Have you ever heard the saying, “To the man who only has a hammer in the tool kit, every problem looks like a nail? (Abraham Maslow)” In the water utility industry, some folks may feel this way when faced with a pipeline installation that must circumvent natural or human-made obstacles, especially water crossings. So, if going around or above is not an option, then what? How about below?
In today’s modern world, there are more tools available to install water pipelines, such as open trench/cut, above-grade pier systems, and Horizontal Directional Drilling or HDD. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of using Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) for HDD and provide some considerations and tips for your pipeline installation
Those involved in the construction of water and wastewater pipelines are probably aware of the installation methodology of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). HDD is a trenchless technique that provides an installation alternative offering several benefits over traditional open-cut. HDD can be implemented with minimal disruption to surface activities, requires less working space, and can be performed more quickly than open-cut methods. HDD can be used to install new pipelines or replace existing ones. Also, it can simplify or eliminate certain permitting processes. Although there are currently no national standards regarding HDD installations of municipal underground infrastructure systems, HDD has seen a dramatic increase in recent years and is becoming more common for any pipe material. HDD may be the fastest-growing trenchless construction method today.
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.
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 its up-to-350-psi pressure rating while preventing longitudinal separation of the joints, whether installed above or below ground.
There are several methods for restraining Ductile Iron Pipe joints, and a common question from our customers is, “Which method of restraint is best—locking gaskets or boltless restrained joints?” Both methods are effective, but the best choice for your project depends on the type of installation, the operating pressure of the line, and the diameter of the Ductile iron pipe being used. In this #IronStrong Blog, we will compare two common restraint options offered by McWane Ductile: Sure Stop 350® Gaskets and TR Flex® Pipe.
Gaskets Are Great
Rubber gaskets are the reliable workhorse of any Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) joint. They provide long-lasting flexibility and a watertight seal against internal pressures upwards of 1,000 psi.
What they don’t do, however, is bind the joint longitudinally against such forces. In fact, without assistance from other variables, a push-on or mechanical joint of any diameter would calmly separate lengthwise against pressures as low as 50 psi.
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.
Question – What is the difference between Ductile Iron and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)? Answer – Many things, but some groups may attempt to “muddy the waters” with inaccurate information regarding the two materials.
With the information that follows, we will take a closer look at what really separates Ductile Iron from PVC and why it matters.
As a municipality, contractor, or an engineering firm, you may have found yourself with a question at your desk or on a jobsite that you simply cannot answer. Sure, we’ve all been there and we all usually find that answer by leaning on our network of resources who specialize in an area of expertise.
So, what happens when you have that technical question while drawing up a set of plans or while at a jobsite? Who are you going to call?
Well, here at McWane Ductile, we want you to know that we’re here to assist you with your water works projects and provide solutions in OUR area of expertise, Ductile Iron Pipe (DI pipe).
McWane Ductile is committed to offering educational resources based upon sound engineering data to our clients and potential clients. One of these resources includes banners that display certain information about our product.
While attending a recent conference, we were challenged on the information these banners contained. In fact, one unknown individual walked by the booth and shouted, “Lies... that information is lies!” without the courtesy of stopping to discuss why he felt that way or what exactly was his objection.
In a continuous effort to make your job easier, we have developed an online submittal builder to quickly and neatly package your personalized presentation.
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Looking for answers to your DI pipe questions? Find decades of Ductile iron expertise with installation guides, videos, tip sheets, training resources, and more in our Learning Center.
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Stop struggling with those hard-to-figure field calculations and put ease and efficiency right at your fingertips with our Pocket Engineer for mobile and desktop devices.
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