Kimray has partnered with LaMOT Valve & Arrestor to provide safe, reliable solutions for your well site storage tanks. LaMOT products can be separated into three main categories: gauge hatches, relief valves, and flame arrestors.
In this video, we’re going to look at the different types of gauge hatches available to give you a general understanding of what they do and the different models available.
Hatches: Gauge Hatch vs Thief Hatch
Hatches allow access to storage tanks for sampling and gauging. Many are also used to protect the tank from vacuum or overpressure situations.
The words “Gauge Hatch” and “Thief Hatch” are often used interchangeably. Generally, “gauge hatches” are a simple access point while “thief hatches” are spring-loaded and offer relief settings as well as access.
Lock Down Hatch for Regulatory Goals
Oil and gas storage tanks account for a large percentage of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, specifically around hatches.
To mitigate emissions, producers use a lock down hatch. When closed, this simple hatch provides a vapor-tight, non-venting seal to prevent leakage and meet emissions goals.
The LaMOT Mechanical Lock System and T-Handle provide easy access for inspection, and an integrated gauging hook allows for efficient tank sampling.
- 8” API or ANSI Bolt Pattern Connection
- Material: Aluminum (Lid, Arm, Base)
- Seal: Buna-N, Teflon and Viton
- Standard bonding strap
Protection from Overpressure and Vacuum Conditions
To prevent damage, vapor must be allowed to escape or enter the tank at specific pressure or vacuum settings. Round Pan (L12-TH) and Long Pan (L12-TL) LaMOT thief hatches incorporate a spring-loaded overpressure and vacuum condition relief valve into the device.
The primary difference in design is that the Long Pan design can contain drippings and give operators a workspace for tools. It also has an inclining base to keep the basin level.
Both designs come in a variety of pressure and vacuum settings, all featuring ultra-tight sealing to limit fugitive emissions.
In a static condition, the hatch is tightly sealed. As the pressure in the storage tank increases and a set pressure is reached, the pressure pallet lifts and relieves pressure to the atmosphere.
When the vacuum setting is reached, the pallet is pulled down and air is drawn in from the atmosphere into the tank.
Used on steel or fiberglass low pressure storage tanks, LaMOT Thief Hatches provide superior sealing, easy access for gauging, and robust overpressure and vacuum protection, all in one compact design.
- Size: 8”
- Available Pressure Settings: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 24 & 32 osig
- Available Vacuum Settings: 0.4, 0.9 & 3.5 osig
- Leak Rate: Less than 1 SCFH of air @ 90% of set pressure
- Inconel or galvanized springs
- Standard bonding strap and slick pins
- Integrated gauging hook allows for efficient tank sampling and gauging
Lock Down Conversion Kit
If you ever need to convert a thief hatch into a non-venting lock down hatch to meet environmental regulations, the LaMOT Conversion Kit makes this change over easy.
The Lock Down Hatch provides secure access to storage tanks without pressure or vacuum relief capability. When closed, it ensures a vapor tight seal that prevents leakage and evaporation loss.
- Size: 8”
- Material: Casting Aluminum
- Diaphragm: Buna-N, Blue FKM, or FEP
- Standard bonding strap
Each LaMOT product is tested and serialized to ensure high quality and traceability.
Reach out to your local Kimray representative today to explore what LaMOT products can do for your operation.
