Steel Elbow
Steel Elbow
A steel elbow is a pipe fitting used to connect two lengths of pipe or tube, allowing for a change in the direction of the flow within the piping system. The change in direction is typically 45°, 90°, or 180°, but custom angles can also be manufactured to meet specific requirements. Steel elbows are made from various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, depending on the application and environmental conditions.
Steel Elbow Dimension
45-Degree Elbow Dimensions Chart (in lbs)
| NPS | O.D. D | 90 deg LR Center-to-End A | 45 deg Long Radius Center-to-End B | 90 deg 3D Center-to-End A | 45 deg 3D Center-to-End B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 21.3 | 38 | 16 | – | – |
| 3/4 | 26.7 | 38 | 19 | 57 | 24 |
| 1 | 33.4 | 38 | 22 | 76 | 31 |
| 1¼ | 42.2 | 48 | 25 | 95 | 39 |
| 1½ | 48.3 | 57 | 29 | 114 | 47 |
| 2 | 60.3 | 76 | 35 | 152 | 63 |
| 2½ | 73 | 95 | 44 | 190 | 79 |
| 3 | 88.9 | 114 | 51 | 229 | 95 |
| 3½ | 101.6 | 133 | 57 | 267 | 111 |
| 4 | 114.3 | 152 | 64 | 305 | 127 |
| 5 | 141.3 | 190 | 79 | 381 | 157 |
| 6 | 168.3 | 229 | 95 | 457 | 189 |
| 8 | 219.1 | 305 | 127 | 610 | 252 |
| 10 | 273 | 381 | 159 | 762 | 316 |
| 12 | 323.8 | 457 | 190 | 914 | 378 |
| 14 | 355.6 | 533 | 222 | 1067 | 441 |
| 16 | 406.4 | 610 | 254 | 1219 | 505 |
| 18 | 457 | 686 | 286 | 1372 | 568 |
| 20 | 508 | 762 | 318 | 1524 | 632 |
| 22 | 559 | 838 | 343 | 1676 | 694 |
| 24 | 610 | 914 | 381 | 1829 | 757 |
| 26 | 660 | 991 | 406 | 1981 | 821 |
| 28 | 711 | 1067 | 438 | 2134 | 883 |
| 30 | 762 | 1143 | 470 | 2286 | 964 |
| 32 | 813 | 1219 | 502 | 2438 | 1010 |
| 34 | 864 | 1295 | 533 | 2591 | 1073 |
| 36 | 914 | 1372 | 565 | 2743 | 1135 |
| 38 | 965 | 1448 | 600 | 2896 | 1200 |
| 40 | 1016 | 1524 | 632 | 3048 | 1264 |
| 42 | 1067 | 1600 | 660 | 3200 | 1326 |
| 44 | 1118 | 1676 | 695 | 3353 | 1389 |
| 46 | 1168 | 1753 | 727 | 3505 | 1453 |
| 48 | 1219 | 1829 | 759 | 3658 | 1516 |
90 Degree Elbow Dimensions Chart (in lbs)
| Inch. | ND | millimeter | Center to center | Radius | Center to end | Back to face |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | O | A | B | K | ||
| 1/2 | 15 | 21,34 | 76,20 | 38,10 | 15,87 | 47,62 |
| 3/4 | 20 | 26,67 | 57,15 | 28,57 | 11,11 | 42,86 |
| 1 | 25 | 33,40 | 76,20 | 38,10 | 22,22 | 55,56 |
| 1 1/4 | 32 | 42,16 | 95,25 | 47,60 | 25,40 | 69,85 |
| 1 1/2 | 40 | 48,26 | 114,30 | 57,15 | 28,57 | 82,55 |
| 2 | 50 | 60,32 | 152,40 | 76,20 | 34,92 | 106,40 |
| 2 1/2 | 65 | 73,02 | 190,50 | 95,25 | 44,45 | 131,80 |
| 3 | 80 | 88,90 | 228,60 | 114,30 | 50,80 | 158,75 |
| 3 1/2 | 90 | 101,60 | 266,70 | 133,35 | 57,15 | 184,15 |
| 4 | 100 | 114,30 | 304,80 | 152,40 | 63,50 | 209,55 |
| 5 | 125 | 141,30 | 381,00 | 190,50 | 79,38 | 261,90 |
| 6 | 150 | 168,27 | 457,20 | 228,60 | 95,25 | 312,70 |
| 8 | 200 | 219,07 | 609,60 | 304,80 | 127,00 | 414,30 |
| 10 | 250 | 273,05 | 762,00 | 381,00 | 158,75 | 517,50 |
| 12 | 300 | 323,85 | 914,40 | 457,20 | 190,50 | 619,10 |
| 14 | 350 | 355,60 | 1066,80 | 533,40 | 222,25 | 711,20 |
| 16 | 400 | 406,40 | 1219,20 | 609,60 | 254,00 | 812,80 |
| 18 | 450 | 457,20 | 1371,60 | 685,80 | 285,74 | 914,40 |
| 20 | 500 | 508,00 | 1524,00 | 762,00 | 317,50 | 1016,00 |
| 22 | 550 | 558,80 | 1676,40 | 838,20 | 342,90 | 1117,60 |
| 24 | 600 | 609,60 | 1828,80 | 914,40 | 381,00 | 1219,20 |
| 28 | 700 | 711,20 | 2133,60 | 1066,80 | 441,90 | 1422,40 |
180 Degree Elbow Dimensions Chart (in lbs)
