ASME B16.9 90 Degree Elbow, ASTM A234 WPB, SCH 160
Sep 15, 2025
What Is a 90 Degree Elbow
A 90-degree carbon steel elbow is a fitting with a 90-degree bend, meaning the pipe changes direction by 90 degrees after passing through it. This type of elbow is commonly used in piping systems requiring right-angle turns, helping to reduce space occupancy or adapt to layout requirements. The elbow is connected to the pipe by butt welding, which provides a full-strength joint with a smooth bore and low pressure drop.
Material: ASTM A234 WPB
ASTM A234 is the standard specification established for carbon steel pipe fittings. A234 WPB is made of carbon steel, an iron-carbon alloy containing a certain proportion of carbon and other elements. Carbon steel offers good strength, toughness, and machinability, making it suitable for various industrial environments. The WPB grade is chemistry-compatible with A106 Grade B and A53 Grade B pipe, so the welded joint between fitting and pipe maintains consistent mechanical properties. Standard minimum tensile strength is about 415 MPa with yield strength about 240 MPa, matching A106 Grade B pipe.
Specification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | ASME B16.9 90 Degree Elbow, ASTM A234 WPB |
| Type | 90 Degree Elbow |
| Material | ASTM A234 WPB |
| Standard | ASME B16.9 |
| Size | 2-1/2 Inch, DN65 |
| Wall thickness | SCH 160 |
Why SCH 160
Schedule 160 is a heavy wall series with much thicker walls than standard schedule 40. It is selected when the design pressure is high, the pipe size is small relative to the pressure, or additional corrosion allowance and mechanical strength are required. The heavier wall also provides more machining allowance for threaded or socket-welded connections where applicable.
Applications
90-degree carbon steel elbows are used throughout industrial piping: refinery and petrochemical process lines, power plant steam and water lines, oil and gas gathering and transfer lines, HVAC and heating systems, shipbuilding, and general industrial plants. They suit ambient and moderate-temperature service, and with proper coating or corrosion allowance they can serve outdoor and buried systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a 90 degree elbow? A: A butt-weld fitting that changes the piping direction by 90 degrees.
Q: What material is A234 WPB? A: Carbon steel fitting material compatible with A106 Gr.B and A53 Gr.B pipe.
Q: What does SCH 160 mean? A: A heavy wall thickness series for high-pressure or high-load service.
Q: What standard applies? A: ASME B16.9 for factory-made wrought steel butt-welding fittings.
Q: Why is WPB the most common fitting grade? A: It offers a good balance of strength, toughness, and weldability at low cost.
Q: How is the elbow connected to the pipe? A: By butt welding, providing a full-strength joint with smooth bore.
Need carbon steel elbows in A234 WPB for your project? Contact us with size, schedule, and quantity for a quotation.
