ASME 331.

4-2016
be designed to withstand the operating conditions of the equipment or piping to
which it is connected.
404.1.7 Fittings Exceeding Scope of Standard Sizes. Fittings exceeding scope of
standard sizes or otherwise departing from dimensions listed in the standards
referred to in paras. 404.1.1 and 404.4.1 may be used, provided the designs meet
the requirements of this Code.
404.1.8 Special Fittings and Connections. Cast, forged, wrought, or welded
steel fittings different from those specified in the applicable American National
Standards and MSS Standard Practices will be permitted provided that their design
is in accordance with para. 404.10.
404.1.9 Thermowells. Thermowells shall comply with ASME PTC 19.3 TW.
404.2 Directional Changes
404.2.1 General. Changes in direction, vertically and horizontally, may be made
by field bending the pipe, by inserting induction bends (also called hot bends), or
by installing manufactured bends or elbows.
The minimum wall thickness of pipe before bending, field bends, or induction bends
shall be determined as for straight pipe in accordance with para. 403.2.1.
404.2.2 Field Bends. Field bends are cold bends, generally made in the field
during construction, to allow the pipe to conform to the contour of the ditch.
Field bends include vertical bends (sags and overbends), horizontal bends to
accommodate changes in direction, and combination bends.
Bends shall be free from buckling, cracks, or other evidence of mechanical damage.
Ripples or wrinkles meeting the requirements of para. 451.6.2.8 are acceptable.
Field bends shall meet the requirements of pan. 434.7.1.
The minimum radius of field cold bends, except as noted in the next two paragraphs,
shall be as follows:
NPS 12 and smaller 18D
14 21
16 24
18 27
NPS 20 and larger 30
Minimum Radius of
Nominal Pipe Size Bend in Pipe Diameters
In some cases, thin wall pipe will require the use of an internal mandrel when
being bent to the minimum radii tabulated above.
Bends may be made by bending the pipe in sizes NPS 14 and larger to a minimum
radius of 18/). However, bending pipe to radii approaching 18D shall comply with
the criteria in this paragraph and will be dependent upon wall thickness,
ductility, ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness, use of bending mandrel, and
skill of bending crew. lest bends shall be made to determine that the field bending
procedure used pro duces bends meeting the requirements of this paragraph and that
the wall thickness after bending is not less tlxan the minimum permitted by the
pipe specification.
Cold bends should liave tangents on each end in accordance with para. 434.7.1(d).
404.2.3 Induction Bends. Induction bends are made by heating the pipe and
forming the bend under controlled conditions. The minimum wall thickness of pipe
before bending shall be determined as for straight pipe in accordance with para.
403.2.1. Induction bends shall comply with ASME B16.49.
Bends shall be free from buckling, cracks, or other evidence of mechanical damage.
Ripples or wrinkles meeting the requirements of para. 451.6.2.8 are acceptable.
The pipe diameter shall not be reduced at any point by more than 2V>% of the
nominal diameter, and the completed bend shall pass the specified sizing pig.
When hot bends are made in pipe that has been cold worked in order to meet the
specified minimum yield strength, wall thickness shall be determined by using the
lower stress values in accordance with para. 403.12.
404.2.4 Mitered Bends. In systems intended to operate at a hoop stress of more
than 20% of tire specified minimum yield strength of the pipe, miter bends are
prohibited. Miter bends not exceeding 12/£ deg may be used in systems operated at a
hoop stress of 20% or less of the specified minimum yield strength of die pipe, and
the minimum distance between miters measured at the crotch shall not be less than
one pipe diameter. When die system is to be operated at a hoop stress of less than
10% of the specified minimum yield strengdi of die pipe, the restriction to 12!£
deg maximum miter and distance between miters will not apply. Deflections caused by
misalignment up to 3 deg are not considered miter bends.
Care sliall be taken in making mitered joints to provide proper spacing and
alignment and full penetration welds.
404.2.5 Factory-Made Bends and Elbows. The mini mum metal thickness of flanged
or direaded elbows shall not be less dian specified for the pressures and
temperatures in the applicable ASME Standard or the MSS Standard Practice.
Steel butt welding elbows shall comply with ASME B16.9, ASME B16.28, or MSS SP-75,
and shall have pressure and temperature ratings based on the same stress values as
were used in establishing the pres sure and temperature limitations for pipe of the
same or equivalent materials.
Factory made bends and elbows shall have approximately the same mechanical
properties and chemical composition as the pipe to which they are welded.