304 SS Dome

[elvis]

I am looking for a supplier for a tank head type dome made of 304 stainless that has reasonable prices for a one off order. I want to build a prototype of something and if it works well I'll be order more. I'd like to have an ID of 16" and a dome height of around 4". I have been through most of the products at toledo metal spinning and haven't found anything off the shelf that will work. They could probably make one for me but that could add up quick. Thanks.

[fabricator]

Pipe caps. Although at that size 16 inch is the O.D.

http://www.st-pipefittings.com/ANSI%20B16.9-end%20cap.pdf

[elvis]

I am looking to build something like this:

[MMW]

Tank heads have always been expensive especially in low quantities.

[JMK WELDING]

Didn't say what your thickness is. Why don't you go to this website I saw on Miller videos Covell.Biz maybe this will help you.

[elvis]

Thickness is a good question. I am back and forth between 16 and 18 gauge. So pretty thin.

[Burnt hands]

elvis,

Here is a sculpture I made which measures 18" in diameter.
Used a wok for the form which cost me $19 at my local Asian grocery store.
You mention that you can use 16 to 18 gauge material.

Granted it's not stainless which is what you need but maybe
you can mock up a prototype cheaper with one of these.

They come in sizes from 12" to 30".

I may fill this one with concrete and use it as a form to hammer out a sheet of .040" stainless to make a stainless wok.

Looked at ASME pressure vessel ends in stainless to make a rust proof wok but gave up when I saw the prices.

Good luck with your project.

[elvis]

After pricing stuff out I might just buy a conical fermenter. I can buy it for $650 or build it for a little less. It sounds like a fun project but too expensive when you add my time into the mix. Maybe another time.

[Nathan128]

304 SS Dome

You could just make an orange peel cap out of piping ?

[elvis]

Nathan-

Normally I would say yes but I don't think I could get 16ga 304 pipe in a 16" or 18" diameter

Burnt-

I could probably make a mold and just use a 20ton press and make my own domes. Interesting idea.

[FernTJ]

A fermenter doesn't need to have a domed top. You are going to vent out the pressure anyway. For example this 60 gallon fermenter has a flat top.

http://morebeer.com/products/braumeister-240l-fermenter.html?gclid=CKfxgIm4pLwCFe1aMgodITMASg

[elvis]

With a dome top it is easier to apply low pressure co2 to transfer without pumps.

[Burnt hands]

elvis,

How about this?

It measures 16" in diameter but it is very thin 300 series stainless.

Another drawback is it's flat bottom.

It was hiding in my kitchen drawer.

Use it for big batches of pancake batter.

[elvis]

Is that a dog bowl? Haha. How wide is the flat part? I plan to a cut a 6" hole at the top to weld in a sanitary tri-clover ferrule.

[H80N]

Might be an odd aproach.... BUT...

How about cutting the bottom out of a beer keg..??

Stainless steel... Domed.... Usually a $20 deposit at most distributors...

you would have to buy and drink the beer though....