A ductile iron pipe, or DI pipe, is a specific kind of iron pipe often used to transport liquids like water. Because of its strength, durability, and flexibility, it is widely used in a variety of water and wastewater-related applications as well as various industrial and construction endeavors.
The ductile iron pipe has the following distinctive qualities and features:
Material
Cast iron that has been alloyed with smaller quantities of materials, such as magnesium and cerium, is known as ductile iron. Due to the presence of these alloying elements, graphite nodules may develop within the iron matrix, resulting in a ductile and malleable material.
Strength
The strength of ductile iron much exceeds that of standard cast iron. Tensile strength measures how well something can be bent or stretched without breaking. Because of its durability, it can withstand the stresses imposed by subterranean installations and places subject to large loads or external forces.
Ductility
The ability to bend without breaking is what gives ductile iron its name. The likelihood of pipe failures brought on by soil settlement or other external pressures is decreased by this feature, which also enables it to absorb energy and react to ground movements.
Resistance to Corrosion
To avoid corrosion, ductile iron pipe is often coated with a protective coating. Metallic zinc, asphalt, and cement mortar are frequent coverings. When pipes are exposed to corrosive soils or water, these coatings assist in keeping them in working order for a more extended period.
Joint Options
Joint solutions, such as push-on joints, mechanical joints, and restrained joints, are available for connecting ductile iron pipes. The adaptability and simplicity of these joints make them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Sizes and Dimensions
Ductile iron pipes are available in various sizes to meet various flow rates and applications. They may be as little as a few inches in diameter for private homes or as massive as several feet for city water systems
Applications
Water distribution, pipe transportation, fire prevention systems, and industrial applications are all frequent uses for ductile iron pipes. They work well in both below- and above-ground setups, making them ideal for buried pipes and water mains.
Ductile iron pipe advantages
Environmentally superior pipe
Natural, secure, and long-lasting are all characteristics of ductile iron pipe. Ductile iron pipes are 100% recyclable and are made from at least 90% recycled resources.
The Better Deal
In the long run, ductile iron pipe will save you money since it lasts much longer than plastic pipe. With lower operating and maintenance expenses and lower energy expenditures during the pipeline's service life, ductile iron pipe is the most cost-effective material, according to a paper from the University of Michigan.
Less waste produced, less power used
Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced during manufacture and usage, giving ductile iron pipe a leg up on the competition in terms of environmental efficiency. The ductile iron pipe has a lesser environmental effect and uses less energy to pump water from the beginning of its life to the end of its life.
Resilient
Ductile iron pipes can withstand harsh climates, natural catastrophes, contaminated soil, and other unforeseeable conditions. Ductile iron is the pipe of choice because of its strength and longevity in the face of frequent, continuous challenges water utility systems face, such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and severe temperatures.
Security and well-being
Chemicals like vinyl chloride, dioxin, and ethylene dichloride are not released during the manufacturing process of ductile iron pipes. Ductile iron pipe is superior to plastic pipe in preventing pollution of drinking water since it does not absorb poisons. When compared to plastic pipe, which is more prone to catastrophic failures during installation and operation, resulting in injuries to employees and property damage, ductile iron pipe is safer to install and maintain.
Increased longevity
The ductile iron pipe has a long-projected service life (at least 100 years) and needs little maintenance. When comparing the average service life of plastic pipe (55 years) to that of ductile iron pipe (125 years), the savings and advantages of using ductile iron pipe become clear. A product with a longer lifespan is more cost-effective and less harmful to the environment. This results in less downtime, fewer repairs, and more tranquility for residents.
Ability to Resist Corrosion
According to several research and field tests, ductile iron pipes outlast and withstand corrosion better than cast iron pipes. The service life of ductile iron pipes is estimated to be more than one hundred years by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Any other pipeline material utilized in water and wastewater systems will not endure as long as this one does.
However, corrosion resistance in steel pipes and concrete cylinders comes from externally bonded coatings, such as cement mortar. Damage to the coating on a pipe with a bonded coating might expose the pipe to corrosion. However, ductile iron pipes are impervious to corrosion in most settings. Ductile iron pipes may be wrapped with polyethylene for better corrosion control in particularly aggressive situations.
Fast and Simple Setup
Installing ductile iron pipes is simpler and less costly than other pipe materials because of their flexibility and strength. Ductile iron pipe, for instance, may be laid with looser bedding and backfill requirements due to its strength and flexibility. Settlement and long-term creep may be minimized by using alternative pipe materials such as PVC, concrete, or clay, but only with strict engineering fill and bedding criteria. Despite their ductility, steel pipes may need extra bracing and external soil support during installation. Due to its machinability, ductile iron pipes may also be field-cut, drilled, and directly tapped.
Concluding Remarks
Ductile iron pipe is the most dependable material for water and wastewater pipes due to its exceptional strength, durability, and flexibility. Ductile iron pipes are safer for the environment and more energy-efficient than other types of pipe. Ductile iron has become more popular in the water and wastewater sectors as a result of these features.