Maintenance and Testing Manual

For
Petroleum Cargo Tanks
“SS” Series (Smart Vent, Under 1 Liter)
16" and 20" Manhole Covers
With 6600 Series Vent

4304 Mattox Road Kansas City, MO 64150

Phone: 816-741-6600 Fax: 816-741-1061

Technical Bulletin 5-01

 Technical Bulletin 5-01
Table of Contents

Section I: Product Description and Identification

Section II: Product Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Schedule

Section III: Adjustment of Fill cover and Set Pressure

Section IV: Removal of Emergency Vent from 7 Ga. Cover

and Emergency Vent Disassembly

Section V: Internal Emergency Vent Inspection and Reassembly

 SECTION I
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Knappco 16" and 20" SS Series Manhole Covers (Smart Vent, Under 1 Liter leakage) are
designed for use on Petroleum Cargo Tanks that must meet U.S. Department of Transportation 49
CFR 178.345-10 and 178.346-3 requirements for DOT 406 emergency venting and 49 CFR
178.345-5 for manhole strength requirements.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

The Knappco 16" and 20" SS Series Manhole Covers with the 6600 Series Vent may be identified
as follows (See Figure 1):

A. The fill cover (1) will have the following permanent markings:
KNAPPCO P/N 6600
DOT 406 <1 LITER
B. A Decal (2) will be present on the Strongback (3) stating the following:
DOT 406 SMART VENT LESS THAN 1 LITER
NOTE: This new DOT 406 design possesses a motion control device that limits the
amount of leakage in an overturn situation. In older designs, the function of the
assembly may have been checked quickly by simply stepping on the Strongback
to see if it compresses. This design WILL NOT compress immediately. Therefore,
this procedure may not be used to verify vent operation.

DOT 406
SMART VENT
LESS THAN 1 LITER
DOT 406
SMART VENT
LESS THAN 1 LITER

DANGER
RELIEVE ALL TANK VACUUM OR
PRESSURE BEFORE OPENING COVER
6209
DANGER
RELIEVE ALL TANK VACUUM OR
PRESSURE BEFORE OPENING COVER
6209

3 2
Figure 1

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 NOTE: This Maintenance Manual applies only to the Knappco SS Series Manholes with the
6600 Series Vent. If the manhole in question does not have the above-mentioned
markings, this manual may not be used. Please contact Knappco for information
on other maintenance manuals available for earlier products.

SECTION II
MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION & TESTING SCHEDULE
FOR 6600 SERIES EMERGENCY VENTS

US DOT Information

Inspection & Test Interval Period CFR Section

External Visual Inspection 1 Year 49CFR180.407(d)
Leakage Test 1 Year 49CFR180.407(h)
Pressure Retest 5 Year 49CFR180.407(g)

The maintenance schedule for the Knappco 16" and 20" SS Series Manholes with the 6600
Series Vent is as follows:
1 An external inspection must be performed quarterly (See page 4).
NOTE: Knappco advises visual external inspection to be completed monthly.

2. An internal inspection must be performed yearly (See pages 10-11).

However, if the product fails any portion of the quarterly inspection, it must be
internally inspected immediately.

NOTE: In severe applications, (corrosive environments, wet or cold environments,

etc.) the interval between inspections may need to be shortened, depending
upon application.
If the Manhole cover is covered by snow or ice, the cover must be cleaned
and dry prior to inspection.

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The following materials will be required to complete the maintenance procedures covered
in this bulletin:
- Loctite Brand 290 (Green) thread locker (or equivalent).

- Exxon Brand Ronnex MP Multi-Purpose grease (or equivalent).

- 1” Open End Wrench (or equivalent).

IMPORTANT

This manhole must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.

Failure to perform the scheduled maintenance covered in this bulletin may shorten
the life of the product.

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 QUARTERLY EXTERNAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

Being part of the annual visual inspection, 49CFR180.407(d) mandates that all pressure
relief devices, be visually inspected for any corrosion or damage which may prevent the
device from operating. If the tank is used to transport product which is harmful or
corrosive to the relief device, the device must be removed from the tank for inspection
and bench testing.

