In the field of municipal water supply and distribution pipelines in North America and globally, ductile iron pipes are becoming the ideal choice for modern water infrastructure due to their superior performance and sustainability advantages. Although PVC pipes have a lower breakage rate (number of breaks per 100 miles per year), the material itself poses a significant safety hazard—PVC pipes are mostly made of vinyl chloride, a substance that has been identified as a human carcinogen by international authorities since 1974, and is therefore banned in many consumer products such as hairspray, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
In contrast, ductile iron pipes, with their excellent strength and toughness, can easily withstand complex and changing underground environments. Whether it’s soil shifts, extreme climates, or severe weather events, they maintain structural integrity and are less prone to cracking.
In a rigorous fire resistance test in Birmingham, Alabama, EN545 DI pipes demonstrated astonishing high-temperature resistance: in a wildfire environment reaching approximately 747°C (1500°F), they not only remained intact but also successfully passed a pressure test of 3.4 MPa (500 psi). This reliable performance under extreme conditions makes it the material of choice for addressing climate challenges and natural disasters. Conversely, cases of PVC pipe damage following wildfires in some areas not only contaminated drinking water but also severely hampered firefighting efficiency due to water supply system failures.
In summary, ductile iron pipes, with their irreplaceable durability, safety, and climate adaptability, provide a solid guarantee for building more sustainable and reliable water infrastructure, making them a wise choice for future water supply systems.
Post time: Nov-07-2025
