In piping systems, which component is used to control the flow direction?

The elbow is used in piping systems to control the direction of flow. It is designed to change the direction of the fluid within the pipes, often at angles of 45 or 90 degrees. By effectively redirecting the flow, elbows allow for the installation of piping systems in various layouts and configurations, accommodating the needs of the system while maintaining efficient flow.

In contrast, other components such as a coupling are used to join two pipes together end-to-end, ensuring a continuous flow but without altering the direction. A reducer serves to connect pipes of different diameters, adjusting the flow area without changing the flow path's direction significantly. Meanwhile, a union serves as a connection point that allows for easy disconnection and reassembly of pipe segments without purposefully changing the flow direction. These components serve essential functions, but they do not directly influence how the flow is directed like an elbow does.