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  • How Does Proper Bedding Allow a Pipe to “Sleep Well?"

    How Does Proper Bedding Allow a Pipe to “Sleep Well?"

    By Ken Rickvalsky, ENV SP, AMPP CT   01/22/2021  In Installation Technical

    Did you know the mattress industry is one of the oldest continuous industries in the world? The first mattresses were believed to have been manufactured in 37 BC in Persia. Today, more than 35 million mattresses are shipped world-wide to replace those that have been in service for an average of seven years. So, what does this have to do with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), you ask? This article will discuss how setting improper bedding in a pipe trench can cause sleepless nights for the water company and its crews due to pipe failures, seemingly always at night — as it is my experience that most large main breaks typically occur after dark!

  • What is the Ultimate Pressure Capability of Class 52 Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What is the Ultimate Pressure Capability of Class 52 Ductile Iron Pipe?

    By Mike Palermo   05/21/2021  In Products Technical

    Cast iron pipe was introduced to the United States in 1816. Since then, numerous other piping materials have been offered and utilized. None were able to supplant cast iron as the leading performer until Ductile iron pipe became available. The introduction of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) to the marketplace in 1955 remains among the most significant advancements in the history of the pressure pipe industry. It was quickly recognized as a pipe material with all the established durability of gray cast iron, yet with added strength and resiliency from its innate and lasting flexibility. It was first used for special and severe conditions of high pressure, such as where water hammer and excessive external loads might have existed.

  • How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?

    How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?

    By Stuart Liddell   08/15/2024 

    As a Sales Operations Manager in the waterworks industry, I recently attended the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California. This annual conference focuses on product innovations and the latest technological advancements in water infrastructure. 

  • V-Bio® Vs. Regular Black Polyethylene Encasement – What’s The Difference?

    V-Bio® Vs. Regular Black Polyethylene Encasement – What’s The Difference?

    By Bob Hartzel   12/30/2020  In Installation Technical

    Polyethylene Encasement (Polywrap) was first used in 1958 and has successfully protected millions of feet of both cast and Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe). It has been the most popular method of corrosion control for DI pipe throughout the years. Today, it is the most widely used method of protecting DI pipe in corrosive environments.

  • Do You Have an Iron Deficiency? Considering Health Effects in Pipe Material Selection

    Do You Have an Iron Deficiency? Considering Health Effects in Pipe Material Selection

    By Roy Mundy, P.E., ENV SP, Assoc. DBIA   08/13/2020  In Environmental & Safety Products

    We in the United States are most fortunate, for the most part, to have access to safe, clean drinking water. Even when traveling, we are not hesitant to draw water from a hotel faucet to brush our teeth or even fill a glass to drink. This privilege is no accident.

  • CHALLENGES OF THE WATER INDUSTRY IN THE U.S. FOR 2024 AND BEYOND — CAN WE HELP?

    CHALLENGES OF THE WATER INDUSTRY IN THE U.S. FOR 2024 AND BEYOND — CAN WE HELP?

    By Roy Mundy, P.E., ENV SP, Assoc. DBIA   02/09/2024  In Products Technical

    The water industry in the United States has experienced many challenges throughout the years. The good news is that these challenges have been met head-on by experienced, dedicated professionals who continue to provide their customers with clean, safe drinking water even though the bar of excellence continues to rise. One measure depicting the priority of these challenges is the State of the Water Industry Survey, conducted annually by the American Water Works Association. “AWWA’s State of the Water Industry (SOTWI) Survey is designed to identify water sector challenges and investigate possible underlying causes and drivers. In November 2022, when the survey closed, 4,123 water professionals had shared their opinions by responding to the survey—our highest number of responses yet!”(1)

  • Updates to Envision® and How Ductile Iron Excels in The New Rating System

    Updates to Envision® and How Ductile Iron Excels in The New Rating System

    By John Johnson, ENV SP, NACE CT   07/23/2020  In Environmental & Safety Installation Products

    This Blog Reflects Significant Updates for Envision Manual V3. As we know, America's infrastructure is in crisis! According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the estimated investment needed is $1 Trillion over the next 25 years for underground water infrastructure. This investment, as well as the ever-increasing cost of electricity, limited water supply, ever-decreasing natural resources, and environmental concerns, are driving the need for change. Change on how infrastructure is designed and constructed – utilizing more sustainable design and construction practices. ENVISION is designed to provide guidelines for these changes to North American infrastructure. In short, it is a rating system approach very similar to LEED Building Certification; however, with the focus on infrastructure.

