How to Choose a Tank Head

How to Choose a Tank Head

A tank head is a circular metal cap that’s welded or affixed to the ends of a cylindrically-shaped pressure vessel. Typically made of steel or another alloy, these caps are used to seal the end of the container and create an enclosed vessel for storing liquid, gas or bulk solids. They’re often found in the petrochemical, oil and gas, food processing, industrial manufacturing and water treatment industries. While a tank head can be made in a number of ways, the best way to ensure they’re both commercially and professionally formed is to work with an ASME-certified forming company like Brighton Tru-Edge.

In the industry, there are a wide variety of terms to describe different attributes of tank heads, including their dish radius or knuckle radius and their height. They’re also categorized by their shape and use.

For example, a hemispherical head is well-suited for high-pressure applications because it’s shaped to evenly distribute physical force across its surface. This makes it more efficient than other types of heads, which can have a smaller dish radius than the cylinder they’re attached to. Other common tank head styles include a 2:1 elliptical head, which is more economical because its height is only a quarter of the diameter and its radius varies between the major and minor axes, at a ratio of 2:1.

When choosing a tank head, it’s important to have clear specifications on your needs before reaching out to a forming manufacturer. This means figuring out the specifications that are most important to you, such as the dish radius, the head height and the material type. Then, you can use these specifications to help narrow down your options and choose the tank head that will meet your needs.

Once you’ve worked out the details of your tank head, it’s time to ask your forming manufacturer about turnaround times. This is a critical step because it allows you to plan ahead and ensure that your tank head or tank heads are delivered in a timely manner. Having a clear timeline and specification can also help you make sure your new tank head is exactly what you need for the application.

At Brighton Tru-Edge, our team of experienced professionals can custom fabricate your tank head in carbon or stainless steel and clad materials to meet your specifications and code requirements. We can also provide heat treatment to reduce wear and abrasion and improve corrosion resistance. Contact us today for a custom quote. We also offer a large inventory of standard tank heads for immediate delivery. This includes dished-only heads, flat heads, F&D heads, 2:1 elliptical heads and convex tank heads. This helps to keep your project on schedule and within budget.