IBR Approved · Buttweld Fittings
Buttweld Pipe Elbow Manufacturer
90°, 45° and 180° long-radius and short-radius elbows to ASME B16.9 / B16.28 — in carbon, alloy, stainless and duplex steel. 1/2" to 48" NB, SCH 20 to XXS. IBR approved with Form IV (Part D) (formerly Form III-C), EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 traceable.
Overview
Buttweld elbows change the direction of a pipe run and are the most common of all pipe fittings. We manufacture them by hot and cold forming from seamless and welded pipe, followed by heat treatment, calibration and NDT to meet ASME B16.9 (and B16.28 for short-radius) dimensional and tolerance requirements.
Every elbow is produced to the applicable material specification with full traceability, supplied with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 test certificates and, for boiler and steam service, IBR Form IV (Part D) certification.
Elbow Types & Standards
| Type | Radius | Standard | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90° Long Radius | 1.5D | ASME B16.9 | Default direction change, low pressure drop |
| 90° Short Radius | 1.0D | ASME B16.28 | Space-restricted layouts |
| 45° Elbow | 1.5D | ASME B16.9 | Shallow direction changes |
| 180° Return LR | 1.5D | ASME B16.9 | U-turns, heater & boiler coils |
| 180° Return SR | 1.0D | ASME B16.28 | Compact return bends |
Available Material Grades
Buttweld elbows are supplied in our full material range. Click a grade for full specification, chemistry and mechanical data:
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Size range | 1/2" to 48" NB (larger on enquiry) |
| Schedules | SCH 20, STD, XS, SCH 80, SCH 160, XXS |
| Dimensional standard | ASME B16.9 (LR), ASME B16.28 (SR) |
| End preparation | Bevel end per ASME B16.25 |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 · IBR Form IV (Part D) |
| Testing | PMI, dimensional, DP / RT as specified |
Need a Larger Radius? 3D and 5D Pipe Bends
A standard long radius elbow has a radius of 1.5D. Pipelines, pig trap areas and slurry or high-velocity lines often need 3D or 5D induction bends instead, with straight tangents at each end and controlled ovality for pigging. Our group makes these to ASME B16.49, ISO 15590-1 or your project specification.
Testing & Inspection
- ✓ Chemical and mechanical testing against the ordered ASTM / ASME material specification
- ✓ PMI (positive material identification) and visual and dimensional inspection to ASME B16.9
- ✓ NDT (DP / MPI, UT or RT) as your specification requires
- ✓ EN 10204 3.1 certificate as standard; 3.2 witnessed by Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Lloyd’s Register, SGS, DNV or your own inspector
- ✓ IBR Form IV (Part D) for Indian boiler piping
Export Documents & Packing
- ✓ Commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin
- ✓ Heat-number traceability on every piece
- ✓ Seaworthy wooden cases or pallets, bevel ends protected, marked to your instructions
- ✓ FOB, CFR or CIF terms — see how an export order works
ASME B16.9 Dimensions (selected sizes)
| NPS | OD (mm) | 90° LR “A” (mm) | 45° LR “B” (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 21.3 | 38 | 16 |
| 1" | 33.4 | 38 | 22 |
| 2" | 60.3 | 76 | 35 |
| 3" | 88.9 | 114 | 51 |
| 4" | 114.3 | 152 | 64 |
| 6" | 168.3 | 229 | 95 |
| 8" | 219.1 | 305 | 127 |
| 10" | 273.1 | 381 | 159 |
| 12" | 323.9 | 457 | 190 |
| 16" | 406.4 | 610 | 254 |
Centre-to-end dimensions per ASME B16.9. Other sizes up to 48" NB on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a long radius and short radius elbow?
A long radius (LR) elbow has a centre-line radius of 1.5 times the nominal pipe diameter (1.5D) and is the default choice, giving lower pressure drop and smoother flow. A short radius (SR) elbow has a radius equal to the pipe diameter (1.0D) and is used where space is restricted. Both are made to ASME B16.9 (SR to B16.28) and are available across our full material range.
What sizes and schedules of buttweld elbows do you supply?
We manufacture buttweld elbows from 1/2 inch to 48 inch NB in schedules from SCH 20 through STD, XS, SCH 80, SCH 160 and XXS, in carbon steel (A234 WPB, A420 WPL6), alloy steel (WP11, WP22, WP91, WP92, WP5, WP9), stainless steel (304L, 316L, 321) and duplex (2205, 2507). All are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certification, and IBR Form IV (Part D) (formerly Form III-C) where applicable.
Which certificates and documents come with your buttweld elbows?
EN 10204 3.1 certificates as standard, 3.2 with third-party inspection, IBR Form IV (Part D) (formerly Form III-C) where the fittings are for Indian boiler piping, plus export documents: commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.