SHORT RADIUS, LOW WEAR ELBOW

摘要

An elbow is disclosed for use in effecting short radius turns in fluent transport systems while overcoming the previous problem of high wear at the turn. The subject elbow includes entry and exit ports at right angles to each other, an arcuate channel extending between the ports, and a chamber aligned with but axially offset from the entryport. The effect of this chamber is to provide abrasive resistance for the elbow by allowing a soft plug of the fluent material to form therein. The material forming the plug will rotate in a vortex manner in the chamber. The subsequently passing fluent material will deflect off of the soft plug rather than rub on the walls of the elbow while making the direction change. The elbow may be provided with an optional purge vent entering into the chamber.