Contour

[shaneb56]

Good afternoon everyone. I’m in the middle of a 500 gallon build and I was looking for ideas on how to fit the collector on the end of my tank. I was going to buy a contour gauge but I haven’t found any that are large enough. Thank you in advance for any ideas.

 

[JC in GB]

Are you trying to figure out the arc size you will need for the collector?

This formula may help or may not...

 

[JC in GB]

This circle calculator might be of use as well.

http://www.1728.org/circsect.htm

JC

 

[shaneb56]

Are you trying to figure out the arc size you will need for the collector?

This formula may help or may not...

Yes. I just realized I worded my post wrong. Thank you!!!

 

[smokin peachey]

Here are a few pics of the collector on my 500 gallon tank build. It is not reverse flow. Temps run very consistent across the grates.

 

[kmmamm]

old school method is to hold a piece of cardboard against the tank at the point you would like to attach plenum. Trace the tank contour onto the cardboard, cut it out and repeat until the cardboard template fits snugly onto the tank contour. I mock up the entire plenum with cardboard and painter tape. once it is the way I want it, I deconstruct and use the individual pieces as templates foe cutting the steel. It is a time consuming process up front, but mistakes made with cardboard are a lot easier than reworking steel.

 

[shaneb56]

Thank you guys! I appreciate it!!