I have seen cold bending of small bore (< 2 inch) piping at power plants. Typically, in schedule 40 systems.
Hot bending of larger diameter piping systems is commonly done to meet schedules when elbow fittings are not available. This is more typical in alloy piping systems, where elbows may be scarce
Contractors can meet schedules, by bending pipe if they cannot get enough welding talent working for them on site.
Piping stress analysis may also be affected.
It is important to note that, when a bend (3D, 5D etc) is substituted for a more flexible 1.5D elbow, the calculated stress levels will go down..... but the stiffness of the system goes up and nozzle reaction loads will increase.
Exceeding the equipment vendor's allowable loads is possible by the inclusion of a piping bend
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer