Measuring a bend can be tricky, whether it’s mining hose or lined steel. No need to tear your hair out—it’s actually pretty straightforward. In this video, our mining hose specialist, Gavin Holland, shows you how to get the right elbow measurements for your slurry piping system.

By following these simple steps, you’ll end up with the following measurements:

Hose or pipe internal diameter (ID)
Bend angle
Centre line radius (CLR)
Centre to end lines (CTE) x 2

Grab your pipe or hose bend, measuring tape, straight ruler, pencil or chalk, and protractor, and let’s get going!

Step 1: Measure the internal diameter (ID)

Use the measuring tape to measure the ID of the hose or pipe. If the hose or pipe is connected, measure the outer diameter and work back to a possible ID. This can be done by checking the adjoining steel pipe outside diameter, minus the pipe wall thickness and wear liner thickness.

Step 2: Measure the bend angle

Draw a straight, horizontal line from the outside edge of one end of the pipe across to where the bend ends. Draw a vertical line at the other end of the pipe to create a centre line.

Then use your protractor to measure the angle of the bend.

Step 3: Measure the centre line radius (CLR)

The CLR is the measurement from the centre line of the hose or pipe (curvature) to the point where both ends meet. To get this measurement, mark the internal radius of one end of the bend and measure to the vertex. Then do the same for the other end.

Step 4: Measure the centre to end (CTE) lengths

The CTE lengths are the two measurements from the centre of the bends to the ends of the bend. This includes the tangent lengths (the straight lengths on the end of steel or rigid bends).

To measure this, draw a straight line from the CLR marking at the end of the pipe to the middle of the bend. Then do the same with the other end. Measure the two lengths from the CLR markings to the point where they intersect. You’ll find it easier to move the bend out of the way to take this measurement.

That’s it. Job done!

At times it’s impossible to measure rigid bends—because there’s no accurate drawing, it’s difficult to access, or there aren’t any reference points to calculate the bend angle.

If that's the case, it’s worth looking at mining hose rather than a rigid bend, as its flexibility allows for some tolerance if the measurements aren’t 100% accurate.

If you've got a tricky bend that you need to re-measure every time it needs replacing, check with your supplier if they can create a re-order number for it.

Gavin HollandMining Hose Specialist