1. Review Figure 2 before starting inspection.

2. Unlatch Latch (4) and lay flat on cover.
3. Open Fill cover assembly and rest Strongback (3) on clamp ring.
4. Inspect Sealing Surface (5) of base cover for signs of damage, corroded areas, or any
other conditions that may impair the manhole’s product retention capability.
5. Inspect the Fill cover Gasket (6) for any sign of wear or degradation (swelling, cracking).
If gasket is worn it will need to be replaced.
6. Inspect the Normal Vent Assembly (7) for cleanliness and gasket integrity.
7. Next,Inspect the area where the strongback shaft (3) goes into the fill cover. If there is
an excess amount of grease on the shaft or the fill cover, this may indicate shaft seal (8)
wear. Refer to Internal Inspection Procedures, Page 10, for seal replacement.
8. Close the Fill cover assembly and re-latch the latch. If the latch does not clamp tightly
down onto the Strongback the Fill cover assembly may need to be adjusted (See Fill
cover Adjustment Procedures, page 7)

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 LEAKAGE TEST
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

Annual leakage test is covered by 49CFR180.407(h) which requires tanks to be tested

annually at 80% of the tank design pressure or MAWP, whichever is listed on the tank
specification or certification plate. Every component must remain in place for the
duration of this test, except any re-closing pressure relief device with a set pressure less
than the leakage test pressure must be removed or made inoperative during this test. All
Knappco Normal Vents, consequently, need to be removed.
Note: Refer to Figure 2a.

1. Remove Normal Vent (3) from manhole cover and plug hole with Knappco Plug 5980 (1)
and Gasket 3455 (2).
2. Apply test pressure in accordance to 49CFR108.407(h).
3. Check all gasket junctions on Emergency Vent and manhole for leaks. If Emergency
Vent leaks, adjust as instructed in Section 3 of this manual, then retest the unit. Replace
worn or damaged gaskets where needed.

PRESSURE RETEST
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

CAUTION! KNAPPCO RECOMMENDS THAT THE 6600 SERIES COVERS ARE BENCH-TESTED
EVERY 12-18 MONTHS.

Pressure retest is covered by 49CFR180.407(g). Section 49CFR180.407(g)(1)(ii)(A)

mandates all pressure relief devices be removed from the tank for inspection and bench
testing to verify the relief device in operating correctly. The pressure retest and the relief
device bench test must be performed at least every 5 years. See Figure 2a.

1. 49CFR180.407(g)(1)(vii) requires all closures except pressure relief devices be in place

for the duration of the test.
2. Manholes must remain in place during pressure test.
3. Open 10” fill cover.
4. Insert Knappco Retest Fixture (Part No. 5800) (4) to seal the opening. See Figure 2a.
All Knappco and Civacon Vapor Recovery Valves are to remain in place for the test.
5.
NOTE: If vapor recovery valves from other manufacturers are installed, refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions to see if they must be removed.

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 After preparing the rest of the tank, perform the pressure test in accordance to the
7.
regulations. Inspect all parts of the manhole for leakage. Replace or repair parts as
needed.
8. Remove all clamps or plugs from relief valves, or reinstall relief valves, immediately after
test is concluded.

Figure 2a

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 SECTION III
FILL COVER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

1. Review Figures 3 and 4 before performing adjustment.

2. Open Fill cover assembly and lay flat on Clamp ring (5) as shown.

3. While holding Motion Control Device (M.C.D.) (10) stationary with Wrench, loosen Jam
Nut (11) three full turns. This will allow you to adjust the M.C.D.

4. Adjusting the M.C.D. in or out will affect the height of the Strongback (3) in relation to the
Latch (4). The M.C.D. should be adjusted so that with the Fill cover assembly closed on
the cover, the latch should just clear the safety catch portion of the Strongback (12).

NOTE: For Manholes with the Self Latching feature see Page 8 (Figure 5).

5. After adjustment is completed, tighten Jam Nut while holding M.C.D. stationary. Apply
Loctite Brand 290 threadlocker to top of Jam Nut threads.

6. Close and re-latch the Latch. The Latch should clamp down tight to the top of the
Strongback.
NOTE: If the Latch does not clamp down tightly or opens easily without effort, repeat
steps 1 through 6 until properly adjusted.

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 FILL COVER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
(SELF-LATCHING)
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

1. Review Figure 5 before performing adjustment.

2. Open Fill cover assembly and loosen jam nut as instructed on Page 7, Step 3.
3. Adjusting the M.C.D. in or out will affect the height of the Strongback (3) in relation to
the Self Latch Hook (14). The M.C.D. should be adjusted so that with the Fill cover
assembly closed on the cover, the Self Latch Hook rests on the safety catch portion of
the Strongback (12) (See Detail B).
4. After adjusting, open and close Fill cover assembly repeatedly to ensure the self
latching mechanism is working properly.
5. Re-secure jam nut as instructed on Page 7, Step 5.
6. Close and re-latch the latch. The latch should clamp down tight to the top of the
Strongback.
NOTE: If the Latch does not clamp down tightly or opens easily without effort, repeat steps 1
through 6 until properly adjusted.

