Customers from a wide range of industries require a variety of valves to meet their demanding processes. Valves are available in a large variety of materials for any conceivable application. Some of these materials are PVC, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and ductile iron. In this article, we will focus on two of these materials: ductile iron and cast iron. The "ductile vs. cast iron valve" debate has been going on for decades, because not everyone knows the difference.
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Fortunately, comparing valves made of ductile iron and cast iron is simple, as there are only a few major differences between these materials. We will outline the characteristics of both materials and then present the advantages and disadvantages of each. By the end of this blog post, you'll be an iron expert!
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Cast iron (also known as gray iron) is a metal that has been used for centuries. It is an alloy made of 96-98% iron, 2%-4% carbon and a small amount of silicone. It has impressive temperature tolerance, with some cast irons capable of handling temperatures in excess of 2100F (1150C). In terms of pressure, the strength of cast iron depends on its pressure rating. The two most common are Grade 125 and Grade 250. At less extreme temperatures, Class 125 cast iron flanges are rated between 150 and 200 psi. Class 250 cast iron is tougher and is rated from 300 to 500 psi. these pressures may vary depending on the end type.
Cast iron is strong and usually does not break, even after strong vibration. The main disadvantage of cast iron valves is that they are not very ductile. Almost any bending will cause cast iron to crack and become useless. One of the major advantages of cast iron is that it is not very expensive. As far as metals go, cast iron is usually the most economical choice, which makes it a reliable choice for people on a budget.
The second material we are looking at is ductile iron. Ductile iron is a more modern iron alloy made of spheroidal graphite. This gives the material excellent ductility, so it won't necessarily break when bent. Temperature limits are slightly lower than cast iron, but still quite high at 1350F (730C). In terms of pressure, ductile iron valves also use pressure grades: 150 and 300. 150 grade ductile iron maintains a seal of up to 250 psi at standard outdoor temperatures. 300 grade can withstand pressures up to 640 psi.
Ductile iron has excellent corrosion resistance, tensile strength and yield strength. Unlike cast iron, ductile iron does not fracture when bent, making it more suitable for demanding applications. Ductile iron is a strong and reliable material for pipes, fittings and valves. One drawback is the price. Because of its more complex chemical composition, ductile iron is usually more expensive than cast iron. However, if your application requires a tougher material, you may need to spend a little more.
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Now that we have looked at these two options separately, we will compare and contrast ductile iron and cast iron valves. Hopefully this will help you decide which is best for you! We'll compare the price, durability and ease of installation of these materials so you know the most important details.
● Cast Iron: Compared to ductile iron valves, cast iron valves will save you a lot of money due to their simpler manufacturing process. If you don't need the additional benefits that ductile iron offers, cast iron is the smart move.
● Ductile Iron: Ductile iron is the more expensive option, but for good reason. In many cases, it offers significantly better properties than cast iron.
● Cast Iron: Cast iron is a strong material that can withstand higher pressures than any plastic. However, when the pressure rating of a cast iron valve or pipe is exceeded, it may bend and crack. Cast iron has almost zero ductility, which means it is rigid and will break if bent. Cast iron will also rust over time, so regular maintenance is necessary to keep the valve free from corrosion.
● Ductile Iron: Ductile iron also has impressive structural integrity. It can handle high pressures and temperatures without retreating. Due to its ductility, this material is also less likely to crack when bent. Ductile iron will also rust over time, but not as easily as cast iron.
● Cast Iron: This material offers the user many options when it comes to installation. Cast iron valves are typically bolted using flanges. Welding is difficult, but not impossible. Our cast iron valves are available with flanged ends, as this is an excellent method for high or low pressure applications.
● Ductile Iron: Ductile iron offers the user many of the same installation options due to its similarity in construction to cast iron. Welding is not recommended, but bolted connections using flanges are still the best option for most applications.
There you have it! Now you know it's not a matter of "tough vs. cast iron valves" or anything like that. One isn't always better than the other. It all depends on what you are using it for!
Pipes are an important component in building construction. There are various types of pipe materials available in the market. Selection of pipe materials for your house plumbing system can be a tedious task, but not anymore. Gharpedia brings to you a guide for different types of pipe materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and their popular manufacturers. After going through this blog, you will have clarity on this topic, for sure.
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Before we dive into the different pipe material types, let’s have a look at the factors to be considered while selecting pipe materials.
The selection of pipe materials for water supply or for house plumbing system depends on the following factors:
Consider the above-mentioned factors carefully while selecting water pipe materials.
