Ductile Iron (DI pipe) was first used in the United States as early as 1950's. Since iron pipe was one of the earliest pipe materials to be used in modern water works and wastewater systems, most early fittings and couplings were designed to be used on Grey Cast and then Ductile iron pipe.
So, connecting “other” piping material to DI pipe is very straightforward on the Ductile pipe side of the fitting. The most important item to consider is on the other material side of the connection.
“Why should I use Ductile iron pipe?”
The question is ostensibly meant to include “instead of other types of piping material.” Well, the reasons are vast and vary depending on project requirements. Since we aren’t talking about a specific project, we’ll look at the general overriding reasons Ductile iron pipe is the best choice for your piping projects.
When designing or constructing ductile iron pipe utility projects, there is often a discussion of about what joint to use for restraint at the fittings - TR Flex® fittings or the more common Mechanical Joint (MJ) fitting with retainer glands?
As a contractor or engineer, what is important to you? Time, flexibility, or cost? Let me guess, you want all three. Below we will look at some of the items to consider that may assist you in this decision.
McWane Ductile offers multiple services for our customers extending far beyond manufacturing ductile iron pipe. From design to installation, we take great pride in providing education to water professionals throughout the water industry.
There are various methods available for restraining Ductile Iron Pipe joints, and a common question our customers ask us is, “Which method of restraint is best – locking gaskets or boltless restrained joints?”
Both methods work very well, but the “best” method of restraint for your project can vary depending on the type of installation, the pressure the line will operate under, and the size (diameter) of the ductile iron pipe that is being used.
In this article, we will compare two common restraint options supplied by McWane Ductile - Sure Stop 350® Gaskets and TR Flex® pipe.
Spigot stripes are used as a guide for assembly and a deflection check after assembly. Pipelines are not always designed in a straight line. It is often necessary to deflect pipe from a straight line to follow the curvature of streets and roads both vertically and horizontally. Ductile iron pipe is well suited for joint deflection.
TR Flex® is the most-widely accepted and installed integrally-cast restraint joint system in the ductile iron pipe industry. Proven as a versatile and easy-to-use item, this joint is flexible, sure, and watertight to and beyond it’s up-to-350-psi pressure rating while preventing longitudinal separation of the joints whether installed above or below ground.
Restrained joint systems are used because standard slip joint (Tyton®) pipe does not provide significant restraint against separation of the joint created by unbalanced thrust forces. It could take as little as 30 to 50 psi to separate a Tyton® joint.
These forces are typically caused by changes in direction such as bends, tees, dead ends, valves, etc. in the pipeline.
Polyethylene encasement (polywrap) has been used since 1958 to protect ductile iron pipe from corrosion. It is the most popular, economical, and successful method for protecting pipe from corrosion.
A new advancement in polyethylene encasement called V-Bio® adds additional protection by inhibiting the formation of corrosion cells under the wrap. McWane Ductile added V-Bio® polywrap to its line of products in 2015. Adding a few steps to your pipe installation with V-Bio® is an Iron Strong decision that will benefit your pipeline for generations.
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