3D and 5D long radius bends for pipeline and process piping applications where lower pressure drop and gentler flow transition are required versus standard 1.5D elbows. All grades, all sizes, custom radii available.
The centreline radius = 3 × nominal pipe diameter. Used in pipelines, offshore piping, and process systems where the standard 1.5D elbow radius is too tight. Lower pressure drop, gentler flow transition, and reduced erosion compared to standard elbows.
Centreline radius = 5 × pipe diameter. Even gentler flow transition — used in slurry piping, pig-able pipelines, and systems where minimising erosion and pressure drop is critical. Common in produced water, crude oil, and multiphase flow piping.
| Criteria | Standard Elbow (1.5D) | 3D / 5D LR Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Drop | Higher | Lower — better flow efficiency |
| Erosion Risk | Higher at tight radius | Lower — gentler flow transition |
| Space Required | Compact | More space needed |
| Pigging | Standard pigs — OK for 1.5D | Required for intelligent pigs (3D min) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher — custom fabrication |
| Slurry / Abrasive Service | Avoid — high erosion | Preferred — reduces wall thinning |
| Typical Use | Process piping, general | Pipelines, offshore, slurry, pig-able lines |
Send radius (3D/5D/custom), angle, grade, size, schedule, quantity. Custom radii and angles available. We respond within 4 hours.