DefinePK

Abstract

Pipe bends are critical components in piping systems. In the manufacturing process of pipe bends it is difficult to avoid thickening on the intrados and thinning on the extrados. The cross section of the bend also becomes non circular due to bending process. The acceptability of pipe bends is based on the induced level of these shape imperfections. Ovality and thinning are the shape imperfections considered for the analysis. It is observed that thinning and ovality are to be taken into account together to decide the acceptability of these bends. The possible flexibility that can be introduced in the selection of ovality and thinning limits of pipe bends to reduce rejection has been suggested. A general mathematical expression relating internal pressure, shape imperfections and bend geometry is also presented.