REPORT ABOUT
SELECTION OF PIPE ACCORDING TO (Material, Dia)
What is Pipes?
Pipes are mainly differentiated on the basis of their material of construction. Different types of
water supply pipes are available in the market. While selecting a particular type of pipe,
following points must be considered. Water Supply Design
Carrying Capacity
Durability
Purchasing Cost
Maintenance Cost
Type of water to be conveyed (Corrosive / Normal)
Types of Pipes
a) Cast Iron Pipes
b) Steel Pipes
c) Asbestos Cement Pipes
d) PVC Pipes
e) Galvanized Iron Pipes
All the above described pipes have their own merits and demerits. A brief Review of the pipes
is given below. Water Supply Design
a) Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipe when used in water mains is selected on the basis of maximum working pressures
and laying conditions. Pipe is available for working pressures as high as 350 Psi. The pipe is
subject to corrosion from water; however the initial rate of corrosion is not as great as that of
steel. After a few years of exposure, the corrosion rate is little different from that of steel
Average service life is about 100 years
No longer manufactured, deteriorates in some soils, reduction in capacity due to
tuberculation
Large Distribution Systems, And old Systems
Most widely used for city water supply
Corrosion may reduce the capacity by 70%.
Must be lined with cement or bitumen
b) Ductile Pipes
Similar to cast iron pipe except with increased ductility.
Ductile iron is produced by adding a controlled amount of Mg in its molten iron of low
Sulphur and Phosphorus content. Water Supply Design
c) Asbestos Cement Pipe
Asbestos cement pipe was widely installed in water distribution system in early ages. They are
available generally in 100mm-600mm diameter. It was used for a long time as non-corrosive
and economical alternative to cast iron. When it was found that a fatal lung disease often
resulted from breathing airborne asbestos fibers, severe restrictions were mandated for working
with asbestos. Although asbestos cement pipe rarely is installed today, thousands of miles of it
remain in water. Water Supply Design
systems throughout the country. Water Supply Design
Average life is about 30years
Immune to action of salts, acids, soil, corrosion
Less cost of laying and jointing
Less pumping cost due to less friction
Brittle, no longer manufactured
It was used for a long time as non-corrosive and economical alternative to cast iron
d) Steel Pipes
Steel is used for water mains because of its high tensile strength, it is particularly advantageous
where the distribution system may be subjected to impact pressures from railroad tracks,
highways , industrial machinery and such or in areas where the danger of earthquake is great
The primary disadvantage of using steel pipes is high installation costs. Water Supply
Design
Average life is about 25-50 years
Contains less carbon than Cast Iron pipes
Frequently used in trunk mains
Difficult to make connection, hence seldom used for water distribution
Much stronger, cheaper and lighter than Cast Iron
Cannot withstand vacuum and hence collapse
More susceptible to corrosion, high maintenance cost. Water Supply Design
e) Reinforced Concrete Pipes
Reinforced concrete pipes are not normally used in the distribution system. However it is used
on long conduits and aqueducts, because it is used primarily for transferring large quantities of
water. Water Supply Design
Average life is about 75 mm.
It is generally only available in sizes of 400mm and above.
Manufactured at or near site and not subjected to corrosion.
f) Plastic Pipes (PVC)
Plastic pipe is particularly useful in areas where severe corrosion problems are a possibility
Polyvinyl Chloride pipe is not subject to corrosion or builds up from corrosion by products. It is
also advantageous in areas subject to earthquake shocks or where the live loading, shifting or
movement of the earth is anticipated. Water Supply Design
Life time is about 25 years
Inexpensive, easy to install, small pumping cost
Gasoline from soil can pass into pipe. Not available in larger size.
Only available up to 350mm diameter and mainly used for domestic purposes
Weak to sustain load and piling
g) Galvanized iron Pipes
Produced by dipping Cast Iron pipe in molten Zinc.
Mainly used for plumbing.
High durability, weld consistency and superior finish
Great resistance to corrosion
Responsive to rigorous fabrication
Increased bend ability with Diameter of Pipes:
Conclusion:
Among all the plumbing pipes, Cast Iron pipes are the most
prevalent. They comprise a good compressive strength which helps them to resist the
pressure of the earth easily. They are extremely resistant to corrosion and are also
used for transmitting water. They are brittle which makes them tougher to cut and fit.
The three pipes are used for water supply in different diameter. The main diameter of
pipe is 12 inches and house water supply in pipes diameter in 6 inches and commercial
8 inches.
