Advantages and disadvantages of ductile iron pipes

Though there is a list of advantages and disadvantages to the Ductile Iron Pipe, it is still a well-suited choice for many projects. Their main advantages are strength and durability, corrosion resistance, flexibility and impact resistance, high flow capacity, and environmental friendliness.

In addition to these advantages, ductile iron pipes also have disadvantages. Expensive cost, high weight, complex installation, and challenging maintenance are examples of the disadvantages you may encounter. Moreover, you can choose the material of the pipes used in your projects differently based on some key features. These materials include ductile iron, cast iron, steel, prestressed reinforced concrete, and PVC plastic. Here, you can learn more about them to make the most appropriate choice.

Advantages of Ductile Iron Pipes

Ductile iron pipes offer many advantages. Although there are many advantages and disadvantages to ductile iron pipes, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Referring to  ASCE, these benefits make DI pipes a popular choice for many applications.

Strength and Durability

The durability of ductile iron pipes might be their most known advantage. Ductile iron combines iron, silicon, carbon, and a small amount of magnesium. This combination gives it a unique molecular structure, which leads to improved strength. The ability to endure high pressure makes them suitable and proper for so many applications. This strength is not only due to the chemical and physical properties of iron, but it is also a result of the centrifugal casting method in manufacturing. This is especially beneficial in gas and water distribution systems. Using appropriate pipe installation methods and relying on ductile iron pipe strength and durability makes this material a long-lasting solution for your projects.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance in water pipelines is crucial. Among all the advantages and disadvantages of ductile iron pipes, corrosion resistance is highlighted in the pipe material comparison. They are highly resistant to corrosion, which makes them a perfect choice for achieving a long lifespan for ductile iron pipes.

The cost of ductile iron pipe maintenance and repair is also significantly reduced. This feature helps the pipes remain functional throughout their service life.

Flexibility and Impact Resistance

The mechanical properties of ductile iron prove to us that this material is less brittle than other types of iron. Thus, ductile iron pipes are more flexible and show more resistance to impact. This way, the potential for cracking or fracture is reduced, which makes these pipes durable. Ductile iron pipes can also withstand sudden pressure due to their impact resistance. Furthermore, this feature is especially beneficial for applications in areas subject to earthquakes or seismic activities. This way, sudden movements of the earth would never lead to the rupture of the whole structure.

High Flow Capacity

Ductile iron pipes provide a high flow capacity due to their smooth interior surface. This ensures efficient fluid transportation. The high flow capacity that ductile iron pipes provide is beneficial, especially in large-scale industrial projects and applications. This feature contributes to the popularity of ductile iron pipes in many industries since it offers cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and system reliability.

Environmental Friendly

Among all the advantages and disadvantages of ductile iron pipes that could be possibly mentioned, being eco-friendly is the most crucial one in today’s life. As various industries have destroyed the environment tremendously, being environmentally friendly is a significant factor to consider, which ductile iron pipes guarantee. This is because they are made from recycled materials. These pipes have lower friction, which leads to saving energy, so it reduces pumping costs and makes them eco-friendly. This energy efficiency causes lower greenhouse gas emissions, leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

Disadvantages of Ductile Iron Pipes

As you can see, ductile iron pipes have advantages and disadvantages. Though the advantages are numerous, according to Xylem, there are still a few disadvantages. Considering these factors might help when deciding the best option for specific applications.

Expensive Cost

A primary disadvantage of ductile iron pipes is their high initial cost, especially compared to other materials. These higher expenses extend to many steps, such as the purchase price, transportation, installation, and maintenance of ductile iron pipes. This certainly is a highlighted factor when it comes to projects set with low budgets or even large-scale projects that need a huge amount of these materials.

High Weight

Ductile iron pipes are considerably heavier than other alternatives. Comparing ductile iron to PVC or HDPE perfectly proves this point. This higher weight causes higher transportation and installation costs. Also, labor requirements are increased due to the heavy weight of these pipes. In addition to all the above factors, the heavy weight can be a safety hazard for workers handling these heavy materials. That is why safety protocols are a must on job sites.

Complex Installation

Since ductile iron pipes have heavier weights and specific material properties, more specialized equipment and expertise are required for installation when working with ductile iron pipes. This also raises the project’s overall expenses. For instance, the need for heavy lifting machinery raises the costs of the project significantly. As the project gets larger, the management of the logistics of transporting and installing these heavy pipes gets more critical.

Corrosion Issues

This is where the advantages and disadvantages of ductile iron pipes cross. Although they have good corrosion resistance, they are not fully immune to corrosion. Harsh environmental conditions can weaken the protection barrier to ensure these pipes’ corrosion resistance. Exposure to certain chemicals or elements running in the pipes increases the potential for corrosion over time. This compromises the structural integrity of the pipes, which could result in leaks and failures.

Challenging Maintenance

In addition to the challenging installation due to the weight and material properties, maintaining and repairing these pipes can also be quite a challenge over time. The processes of maintenance and repair have their own complexities and additional costs. Maintaining and repairing ductile iron pipes requires specialized tools and expertise. The result is increased expenses and downtime, especially compared to other materials used for manufacturing pipes.

Ductile Iron Pipes Compared with Other Pipes

Several different materials can be used to make pipes. Each has its own specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Each has some highlighted features. These features can be used to make decisions regarding specific requirements your project might have. Some of the primary features are listed below.

 

• Strength and durability are mainly discussed when it comes to choosing a material for pipes.
• Corrosion resistance is a crucial feature that the used material must provide.
• Temperature resistance is one of those specifications that come essential in specific conditions and applications of the pipes.
• Cost-effectiveness is a primary feature in projects when choosing materials in the first steps.

Here, some of the material’s most decision-making features are compared in a table so that you can make the right choice based on your needs.

 

Specification	Ductile Iron	Cast Iron	Steel Pipe	Prestressed Reinforced Concrete	PVC Plastic
Strength and Durability	High	High	High	High	Low
Corrosion Resistance	Good	Moderate	Moderate	Good	High
Flexibility and Impact Resistance	High	Low	Moderate	Moderate	Low
Weight	Heavy	Heavy	Moderate	Heavy	Lightweight
Installation Complexity	Moderate	Moderate	Low to Moderate	High	Low
Maintenance Requirements	Low	High	Moderate	Low	Low
Environmental Friendliness	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	Moderate
Cost-Effectiveness	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Low	High
Temperature Resistance	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Low
Load-Bearing Capacity	High	High	High	High	Low
Pipe Diameter Availability	Wide range	Wide range	Wide range	Wide range	Wide range
Flow Efficiency	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	High

 

Final Words

As with all materials, ductile iron pipes have several advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing to consider when choosing the right material for you is to compare all the features. In a specific condition and for each project, some of these advantages and disadvantages outweigh others. The key to making wise choices is to choose a material with advantages and disadvantages that match our needs. You can contact us for more information and help.