The ASME Code sets forth requirements and allows the designer the latitude to design pressure vessels with heads of a nonstandard design. This is not to say that the average ASME Code shop will not see such designs; however, they should not rule out the possibility. Such designs include conical, toriconical, and hemispherical. Table 2.12 simplifies the Code design requirements of the conical and toriconical heads under internal pressure and lists the Code design calculation and the Code references.

Table 2.12: Calculations for Conical and Toriconocal Heads

The hemispherical head is a more common design and is primarily used for gas pressure tanks such as propane tanks. Table 2.13 lists the equations and the Code references for the designs of such heads.

Table 2.13: Calculations for Hemispherical Heads