Imagine a huge cylinder, barrel or tank. They usually have not only a cylindrical part, but also “lids” at the ends that close it. They can have different shapes, and one of the most common is elliptical.
What is this?
An elliptical bottom is a part that is shaped like an ellipse (oval), rather than just a flat "lid". It seems to smoothly transition from the cylindrical part to its top. When viewed from the side, it resembles half an egg, although mathematically this is not entirely accurate.
Why are such products needed?
To seal a tank or vessel and withstand the pressure inside it. They cope with this task better than, for example, flat bottoms because:
- They withstand pressure better.
- Stronger than flat analogues. They are also lighter.
- The elliptical shape reduces the risk of stress concentrations, which reduces the likelihood of bottom failure during operation.
- They look neater and more aesthetically pleasing than their flat counterparts, especially on large structures.
Where is it used?
They are used in a wide range of industries where it is necessary to store or move liquids and gases under pressure:
- In the chemical industry: for the manufacture of reactors, tanks for transporting aggressive liquids.
- Oil and gas industry: for the production of oil and gas storage tanks, separators, fuel transportation tanks.
- Food industry: for the production of containers for storing milk, wine, beer, juices. And also for cooking and technological equipment.
- Pharmaceutical industry: for the production of containers for storing medicines and vacuum devices.
- Space industry: for the production of fuel tanks for rockets and spacecraft.
- Thermal power engineering: for the production of steam boilers and heat exchangers.
- Construction: for the manufacture of tanks for fire extinguishing, compressed air and other purposes.
What are they made of?
These products are made from different materials depending on their purpose and operating conditions. The most common of them are:
- Carbon steel is used for bottoms in most cases. Stainless steel is used where high corrosion resistance is required.
- Aluminium is used to make lightweight and strong bottoms, for example in the aviation and space industries.
- Copper is used to make bottoms for special applications where high thermal conductivity is required.
- Titanium alloys are used in the most critical areas where maximum strength and corrosion resistance are required, for example, in aviation and astronautics.
Main characteristics
They are like this:
- Diameter: the size of the bottom corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical part of the tank.
- Height: Measured from the base to the highest point.
- The thickness of the metal the bottom is made of. It depends on the size of the bottom, the pressure it must withstand, and the material.
- The quality of the material from which the bottom is made determines its strength, weight and resistance to corrosion.
- Edge type: the shape of the edge of the bottom with which it is welded to the cylindrical part.
- The bottoms are manufactured according to certain standards that define their dimensions and quality requirements.
How it is produced
The process of making elliptical bottoms is quite complex and requires special equipment. It usually includes the following stages:
- Cutting of the material. A blank of the required shape is cut out of sheet metal.
- Forming: the workpiece is given an elliptical shape using special presses and stamps.
- Processing: The bottom is machined to ensure precise dimensions and a smooth surface.
- Welding. An edge is welded to the bottom to connect it to the cylindrical part of the tank.
- The finished product undergoes quality control to ensure its strength and reliability.
Elliptical bottoms are an important element of many technical structures. They provide strength, safety and reliability of tanks and vessels operating under pressure.
