iron shut-off valves are usually employed in industrial, water goes, and plumbing works. Whether or not to use cast iron or ductile iron turns into an irreproachable condition when picking the right valve. Though both seem to have identical chemical constituents, their mechanical properties holding sway in the determination process stay completely different. Awareness about these distinctions is essential in the process of picking the most suitable type for particular purposes.
What Is a Cast Iron Valve?
Cast iron is an iron-carbon complex with a carbon content of 2% and younger. Its great ability to be machined, remarkable wear resistance, and reliability of cost are the properties for which it is known. Valves of cast iron variety are found in the sectors of low pressure, like water supplies and sewerage.
Iron casting is, however, fragile, which can result in cracking during high impacts or the presence of too much pressure. The drawback means this material is unsuitable for high-durability and power-carrying places.
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What Is a Ductile Iron Valve?
Nodular cast iron, which is also known as ductile iron, is an advancement from cast iron as it contains magnesium. This phenomenon adds to it many properties with the one of the most tensile strength, lightweight, and longevity. On the contrary, accurately, ductile iron can withstand pressure that is higher than the strength of cast iron, therefore, making it fit for quite challenging uses.
The main applications of ductile iron gate valves are for water distribution, sanitary sewage systems, and gas pipelines thanks to their great strength and long life. Besides, they have practically no breakage and thus perform better in elevated stress situations.
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Key Differences Between Cast Iron and Ductile Iron Valves
| Feature | Cast Iron Valve | Ductile Iron Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Low tensile strength | High tensile strength |
| Durability | It can fall apart so that cracks appear under impact | Not breathing in and resists cracking |
| Flexibility | They are hard and somewhat bendable | They are elastic and resistant to breaking |
| Pressure Rating | Appropriate for low-pressure operations | Be proven more effective with higher turns |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate own way to resist corrosion | It gives a great strengthening effect with coating |
| Cost | Definitely lower | Just a little but highly resilient |
Which One Should You Choose?
The problem of whether to have cast iron or ductile iron valves depends on the very one we should consider first:
- If the budget is the main aspect and the equipment runs at a low pressure, then cast iron valves could be enough.
- If a high degree of strength, resistance, and flexibility is required, then it is more consistent to choose ductile iron valves.
Moreover, in case of threaded pipe fittings, one should also check if there is the Pipe Nipple Threaded One End for additional security and effectiveness of connections.
The duty of handling the fluids in the pipelines through iron cast thin and necky valves is common to both cast iron and ductile iron. However, these nozzles are different in terms of mechanical performances. So, their application areas are also multifarious. Incidentally, there is no need for leakage in the systems’ efficiency, safety, and life cycle when the users have a better understanding of the variation between them.
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