Minimum Bend Radius #
Tightening the curvature of a pipeline results in a smaller (tighter) bend radius. The minimum bend radius is defined as the smallest radius to which the pipe may be safely curved. To find the minimum bend radius (R) use the following ratio (a) and multiple it by the Outside Diameter (OD).
R=a(OD)
Long term (permanent) bend ratio
Dimension Ratio, DR |  Minimum Bend Ratio, α |
7 | 20 |
7.3 | 20 |
9 | 20 |
11 | 25 |
13.5 | 25 |
15 | 25 |
17 | 27 |
21 | 27 |
26 | 34 |
32.5 | 42 |
41 | 52 |
Fittings or Flange in Pipe | 100 |
Short term (installation) bend ratio for Plowing and Planting
Pipe Dimension Ratio | Minimum Short-Term Bend Ratio |
7.3 | 10 |
9 | 10 |
11 | 13 |
13.5 | 13 |
15 | 13 |
17 | 17 |
21 | 17 |
3/4″ Pipe #
The minimum bend radius for the 3/4″ Blu-Lock piping to prevent kinking is 20-1/4″.
If you are using a plow the 3/4″ Blu-Lock pipe can be bent to a tighter radius of 12-3/4″, but only for a short amount of time.
1″ Pipe #
The minimum bend radius for the 1″ Blu-Lock piping is 25″.
If you are using a plow the 1″ Blu-Lock pipe can be bent to a tighter radius of 13″, but only for a short amount of time.