System and method for unloading bulk powder from large bulk containers

A method to unload bulk powder from a large bulk container removably mounted on a platform, the container having surrounding walls and a floor mounted on a structural frame and two ends, a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end is closed and rear end is least partially open, the powder being stored in the container or in a removable, flexible liner within the container;

• the platform having a means of tilting the container at an angle from about 0 to at least 40 degrees;
• and optionally vibrators mounted the container floor structural frame, the method comprising the steps of;
• (a) connecting to the rear end of the container a manifold having a inlet and discharge sections wherein at least a portion of the manifold is lined with a pneumatic conditioning membrane having a means of gas supply;
• (b) when the powder is stored within a liner, cutting the liner where the liner is exposed by the opening in the top plate of the manifold;
• (c) tilting the container to an angle between 0 and at least 40 degrees;
• (d) activating the pneumatic conditioning membrane by supplying gas to the membrane,
• with the proviso that if the angle of tilt is fixed and is an angle less than the angle of repose of the bulk powder the vibrators are activated.