Not all pipe performance is the same, basically due to their manufacturing materials. When deciding which kind of pipe is appropriate for a particular project, there are a number of variables for design engineers to take into account. These variables include project requirements, system startup cost, maintenance charges, dependability, and performance over time. To get the best pipe performance, it is necessary to use the right pipe material for any project. Today, Ductile Iron pipes stand out among the available options. Understanding the differences between DI pipes and other pipes can help engineers in choosing the ideal material for their respective projects.
Pipe Material Comparison: Performance of Ductile Iron and Other Pipes
There are several kinds of pipes available for various applications. Having a pipe material comparison between the different pipes and ductile iron pipes will make every engineer’s work easier.
Ductile Iron Pipes and Galvanised Iron Pipes: DI vs GI pipes
Ductile Iron Pipes:
- DI pipes are a combination of silicon, carbon, and ductile iron. A melted mixture is shaped like a cylinder and chilled.
- Due to their great tensile strength, ductile iron pipes are resilient to collisions, vibrations, and large loads, among other external factors.
- Ductile iron pipes are simple to install and manage since they are connected via a variety of modes, such as push-on flexible joints, mechanical joints, and flanged joints.
Galvanised Iron Pipes:
- Steel is used to make galvanised iron pipes. A zinc covering protects the pipes from rust and corrosion.
- Galvanised iron pipes are durable but ductile, which makes them more vulnerable to breaking and bursting under strain.
- The setting up of galvanised iron pipes calls for certain equipment and techniques, which can be costly and tedious. They additionally need routine maintenance to avoid corrosion and rust.
Ductile iron pipes are often more costly than galvanised pipes due to their increased strength, longevity, and dependability. But because they last longer and need less upkeep and repair, they offer a long-term, affordable solution. Although galvanised iron pipes can be less costly at first, their rust and corrosion risk, as well as their shorter lifespan, can make them more expensive over time.
Ductile Iron Pipes and Steel Pipes
Ductile Iron Pipes:
- A ductile iron pipe has a polyethylene encasement to reduce the risk of corrosion in harsh conditions.
- Ductile iron pipes have a substantially greater carbon content, ranging between 3 and 3.9%. The increased carbon content increases the strength, stress resistance, and resistance to natural disasters of ductile iron pipes.
- The ductile iron pipe is capable of being rerouted using its push-on joints. The installers have greater flexibility because of this feature. Regardless of the weather or temperature, they are simple to install.
Steel Iron Pipes:
- Steel pipe needs a bonded coating (usually a tape-wrap or cement-mortar coating) in order to be resistant to corrosion. The steel pipe industry recommends different kinds of corrosion control depending on the manufacturer and market conditions.
- Usually, the carbon content of steel is less than 0.4%. It is feasible to contain up to 2% carbon, though.
- Steel pipes must be welded together before being installed. Unfavourable weather can cause the installation to stop.
Ductile iron pipe offers a more affordable transmission line than steel iron pipe because of its bigger interior diameter.
Ductile Iron Pipe vs. PVC Pipes
The difference between ductile iron and PVC pipes are:
- Ductile iron pipe offers more than 13 times the impact strength, nine times the tensile strength, and four times the burst strength of PVC pipe.
- Ductile iron pipe is resilient under stress. PVC fails eventually under stress. The more stress it experiences, the faster it will fail.
- Petrochemicals are used to make PVC pipes, a procedure that may be bad for the environment and people’s health. Recycled steel and iron are used to make ductile iron pipes.
- Temperature variations have little effect on ductile iron pipes. PVC pipe weakens in hotter climates and becomes brittle in cooler ones.
Ductile Iron Pipe vs. HDPE Pipes
The comparison between ductile iron and HDPE pipes:
- HDPE is manufactured from ethylene, which is obtained from petroleum and natural gas.
- On the other hand, the ductile iron pipe is made from iron scrap metal that usually has more than 98 per cent recycled material in it.
- In comparison to HDPE, DI pipe has a hydrostatic design base that is 26 times larger.
- HDPE connectors are butt-fusion welded together, whereas DI pipe relies on a push-on rubber gasket joint that is simple to construct and disassemble.
- Ductile iron has greater than 24 times the tensile strength of HDPE pipe.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ductile Iron Pipes
Ductile iron pipes have certain advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
The advantages of ductile iron pipes are as follows:
- The ductile pipe is able to resist external forces, endure high water supply pressure, and adjust to shifting geological conditions.
- Strong corrosion resistance makes ductile iron pipes suitable for use in salty and coastal environments.
- Flexible joints are used in ductile iron pipes, which make the construction process easier and can save costs while increasing the efficiency of construction and improving construction settings.
- DI pipe is SMART-approved and contains up to 95 per cent recycled content in the manufacturing process.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of ductile iron pipes are as follows:
- Even though ductile iron is considerably more malleable than grey iron, significant forces can still cause it to shatter abruptly and unexpectedly, making it inappropriate for constructions or applications that are susceptible to shocks.
- Ductile iron is challenging to perform welding due to its high carbon level, cracking tendency, and poor heat transmission.
- The mechanical and physical qualities of ductile iron can vary based on the manufacturing method, alloy composition, and cooling rate.
- The manufacture of ductile iron requires a large amount of energy and emits greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
- Ductile iron scrap disposal and recycling becomes difficult because the alloy contains hazardous components such as lead, nickel, and chromium.
Choosing the Ideal Pipe with L&T SuFin
Ductile iron pipes are one of the most durable and cost-effective pipeline solutions. DI pipelines help in the transportation of both wastewater and water. They are less prone to wear and stress than other pipe materials, which makes them a great alternative for numerous infrastructure projects. Now, as we understand the DI pipes vs. other materials comparison, we can understand the specific characteristics that make these pipes better suited for certain projects. Finding the ideal pipe has been made easier for everyone with L&T SuFin. At L&T SuFin, one can enjoy the amazing features such as:
- Connecting with KYC-verified buyers and sellers
- Partial and complete deliveries at more than 21,000 codes
- Easy filters for your desired products
- Well-informed purchases from popular and reputable brands
Ready to Upgrade Your Piping Infrastructure with L&T-SuFin? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation!