Ductile Iron Pipe: A Better Alternative to PVC Pipes

Ductile Iron Pipe: A Better Alternative to PVC Pipes

Ductile Iron Pipe: A Better Alternative to PVC Pipes

Amid rapid urbanization laying pipeline projects without compromising the urban setup has become crucial. While the constant influx of immigrants intensifies congestion, the insatiate water amenity needs keep surfacing. The water scarcity burden is no less than a nuisance. 

Delayed pipeline installation, pipeline leakage, and corroded drainage system should be blamed for such widespread shortage. Although the pandemic has somehow brought sanitation to the limelight, a few stones still need to be turned for the better. To address the water and wastewater issue aptly, a few developing countries like China, India, and others have already shifted to Ductile Iron Pipes for most of their projects.

Considering the market scenario, MarkNtel Advisors, in its recent report, reveals that the Global Ductile Iron Pipes industry may witness considerable growth during 2022-27. It can be credited to the large-scale adoption and initiatives that are the result of several instances where traditional pipes made of PVC shattered the drainage or irrigation system, creating a massive impact on the daily lives of the masses.

What Is Ductile Iron, And How Effective It Is as A Material Consideration for Pipes?

Primarily discovered in 1949, ductile iron is an upgraded variant of nothing but cast iron, sometimes referred to as nodular cast iron or spheroidal graphite iron. Owing to its innumerable benefits in terms of, impact resistance, pressure bearing ability, and ability to sustain external static/dynamic loading, these materials are widely preferred in sewerage and water supply applications worldwide. Even better, a pipe made of Ductile Iron exhibits relatively more resiliency, recyclability, reliability, and most importantly, a longer life span of about more than 100 years. 

Probably it is why most industrial applications are inclined towards Ductile Iron Pipes(DI) Pipes and therefore heavily deploying such pipes in projects related to potable water distribution, sewage & wastewater, irrigation, mining, and centrifugal. For instance, 

  • Recently, Tata Metaliks, one of the key players in the market, inaugurated a new ductile iron pipe factory in Kharagpur, India, considered one of the most sophisticated DI Pipe factories, deploying high levels of automation and robots to guarantee secure and efficient operations.

Companies are extremely keen to develop restrained jointed pipes and fittings to eliminate longitudinal separation and the requirement of thrust block and, in turn, lay pipes via horizontal directional drilling via trenchless technology. Since ductile iron exhibits advanced physical properties and are more flexible & eco-friendlier, they are posing the perfect choice for both underground and overground projects as they are coated with non-corrosive linings such as cement, asphalt, paint, or polyethylene encasement, enhancing the durability of the material. For instance, 

  • Although beginning as a Steel Casting and Cast Iron Spun Pipe manufacturing company, ECL Electrosteel Casting Ltd is now a well-recognized DI Pipes and Fittings manufacturer worldwide. Being the third largest DI pipe manufacturer, the company offers techno-economic solutions for numerous segments, including Sewerage, Irrigation, Industrial, Water supply, and Wastewater across the world.

Key Benefits of Ductile Iron Pipes over PVC pipes

  • Better flow holding capacity

Owing to the higher strength offered by the DI pipes, the capacity to carry water improves and tends to achieve maximum flow. With larger Inside Diameters (ID) possibility, the DI pipes demonstrate relatively more flow capacity than PVC pipes.

  • Seismic Resistant

When considering materials complying with the International Seismic Design Standards, Ductile iron has the monopoly. The pipelines exhibiting unrivaled tensile strength and improved flexibility facilitate protection against severe shear during seismic activity.

  • Impermeable

Ductile pipes restrain the water supply from undergoing toxic permeation, thereby protecting any sort of infiltration. Unlike PVC pipes that are less immune to permeability from low molecular weight organic solvents or petroleum products, DI pipes facilitate retaining the water supply efficiently. For instance, 

    • Last year, Kubota Construction Co., Ltd nodded for a contract relating to the expansion of the water supply system in Pursat City, nestled in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
  • Fire Resilient

When it comes to the production of hydrant standpipes, ductile iron is the best choice, keeping in mind the extreme security requirements associated with it. For instance, 

  • NS type, one of the ductile iron pipes offered by Kubota, has been adopted as a firefighting pipeline for a project operating in San Francisco, CA, USA.
  • High-Profile Installation friendly

Di pipe, owing to its extreme expansion and contraction capabilities poses a better choice for high-profile projects such as bridge installations. Even better, these projects when constructed using DI pipes don’t require trench support, unlike PVC pipes.

  • Cost-Effective

Because of its unique qualities, including longevity, ductile iron pipe tends to facilitate minimized expense on repair and maintenance. The University of Michigan considered it the most cost-effective material, viewing its minimized operational costs. 

  • Take an instance from a town in Bolivia, which experienced drought on and off for 80 years, and witnessed a ray of hope with the advent of the long-awaited water pipeline project 20 years back. Today, even after two decades, the water line built with AMERICAN Ductile Iron Pipe continues to satiate the water needs of Potosí, projecting the potency and resiliency of ductile iron pipes.

A Few Instances Where Towns Substituted Traditional Pipes with Ductile Iron Pipe

  • Troy, New York

With its visionary perception hinting at the importance of rugged pipes, the town is all set to replace its underground water pipelines with ductile iron pipes to avoid any water spilling or shutting down due to the cracked pipeline, as happened in 2016.

  • Delray Beach, Florida

To avoid frequent pipeline breakage posed by High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes causing raw sewage to spill into the resident’s yards, local waterways, & roads resulting in the hampered neighborhood and constant disruptions, the town finally decided to switch to Ductile pipes after trying their hands on HDPE pipes and PVC pipes.

A Way Ahead for Ductile Iron Pipes in the Future

Ductile iron pipes, being the most versatile, robust, & reliable are gaining traction these days. Considering the above instances, resulting in more and wide adoption of ductile iron pipes globally, leading the market toward swift momentum through the future. In addition, the disruptions faced with the adoption of PVC and HDPE pipes further accelerate the industry.

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