Page 14 - Buzz Magazine

PRODUCTS
Iron-clad facts for you
Cast iron pipes have many advantages
First manufactured in 1864, cast iron pipes have become the material of preference for drainage systems. Cast
iron pipe systems have a robustness and strength that other materials cannot match. They typically last the lifetime of a building.
“Compared with other materials, cast iron is resistant to thermal expansion and contraction, which means that there is no requirement
for expansion joints on the system,” explains Lefentse Masemola, PAM Sales Manager for southern Africa.
“Cast iron systems are also quieter than any other systems when water ows through them. In high-occupancy and multi-storey buildings, cast iron systems are the best alternative as they will not add to the spread of re across oors, will remain structurally sound far longer, and even more crucially – will barely emit any smoke or fumes. These are considered the fastest killer in the event of a re.”
Cast iron systems are manufactured from up to 95% recycled content (scrap), are 100% recyclable using
harmless processes, and do not lose any of their mechanical properties over time.
More bene ts
These systems are used both above and below ground. They are also ideal for bridge drainage, as their material expands virtually the same as concrete structures. They are not prone to fail with exposure to sunlight as plastic systems are (photochemical ageing), and will also not bend with temperature uctuations.
“Cast iron is generally perceived to be more expensive than plastic pipe systems. However, different plastic and alternative material systems are also priced differently,” says Lefentse.
Modern cast iron systems can be push- t assembled, with the following bene ts:
w Increased speed of installation (saving
on labour and time related costs); and w No need for the additional curing time
that fusion welded systems require before they can be tested.
For building owners, there is
a longer-term cost consideration: “How much will the system cost me over its entire lifetime – frequency of maintenance and replacement considered?”
From this perspective, cast iron is one of the most cost-effective pipe materials. w
14 | BUZZ | SUMMER 2016
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