Spiral & Round Duct · Straight Runs & Assembly

Spiral segmented elbow

Large or custom-radius turn

ConnectionFlanged, draw-band or slip-fit ends
SupportDedicated support at elbow body

Before you start

  • Segmented (gored) elbows are heavy and the gore seams are the weak point.
  • Inspect every gore seam before it goes up; a cracked gore is a scrap fitting, not a field repair.
  • Verify the gore orientation and the radius against the drawing.
  • Confirm the pick points.
  • Stage the needed tools and materials before lifting the section: Lift, soft slings, dedicated support for the elbow body, flange/draw-band/slip-fit hardware per the ends, sealant, level..

Tools and materials

Lift, soft slings, dedicated support for the elbow body, flange/draw-band/slip-fit hardware per the ends, sealant, level.

Lay it out

  1. Verify gore orientation and radius against the drawing. Gored elbows are directional.

Set and support it

  1. Rig from balanced points with soft slings. Never sling ACROSS a gore seam; you will open it.
  2. Support the elbow BODY, not just its ends. This is a dedicated hanger, and it is not optional.
  3. Use the approved support method for this condition: Dedicated support at elbow body.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Inspect all gore seams. Cracked, opened, or damaged gore seam means the fitting does not go in.

  2. 2

    Connect one side. Get it seated.

  3. 3

    Align the tangent, the straight coming out of the elbow should leave on a smooth line, not a kink.

  4. 4

    Connect the second side.

  5. 5

    Seal all field joints.

Check the install

  • Gores undamaged, every seam intact.
  • Tangent alignment smooth, no kink at the elbow exit.
  • No twist in the fitting.
  • The elbow support is carrying the elbow weight, not the joints.

Common mistakes

  • Slinging across a gore seam and popping it open.
  • No dedicated support under the elbow body. The weight goes into the gore seams and they open.
  • Ignoring the tangent alignment, so the run downstream leaves at an angle and every joint after it fights.
  • Installing a fitting with a cracked gore because 'it is just a hairline.'

Stop and ask

Stop for cracked gore seams, poor radius clearance or unsupported heavy elbow