Stainless steel manways and stainless steel manhoels are robust and durable solutions for access and inspection of tanks, cisterns and basins.
In this article we will explore what they are, how they work and how to choose them.
What are Stainless Steel Manways and Manholes?
Stainless steel manways and stainless steel manholes are devices used to access tanks, cisterns, basins or other structures containing liquids or materials. Here are some of their key features:
• Construction materials: stainless steel (inox), known for its resistance to corrosion and rust, is ideal for aggressive environments or exposed to moisture.
• Position: stainless steel manholes are placed on top of the tank, while stainless steel manways are positioned in the side walls of the stainless steel tanks towards the bottom.
• Robust structure: stainless steel manways and manholes are designed to resist wear and in some cases are also studied to withstand heavy loads. They can be installed in tanks, cisterns, industrial plants and similar structures.
• Shapes and Dimensions: they are available in different shapes, such as round manways, oval manways inwards opening or rectangular manways outwards horizontal opening, and their opening can be towards the inside or towards the outside. Other models include articulated arms for easy opening. In stainless steel manholes some models have the hole for the vent valves, or anti-retention covers. For each form and type of manway and stainless steel manhole are available different sizes in order to meet every application requirement.
• Gaskets: to ensure a tight seal, resistance to temperatures and chemical agents the stainless steel manways and stainless steel manholes are equipped with gaskets available in different materials such as EPDM, VITON and Silicone (VMQ), and therefore also suitable for contact with food.
How to choose Stainless Steel Manways and Manholes?
In order to choose the best suited stainless steel manways and manholes for the application, it is necessary to consider some points.
• Usage Environment: it is important to make an assessment of the environment in which they will be installed. If the environment will expose them to corrosive substances (example: salt spray, or corrosive gases such as sulphur dioxide) the most suitable material is AISI 316 stainless steel, which offers a greater resistance to corrosion than AISI 304 stainless steel.
• Type of use: the pressure and temperature loads to which the stainless steel manways and stainless steel manholes will be subjected, and the frequency of opening must be determined. In some tanks it could be very useful to install a round manhole with full sight glass and peripheral closings to monitor the product processing stages.
• Size and Shape: the size and shape (oval, rectangular, round, square) should be chosen according to the specifications of the project. The form chosen must be functional to the application.
• Tank accessories: for example, it is necessary to consider whether the stainless steel manhole should be prepared (with hole) for installation of vent valves, or equipped with anti-retention lid.
More information on the technical specifications of stainless steel manways, stainless steel manholes, safety valves, and how to choose stainless steel accessories for tanks and process plants can always be obtained by contacting directly the certified companies producing these articles.
It is essential to choose a qualified and experienced supplier in order to obtain the most appropriate advice for the project to be carried out.
You can contact the staff of Veneta Acciai at +39 0421-679996 and writing to export@venetaacciai.it
FAQ
What are stainless steel manway doors and manholes?
Stainless steel manway doors and manholes are devices designed to allow access and inspection of tanks and cisterns containing liquids or materials. Due to their corrosion resistance, they are ideal for wet and aggressive environments.
What materials are used for the construction of manway doors and manholes?
Manway doors and manholes for the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries are made of stainless steel, a material known for its resistance to rust and corrosion. The most resistant models are made of AISI 316, ideal for saline environments and with concentrations of corrosive substances.
Where are the stainless steel manway doors and manholes installed?
- Manholes are generally located at the top of the tank and cistern to facilitate access from above.
- Manway doors are installed on the side walls of the tank and cistern, usually at the bottom, to facilitate inspection and cleaning.
What are the available shapes of steel manway doors and manholes?
The available shapes of stainless steel manway doors can be round, oval, rectangular and open to the inside or the outside. Some models include articulated arms for easy opening.
What are the materials of the sealing gaskets for steel manway doors and manholes?
The seals of the manway doors and manholes for stainless steel tanks are available in materials such as EPDM, VITON and Silicone (VMQ), which ensure resistance to high temperatures, chemical agents and are compatible with food contact.
How to choose the manway doors and manholes best suited to your needs?
To choose the manway doors and manholes best suited to your needs, you must consider:
- The environment of use (if there are corrosive substances, better AISI 316 stainless steel).
- The conditions of use (pressure, temperature, frequency of opening).
- Size and shape according to the requirements of the production process and plant design.
- Type of opening (inward or outward), with clip, handwheel or arm.