    Envision not only asks, ‘Are we doing the project right?’ but also, ‘Are we doing the right project?’

  • Customer Spotlight- City of Waukesha Water Supply Line - A Partnership in Planning

    Customer Spotlight- City of Waukesha Water Supply Line - A Partnership in Planning

    By Shawn Smith   01/05/2024  In Our Company Products

    With the turn of the calendar into a new year, many people have already started planning for the coming months. Whether planning that warm weather vacation to take a mental break from the snow and ice many of us are experiencing or planning our grocery list for the week ahead, good planning leads to successful outcomes. This preparation is also the case with water utility projects.

  • How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?

    How Does Ductile Iron Pipe Increase Energy Savings for a Water Utility?

    By John Simpson P.E., ENV SP, AMPP CT   11/03/2022  In Products Technical

    Approximately 85% of a utility’s capital investment is underground. Since water and sewer infrastructure plays such a significant role in the total energy consumption of municipalities, more emphasis must be placed on energy savings when selecting pipe materials. This Iron Strong Blog will describe factors that affect energy cost at water utilities and how to save money.

  • What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?

    What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?

      12/04/2020  In Products Technical

    In 1492, Christopher Columbus was shocked when his ship made landfall in a land Europeans had never explored. Along the way, he proved that Earth isn’t flat after all. Right?

    Wrong: Despite a persistent legend, neither Columbus nor his Spanish patrons thought Earth was a finite plane instead of a round planet. That was thanks to scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians who, as early as around 600 B.C., made observations that Earth was round. Using calculations based on the sun's rise and fall, shadows, and other physical properties of the planet, Greek scholars like Pythagoras and Aristotle determined that the planet is actually a sphere.1

    So, what’s the point of today’s history lesson? It often reminds me that there are numerous myths associated with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), and in this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll list some of those ideas, provide factual data, and discuss why they are simply misconceptions.

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Latest Posts

  • The Case for Cupola Melting in Large-Volume Ductile Iron Pipe Facilities
    The Case for Cupola Melting in Large-Volume Ductile Iron Pipe Facilities By Jeff Otterstedt 06/19/2026  In Comparisons Technical What is
  • The Future Is Now: How the Water Industry Is Revolutionizing
    The Future Is Now: How the Water Industry Is Revolutionizing By Jacob Lovin, ENV SP 01/29/2026  In Products Technical Technology Training
  • What is Ceramawrap Epoxy and When Should You Specify It for Ductile Iron Pipe?
    What is Ceramawrap Epoxy and When Should You Specify It for Ductile Iron Pipe? By Isabella DiCristofaro Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT 01/28/2026  In Products Technical
  • How to Repair Ceramawrap Coating on Ductile Iron Pipe in the Field
    How to Repair Ceramawrap Coating on Ductile Iron Pipe in the Field By Jerry Regula, ENV SP, AMPP CT 01/28/2026  In How To Products Technical
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Products
  • Products
  • Ductile Iron Pipe
    • Tyton® Joint Pipe
    • TR Flex® Restrained Joint Pipe
    • Mechanical Joint Pipe
    • Mechanical Joint Lock Joint Pipe
    • Fabricated Flange and Wall Pipe
    • Ball and Socket Joint Pipe
    • Long-Span Pipe
    • Permaloy™ Pipe
    • Seismic Flex Coupling™
  • Gaskets
    • Tyton® Gaskets
    • Mechanical Joint Gaskets
    • Flange Gaskets
    • Sure Stop 350® Gasket
    • Specialty Gaskets Service & Usage
  • Fabrication
    • Fabricated Flange and Wall Pipe
    • Grooved Pipe
    • Welded Outlet Pipe
    • Thread-o-Lets
    • Weld-On Boss
  • Fittings and Accessories
    • Bronze Wedge
    • Cable Bond
    • Pipe Joint Lubricant
    • Mechanical Joint Accessories
    • Seismic Flex Coupling™
    • TR Flex® Accessories
    • TR Flex® Fittings
    • V-Bio® Encasement
  • Linings
    • Cement-Mortar Lining
    • Glass Lining
    • Protecto 401™ Lining
    • Ceramapure™ PL90 Lining
  • Coatings
    • Asphaltic Coating
    • Zinc-Coating
    • Ceramawrap Coating
    • V-Bio® Enhanced Polyethylene Encasement
  • Technical Bulletins
  • Specifications
  • Certifications
  • Submittal Builder
  • Product Warranty
Learning Center
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  • Ditch Doctor/FAQ
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  • Iron Strong Insights
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