Abstract: A method for determining elastomer types as pipe filler for pressure bending of a pipe, comprising: selecting a set of elastomer types; obtaining sample pieces from the elastomer types; applying strain test on the sample pieces; determining properties of the sample pieces; calculating strain energy and error function for each sample piece based on an energy model; calculating elastic modulus for each sample piece; selecting elastomer types from the set of elastomer types; analyzing results from the calculation of strain energy, error function and the elastic modulus for the selected elastomer types; simulating the pressure bending process of the pipe, using pipe filler made from the selected elastomer types; and when simulation results indicate an acceptable pressure bent pipe due to the simulated pressure bending, selecting the one or more elastomer types associated with the acceptable pressure bent pipe for the pipe filler.

Abstract: A method for bending a thin-walled tube to form a small radius bend on the thin-walled tube includes providing a die, lubricating the thin-walled tube, extruding the thin-walled tube, and thrusting elastomer fillers. A die defining a curved cavity enclosed within is provided. The curved cavity is configured to receive the thin walled tube. The thin-walled tube is lubricated using an antifriction coating material applied on an exterior surface of the thin-walled tube for reducing friction between the exterior surface of the thin-walled tube and the curved cavity of the die. The thin-walled tube is extruded into a curved section from an insertion end of the die. The elastomer fillers are thrusted into an inner surface of the thin walled tube via a mandrel. The mandrel is forced against the thin-walled tube to prevent damage of the inner surface of the thin-walled tube to form the small radius bend.

Abstract: A method for bending a thin-walled tube to form a small radius bend on the thin-walled tube includes providing a die, lubricating the thin-walled tube, extruding the thin-walled tube, and thrusting elastomer fillers. A die defining a curved cavity enclosed within is provided. The curved cavity is configured to receive the thin walled tube. The thin-walled tube is lubricated using an antifriction coating material applied on an exterior surface of the thin-walled tube for reducing friction between the exterior surface of the thin-walled tube and the curved cavity of the die. The thin-walled tube is extruded into a curved section from an insertion end of the die. The elastomer fillers are thrusted into an inner surface of the thin walled tube via a mandrel. The mandrel is forced against the thin-walled tube to prevent damage of the inner surface of the thin-walled tube to form the small radius bend.

Abstract: A pipe bending system for pressure bending a pipe is disclosed. The pipe bending system includes a pipe having a first end and a second end; a housing including a bending configuration and configured to house the pipe; a flexible material placed within an interior space of the pipe; and a pressing device configured to press the flexible material housed inside the interior space of the pipe. The pressing device includes a first arm, a second arm, and a controller. The flexible material includes a plurality of pieces each having a different elasticity type.

Abstract: A method for determining elastomer types as pipe filler for pressure bending of a pipe, comprising: selecting a set of elastomer types; obtaining sample pieces from the elastomer types; applying strain test on the sample pieces; determining properties of the sample pieces; calculating strain energy and error function for each sample piece based on an energy model; calculating elastic modulus for each sample piece; selecting elastomer types from the set of elastomer types; analyzing results from the calculation of strain energy, error function and the elastic modulus for the selected elastomer types; simulating the pressure bending process of the pipe, using pipe filler made from the selected elastomer types; and when simulation results indicate an acceptable pressure bent pipe due to the simulated pressure bending, selecting the one or more elastomer types associated with the acceptable pressure bent pipe for the pipe filler.

Abstract: A pipe bending system for pressure bending a pipe is disclosed. The pipe bending system includes a pipe having a first end and a second end; a housing including a bending configuration and configured to house the pipe; a flexible material placed within an interior space of the pipe; and a pressing device configured to press the flexible material housed inside the interior space of the pipe. The pressing device includes a first arm, a second arm, and a controller. The flexible material includes a plurality of pieces each having a different elasticity type.