Bending of pipe.

(a) Pipe must not have a wrinkle bend. (b) Each field bend must comply with the following: (1) A bend must not impair the serviceability of the pipe. (2) Each bend must have a smooth contour and be free from buckling, cracks, or any other mechanical damage. (3) On pipe containing a longitudinal weld, the longitudinal weld must be as near as practicable to the neutral axis of the bend unless— (i) The bend is made with an internal bending mandrel; or (ii) The pipe is 12 3/4 in (324 mm) or less nominal outside diameter or has a diameter to wall thickness ratio less than 70. (c) Each circumferential weld which is located where the stress during bending causes a permanent deformation in the pipe must be nondestructively tested either before or after the bending process. [Amdt. 195-22, 46 FR 38360, July 27, 1981, as amended by Amdt. 195-52, 59 FR 33396, June 28, 1994; Amdt. 195-63, 63 FR 37506, July 13, 1998]