Tank manway

Types of tank manway

Tank manways are available in multiple types suitable for diverse applications.

• Circular manway

  Circular tank manways are referred to as the most common choice. These types are widely in use in the manufacturing and food processing industries. Be advised that a circular manway is often preferred to a rectangular one. The reason is that these structures have higher pressure and vacuum resistance capacity. Also, their rounded shape makes them ideal for use in pressurized tanks, chemical storage, and various industrial applications.

• Oval manway

  Oval manways have a smaller profile compared to circular ones. Thus, they are suitable for tanks with limited access. These manways are in use in the oil and gas sectors, as well as in wastewater treatment facilities. An oval manway provides a blend of space efficiency and structural integrity in low and high pressure.

• Rectangular manway

  As the name suggests, rectangular manways are equipped with a shaped design. These types are, however, fitted to horizontal and vertical cylindrical tanks. They, therefore, excel in applications that require larger access points. These units are in use in mining and chemical processing. Note that in these sectors, large equipment and personnel must enter tanks for maintenance and inspections.

• Square manway

  In cases where a rectangular manway does not have enough space, square manways come in so handy. They provide ample access for larger tasks. These manways are usually in vertical or horizontal tanks in heavy industries such as petrochemicals. These high capacity manways provide durability in demanding work environments.

• Elliptical manway

  Elliptical manways have a low profile, but they offer ease of access. These characteristics make them ideal for use in under ground tanks and pressure vessels. You will find these units are widely used in the transportation and storage of liquids and gases. Just like oval manways, elliptical manways combine pressure resistance with accessibility.

Industrial applications of tank manway

• Water treatment plants

  Tank manways play an important role in waste water management. They provide technicians with access to tanks and other treatment equipment for maintenance and repairs. Without the presence of these units, it will be difficult for workers to perform inspections. Moreover, they ensure that waste water is properly treated without any health implications.

• Food and beverage industry

  These manways are used in storage tanks, fermentation vessels, and other equipment. This indicates that they are crucial in food manufacturing. They help grant access for cleaning, inspections, and repairs. Their non-corrosive materials ensure that there is no contamination of food or drinks. Thus, there is adherence to safety and hygiene standards.

• Petrochemical industry

  In this industry, tank manways are in use in storage tanks, reactors, and distillation columns. These units can access hazardous materials as well as high-pressure environments. Furthermore, they are designed to handle extreme conditions, including high temperatures and chemical exposure.

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing

  These manways are fitted to vessels for drug production and storage. Their major purpose is to allow access for cleaning and maintenance while ensuring that the interior of the tanks is not contaminated. Most manways in this industry are made from stainless steel. This guarantees compliance with strict hygiene regulations and will always ensure product purity.

• Mining operations

  Mining users will understand the importance of mechanical rectifier manways in storage tanks and various pressure vessels. These units provide workers with access to the interior of these tanks during maintenance, cleaning, and inspections. In addition, they facilitate the safe management of chemical solutions that are commonly in use in the mineral extraction process.

What to consider when selecting tank manways

• Size

  One of the most crucial factors that one should consider is the size. Always ensure that the tank manway is compatible with the client’s tank size. Remember that larger manways will offer easier access when carrying out cleaning or repairs. On the contrary, smaller manways might occupy little spaces but are difficult to work with. Therefore, always assess the client’s tank dimensions and the kind of activities they perform inside before purchasing one.

• Material

  Tank manways are manufactured in diverse materials, each with unique features. While some are constructed with mild steel, others make use of stainless steel. Stainless steel manways are more corrosion resistant. For tanks that store chemicals or other corrosive materials, stainless steel manways are already recommended. Mild steel is more suitable for less demanding applications since it is more affordable.

• Sealing mechanism

  Keep in mind that the sealing mechanism is important for maintaining the integrity of the tanks. These tank manways normally have different types of sealing mechanisms. These sealing mechanisms include rubber gaskets and bolted rings. S buyers can consider those manways with a rubber gasket seal for easy access. This is because they allow quick opening and closing. On the other hand, if the clients are looking for a secure seal that requires less access, then opt for a bolted manway.

• Compliance and standards

  It is important to keep in mind that these tank manways have gone through some manufacturing standards. These standards differ in accordance with the industry they are being used in. For instance, the food and beverage industry’s manways need to adhere to health and safety standards. Those in the pharmaceutical industry need to comply with hygiene protocols. Fortunately, there are available manways that meet the necessary standards. So, always ensure to have them on hand to promote safety and legal compliance.

• Installation and maintenance

  Consider whether the manway requires complicated installation procedures and what kind of maintenance it needs. Some manways come with flanged connections. These are very easy to install and replace when need be. So, go for the ones that clients can handle with ease to minimize their workload.

How to maintain tank manways

• Regular inspections

  Customers should make a point of checking their tank manways often to determine if there are any problems with them. During these assessments, look out for things like rust, fracture, or misalignment. These signs are often in use after exposure to corrosive chemicals or poor weather. Therefore, conduct thorough inspections where the manways will be made to open and all internal damage checked. Also, check the external condition for better and improved functionality.

• Daily cleaning

  Cleaning the manway every day will increase its lifespan and ensure it is secure at all times. Carefully clean both the inside and outside of the manway using appropriate non-abrasive and non-corrosive cleansers. This, as stated, will help prevent rust and corrosion. Moreover, there are times when solid items might get stuck on the cover and hinge. When this happens, there is the possibility of the manway getting damaged or even spilling over. To avoid this, pay close attention to cleaning it.

• Proper sealing

  Tank manways are usually accompanied by gaskets or seals. These items are used to ensure there are no leakages and the tank’s integrity is maintained. Nevertheless, with time and exposure, these seals wear out. Therefore, one ultra-strong way to maintain the manway is by frequently examining the seal and replacing it when it wears out. Doing this often seals leakage. Moreover, clients should ensure that on installation, all the seals are compatible with the chemicals being stored in the tanks.

• Proper installation

  As stated before, clients face the greatest challenge when installing a manway. If the installation process is done properly, then maintaining the manway will be easy. So, during the installation, ensure the manway is bolted securely. Also, make sure all the seals are correctly fitted. This ensures no leaks or contaminants enter the tank.

• Immediate repairs

  As much as the maintenance practices extend the lifespan of the tank manways, there will always come a time when repairs will be a must. Therefore, people need to have repair kits for manways. Additionally, there are times when small issues turn into big ones if not addressed with immediate effect. Thus, conduct all the repairs needed as stated by the manufacturers. This promotes safety and also prevents the manway from getting worse.

Q&A

Can tank manways be customized?

Well, customized tank manways are available. They will, however, take some time to manufacture. Buyers can order customized manways depending on size, shape, and material in bulk.

Are tank manways durable and long lasting?

Tank manways are generally made of steel and are, therefore, very sturdy and long-lasting. Mounting manways with corrosion-resistant coatings is advisable for them to last longer in harsh and corrosive environments.

How does one go about deciding on the tank manways material?

When deciding on the material, first consider the environment in which the manways will be operating. If the client’s environment is corrosive, then go for stainless steel manways. On the other hand, if the atmosphere is just normal, then mild steel will be more economical and the best option.

How does one go about deciding on the tank manways material?

When deciding on the material, first consider the environment in which the manways will be operating. If the client’s environment is corrosive, then go for stainless steel manways. On the other hand, if the atmosphere is just normal, then mild steel will be more economical and the best option.

Are tank manways suitable for all industries?

No, there are some industries that are not suitable for using tank manways, like tank cleaning companies. These places use other equipment like robotic manway openers, which are more efficient than manways.