Bends vs. Fittings
Bends offer better flow characteristics and fewer welds.
Custom pipe bends offer better flow characteristics and eliminate countless welds over factory elbows or forged fittings. Plus, pipe bends are a basic necessity if smart pigs are deployed throughout the system.
20″ 3D vs. 6D – Material Utilization
| Bend | Angle | Radius | Arc Length | C/E | Tan A | Tan B | O.A.L. | Material Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D (red) | 90° | 5′-0″ (3D) | 7′-10 1/4″ | 5′-0″ | 7′-0″ | 7′-0″ | 21′-10 1/4″ | N/A |
| 6D (blue) | 90° | 10′-0″ (3D) | 15′-8 1/2″ | 10′-0″ | 2′-0″ | 2′-0″ | 19′-8 1/2″ | 2′-1 3/4″ |
Benefits Include
Fittings are forged, mass produced products that cannot be custom ordered very easily.
Fittings typically have limited angles and limited radii.
A general misconception is that the cost is lower for a mass produced compared to a custom product; in the case of pipe fittings this is not necessarily true.
Induction
Bends
Fittings
Induction Bends
Custom Angles
Custom Radius
Better Piggability
Coated before bends ship
No PUP’s needed for install
Entire bend including tangents can be made from mother pipe
Fittings
(2) Extra Welds to add PUP
Extra cost to purchase PUP
(2) Extra Welds to X-Ray
Need additional 12′ line pipe to cover same span
Extra logistics with PUP’s