Overview
The top loading hatch (filling manhole) of a Feldbinder silo semi-trailer is both the point where bulk material enters the tank and the closure that must remain completely airtight during transport and pneumatic discharge. That seal is provided by the loading hatch gasket — an elastomer ring pressed against the hatch seat by the butterfly bolts on the cover.
On the EUT (horizontal, non-tipping silo semi-trailer), where discharge is entirely pneumatic, a leaking filling hatch results in air loss during unloading and a drop in discharge efficiency. On food-grade variants, an inadequate seal also poses a contamination risk. On the KIP (tipping silo), where pneumatics work alongside the hydraulic tipping mechanism, a secure seal on every hatch — including the filling hatches — is a prerequisite for correct pressurised discharge.
PHS Magnum in Chorula near Opole holds a dedicated stock of loading hatch gaskets for Feldbinder silos and for other brands commonly encountered in the market.
Materials and Specification
We supply gaskets for loading hatches across a range of brands. The material and dimensions are selected to match the hatch type of a given trailer and the intended application (industrial or food-grade) — because the seat profile and seal geometry are specific to each design, there is no single universal size.
Where required, we match the gasket material to the rest of the food-grade sealing system on an EUT trailer (e.g. consistent with EPDM/silicone/PTFE seals used elsewhere on that line).
Sizes and Types
Loading hatch gaskets are specified to the type and geometry of the individual hatch. Our range covers silos including:
- Feldbinder
- Spitzer
- Omeps (new and old type)
- Kassbohrer
- LAG
- and others
For Feldbinder semi-trailers, selection is based on the filling hatch type fitted to the specific trailer.
Compatibility: Feldbinder EUT and KIP
- EUT — the gasket seals the top filling manhole on a horizontal tank; airtightness is critical for pneumatic discharge and for cargo cleanliness on food-grade variants.
- KIP — the same filling hatch gasket on a tipping silo; a reliable seal is a condition for correct pressurised discharge during tipping.
The gasket is selected to match the hatch type on the specific Feldbinder trailer; we are happy to help identify the correct part.
Gasket and Bolt — a Complete Closure System
A loading hatch gasket does not work in isolation. Hatch closure is a two-part system: the gasket provides the airtight interface, and the butterfly bolt clamps it down. From a Feldbinder service perspective, both elements are assessed together:
- Gasket — when it loses elasticity, cracks, or is permanently compressed, it will not seal the hatch even if the bolt is torqued correctly.
- Butterfly bolt — when corroded or with a worn eye, it cannot apply adequate clamping force even to a sound gasket.
The rule in practice: when servicing a loading hatch, both elements are checked and replaced together if needed. Gasket selection depends on the hatch type, which is why we cover multiple designs (including Feldbinder, Omeps new and old type, Kassbohrer, LAG). Material is matched to the trailer’s application: on food-grade EUT trailers, seals in contact with the cargo must meet hygiene requirements; for industrial use, the range of acceptable materials is broader.
Common Failure Modes
- Hardening and cracking — a dried-out gasket loses elasticity and fails to seal; replacement required.
- Permanent compression set — a gasket held under sustained clamping load loses its profile over time; replace with new.
- Wrong gasket type — a gasket designed for a different hatch model will not close properly; always select to the specific hatch.
- Wrong material in food-grade service — in a food-grade EUT circuit, seals contacting the product must satisfy hygiene requirements; material must be specified accordingly.
Availability and Delivery
We hold loading hatch gasket stock at Chorula near Opole (4 km from the A4 motorway, approximately 180 km from the German border). Common types are generally available off the shelf; others are sourced to order.
Courier delivery throughout Poland and the EU. Combined orders with butterfly bolts and rear hatch gaskets are possible. For selection assistance and pricing — ask for a quote.
Related Categories
- Filling Hatch Bolts — Wing bolts M20 for sealing loading hatches on Feldbinder silos.
- Rear Hatch Gaskets — rear manhole seals for Feldbinder silos.
- Flange Gaskets — EPDM/NBR/Elapac flange gaskets.
- Feldbinder EUT Parts — full range of parts for the horizontal silo semi-trailer.
- See also: spare parts hub, silo semi-trailer service at PHS Magnum.
See also: This category in the full PHS Magnum network catalogue (all brands) →
Author: Aleksy Pasternak — Managing Partner PHS Magnum, 20 years in the industry, ISO 9001:2015 internal auditor (DEKRA).
