Valves - Choosing between Ductile Iron and Cast Iron

Customers from a wide range of industries require a variety of valves to meet their demanding processes. Valves are available in a large variety of materials for any conceivable application. Some of these materials are PVC, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and ductile iron. In this article, we will focus on two of these materials: ductile iron and cast iron. The "ductile vs. cast iron valve" debate has been going on for decades, because not everyone knows the difference.

Fortunately, comparing valves made of ductile iron and cast iron is simple, as there are only a few major differences between these materials. We will outline the characteristics of both materials and then present the advantages and disadvantages of each. By the end of this blog post, you'll be an iron expert!

Popular DIN 3352 F4 Ductile Iron Resilient Seat Gate Valve Made in China

Cast Iron Valve Specifications

Cast iron (also known as gray iron) is a metal that has been used for centuries. It is an alloy made of 96-98% iron, 2%-4% carbon and a small amount of silicone. It has impressive temperature tolerance, with some cast irons capable of handling temperatures in excess of 2100F (1150C). In terms of pressure, the strength of cast iron depends on its pressure rating. The two most common are Grade 125 and Grade 250. At less extreme temperatures, Class 125 cast iron flanges are rated between 150 and 200 psi. Class 250 cast iron is tougher and is rated from 300 to 500 psi. these pressures may vary depending on the end type.

Cast iron is strong and usually does not break, even after strong vibration. The main disadvantage of cast iron valves is that they are not very ductile. Almost any bending will cause cast iron to crack and become useless. One of the major advantages of cast iron is that it is not very expensive. As far as metals go, cast iron is usually the most economical choice, which makes it a reliable choice for people on a budget.

Ductile Valve Specifications

The second material we are looking at is ductile iron. Ductile iron is a more modern iron alloy made of spheroidal graphite. This gives the material excellent ductility, so it won't necessarily break when bent. Temperature limits are slightly lower than cast iron, but still quite high at 1350F (730C). In terms of pressure, ductile iron valves also use pressure grades: 150 and 300. 150 grade ductile iron maintains a seal of up to 250 psi at standard outdoor temperatures. 300 grade can withstand pressures up to 640 psi.

Ductile iron has excellent corrosion resistance, tensile strength and yield strength. Unlike cast iron, ductile iron does not fracture when bent, making it more suitable for demanding applications. Ductile iron is a strong and reliable material for pipes, fittings and valves. One drawback is the price. Because of its more complex chemical composition, ductile iron is usually more expensive than cast iron. However, if your application requires a tougher material, you may need to spend a little more.

Popular DIN 3352 F4 Ductile Iron Resilient Seat Gate Valve Made in China