Ductile Iron Pipe Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity is a critical feature that pipes must have for several applications to transmit electrical currents, such as grounding and cathodic protection. Many factors, such as microstructure, composition, and coating, influence the Ductile Iron Pipe‘s electrical conductivity. The most common applications of these pipes are corrosion protection, stray current management, lightning protection, improved safety, and quality control. Ductile iron corrosion resistance is impacted by its electrical conductivity. However, other materials like steel, plastic, and copper can be used instead of ductile iron. Ductile iron can be the best choice for most project needs because of the balance it has.

What Is Electrical Conductivity in Ductile Iron Pipes?

According to McWane Ductile, ductile iron pipes can transmit electrical current because they are made of ferrous metal. Although their ability to transmit electrical current is less than that of pure metals, they are still a good choice for electrical conductivity. However, designers must be aware that ductile iron’s electrical conductivity can lead to some serious issues; thus, they must be careful about this factor in their designs.

How Ductile Iron Pipe Electrical Conductivity Is Influenced

Microstructure: Graphite nodules possess a unique arrangement in the microstructure of ductile iron. This specific arrangement fully affects the electrical properties of ductile iron pipes or the conductivity of cast iron pipes.
Composition: The composition of ductile iron is closely related to the electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes. Elements such as silicon, carbon, and other alloying elements influence this feature in serious ways.
Coating and Lining: Some types of coatings and linings can be applied to the internal or external surfaces of the pipes. These coatings and linings can influence ductile iron pipe electrical conductivity and electrical insulation in some ways.

What Are the Common Applications of Electrical Conductivity?

The electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes has resulted in many beneficial applications of these pipes. This feature adds to the safety, durability, and functionality of these pipes. This is why they are widely used in various industries due to several advantages they have. Some of the most common applications of ductile iron pipe electrical conductivity are as follows:

Corrosion Protection

Corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity in ductile iron pipes have a straightforward bond. There is a cathodic protection system in ductile iron pipes, which provides a good environment in which to avoid corrosion. This feature is due to the electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes. The electrical conductivity of these pipes helps with their corrosion resistance, which leads to a longer service life.

Lightning Protection

When lightning strikes, structures are at high risk of damage. The electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes enables them to direct the electrical charge to the ground, which is why ductile iron pipes are a major part of lightning protection systems. However, for safe discharging, a specific and precise design for the pipes and their placement is required.

Stray Current Management

Stray currents often affect pipes. Some nearby sources of electrical currents directly influence ductile iron pipes. However, the electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes becomes useful in such situations. It controls the stray currents, which leads to proper management of them to have a safe connection.

Improved Safety

Ductile iron pipes must be grounded in the intended ways. Their electrical conductivity allows them to do so. This avoids some hazards, such as electric shocks and fires, and creates a safe work environment for the workers or people nearby.

Quality Control

Quality control is an important step in the process of manufacturing ductile iron pipes. These pipes are tested to ensure their efficient operation in the system. Quality control of ductile iron pipes and their electrical conductivity will ensure a reliable system with proper structural integrity.

Can Corrosion Resistance Impact Electrical Conductivity?

Ductile iron pipes must have both corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. These features can be enhanced by one another on some levels.

There are some coatings used to prevent the risk of corrosion. These coatings can also reduce the electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes.
The way these two features affect one another can be used to reduce each other.
A balanced point must be aimed at maintaining the corrosion resistance of the pipes and their electrical conductivity.
The main purpose and use of the pipes are crucial for deciding which feature must be under more attention to be maintained.

Ductile Iron Pipes vs. Other Pipe Materials

Different materials can be used to manufacture pipes, each with specific technical properties. Ductile iron, steel, copper, and plastic are commonly used for various applications in pipes.

Ductile Iron vs. Steel

Generally, ductile iron shows much higher electrical conductivity compared to steel.
In applications where electrical conductivity becomes more important, ductile iron is the better option.
Ductile iron is able to show more beneficial performance in applications such as grounding or cathodic protection.
Stray currents are considered more likely to cause corrosion in ductile iron pipes than they are in steel pipes.
Ductile iron pipes normally have more moderate electrical conductivity, while steel pipes have relatively low electrical conductivity.

Ductile Iron vs. Copper

Copper is proven to have high electrical conductivity even compared to ductile iron.
Copper pipes’ high electrical conductivity makes them the perfect choice for applications that require high electrical conductivity.
However, the high cost of copper pipes makes them a less appropriate option for general applications, as ductile iron pipes offer the needed electrical conductivity with lower initial costs.
Also, copper pipes might be less durable than ductile iron pipes in certain environments.
Ductile iron pipes are beneficial for several different applications, as they normally need electrical conductivity and have a lower budget.

Ductile Iron vs. Plastic Pipes

Referring to Dipra, most plastics have very low electrical conductivity, which is why plastic pipes are rarely used for applications where electrical conductivity is essential.
Normally, plastics are non-conductive. So, they are almost no good for applications where electrical conductivity is required.
Ductile iron pipes are, without a doubt, the better option for such applications compared to plastic pipes.
However, for certain applications, plastic pipes are the best option for having a lighter system with good corrosion resistance.

Pros of Using Ductile Iron Pipes

Ductile iron pipes are suitable to be used in various environments with different needs and requirements because of several beneficial features.
These pipes are normally cost-effective, especially compared to pipes made of copper.
Ductile iron pipes have moderate electrical conductivity, which allows them to be used in situations where grounding, cathodic protection, and managing stray currents are essential.

Cons of Using Ductile Iron Pipes

Ductile iron pipes have lower electrical conductivity than copper pipes, which limits their use, especially in environments that need higher conductivity.
These pipes are more conductive than materials like steel, which can be a good feature generally. However, this feature requires more consideration of stray currents.
Ductile iron might require more corrosion protection than some other materials. This further protection will impact the electrical conductivity of ductile iron pipes.

Conclusion

Electrical conductivity is a major feature that pipes must have for several different applications. Pipes can be made of various materials. Some of these materials don’t fulfill the needed conductivity, and some of them aren’t budget-friendly. The best material to balance these factors is ductile iron. Ductile iron pipes provide enough electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness.