TCI Manways: High-Pressure Tank Access Solutions
Tank manways are a key component of many pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, extraction, and food and beverage processing vessels. At Tank Components Industries (TCI), we engineer manways for low-, mid-, and high-pressure applications with crevice-free designs that meet stringent sanitary requirements and can include ASME code certification.
Our manways’ innovative safety features ensure reliable performance across demanding industrial environments. The state-of-the-art Spring Assist reduces lifting force and is designed for smooth operation, and our exclusive safety lock design automatically engages once the manway cover is fully opened.
Our manways are available in stainless steel as well as exotic alloys such as Hastelloy®, AL6XN, Duplex 2205, and Inconel®.
Sanitary Design Features
TCI manways feature crevice-free construction that prevents bacterial harboring and product accumulation in critical zones. The self-draining geometry ensures complete liquid evacuation during clean-in-place (CIP) cycles, reducing cleaning time and supporting pharmaceutical compliance.
The cover and upper flange utilize full-penetration plasma arc welding, available in 316L stainless steel or specialized nickel alloys for corrosive media compatibility. Additionally, our O-ring retention system prevents seal contamination during vessel entry. The O-ring is held in the cover groove, eliminating the risk of gasket loss into process materials.
All components can withstand autoclave sterilization cycles without degradation, supporting aseptic manufacturing protocols.
Spring Assist and Safety Features
- TCI's proprietary Spring Assist mechanism reduces manual lifting force at the handle, minimizing operator fatigue during repetitive access cycles.
- Stainless steel internals resist corrosion while delivering smooth, consistent operation.
- The compact assembly integrates seamlessly with vessel configurations and requires minimal installation clearance.
- The integrated safety lock automatically secures the cover at 105° open position, preventing accidental closure during tank entry operations. This safety feature uses stainless steel construction and operates independently or in conjunction with the spring assist assembly.
- Optional horizontal hinge configurations provide angular adjustability, prevent cover drop during opening sequences, and maintain precise alignment between sealing surfaces.
Customization and Engineering Support
TCI manufactures manways with extensive customization options to match specific process requirements. Material selections include stainless steel as well as exotic alloys such as Hastelloy®, AL6XN, Duplex 2205, and Inconel®. Cover swing direction, hinge placement, and handle orientation can be specified to optimize operator ergonomics and facility layout constraints.
TCI’s in-house engineering team provides complete manway integration services from initial specification through final installation support. We produce dimensional drawings, pressure calculations, and weld procedures that suit your application and satisfy code requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
TCI produces manways and handholes ranging from 8″ through 36″ inside diameter.
- Cross-Arm Manways are available in 12″, 16″, 18″, 20″, and 24″ sizes.
- Low- to Mid-Pressure Manways (TCI-04) are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, and 26” sizes.
- Mid- to High-Pressure Manways (TCI-05) extend up to 36″ ID. They’re available in 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″, and 36″ sizes.
- Mid- to High-Pressure Chemical Manways are available in 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″, 28″, and 30″ sizes.
Special sizes may be available upon request.
Specific ratings are dependent on diameter, configuration, and number of clamps.
- Cross-Arm Manways are designed for atmospheric conditions.
- Low- to Mid-Pressure Manways handle pressure applications between 14.7 and 96 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) at 350°F, size-dependent.
- Mid- to High-Pressure Manways are rated for pressures between 55 and 185 psig at 400°F, size-dependent.
- Mid- to High-Pressure Chemical Manways are designed for pressures between 97 and 162 psig at 400°F, size-dependent.
Other maximum pressure and temperature ratings may be achievable. Contact a sales associate for more information.
Yes, TCI can retrofit manways onto existing vessels with appropriate engineering analysis. Our team will ensure ASME code compliance and structural integrity.