As the main pipe fittings change direction, elbows, and bends are also often found in daily life. Although we might have heard the terms of bends and elbows, the differences between them are not very well understood and it's tough for us to choose which type wisely. Therefore, on behalf of a manufacturer and trader of pipe fittings, today we will introduce you to the difference between bends and elbows.

Words Before Starting 

What is an elbow in piping?

An elbow is a commonly used pipe fitting in piping installation. It connects two pipes with the same or different nominal diameters so that the pipes can be turned at a certain angle.

Moreover, elbows can be categorized according to the production process, degree of bending, material, and connection method. For example, the same elbow can be cast steel elbow, 90 ° elbow, stainless steel elbow, threaded elbow, and so on.

What is bend in piping?

Bend is bent using a complete set of bending equipment, including the cold simmer and hot push two processes. No matter what kind of machinery and equipment will use bends to change piping direction in oil, gas, liquid, or engineering bridge construction.

Four Differences Between Bends and Elbows in Piping

1. Different Bending Radius >>

The most basic difference is that the elbow is relatively short compared to the bend. Elbow mechanical strength per unit area is usually greater than the bend. So you can select them as needed.

For example, to cope with the pipeline fluid scouring of the turn, you can choose a thick-walled elbow to achieve the purpose of scouring resistance. Alternatively, you can also choose to use a large radius bend to reduce (dispersion) scouring force.

2. Varied Manufacturing Processes >>

In the manufacturing process of pipe bending, hot and cold pipe bending can be made from pipe, through the pipe bender directly bending. Moreover, pipe bends can be produced at a time, without the need for secondary corrosion. However, the elbow needs to be customized by the manufacturer, which requires corrosion protection and a long ordering cycle.

3. Dissimilar Prices >>

The price of the elbow is lower than the bend, so the former is more cost-effective than the latter. But if the elbow doesn't have anti-corrosion treatment, it will be easily damaged. Anyway, due to its low price, it is widely used in some projects with low requirements.

4. Different Scope of Application >>

In a good construction environment, bends and elbows can be used. If you only consider the cost, then you can choose the cold-bending elbow. After all, the quality of the hot-bending elbow is better but the cost is very high. In the construction process, the elbow is more suitable for use in narrower places, because it is convenient for construction. While the bend needs to consider the specific environment of the construction. 

Wrapping Up

Generally speaking, this article explains four differences between bends and elbows in piping. After reading, I hope that all of you can have a better understanding of elbow and bend to better complete the construction and can improve the quality of construction.