| Normal Pipe Size | Outside Daimeter D | ASME 180 degree Long Rad | ASME 180 degree Short Rad | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center to Center O | Back to Face K | Center to Center O | Back to Face K | ||
| 1/2 | 21.3 | 76 | 48 | … | … |
| 3/4 | 26.7 | 76 | 51 | … | … |
| 1 | 33.4 | 76 | 56 | 51 | 41 |
| 1.1/4 | 42.2 | 95 | 70 | 64 | 52 |
| 1.1/2 | 48.3 | 114 | 83 | 76 | 62 |
| 2 | 60.3 | 152 | 106 | 102 | 81 |
| 2.1/2 | 73 | 190 | 132 | 127 | 100 |
| 3 | 88.9 | 229 | 159 | 152 | 121 |
| 3.1/2 | 101.6 | 267 | 184 | 178 | 140 |
| 4 | 114.3 | 305 | 210 | 203 | 159 |
| 5 | 141.3 | 381 | 262 | 254 | 197 |
| 6 | 168.3 | 457 | 313 | 305 | 237 |
| 8 | 219.1 | 610 | 414 | 406 | 313 |
| 10 | 273 | 762 | 518 | 508 | 391 |
| 12 | 323.8 | 914 | 619 | 610 | 467 |
| 14 | 355.6 | 1067 | 711 | 711 | 533 |
| 16 | 406.4 | 1219 | 813 | 813 | 610 |
| 18 | 457 | 1372 | 914 | 914 | 686 |
| 20 | 508 | 1524 | 1016 | 1016 | 762 |
| 22 | 559 | 1676 | 1118 | 1118 | 838 |
| 24 | 610 | 1829 | 1219 | 1219 | 914 |
| Normal Pipe Size | Outside Daimeter D | 180 degree Long Rad | 180 degree Short Rad | ||
| Center to Center O | Back to Face K | Center to Center O | Back to Face K | ||
Steel Elbow Weight Chart
45-degree Elbow Weight Chart (in lbs)
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Schedule 40 | Schedule 80 | Schedule 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.3 |
| 3/4″ | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| 1″ | 1.1 | 1.6 | 2.2 |
| 1 1/4″ | 1.4 | 2.1 | 3.0 |
| 1 1/2″ | 1.8 | 2.7 | 3.7 |
| 2″ | 2.6 | 4.0 | 5.5 |
| 2 1/2″ | 4.1 | 6.2 | 8.4 |
| 3″ | 5.7 | 8.6 | 11.5 |
| 4″ | 8.6 | 12.7 | 17.0 |
| 5″ | 11.3 | 17.0 | 22.7 |
| 6″ | 14.5 | 21.8 | 29.5 |
| 8″ | 20.5 | 30.7 | 41.0 |
| 10″ | 28.0 | 42.0 | 56.0 |
| 12″ | 36.8 | 55.2 | 73.5 |
| 14″ | 48.3 | 72.4 | 96.5 |
| 16″ | 60.5 | 90.7 | 120.5 |
| 18″ | 74.4 | 111.6 | 148.0 |
| 20″ | 89.9 | 134.9 | 179.5 |
| 24″ | 114.0 | 171.0 | 228.0 |
| 30″ | 162.0 | 243.0 | 324.0 |
| 36″ | 212.0 | 318.0 | 424.0 |
| 42″ | 274.0 | 411.0 | 548.0 |
| 48″ | 352.0 | 528.0 | 704.0 |
90-degree Elbow Weight Chart (in lbs)
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Schedule 40 | Schedule 80 | Schedule 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| 3/4″ | 1.0 | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| 1″ | 1.3 | 1.9 | 2.6 |
| 1 1/4″ | 1.6 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| 1 1/2″ | 2.1 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| 2″ | 2.9 | 4.4 | 5.9 |
| 2 1/2″ | 4.5 | 6.8 | 9.1 |
| 3″ | 6.5 | 9.7 | 12.9 |
| 4″ | 9.7 | 14.6 | 19.5 |
| 5″ | 12.7 | 19.0 | 25.3 |
| 6″ | 16.5 | 24.8 | 33.0 |
| 8″ | 23.0 | 34.5 | 46.0 |
| 10″ | 31.5 | 47.3 | 63.7 |
| 12″ | 40.9 | 61.4 | 81.9 |
| 14″ | 53.1 | 79.7 | 106.0 |
| 16″ | 66.0 | 99.0 | 132.0 |
| 18″ | 80.7 | 121.0 | 160.0 |
| 20″ | 97.5 | 146.0 | 194.0 |
| 24″ | 123.5 | 185.0 | 246.0 |
| 30″ | 177.0 | 265.5 | 354.0 |
| 36″ | 234.0 | 351.0 | 468.0 |
| 42″ | 304.0 | 456.0 | 608.0 |
| 48″ | 388.0 | 582.0 | 776.0 |
180 Degree Elbow Weight Chart (in lbs)
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Schedule 40 | Schedule 80 | Schedule 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2″ | 1.1 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| 3/4″ | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| 1″ | 1.8 | 2.7 | 3.6 |
| 1 1/4″ | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.5 |
| 1 1/2″ | 3.0 | 4.4 | 5.9 |
| 2″ | 4.3 | 6.4 | 8.5 |
| 2 1/2″ | 6.7 | 10.1 | 13.4 |
| 3″ | 9.4 | 14.1 | 18.7 |
| 4″ | 14.0 | 20.9 | 27.8 |
| 5″ | 18.5 | 27.5 | 36.7 |
| 6″ | 24.0 | 35.8 | 47.8 |
