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Classification of Steel Pipe Elbows

For any line of supplies, it needs to change direction at some point. Usually, for utilities and chemical transportation most people uses steel pipes. Steel pipes need elbow joints to change the direction of the material. There are several manufacturers who produce steel pipe elbows. Octal Steel Pipe Elbows is known for the quality of the products. Elbows are a must for arranging any kind of distribution line. There are different types of elbows available in the market. Elbows can be classified based on different things. Here we have talked about different types of elbows based on various classification.
 

Classified by Direction Angle


Based on the angle elbows can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. 45, 90 and 180 degrees are the most common. 60 and 120 degrees are also available. Also, the elbow radius is a very important thing to consider. It mainly indicates the curvature of the angle. Sometimes the radius is the same as the pipe. It is used for low-pressure lines. Sometimes the radius can be 1.5 times larger than the actual pipe size. It is called a long radius. For high-pressure channels, longer radius is necessary.
 
Elbows can be of various angle sizes and radius sizes. You need to choose the proper elbow based on your necessity.
 

Classified by Connection Type 

Elbows can also be classified by connection type. There are some common types of connections. A butt weld is one of the connection types where the connection is made by the butt welding process. Socket welding connects the pipes by sockets or another pipe. It also uses a welding system. Threaded connection type uses thread and thread tapes. It was one of the most common connection types in the past. But lately, it has lost its popularity because of the complexity. Like anything else, threaded elbows joins the pipes according to threads. It requires a special wrench to tighten the joints.
 

Classified by Material


Elbows can also be classified based on the materials used to make those. There are three options to choose from-Steel, Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel. In the present time, most people try to avoid steel because of steel rust over time. Stainless steel does not rust and therefore last for a longer period of time. Also, stainless steel pipes are very low maintenance. So people choose stainless steel to save money in the long run.
 
Carbon steel elbows are usually used in heavy industry. It does not rust easily and has the ability to take the pressure. So for pressurized connection, carbon steel elbows are used. As elbows are used to change directions, those need to be strong to take the pressure of the flow. High-pressure water, gas, oil, chemicals can be carried through carbon steel pipes.
 
The best way to use elbows is to heat up and then connect the pipes on the elbows. If it is not possible then the normal welding process can be used to make the connection.

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