Stevian Biotechnology 360 Project

Tube Bending

SOP-BP-MY03-02
Q-2.20

1.0 OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this procedure is to provide guidelines for making change-of-direction
bends in stainless steel thin walled tubing in cGMP piping systems.
2.0 SCOPE:
This procedure covers all occurrences when tube bending is required in lieu of using
fabricated weld fittings in facilities manufacturing products governed by the Food, Drug and
Cosmetics Act, as determined by the Owner of the facility. Systems coming in direct
contact with the Stevian Biotechnology product are under the control of this procedure.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITY
3.1

HPC Engineering shall assign a designated project quality assurance representative

(QAR) to oversee the installation of hygienic piping. The QAR shall be responsible for
ensuring proper and complete implementation and documentation required by this
procedure.

4.0 REFERENCED STANDARDS:

ASME BPE 1997, Bio Processing Equipment
ASTM 270
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
ASME Section IX
ASME BPVC Section VIII, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Stevian Biotechnology Project Specific Requirements
4.0

PROCEDURE:

4.1

There are three methods to achieve a change of direction in the flow path of a piping
run:
4.1.1 Use of factory-made formed or machine fabricated butt weld fittings.
4.1.2 Use an accepted tube bending procedure.
4.1.3 Use of sectional, mitered butt weld fittings is not permitted.

4.2

The use of factory-made formed or machined butt weld fittings, installed using
autogenous automatic weld machines, is the preferred solution in the great majority
of fabrication situations.

4.3

The process of tube bending is an acceptable alternative under the following

conditions:

Stevian Biotechnology 360 Project

Tube Bending

SOP-BP-MY03-02
Q-2.20

4.3.1 Systems are for sanitary services excluding process.

4.3.2 The tube diameter subject to bending shall be OD or smaller.
4.3.3 Tubing that is and larger shall be approved by the client.
4.4

Tube bends shall be made using an approved automatic or manual tube bending
tool.
4.4.1 This tool must minimize distortion to the cross-sectional dimensions of the
tubing.
4.4.2 Take precautions to minimize thinning to the original wall thickness of the
tubing.
4.4.3 This tool must minimize damage to the interior and exterior surfaces of the
tubing.

4.5

Resulting tube bends shall be free from any flat spots or "corrugation effects" on the
tube surface.

4.6

The radius of the tube bends shall be a minimum of three (3) times the nominal
diameter of the tube.

4.7

No tube bend should be located so close to the end of a tubing joint that the resulting
straight tangent is not long enough to allow fit-up of an automatic weld head for the
adjacent butt weld.

REVISION HISTORY: No revisions may be made to this procedure after project approval without
the written authorization of the client, contractor, and QAR. Procedure Revision Log is as follows:
Rev
0

Date
Oct 6, 2003

Description of Revision
Procedural Creation to reflect current practice