How to choose a custom-made manhole for your trapdoor?
Choosing a custom-made manhole for your equipment is a crucial decision for many industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals, chemicals and viticulture. The quality and reliability of this closure system are essential to ensure safety, standards compliance and operational performance. There are various factors to consider when choosing a custom-made manhole, as well as the benefits of working with experts to design solutions tailored to your specific needs. Find out how to find the ideal door or hatch for your industry.
Understanding manhole types
Manholes are essential for ensuring safe and efficient access to industrial equipment, tanks and vessels. They are designed to meet a variety of needs and come in several shapes, each tailored to specific applications.
Round manholes
Round manholes are frequently used in maritime and industrial applicationswhere space is at a premium. They allow easy and safe access, thanks to their shape which optimizes pressure resistance and minimizes points of structural weakness
Rectangular manhole
Rectangular manholes offer a wider opening, which is advantageous when it's necessary to insert or remove large equipment or tools. This shape is often preferred in industrial construction and applications requiring frequent interventions with bulky equipment
Oval manholes
Oval manholes combine the advantages of round and rectangular versions. They provide sufficiently wide access while maintaining good structural integrity, making them ideal for high-pressure environments. Oval doors are particularly used in autoclaves and applications requiring optimum sealing
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Each type of manhole must be chosen according to the specifics of the application to guarantee
- safety
- accessibility
- durability.
Materials, such as stainless steel, are chosen for their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand demanding environments
Determine the specific requirements of your application
Pressure requirements
It's crucial not to exceed the pressure limits specified for manhole hatches. These limits indicate the maximum pressure(PS) and temperature limits (Tmin./Tmax.) that the product can withstand under normal conditions of use. Exceeding these specifications may result in serious injury and property damage.
Temperature requirements
Maximum and minimum temperature specifications, meeting these specifications is essential to guarantee the safety and integrity of installations. It's important to select products that can withstand temperature variations according to expected operating conditions.
Compliance with industry standards
Compliance with industrial standards and regulations is the responsibility of the tank manufacturer. However, it is imperative that end users ensure that the equipment used, including manholes, complies with these standards to avoid significant risks during use. Standards such as EN 12953 for firetube boilers and DIN 28136 for reactors often define minimum opening dimensions to enable safe and effective rescue operations in the event of an emergency
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Selection of suitable materials
When selecting materials for a custom manhole, it's essential to consider specific properties and compatibility with the environment of use.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is widely recognized for its corrosion resistance and durability, making it a preferred choice for aggressive environments such as ichemical and marine installations. It is also appreciated in the food industry for its ease of cleaning and non-reactivity with food. Stainless steel can withstand very high temperatures, up to over 400 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications
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Aluminum
Aluminum is valued for its light weight and good thermal conductivity, making it useful in applications requiring rapid cooling such as air-conditioning units. Although not as strong as stainless steel, aluminum offers a better strength-to-weight ratio
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Size manhole
Compatibility with existing hatch
It's essential to ensure that the dimensions of the manhole comply with safety and accessibility standards. The EN 547 standards specify the minimum dimensions required for openings intended for the passage of the human body, taking into account ease of passage, environmental working conditions, and the level of risk associated with the task
The choice of a custom manhole should not be taken lightly. Careful consideration must be given to the specific characteristics of the application, taking into account pressure and temperature conditions, as well as compatibility with materials and regulatory standards. This thoughtful approach not only ensures the necessary safety and accessibility, but also promotes effective long-term maintenance and use. It is therefore essential to approach this task with appropriate documentation and, where necessary, to consult experts in the field to make an informed and optimized choice.
The Boyer company stands out for its ability to design bespoke manholes, whether very small or very large. This versatility and adaptability are an integral part of the company's DNA, enabling it to meet the specific needs of every sector of activity. Whether for small-capacity tanks used in the pharmaceutical industry, or for large-scale tanks in the oil industry, Boyer excels in designing tailor-made solutions. This ability to innovate and adapt to the varied requirements of its customers makes Boyer a world leader in its field.
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