How many types for the steel pipe elbow?

Elbow could be ranged from direction angle, connection types, length and radius, material types.

As we know, according to fluid direction of the pipelines, elbow can be divided into different degrees, such as 45 degree, 90 degree,180 degree, which are most common degrees. Also there has 60 degree and 120 degree, for some special pipelines. 

What is Elbow Radius

The elbow radius mean curvature radius. If the radius is the same as pipe diameter, it called short radius elbow, also called SR elbow, normally for low pressure and low speed pipelines.

If the radius is larger than pipe diameter, R ≥ 1.5 Diameter, then we call it a long radius elbow (LR Elbow), applied for high pressure and high flow rate pipelines.

90 Degree Steel Pipe Elbow

90 degree steel pipe elbow functioned to change fluid direction by 90 degree, so also named as vertical elbow. It is the common degree in all the pipeline systems and used most in all different degree of elbows. (As it is convenient to suit to steel construction and structural.)

Long radius 90 degree elbow

LR 90 degree steel pipe elbow are installed between different lengths pipe or tubing. It helps to change direction at 90 degree, and is commonly used to connect hoses to pumps, deck drains and valve.

Short radius 90 degree elbow

SR 90 degree elbow is the same as the pipe elbow mentioned above, but the diameter is shorter. Therefore, this kind of steel elbow is often used when space is not enough.

45 Degree Steel Pipe Elbow

45 degree elbow is second common use after 90 degree elbow.

45 degree elbow of long radius

The pipe elbow is mounted between two pipes so that the fluid direction can be changed to 45 degrees. Compared to 90 degree elbow, 45 degree elbow produces less friction, and with the lower pressure.

45 degree elbow of short radius

SR Elbow in 45 degree is usually attached to copper, plastic, steel, cast iron and lead, and can also be connected to stainless and rubber fixtures. It is widely used in chemical, food, water supply facilities, electronic industry, chemical pipelines, horticulture, agriculture production, solar equipment pipelines, air conditioning pipeline and other fields.

180 Degree Steel Elbow

180 Degree steel elbow helps change direction at 180 degrees, since it usually results in low pressure. Its application is limited to minimal deposition and low turbulence system.

Classified by Connection Types

As per the connection mode, elbow could be classified by butt welded elbow, socket welded elbow and threaded elbow.