| 8″ | 33.0 | 49.5 | 66.0 |
| 10″ | 44.5 | 66.8 | 89.0 |
| 12″ | 56.0 | 84.0 | 112.0 |
| 14″ | 71.0 | 106.5 | 142.0 |
| 16″ | 88.0 | 132.0 | 176.0 |
| 18″ | 108.0 | 162.0 | 216.0 |
| 20″ | 128.0 | 192.0 | 256.0 |
| 24″ | 160.0 | 240.0 | 320.0 |
Types of Steel Elbows
1. Based on Angle
- 45° Elbow: Used to make a 45-degree turn in the piping system.
- 90° Elbow: Commonly used for a right-angle turn.
- 180° Elbow: Allows for a complete reversal of flow direction.
2. Based on Radius
- Short Radius (SR) Elbow: The radius of curvature is equal to the nominal diameter of the pipe. Ideal for compact systems with space constraints.
- Long Radius (LR) Elbow: The radius of curvature is 1.5 times the nominal diameter of the pipe. Preferred for systems requiring smoother flow and minimal pressure drop.
3. Based on the Connection Type
- Buttweld Elbow: Welded directly to the pipe for a secure and leak-proof connection.
- Socket Weld Elbow: Features a socket into which the pipe is inserted before welding.
- Threaded Elbow: Equipped with threads for screw-on connections, commonly used in smaller pipelines.
- Flanged Elbow: Comes with flanges for bolted connections, making it easier to assemble and disassemble.
4. Based on Material
- Carbon Steel Elbow: Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
- Stainless Steel Elbow: Offers excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for aggressive environments.
- Alloy Steel Elbow: Provides enhanced mechanical properties for specialized applications.
- Duplex and Super Duplex Steel Elbow: Combines strength and corrosion resistance for demanding industries.
Manufacturing Processes
1. Mandrel Method
The mandrel method involves heating a straight steel pipe and shaping it into an elbow using a mandrel and dies. This process ensures uniform wall thickness and smooth surface finish.
2. Hot Forming
In hot forming, a steel billet is heated to high temperatures and shaped into an elbow using a die. The high-temperature process improves the mechanical properties of the elbow.
3. Cold Forming
Cold forming involves shaping the elbow without heating, using high-pressure hydraulic machines. This method is suitable for producing small-diameter elbows with high precision.
4. Extrusion
The extrusion process pushes a heated steel billet through a die to create the elbow. It’s commonly used for high-strength and large-diameter elbows.
5. Welding and Fabrication
Welding multiple steel segments together creates elbows for unique configurations and large diameters. This method is used when standard sizes and shapes don’t meet the project requirements.
Benefits of Steel Elbows
1. Durability and Strength
Steel elbows are known for their robust construction, making them suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
2. Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel and specialized alloys offer exceptional resistance to corrosion, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
3. Versatility
Available in various angles, radii, and connection types, steel elbows can be customized to suit any application.
4. Ease of Installation
Threaded and flanged elbows simplify installation and maintenance, especially in complex systems.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Steel elbows provide a long-term solution due to their durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Application
- Oil and Gas Pipelines
- Water Treatment Plants
- Petrochemical
- Construction
- Pressure Vessels
- Phosphate Mining
