Butt Weld Elbows
Butt weld elbows are available in long radius (LR, R=1.5D) and short radius (SR, R=1.0D) configurations, with bending angles of 45\u00b0, 90\u00b0, and 180\u00b0. Manufactured from seamless pipe for sizes up to DN600 and from welded plate for larger diameters, our elbows maintain uniform wall thickness throughout the bend and meet the dimensional tolerances of ASME B16.9 and equivalent international standards.
Long radius elbows are the standard choice for most piping systems, offering lower pressure drop and reduced erosion compared to short radius types. Short radius elbows are used where space constraints exist. All elbows are supplied with beveled ends per ASME B16.25 for direct butt welding to matching pipe, and are available with 3.1 or 3.2 certification per EN 10204 upon request.
ASME B16.9 / DIN 2605
ASTM A234 WPB / SS304
DN15-DN1200
Applications
- Pipeline direction changes in all industries
- Process piping in refineries and chemical plants
- Steam and condensate lines in power plants
- Fire protection and sprinkler systems
- Compressed air and gas distribution
Quality Assurance
All Butt Weld Elbows products undergo NDT testing with MTC per EN 10204 3.1. Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, TUV available.
Butt Weld Elbows Technical Specifications
Butt weld elbows are pipe fittings that change the direction of flow in piping systems. They are manufactured to ASME B16.9 and DIN 2605 standards, with ends beveled for butt welding to pipe.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME B16.9 / DIN 2605 / EN 10253 / GOST 17375 |
| Bend Angle | 45 deg, 90 deg, 180 deg (return bend) |
| Bend Radius | 1D (short radius), 1.5D (long radius), 3D, 5D, 10D |
| Size Range | DN15 (1/2") to DN1200 (48") |
| Schedule | SCH 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, XXS |
| Material Grades | ASTM A234 WPB/WPC, WP304/L, WP316/L, WP22, WP91 |
| End Preparation | Beveled to ASME B16.25 (37.5 deg bevel) |
Manufacturing Process
Butt weld elbows are manufactured by induction bending, hot forming, or seamless extrusion depending on size and material:
- Seamless Elbows (DN15-DN300): Hot extruded from seamless pipe, pushing a mandrel through heated pipe to form the bend.
- Welded Elbows (DN350-DN1200): Press-formed in two halves from plate, then welded longitudinally.
- Induction Bends (long radius 3D+): Pipe heated by induction coil and bent around a fixed radius former.
- Beveling: Each end beveled to ASME B16.25 for butt welding preparation.
- Heat Treatment: Normalizing for carbon steel, solution annealing for stainless to restore corrosion resistance after forming.
- NDT: Magnetic particle on welds, 100% radiographic testing for critical service.
Application Scenarios
Butt weld elbows are used in virtually every industrial piping system:
- Oil and Gas: Pipeline direction changes, compressor station piping, refinery process lines.
- Petrochemical: High-temperature process lines requiring full penetration welds.
- Power Generation: Main steam and feedwater lines (Class 1500+), requiring seamless long-radius elbows.
- Water Treatment: Large-diameter water transmission lines using 1.5D elbows.
- District Heating: Pre-insulated buried piping with 3D and 5D bends for thermal expansion flexibility.
Long radius (1.5D) elbows are standard for most applications, minimizing pressure drop and flow turbulence. Short radius (1D) is used where space is constrained. For pigging requirements, use long radius or 3D bends to allow pipeline inspection gauges to pass.