Detail B
12
3

14

Scale=2X

Figure 5

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 SECTION IV
FILL COVER REMOVAL FROM THE 7GA COVER & EMERGENCY VENT
DISASSEMBLY YEARLY INTERNAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES
WARNING! ALL INTERNAL TANK PRESSURE OR VACUUM MUST BE RELIEVED PRIOR TO SERVICING.

1. Review Figure 6 before performing inspection.

2. Complete steps 1-6 from page 4 (Quarterly External Inspection).
3. Refer to the manufacturers suggestions for the preventative maintenance requirements of
other components in the assembly (Ex: Vapor Recovery Vent or Liquid Level Sensor).
4. With Fill cover Assembly open remove Cotter Pin (15), Hinge Pin (16), and Washers (17).
NOTE: At this point, it is now recommended that the Fill cover assembly be removed from
the Manhole cover so that the remainder of this procedure may be performed at a
workbench.

DOT 406
SMART VENT
LESS THAN 1 LITER

DANGER
RELIEVE ALL TANK VACUUM OR
PRESSURE BEFORE OPENING COVER
6209

15 16

17
Figure 6

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 SECTION V
YEARLY INTERNAL INSPECTION

1. Review Figure 7 (Page 11) before performing inspection.

2. While holding Motion Control Device (M.C.D.) (7) stationary with Wrench, remove Jam Nut (1) and Seal
Washer (2) and set aside.

3. Using wrench, screw M.C.D. in towards bottom of Fill cover (3) until Fill cover becomes separated from
Strongback (9). Lift Fill cover away and set aside.

4. Check Spring (6) for any signs of rusting or wear. If so, Spring must be replaced.

5. Inspect the Motion Control Device (M.C.D.) for signs of wear or fluid leakage paying close attention to the
pinned connection between the M.C.D. and the Strongback(9).

NOTE: If the pinned connection is damaged in any way (worn pin, worn hole in piston rod, bent rod, etc.)
or if there are any signs of fluid leakage on the rod, the M.C.D. and the Drive-Lok Pin (21) must be
replaced. If the M.C.D. is replaced, do so by driving the Pin (8) out of the strongback. Remove and
replace M.C.D. Apply Multi-Purpose grease to rod end of new M.C.D., insert new Drive-Lok Pin(8),
and drive pin flush.

6. Test the operation of the M.C.D. by placing the Strongback/M.C.D. Assembly on a flat surface, applying a
constant force of approximately 20-25lbs to the top of the M.C.D. The M.C.D. should compress
approximately
inch over a duration of 10 seconds. If it does not compress, or compresses immediately
without delay, it will need to be replaced.

NOTE: The M.C.D. is self contained and may not be disassembled or maintained in any way. If the M.C.D.
is defective, it MUST be replaced.

7. Inspect the Strongback (9) for any signs of corrosion. If so, replace.

8. Check the Seal (4) for any sign of wear that might affect it’s sealing ability. If so, replace.

9. Check the Fill cover (3), paying close attention to the springwell portion that houses the Spring (6) for
signs of corrosion. If corrosion is found the Fill cover will need to be replaced.

10. Place Spring (6) on the Strongback (9). Apply grease to O.D. of Spring and I.D. of springwell of
strongback and then place Fill cover (3) over the spring.

NOTE: Due to spring tolerances, some assemblies may have a Spacer (5) between the Spring and the
bottom of the Fill cover. If the assembly has this spacer, when assembling the spacer must be
placed in it’s original location between the spring and the Fill cover (See Figure 7, page 11). If the
spacer is placed in any other location, the Smart Vent may lock up during assembly, causing
severe damage to the vent.

11. Screw the M.C.D. through the Fill cover using the Spanner Wrench. Continue to screw the M.C.D.
through until approximately 2
" of the M.C.D. is exposed.

NOTE: When assembling, care must be taken to ensure the Centering Ears (11) on the Fill cover straddle
the strongback(9). If the ears are not straddling the strongback when assembled, they may hang
up on the bottom of the strongback, causing severe damage to the vent.
(See Figure 7, page 9)

12. Check Seal Washer (2) for signs of wear or degradation. If the seal is cracked or separated from washer
material, it must be replaced.

13. Install Seal Washer (2) and Jam Nut (1) onto M.C.D. and adjust Fill cover Assembly following the steps
covered on page 7 (Fill cover Adjustment Procedure).

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 1

10
3

4 11

9
8

Figure 7

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