From grey cast iron to ductile iron: the evolution of the most sought-after material for water supply networks

Summary

For centuries cast iron has been a key material for water supply systems owing to its strength and long service life. In 1932, ductile iron was produced: modifying gray cast iron with magnesium transformed the lamellar graphite of gray cast iron into spheroidal graphite, significantly improving the mechanical properties of the material. Today, the story continues: in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities throughout Russia, utility networks are being upgraded by replacing gray cast iron pipes with ductile iron pipes.

Key words

ductile iron , water distribution and sewer networks , cast iron pipes , gray cast iron , zinc-aluminum coating