The Spanish Association for Standardization, UNE, has published the Standard UNE-ISO 23991 Ductile cast iron pipes for irrigation. Design and installation of the product, which specifies the design criteria, technical requirements, testing methods, installation techniques and recommendations for use applicable to ductile cast iron pipes, fittings and accessories used in pressurized ductwork of irrigation networks.
The ductile cast iron pipe system consists of standardized components equipped with plug or flange joints that facilitate the design of networks of any size and complexity. The technical requirements for the ductile cast iron piping components are specified in ISO 2531 and EN 545.
Similarly, the UNE-ISO 23991 standard details the hydraulic and mechanical design factors of ductile cast iron piping components for irrigation applications, as well as aspects related to soil corrosiveness and the importance of coatings for impact resistance and in specific environments.
It also offers guidelines for installation and handling, stating that, structurally, ductile cast iron offers good elastic deformation characteristics and high resistance to the crack propagation, resulting in excellent impact resistance. Ductile cast iron pipes are resilient and robust elements that are perfectly suited to long-distance transport conditions (lorry, train or ship), on-site handling conditions and different types of fill materials.
The UNE-ISO 23991 Standard was prepared by the UNE Committee on foundry pipes, taps, valves and metallic material accessories (CTN-UNE 19), the secretary of which is AFTA, with support from Saint-Gobain PAM Spain and the participation of all stakeholders.
