What type of bends are commonly used to accommodate thermal expansion in piping?

Expansion bends are specifically designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction in piping systems. As temperatures change, materials can expand or contract, potentially leading to stress and damage in the piping if not properly managed.

Expansion bends work by incorporating a curved section in the piping layout, allowing the pipe to flex rather than placing additional stress on the joints and fittings. This flexibility is crucial in high-pressure systems, where thermal variations can be more pronounced due to the operating conditions.

While options like joints and elbows have their own roles in piping systems, they are not specifically intended for accommodating thermal expansion in the same way as expansion bends. Expansion joints, on the other hand, are also designed for this purpose but are distinct from expansion bends, as they typically utilize materials or designs that allow for more significant movement, rather than relying solely on bending. Thus, the focus on the particular design and functionality of expansion bends makes them the correct answer to the question regarding thermal expansion accommodation.