Side Manhole vs. Top Manhole on Beer Fermentation Tank
- Jan 21, 2026
- 84
- tiantai
When designing beer fermentation tank, the position of the manhole is side-mounted or top-mounted. It is an important structural detail that influences operation, cleaning, cooling performance, and brewery layout.
At Tiantai Beer Equipment Company, we regularly receive questions about which manhole option is “better.” In practice, there is no universal standard choice. Each option has its own advantages and limitations, depending on tank size, brewery space, and operating habits. Below is an objective comparison to help brewers and engineers make an informed decision.
I. Side Manhole on Fermentation Tanks
1.) Advantages:
* Convenient access
Brewers can access the inside of the tank directly from floor level, without ladders or platforms.
* Suitable for limited ceiling height
Side manhole is often preferred when brewery height is restricted.
* Efficient for frequent manual operations
Tasks such as inspection, dry hopping, or manual cleaning can be carried out more easily.
2.) Considerations:
* Cooling jacket interruption
The manhole area cannot be covered by cooling jackets.
* Greater impact on small tanks
On small fermentation tanks, the non-cooled area created by a side manhole may represent a relatively large proportion of the tank wall, which can affect temperature control.
* More complex wall structure
Additional openings on the straight wall increase fabrication complexity and require careful sanitary design.
II. Top Manhole on Fermentation Tanks
1.) Advantages:
* No impact on straight wall cooling area
Cooling jackets on the straight wall can remain continuous and uniform.
* Simpler internal geometry
With no side openings, the tank interior is smoother, which can be beneficial for cleaning and hygiene.
* Well suited for small-capacity tanks
For tanks with limited diameter and straight wall height, top manhole is often structurally easier to integrate.
2.) Considerations:
* Access requires height
Brewers usually need a ladder or platform to open and access the manway.
* Less convenient for frequent access
Compared with side manways, repeated opening may be less efficient in daily operation.
III. Tank Size and Manhole Selection
1.) For small fermentation tanks (approximately 50L–400L):
* Limited tank dimensions can restrict the feasibility of side manhole.
* Cooling jacket coverage becomes more critical.
* Top manhole is often chosen due to structural simplicity and cooling efficiency.
2.) For medium and large fermentation tanks:
* Both side and top manholes are commonly used.
* The decision is typically based on brewery height, operating workflow, and safety preferences.
IV. Choosing Based on Real Brewing Conditions
Manway selection should consider:
* Tank volume and diameter
* Available brewery height
* Cooling performance requirements
* Cleaning method (CIP only or manual access)
* Brewer safety and daily operation habits
There is no single correct answer—only the most suitable solution for a specific project.
V. Tiantai’s Approach
At Tiantai Beer Equipment Company, we offer both side manhole and top manhole designs, customized according to:
* Brewery layout
* Production scale
* Process requirements
Our goal is to ensure that each fermentation tank is practical, hygienic, and efficient, based on real-world use rather than a fixed standard.
If you are planning a new brewery, expanding capacity, or selecting fermentation tanks, we are happy to provide technical advice, drawings, and layout support to help you make the right decision.
Vicky
Sales Manager
Email: [email protected]
At Tiantai Beer Equipment Company, we regularly receive questions about which manhole option is “better.” In practice, there is no universal standard choice. Each option has its own advantages and limitations, depending on tank size, brewery space, and operating habits. Below is an objective comparison to help brewers and engineers make an informed decision.
I. Side Manhole on Fermentation Tanks
1.) Advantages:
* Convenient access
Brewers can access the inside of the tank directly from floor level, without ladders or platforms.
* Suitable for limited ceiling height
Side manhole is often preferred when brewery height is restricted.
* Efficient for frequent manual operations
Tasks such as inspection, dry hopping, or manual cleaning can be carried out more easily.
2.) Considerations:
* Cooling jacket interruption
The manhole area cannot be covered by cooling jackets.
* Greater impact on small tanks
On small fermentation tanks, the non-cooled area created by a side manhole may represent a relatively large proportion of the tank wall, which can affect temperature control.
* More complex wall structure
Additional openings on the straight wall increase fabrication complexity and require careful sanitary design.
II. Top Manhole on Fermentation Tanks
1.) Advantages:
* No impact on straight wall cooling area
Cooling jackets on the straight wall can remain continuous and uniform.
* Simpler internal geometry
With no side openings, the tank interior is smoother, which can be beneficial for cleaning and hygiene.
* Well suited for small-capacity tanks
For tanks with limited diameter and straight wall height, top manhole is often structurally easier to integrate.
2.) Considerations:
* Access requires height
Brewers usually need a ladder or platform to open and access the manway.
* Less convenient for frequent access
Compared with side manways, repeated opening may be less efficient in daily operation.
III. Tank Size and Manhole Selection
1.) For small fermentation tanks (approximately 50L–400L):
* Limited tank dimensions can restrict the feasibility of side manhole.
* Cooling jacket coverage becomes more critical.
* Top manhole is often chosen due to structural simplicity and cooling efficiency.
2.) For medium and large fermentation tanks:
* Both side and top manholes are commonly used.
* The decision is typically based on brewery height, operating workflow, and safety preferences.
IV. Choosing Based on Real Brewing Conditions
Manway selection should consider:
* Tank volume and diameter
* Available brewery height
* Cooling performance requirements
* Cleaning method (CIP only or manual access)
* Brewer safety and daily operation habits
There is no single correct answer—only the most suitable solution for a specific project.
V. Tiantai’s Approach
At Tiantai Beer Equipment Company, we offer both side manhole and top manhole designs, customized according to:
* Brewery layout
* Production scale
* Process requirements
Our goal is to ensure that each fermentation tank is practical, hygienic, and efficient, based on real-world use rather than a fixed standard.
If you are planning a new brewery, expanding capacity, or selecting fermentation tanks, we are happy to provide technical advice, drawings, and layout support to help you make the right decision.
Vicky
Sales Manager
Email: [email protected]
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