TYPES OF ELBOWS

Although the names are mostly self-explanatory, there are a few variations in the elbows that are worth exploring.

The 90° elbow is also called a “90° ell” (pronounced like the letter “L”) or sometimes a “quarter bend” because the right angle at which flow is redirected is one quarter of 360°.

The 90° 3r elbow is used in spaces that require a major turn. Although this may be a necessity, the flow rate and pressure within the pipe is affected. Just as with any piping system, the material under pressure hits the elbow and would like to continue in the same direction. When it meets the resistance of the elbow wall, it is forced to change direction (deflected) at a cost to the pressure.