flow into glove box  22 . 
         [0070]    An optional valve can be provided at the bottom of glove box  22  to close rotatable spout  40 , and thus hold the product within glove box  22 . However, this is typically not needed. Also, in an optional feature, vacuum gate  26  is preferably “locked” by, for example, a mechanical lock, which is controlled by a computer controller so that it will not open until the lower opening  44  of rotatable spout  40 , is in the correct position. 
         [0071]    From glove box  22 , the product flows through rotatable spout  40 , and into the appropriate hopper  50 . 
         [0072]    Once the contents of drum  12  have been emptied, the operator replaces the plastic bag and any other contents, back within drum  12 , if needed. The drum lid is moved back into position on drum  12 , by rotating vacuum gate  26 . The drum lid is sealed to drum  12  using clamp  17 , and the vacuum released from suction cups  28  so that the drum lid is released from vacuum gate  26 . The drum can then be removed from apparatus  10 , and replaced by another drum  12  to be emptied. 
         [0073]    It should be noted that the drum lid is held in a position wherein only its “inner” surface is exposed to the product. As a result, the other surface, which might be contaminated by other materials, does not touch the product. Also, contamination of the inside of drum  12  is minimized, since the user never needs to touch the inside of drum  12 . 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 6 , a typical installation of a prior art apparatus  110  according to the prior art is shown having similar components including a drum  112 , a glove box cabinet  122 , and a hopper  150 . The contents of hopper  150  can be released to a container  160 , which is connected to a load cell  162 . However, it should be noted that this installation  110  is only used for a single raw material, and thus, for six materials, for example, six different installations  110  would be required. A common arrangement of hoppers  150  for six materials, is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0075]    In  FIG. 8 , the total installation of an apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown, which provides a more compact and integrated method for unloading a plurality of different materials through one unloading cabinet, into a plurality of storage hoppers  50 . Similar to the prior art, the contents of hopper  50  can be released to a container  60 , which is connected to load cell  62 . While the same number of containers are provided, the “foot print” required for storage hoppers  50  is shown in  FIG. 9 , which is clearly less than the area required by the prior art in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0076]    In  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of the apparatus  10 A of the present invention is shown wherein hoppers  50  are substantially uncovered (by removing plate  53 ), so that previous openings  52  are effectively the size of the tops of hoppers  50 . 
         [0077]    In this embodiment, hoppers  50  are separated only by a ridge of material  55  provided by joining the side walls of adjacent hoppers  50  together to form the ridge  55 . As a result, hoppers  50  are now open within lower cabinet area  46 , and rotary spout  40  moves around the lower cabinet area  46  so as to deposit material into hoppers  50 . 
         [0078]    With this design, all of the material exiting the lower opening of rotary spout  40  is deposited into a hopper, and the minimal amount of material collecting on ridges  55  is not of concern. While some dust from one hopper might “contaminate” an adjacent hopper, the amount is typically not significant, and thus, this design can be utilized. 
         [0079]    In  FIG. 11 , a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a modified apparatus  10 B is shown. In this embodiment, the drum-based product unloading system has been replaced by a bag unloading system. As a result, a cabinet  64  is provided into which a bag of material can be inserted. The contents of the bag (not shown) are dumped through grid  66 , which grid prevents the bag from falling into rotary spout  40 . Once the product has been dumped into rotary spout  40 , the apparatus  10 B operates in a manner similar to the previously described devices. 
         [0080]    However, at the bottom of each storage hopper  50  is a load cell  62 . Moreover, to measure the amount of product within hoppers  50 , the entire lower cabinet  46  is supported from supports  72 , through additional load cells  74 , and via hopper supports  75 . Supports  72  are connected to the apparatus support structure, and not to the apparatus, per se, other than through the load cells  74 . Similarly, the upper cabinet area is supported from apparatus support structure trusses  68 . As such, the upper and lower cabinets are connected together only by a flexible material  70 . This flexible material can be any suitable material depending on the products stored in the hoppers, and the like, and can be a material such as a cloth, neoprene, a rubberized membrane, or the like, which allows the upper and lower cabinets to move independently. 
         [0081]    As such, the product from a bag can be dumped into a hopper  50 , through cabinet  64 , and the amount of material collected within the hopper  50  can be measured using load cells  74 . In this manner, the amount of material added from the bag can be verified. 
         [0082]    Product released from hoppers  50  can also be measured using the load cells  60  on each hopper  50 . Thus, the user is able to verify the amount of material added to the storage hoppers, as well as the amount of material removed from the storage hoppers. 
         [0083]    In  FIG. 12 , a view of the lower cabinet of  FIG. 11  is shown wherein additional details of construction can be seen. In particular, the flexible membrane  70 , and the ridges  55  between storage hoppers  50  can be seen. 
         [0084]    In  FIG. 13 , the connection using flexible material  70  is shown in further detail wherein the flexible material  70  is clamped between concentric rings of rigid material  76  around the outside of both of the upper and lower cabinets so as to connect the two together, but allow some movement between the upper and lower cabinets. An optional thin metal protective cover, such as a thin steel sheet, can also be added to protect the flexible material from damage. 
         [0085]    In  FIG. 14 , a further embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the product to be added to apparatus  10 C is provided in a bulk bag  80 . Bag  80  is supported by its own support frame  82 . Bag  80  is emptied through chute  84  through a control valve  86 . In the cutaway view shown in  FIG. 15 , the product passes to a rotary spout  88  having a shallow angle, and which incorporates a vibratory screen (or alternatively, a belt conveyor) to cause the material to be directed to the selected hopper  50 . 
         [0086]    The outside of hoppers  50  is optionally encased with a protective material  90 , which allows the materials stored within hoppers  50  to be explosive materials. 
         [0087]    Also, a desiccant is stored within air filter  92  which allows hygroscopic materials to be stored within hoppers  50 . Air enters the apparatus through filter  92 , and exits through exhaust pipe  94 , and in doing so, the moisture present in the air is reduced. 
         [0088]    Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus and system which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0089]    Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
         [0090]    Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. 
         [0091]    Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively. 
         [0092]    Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.