In pipeline systems, elbows are fittings used to change the direction of the pipeline. By angle, there are three commonly used types: 45°, 90°, and 180°, along with other non-standard angles such as 60° as needed by the project. Elbows are available in materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, alloy steel, malleable cast iron, carbon steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastics.

Connection methods to pipes include: direct welding (common method), flange connection, hot melt connection, electric melt connection, threaded connection, and socket-weld connection, etc. Categorized by production process: welded elbows, pressed elbows, extruded elbows, cast elbows, and socket-weld elbows, etc. Other names: 90-degree elbows, right-angle bends, etc.