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.

Classified by Direction Angle

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

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.

90 degree steel pipe elbow

Long radius 90 degree elbow

Long radius 90 degree steel pipe elbows are installed between pipes or tubing of different lengths. They help to change direction by 90 degrees and are commonly used to connect hoses to pumps, deck drains, and valves.

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.

180 Degree Steel Elbow

A 180-degree steel elbow helps change direction by 180 degrees, as it usually results in low pressure. Its application is limited to minimal deposition and low turbulence systems.