Pipe Bend - Butt-Weld Pipe Fitting
Our butt-weld pipe bends provide smooth, gradual directional changes in pipework with bend radii of 3D, 4D, 5D and custom multipliers. The generous sweep radius minimises pressure drop and turbulence, making long-radius bends the preferred choice for high-velocity lines, abrasive slurry services and applications where reduced friction loss directly improves system efficiency.
Each pipe bend is supplied with a factory-prepared weld-end bevel to BS EN 10253 or ASME B16.25, ready for full-penetration butt welding in the field. Complete material traceability is maintained from raw pipe through to finished bend, with heat numbers and material test certificates available for every order.
Standards & Materials
Pipe bends are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 10253-3 and ASME B16.9. Standard material grades include carbon steel ASTM A234 WPB, low-temperature carbon steel A420 WPL6 and stainless steel grades 304/304L and 316/316L, with other alloys available on request.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Standard | BS EN 10253-3 / ASME B16.9 |
| Carbon Steel | ASTM A234 WPB, A420 WPL6 (low-temp service) |
| Stainless Steel | ASTM A403 WP304/304L, WP316/316L |
| Special Grades | Duplex & Super Duplex (UNS S31803 / S32205 / S32750), Alloy 20, Inconel 625 / 825, Monel 400, Hastelloy C-276 - available on request |
| Fabrication Method | Induction-bent or hot-bent from seamless or welded pipe |
| Weld-End Preparation | Bevelled to BS EN 10253 / ASME B16.25 for full-penetration butt welds |
| Test Pressure | Hydrostatic testing per BS EN 10253-3 requirements |
| Bend Radius Options | 3D, 4D, 5D and custom multipliers to specification |
Dimensions & Sizes
Pipe bends are available from 1/2" (DN15) to 24" (DN600) and above in schedules 10, 40 and 80. The table below lists common nominal sizes with their corresponding 3D, 4D and 5D centreline bend radii.
| Nominal Size | DN | 3D Radius (mm) | 4D Radius (mm) | 5D Radius (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | DN15 | 38 | 51 | 64 |
| 1" | DN25 | 76 | 102 | 127 |
| 2" | DN50 | 152 | 203 | 254 |
| 3" | DN80 | 229 | 305 | 381 |
| 4" | DN100 | 305 | 406 | 508 |
| 6" | DN150 | 457 | 610 | 762 |
| 8" | DN200 | 610 | 813 | 1016 |
| 10" | DN250 | 762 | 1016 | 1270 |
| 12" | DN300 | 914 | 1219 | 1524 |
Performance & Benefits
Pipe bends deliver superior flow characteristics compared with standard short-radius elbows. The smooth, continuous radius reduces turbulence and erosion at the bend zone, extending service life in abrasive and high-velocity applications. Fewer weld joints compared with multi-elbow assemblies also reduce potential leak paths and on-site fabrication time, lowering total installed cost on long pipeline runs.
Typical Applications
Widely specified across the UK for slurry handling in mining and aggregate processing, hydraulic power systems, district heating networks, long-distance pipeline crossings and any installation where a large-radius, low-loss directional change is required to maintain system pressure and flow efficiency.
Quality Assurance & Traceability
Every fitting is manufactured to BS EN 10253-2 and ASME B16.9 and supplied with full material traceability and EN 10204 Type 3.1 test certificates. Heat numbers are recorded throughout production to support inspection, QA and UK project-compliance requirements.
Supply & Delivery
Stocked at our Sheffield, UK facility and delivered nationwide across England, Scotland and Wales. We offer fast dispatch from stock with tracked UK delivery to site, and next-day options for common sizes.
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Which sizes and schedules are available?
Available from 1/2" (DN15) to 24" (DN600) and above in schedule 10, 40 and 80, in both metric and imperial sizes to suit UK installations.
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Can you provide material certificates?
Yes. Material test certificates and full traceability documentation are available with every order, to project and quality-management requirements.
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What bend radius should I choose — 3D or 5D?
A 3D radius is the most common choice for general piping and provides a good balance between compact layout and low pressure drop. A 5D radius offers an even smoother sweep and is preferred for slurry lines, pigged pipelines and any service where minimum turbulence and erosion are critical. Custom radii between 3D and 5D, or beyond 5D, can be supplied to specification.
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Do you deliver across the UK?
We deliver nationwide throughout England, Scotland and Wales, with fast dispatch from stock and tracked deliveries to site.