2 replies to this topic

[ayan_dg]

In storage tanks manways are required for maintainence personnel to enter the tank. what is the idea (philosophy) in providing number of manways & their size

[Art Montemayor]

Ayan:

There is no "idea (philosophy)" in providing number of manways & their size for storage tanks. What there is, is a Scope of Work. The Scope for designing a Storage tank always requires a need for quick, safe, and efficient access and entry into a storage tank to carry out cleaning, inspection, and maintenance throughout its useful life. This is a realistic and practical requirement if one is to operate a storage tank for liquid fluids.

Sometimes the additional need to supply proper and adequate ventilation for the tank during human entry is met with additional manways - either on the tank's roof or around its periphery.

The important point I want to make to all Chemical Engineering students reading this post is that we professionals do not undertake a serious design with ideas as our premise or basis. We must prepare (or have a prepared) an approved project Scope of Work. This is an important document that must undergo scrutiny and approval prior to undertaking the expenditure of any engineering expenses towards a project. The Scope of Work should clearly spell out and detail all the needs and expectations of the proposed project - in detail. Clearly, then, in order to operate a storage tank there must exist a safe, efficient, and convenient method to gain access to the tank's interior by human beings. This is just one item - among many - that are included in the Scope of Work for the design of the storage tank. Obviously, the Scope of Work is a document prepared and owned by the Operator (or owner) of the tank in question.

I hope I have made a clear explanation for justifying and designing manways in tanks.

[ayan_dg]

Thanks , for the reply.