Final answer:
Bends in piping systems can have varying numbers of inlets depending on the design needs, with common configurations being 'wyes' or 'tees'. They are used in various engineering applications to direct flow with efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bends in piping systems are designed to change the direction of the flow. When referring to bends with inlets, it typically implies connections where pipes can be joined to the bend. The number of inlets can range based on the design requirements of the piping system. Commonly, bends are available with single or multiple inlets, often referred to as 'wyes' or 'tees' based on the configuration and the number of inlet connections. For more complex systems, custom bends can be fabricated with the required number of inlets to suit the specific application.
Bends are essential for directing fluid or gas flow within various engineering fields such as civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering. These components are critical in systems dealing with water supply, sewage, oil and gas pipelines, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The design of the bend, including the number of inlets, angle of turn, and diameter, is important to minimize pressure loss and ensure efficient operation of the system.