Why Tube Bending and Fabrication Should Be Left to the Experts

Keeping industrial facilities running efficiently requires continuous maintenance and repairs on advanced machinery, diagnostic analysis of production efficiency, and implementing measures to reduce waste. However, there is an often overlooked but essential aspect of running an industrial facility that impacts maintenance, production, waste produced, and the entire industrial processes—having properly fitted and implemented industrial tubing. Problems often arise when tube bending and fabrication are not precisely done to meet specific industrial facility needs.

This article will discuss the importance of proper tube bending and fabrication, the ways that tube bending and fabrication can go wrong, and the benefits of working with an expert to customize industrial tubing.

The Problem With Improper Tube Bending and Fabrication

Tube bending and fabrication may seem simple—force is applied to a tube to shape the tube, and then it is connected to other tubes or machinery. However, an improperly bent or fabricated tube—perhaps a tube that was shaped by a suboptimal bending method—may impact the following:

• Flow: A poorly fabricated or improperly fitted tube will likely result in too much or too little liquid or gas entering a system. If flow issues occur, the angle and diameter of the customized tubing are the likely culprits. Decreasing the angle of bent tubing will slow the flow, whereas angles approaching 180°—straight tubing—won’t hinder the flow of gases and liquids. 
• Pressure: Similar to flow, a poorly bent or fabricated tube may result in pressure issues. Pressure may build up when the flow of gas or liquid is impeded by an improperly fabricated tube. Alternatively, pressure may build up in tubes or components downstream if too much liquid or gas is allowed to flow through a fabricated tube. 
• The chance of leaks: An improperly bent or fabricated tube may cause pressure to increase beyond recommended standards and leaks to occur. Further, an improperly fabricated tube may have weak points with increased risks of leaks. When fabricating tubing, the end use must be considered before deciding on the tube bending method. If the wrong method is chosen, the resulting tubing may have sections with thinner walls which could lead to leaks. 
• The chance of corrosion: A poorly fabricated tube may cause dead-legs at the tube or at other points throughout the system. In these situations, the substances may cause excessive corrosion as they continue to react instead of moving through the tubing system. A compounding factor is the material of the fabricated tube; the fabricated tube needs to be constructed out of a material that meets pressure and flow specifications with minimal corrosion when in contact with the gasses and liquids in the system.
• Structural integrity: Tubing not only allows for the flow of gas and liquids but is also a key component in the structural integrity of the entire system. Improper construction, fitting, and implementation of tubing may result in breaks along the tubing and negatively impact a system’s structural integrity. 
• Component reliability: A fabricated or bent tube is not an isolated component; the tube is part of a system of components that each have pressure and flow required ranges. Tubing issues may cause pressure and flow to be outside of these ranges, resulting in damage to other components.

An expert in tube bending and fabrication can help reduce these issues by ensuring a tube is fabricated properly and to a facility’s specific requirements. Further, they can help update existing tubing infrastructure to meet current facility needs.

The Benefits of Working With an Expert for Tube Bending and Fabrication

An expert can help determine your tubing needs and can precisely bend and fabricate a tube to meet those specifications. By working with an experienced professional, you can benefit from infrastructure analysis and bending method selection assistance.  

Infrastructure Analysis

Prior to bending or fabricating tubing, the existing infrastructure needs to be analyzed. This will allow tubing options to be selected that will best compensate for the industrial processing needs (e.g., the flow and pressure experienced within the tubing). An expert can also determine the diameter of the tubing and the angle at which best to bend the tube. When the infrastructure is not properly analyzed, issues can occur as the tubing does not fit or function properly within the industrial system. Materials for the fabricated tubing must be selected based on the infrastructure needs and the substances going through the tubing. Poor material selection can result in excess corrosion and increased risks of leaks in the tubing.

Bending Method Selection

There are several bending methods that can be utilized, but the method utilized should be based on the material and tubing needs. Selecting an inappropriate bending method can result in increased risks of leaks and structural problems.

• Ram-type bending uses a hydraulically driven ram to push a tube against blocks. The resulting tube is bent with stretching occurring on the outside of the tube. This is an inexpensive way to bend tubes but is less controllable than other methods. 
• Roll bending uses either a two- or three-roll system to press against the tube for bending. This type of bending is commonly used for construction projects and coiled tubing.
• Compression bending uses a compression die to compress a tube around a central die. This type of bending is useful when tubing requires identical bends. 
• Rotary draw bending allows for the most precise bending of tubing by utilizing a rotating clamp, and a pressure die holding the straight part of the tube. Hydraulics are commonly used for this type of bending and, though the most expensive bending option, allows for bending to be extremely accurate with limited wall thinning of the tube. This type of bending is particularly important for tubing that is likely to experience high-pressure movement of gasses and liquids.

There are many factors to consider regarding tube bending and fabrication to fit industrial needs. Working with an expert can significantly help with this process.

Work With a Local Company for Tube Bending and Fabrication Needs

By working with Edmonton Valve & Fitting, you can rest assured that you’re working with experts that will bend and fabricate tubing utilizing their advanced skill set and knowledge. Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help with the entire installation process. They will start by taking detailed measurements to determine the flow and pressure requirements for your tubing needs. Then, they will bend the tubing and fabricate based on your specific industrial needs. They will also help implement fabricated tubing and verify proper installation. In addition, Edmonton Valve & Fitting’s team of Field Advisors can provide ongoing support to help prevent and mitigate future issues.