There are countless reasons that pipes might need to be bent. Whether they are simply wrapping around a corner or they are required to coil in order to cool the gas or liquid that flows through them, pipe bending is an important service offered to those who require it. Though 1D and 1.5D bends are fairly standard within the industry, these bend radii will not suit every need. Anyone considering pipe bending should take into account what kind of bend they need, be it 2D, 3D, or even 5D Bends.
What is 5D Bending?
What does it mean to get a 2D bend or a 5D bend? How are these bends different from the industry standard? The D represents the outside diameter of the pipe, measured in inches. The bend radius is then multiplied by the outside diameter to indicate the type of bend to be made. For instance, a 1.5D bend would feature a curve 1.5 times larger than the diameter of the pipe to be bent, so if you needed to bend a pipe 2 inches in diameter with a 1.5D bend, you would end up with a bend of 3 inches in radius. 5D Bends, then, are significantly larger than the standard, resulting in larger radius coils to serve a variety of purposes.
Why You Might Need 5D Bending
Larger radius bends allow the product flowing through the pipe, whether it be water, natural gas, or some other substance, to flow more smoothly. There is less resistance and a shorter travel distance for the product, which increases efficiency. In addition, a wider bend radius allows the pipe to reduce turbulence when compared to standard fittings. 5D bends offer lower costs for testing and producing pipe spools, and help to increase the efficiency of fabrication. Consider whether the traditional 1D or 1.5D bends can handle whatever job your pipes need to perform; if there is any doubt, consider using 5D bends for your next piping project.
What to Look For in Pipe Benders
When looking for pipe benders, especially when requesting a non-standard bend such as a 3D or 5D bend, it is of paramount importance to make sure the company you hire has plenty of experience and expertise. Try to choose a company who will do the work themselves rather than hiring a third-party contractor, as this will help ensure that your timeline will not be delayed due to unforeseen hold-ups on the part of the third party. Make sure whichever company you hire has high customer satisfaction and long years of experience in the industry.
5D bends have been used for years in oil refineries and on oil fields, in the petrochemical industries, and in countless other industries. This type of precision bending can be invaluable to any piping project using volatile substances, such as oil or gas, since this type of bend reduces turbulence within the pipes. Custom pipe bending is often the only way to get satisfactory 5D pipe bends in a timely manner. If your piping project requires a wider bend radius, or if you’re just looking to increase fabrication efficiency while reducing costs, consider 5D pipe bends.
