ASME B16.49 Standard- Factory-Made, Wrought Steel, Butt welding Induction Bends for Transportation and Distribution Systems
At Haihao Group, we are at the forefront of innovation in pipeline solutions. Our recent focus on the ASME B16.49 standard has allowed us to deliver cutting-edge induction bend fittings that meet the rigorous demands of modern industrial applications.
Understanding ASME B16.49 Standard
ASME B16.49 standard is a comprehensive standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that governs the design, material, manufacturing, testing, marking, and inspection requirements for factory-made pipeline bends of carbon steel materials. These bends are produced using the induction bending process, which allows for precise control over the bending angle and radius, ensuring optimal performance in transportation and distribution piping applications.
Key Features and Specifications
Precision Manufacturing
The induction bending process involves heating a narrow band 360 degrees around a pipe or cylinder at the point of bending, as the pipe or cylinder is pushed through an inductor coil at a constant velocity. This method ensures precise bending with minimal deformation, resulting in high-quality bends suitable for high-pressure and low-temperature environments.
Material Excellence
ASME B16.49 specifies controlled chemistry and mechanical properties for the carbon steel materials used in the bends. This ensures that the bends meet the required performance criteria for demanding applications, including oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation industries.
Design of Bend
The required internal pressure design thickness at the intrados (inside radius) of the bend shall be determined in accordance with eq.(1).The thickness at the neutral axis (see Figure 2.2-1) and on the extrados (outer radius)of the bend shall be no less than the mating pipe design thickness or the customer-specified minimum wall thickness.
TI≥[4(R/D0)-1 / 4(R/D0)-2]
where
D0 =nominal outside diameter
R= bend centerline radius
t= nominal design wall thickness (see para.2.1)
TI=minimum required thickness at the intrados
where
D0 =nominal outside diameter
R= bend centerline radius
t= nominal design wall thickness (see para.2.1)
TI=minimum required thickness at the intrados
Size
The diameter of bends shall be identified by the nominal pipe size (NPS)as defined in ASME B36.10(e.g.,NPS 24). Alternatively or in addition,the marking may include the nominal size as defined in ISO 6708,which consists of the letters “DN” followed by a dimensionless whole number, which is indirectly related to the physical size,in millimeters,of the outside diameter of pipe to which the bend is intended to be welded (e.g.,DN 600).

Bend Dimensional Terms
Tensile Properties
Minimum Tensile Properties | Maximum Hardness | ||||
Grade (Symbol) | Yield Strength,MPa(ksi) | Tensile Strength,MPa(ksi) | Elongation,% | HBW[Note1] | HRC[Note(2)] |
P241(X241) | 241 (35) | 414 (60) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P290(X290) | 290 (42) | 414 (60) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P317(X317) | 317 (46) | 434 (63) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P359(X359) | 359 (52) | 455 (66) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P386(X386) | 386 (56) | 490 (71) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P414(X414) | 414 (60) | 517 (75) | 20 | 238 | 22 |
P448(X448) | 448 (65) | 531 (77) | 18 | 238 | 22 |
P483(X483) | 483 (70) | 565 (82) | 16 | 247 | 24 |
P552(X552) | 552 (80) | 621 (90) | 16 | 247 | 24 |
GENERAL NOTE:Intermediate grades may be purchased subject to agreement between the purchaser and manufacturer.
NOTES:
(1)HBW (Hardness Brinell)is the primary number.
(2)HRC (Hardness Rockwell C)is an approximation based on ASTM E140 hardness conversion.
Bend Dimensional Tolerances
The bend angle,center-to-end dimensions,bend radius,chord lengths,squareness,and bend plane shall be measured and recorded for each bend.The tolerances on the ordered dimensions shall be as follows:
Dimension Tolerance
Dimension | Tolerance |
Bend angle | ±½ deg |
Bend radius | ±1% deg |
Bend plane | ±1% deg |
End squareness | |
NPS 36 (DN 900)and smaller | ±2.4mm(±0.09in.) |
Greater than NPS 36(DN 900) | ±3mm(±0.12in.) |
Linear dimensions | |
NPS 24 (DN 600)and smaller | ±5mm(±0.19in.) |
Greater than NPS 24 (DN 600) | ±6mm(±0.25in.) |
See Figure 12.6-1,illustrations (a)and (b).

Measurement of Bend Angle and Out of Squareness
Rigorous Testing
Compliance with ASME B16.49 involves rigorous testing procedures, including dimensional and visual inspections, material chemical analysis, and mechanical property testing. This ensures that each bend is reliable and performs consistently under critical conditions.
Advantages of ASME B16.49 Induction Bend Fittings
Enhanced Flow Characteristics
The large radii of induction bends ensure smooth fluid flow, reducing friction, wear, and pump energy requirements. This makes them ideal for applications where pipeline alignment, space constraints, or flow optimization are critical factors.
Cost Efficiency
Induction bends reduce the need for additional pipe fittings, minimizing installation costs and improving system efficiency. The process is faster and more cost-effective than traditional welding methods, allowing for quicker project completion.
Structural Integrity
Induction bends are stronger than standard elbows, with uniform wall thickness and fewer welds. This enhances the ability to absorb pressure and stress, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
Environmental Benefits
The induction bending process is clean, requiring no lubrication and utilizing recycled water for cooling. This makes it an environmentally friendly manufacturing option.
Applications Across Industries
Induction bend fittings find applications across various sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and water distribution. Their ability to accommodate changes in pipeline direction while maintaining structural integrity makes them indispensable in these industries.
Why Choose Haihao Group?
With over 40 years of experience in the pipeline systems industry, Haihao Group is a trusted supplier of high-quality pipe fittings. Our technical team offers full support for custom production, strict quality control, and fast, reliable delivery. We ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, providing reliable solutions for the most demanding environments.
Contact Us Today
For more information on our ASME B16.49 induction bend fittings or to request a custom solution, please contact us at sales@haihaogroup.com. Join us in building reliable and efficient piping systems for a safer and more sustainable future.