Stressguy,
I agree that for conservation of momentum, the horizontal force of the fluid momentum on the bend and the force of bend on the fluid are equal and opposite, thereby canceling each other at that point. But what about the external load of the bend on the "world" due to the fluid momentum through the bend. Thus the need for Thrust Blocks on large piping.

Do I have this right, or should I go back to my text book to get it right?

Thanks,