The main differences between cast iron flanges and ductile iron flanges lie in their material composition, mechanical properties, and applications. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Pressure & Temperature Resistance
Cast Iron Flanges:Suitable for low to medium pressure applications.Not ideal for high-pressure or high-temperature conditions due to brittleness.Commonly used in water, sewage, and low-pressure steam systems.
Ductile Iron Flanges:Can handle higher pressures and dynamic loads.Better for high-stress environments (e.g., oil & gas, industrial pipelines).More resistant to thermal shock and bending forces.
2.Corrosion Resistance
Cast Iron Flanges: Prone to corrosion, especially in environments with high moisture or chemicals.
Ductile Iron Flanges: Generally has better corrosion resistance due to its more uniform microstructure and the ability to be coated or treated for enhanced protection.
3.Manufacturing and Cost
Cast Iron Flanges:Ease of Production: Easier and less expensive to produce due to its simpler casting process.
Ductile Iron Flanges:Complex Production: Requires more precise control of the molten iron composition and spheroidization process, making it more expensive to produce.
Cost-Effectiveness in High-Stress Applications: Despite the higher initial cost, its superior properties often lead to lower overall costs in high-stress applications due to reduced maintenance and replacement needs.
4.Common Applications
Cast Iron Flanges:Water distribution, drainage systems, HVAC, low-pressure steam.Not used in high-vibration or shock-load applications.
Ductile Iron Flanges:Oil & gas pipelines, high-pressure water systems, industrial plants.Preferred where impact resistance and flexibility are needed.
