Angled Manway with Spring Hinge and Tool-less Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior manways for food processing equipment are prone to splashing with vat contents, develop leaks, require technicians to climb for access, and have cumbersome lids and perimeter seals that are difficult to maintain, leading to inefficient cleaning and inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
A manway with interconnected side walls that extends angularly into the vat, equipped with a nozzle for automated cleaning, a spring-hinged lid for easy access, and a tool-less seal removal system, allowing for efficient cleaning and inspection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manways are positioned in side or end walls, then access to equipment interior is provided, but the manways are splashed with vat contents and develop leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The manway is repositioned from horizontal side/end wall locations to a vertical orientation extending from the bottom wall upward at an angle. This dimensional change in positioning moves the manway out of the splash zone of vat contents while maintaining access functionality, thereby preventing leakage without compromising ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manways are positioned in top walls, then access to equipment interior is provided, but technicians must climb on top of the vat which is tiring and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manway is repositioned from the top wall (requiring climbing) to an angular extension from the bottom wall. This dimensional repositioning allows technicians to access the equipment interior from below at ground level, eliminating the need to climb on top of the vat and significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining ease of access.
3Reliability
If perimeter ring-seals are used, then sealing is provided, but tools are required for removal which can damage seating surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is extracted from the traditional perimeter ring configuration and repositioned to a removable component with a dedicated recess in the manway wall. This allows the seal to be easily removed without tools by inserting a finger through the recess, eliminating tool requirements and preventing damage to seating surfaces while maintaining seal integrity during operation.
4Reliability
If lids are made large and heavy for sealing, then sealing is improved, but the lids are difficult to move for accessing the manway
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is integrated into the lid assembly to offset the weight of the large sealing lid. This counterbalancing mechanism reduces the effort required to move the lid for access while maintaining the large size necessary for effective sealing, thereby resolving the contradiction between seal integrity and ease of operation.
5Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning of manways is required, then cleaning can be performed, but it is substantially time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manway is designed with self-service cleaning capability through integrated nozzles that deliver cleaning fluid directly to the manway interior surfaces. This eliminates the need for manual cleaning operations, significantly reducing cleaning time while maintaining thorough cleaning effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The manway design minimizes exposure to vat contents, facilitates easy access and inspection without climbing, and enables automated cleaning, reducing maintenance time and risk of seal damage, while allowing for frequent and efficient visual inspections and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The lid may include a spring hinge that assists in lifting of the lid from the closed to the open position
Implementation Method 2
A nozzle may be provided that is configured to convey a cleaning fluid therethrough, and the nozzle may be mounted to at least one of the manway and the vat
Data Source
AI summary
A manway is provided that can be used with food processing equipment. The manway may be provided at an intersection of a top wall and an end or side wall of the food processing equipment. The manway may extend angularly with respect to the food processing equipment so that a passage extending through the manway extends into an inside space of the food processing equipment at an angle. A nozzle may be mounted so as to position an opening(s) of the nozzle in a direction that faces the passage of the manway, and the nozzle may deliver a cleaning fluid so that the manway can be automatically cleaned in place.