Long radius elbow vs Short radius elbow

Pipe elbows can be divided into long radius elbows and short radius elbows according to their curvature radius. Long radius elbows refer to elbows whose curvature radius is equal to 1.5 times the outer diameter of the pipe, that is, R=1.5D. Short radius elbows refer to elbows whose curvature radius is equal to the outer diameter of the pipe, that is, R=D. D in the formula is the diameter of the elbow and R is the radius of curvature. Among them, D represents the diameter of the elbow and R represents the radius of curvature. In this article, Hunan Standard Steel Co., Ltd will introduce the main differences between long radius elbows and short radius elbows.

Long radius elbows are relative to short radius. Because there is a short radius, there is a long radius. From the length of the elbow, it is obvious that long radius elbows are definitely longer than short radius elbows, and they are 0.5DN longer. Taking a 90° elbow DN200 as an example, the center height of the short radius is 203 and that of the long radius is 305.

Long radius elbow VS Short radius elbow:

Bending radius:
Long radius elbow: has a larger bending radius, usually 1.5 times or more of the pipe diameter. This means that the distance from the center of the elbow to the bending axis is longer.
Short radius elbow: The bending radius is relatively small, usually 1 times the pipe diameter. This results in a tighter shape and a sharper bend.

Appearance and shape:
Long radius elbow: appears flatter in appearance and closer to a curved curve. Due to the larger bending radius, the overall shape is longer.
Short radius elbow: looks more compact and has a sharper curve. The overall shape is shorter.
Whether it is a stainless steel elbow or a carbon steel elbow, etc., this method can be used to verify it.

Performance difference:
Long radius elbow: The wear degree of long radius elbow is less than that of short radius elbow, the corrosion force is greatly reduced, and the resistance is also smaller, which is obviously better than short radius elbow. Long radius elbows are used in places with high pressure or high flow rate. If the resistance requirements of solid conveying pipelines are strict, elbows with larger radius should be used.
Short radius elbow: Short radius elbows are generally used in low-pressure fluids or in places where elbows are restricted during installation.

Influence of fluid flow:
Long radius elbow: Due to the larger bending radius, the fluid flows more smoothly in the elbow and the flow resistance is relatively small. This makes long radius elbows more suitable for some applications that require smooth fluid flow.
Short radius elbow: The bend is sharper, and the fluid will be subject to greater resistance in the elbow, so short radius elbows may cause some energy loss and flow turbulence.

Application scenario:
Long radius elbow: It is usually used in places where it is necessary to reduce fluid resistance, reduce energy loss, and require smooth fluid flow. For example, in the chemical, oil and gas industries.
Short radius elbow: Due to its compact shape, it is often used in places where the installation environment has limited space or where fluid turbulence will not have a negative impact on the system. Generally, long radius elbows are used by default, and short radius elbows are less used. If there are no restrictions or no indication in the contract, long radius elbows are preferred.

When the customer places an order, if the radius of curvature of the elbow is not marked, our factory (HSCO) will usually quote or produce according to 1.5D. Pipe fittings such as long-radius elbows and short-radius elbows will be partially in stock. If customers have urgent orders, they can be shipped first to shorten the delivery cycle. If you have a need for elbows in your project, please contact us: info@hu-steel.com

Read more: How to calculate the bending radius of pipe elbow?