Types of end caps and their forging requirements

Types of end closures: The end closures include the design of convex heads, conical shells, reducing sections, flat covers, and constricted openings. Convex heads include: hemispherical heads, elliptical heads, dished heads, and spherical cap heads. From a stress perspective, hemispherical heads are the best among convex heads, but from a manufacturing difficulty perspective, they become progressively easier to manufacture.

The forging of the end caps also has certain shape requirements:

1. Straight edge: To prevent the peak stress in the transition section from being superimposed with the welding stress of the cylinder assembly.

2. Spherical shape: The curvature affects the thickness of the end cap.

3. Transition section: Reduces the peak stress at the connection between the spherical shell and the cylindrical body.

4. The radius within the transition section shall not be less than the value specified in the drawing.

5. The end caps must be inspected for shape using a full template.