The different pipe material types used in house plumbing system are as follows:
Cast iron pipes can rust, but they can be protected using rust prevention products. These pipes are used as rainwater pipes and waste pipes. They are also used for storm drains and sewage in high-rise buildings. One more use of this pipe is for garbage disposal because it is highly resistant to abrasions and grinding that may be caused by the food and other particles passing through it on a daily basis. Cast iron pipes are used in house drainage systems because they don’t produce echoing sounds when water moves through them. The pipes are manufactured in sizes from 17 to 609 mm.
Let’s now focus on the advantages of cast iron pipes and disadvantages of cast iron pipes:
We have a detailed article on cast iron pipes, for further information:
The following are the popular cast iron manufacturers:
Stainless steel is commonly used in drainage parts or components because it is easily cleanable and sterile, making it an excellent choice for places that demand strict hygienic conditions. Aesthetic appearance, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, fire and heat resistance, hygiene, strength-to-weight, and impact resistance are just a few advantages of using stainless steel pipes. They are used in your shower, tap and the rest of the house, especially in exposed pipes because they can withstand the onslaught of external factors such as rain, heat and rust. The nominal diameter of steel pipes ranges from 21.3 to 1200 mm. There are three types of steel pipes available in the market, they are:
The popular steel pipe manufacturers are:
Concrete pipes are widely used in construction and require no introduction. It is the most prevalently used drainage pipe due to its availability locally, low cost, strength, and durability. Another reason these pipes are widely used is their eco-friendliness and non-flammability, as opposed to plastic pipes. Cement concrete pipes may be either reinforced or plain. Plain cement concrete pipes are manufactured in small sizes, while they are reinforced with steel for large diameter pipes. The cement concrete pipes may be either cast-in-situ or precast. This type of piping material serves as a conduit material for sanitary sewers, storm drains and culverts, which carry water underground. The nominal diameter of concrete pipes ranges from 90 to 2000 mm.
The following are popular concrete pipes manufacturers:
Asbestos Cement pipes (AC pipes) are manufactured from asbestos fibres and cement. The use of asbestos fibres reduces the weight of the pipes while maintaining adequate strength. Since AC pipes do not contain reinforcement steel, they are resistant to hydrogen sulphide corrosion and aggressive soils. The smooth walls of the pipe provide low friction factors, resulting in low operating costs. Asbestos cement pipes are generally used in vent pipes, soil pipes and rainwater pipe. Asbestos cement pipes are available in a variety of widths and lengths. They are not recommended for underground situations. The nominal diameter of asbestos cement pipes ranges from 600 mm to 1000 mm.
The popular asbestos cement pipe manufacturers are:
Plastic pipes are the most common drainage pipes nowadays. This is primarily due to the fact that it is cheaper when compared to other types of pipe materials. In the house drainage system, the soil pipes and waste pipes are generally plastic pipes. This hot water pipe material is strong enough to tolerate any pressure. It only takes some glue to join two parts together, thereby saving time on welding or soldering. From the environmental point of view, plastic pipes are not good. Not only is it non-recyclable, but its production involves a high degree of pollutants too. Plastic pipes are affected by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and hence may become brittle after some years. Hence, it is recommended to protect the plastic drainage pipes from sunlight, by wrapping the pipe and fittings with an opaque material or painting it. Nominal inside diameter of plastic pipes available are 50, 65, 75, 90, 100, 125 and 150 mm. Plastic pipes are also used as hot water pipe material. Following types of plastic pipes are generally available in the market.
(a) Low density polyethylene (LDPE) pipes
(b) High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes
(c) Unplasticised-polyvinyl chloride(UPVC) pipes
According to researchers Xiong et al. (authors of the article – The application of life cycle assessment for the optimization of pipe materials of building water supply and drainage system), the energy consumption of UPVC pipe in the building drainage system could be reduced by about 86% when compared to that of galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe.
The popular plastic pipes manufacturers:
Copper pipes, once upon a time, were widely used for house drainage system such as supply tubing for toilets or pedestal sinks. However, this hot water pipe material has been replaced by plastic pipe because this pipe is quite expensive now. This water line pipe material cannot sustain cold climates and is likely to burst if water freezes inside. Copper pipes are frequently used in the construction industry for residential water supply lines, as well as drain and vent lines. This water line pipe material is available in soft or rigid copper and provides excellent corrosion resistance as well as reliable connections. The nominal diameter of copper pipe ranges from 6 to 200 mm.
The following are popular copper pipes manufactures
Takeaway
Choosing the right drainage pipe can take a great deal of effort. Depending on the material and style, you may need to change the drawings or blueprints for a project, or vice-versa. This article has summarised all the popular types of pipe materials, with their advantages and disadvantages, which will help you make a wise decision.
We have got a detailed guide on the popular PEX pipe, make sure you check it out:
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