What are some things you should know about black iron pipes?
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from JIANZHI.
Black iron pipes are popular materials used for transporting gas and water. They are used both for household and commercial applications, and they are generally stronger than other materials such as PVC. The composition and characteristics of black iron pipes make them perfect for some applications, and not so perfect for others. If you plan on working with black iron pipes, then it’s best to be aware of these things you should know about black iron pipes. Read on for more.
They’re different from galvanized pipes.
Black iron pipes are mainly differentiated from galvanized pipes. Because they are both made of steel, some people may find them confusing. Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that have been coated with a zinc compound to help them fight against corrosion and be more durable. This coating is also why galvanized pipes are more expensive. Black iron pipes have no coating such as this, not even paint. The black color comes from the iron oxide from the manufacturing process.
Black iron pipes are widely used for gas and water applications, though with the introduction of other materials such as PVC for water lines, black iron has been used more for gas.
Black iron pipes can still rust.
Another reason why black iron pipes are better for gas is that they lack the protective coating to prevent rusting. Being in constant contact with water, or even being in a moist environment, can easily rust a black iron pipe. You can apply your own protective coating to the pipe, but the easiest way to protect them is by painting.
Even though they are still sometimes used to transport water, they are never used for potable water as the corrosion in the metal will mix rust with drinking water. They are best used for closed-loop hydronic systems and steam heat systems because they wouldn’t be regularly exposed to oxygen. They are also commonly used as conduits for electrical wiring.
They need extra protection underground.
Since one of the major applications of black iron pipes is transporting gas, having them placed underground should be considered. This is especially important if you’re supplying gas or water to rural areas. The natural heat resistance of these pipes can help, but underground environments tend to be moist or easily reached by water. It is not recommended to bury black iron pipes unless you cover them in protective coating against oxidation. If protected against moisture, the durable nature of metal will prove useful as it can last more than 10 years underground. But without protection, it won’t last that long.
They can withstand up to 150 PSI of pressure and high temperatures.
Like all pipes, black iron pipes also have their pressure limits. They typically handle natural or propane gas, both of which are always below 60 psi. This is well below the required standards that properly installed black iron pipes must follow which is at 150 psi. If you’re using good-quality black iron pipes, they should be able to withstand those pressures.
As mentioned earlier, black iron pipes have natural heat resistance. They usually have a melting point of over 538°C (°F), but the Teflon tape that is often used to hold the joints together will fail at around 260°C (500°F). Even if the pipe can handle higher temperatures, if the tape fails, then the pipe will start leaking. The good news is that normal weather or natural environments don’t reach temperatures that are as high as that. So unless your pipes are near any machines that produce extreme heat, you don’t have to worry about their malfunction because of the temperature.
They’re easy to attach.
Black iron pipes are easy to install because they have seams, only use a series of fittings, and no welding is required. Since black iron pipes are cheaper than galvanized pipes, having no need for welding makes it a cost-efficient option. Black iron pipes are also known to be malleable, meaning they can be threaded with ease and attached to other parts without problems. As long as you avoid using it in environments where it will easily corrode or rust, the black iron pipe is a great material to use.
Key Takeaway
All these things you should know about black iron pipes will help you handle them in the field better. Being more knowledgeable about the materials you use will help you avoid mistakes that may cost more than you expect. The properties of black iron, the ideal applications, and all other details about it should be considered to maximize its potential.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Can black iron pipe fittings be used outdoors?.
If you plan on getting some black iron pipes or working on projects that require steel pipes, try and get the best ones you can find. The Supreme Steel Pipe Corporation is the most trusted steel pipe supplier in the Philippines, having gained many customers’ trust by providing quality materials since . Take a look at the products we offer here, and feel free to contact us here!
Earlier this year, we started selling a selection of black iron pipe and fittings on our web store. Since then, we've learned that a lot of shoppers don't know much about this great material. Simply put, black iron piping is one of the best options for gas lines that exists. It is strong, easy to install, resists corrosion, and maintains an airtight seal. The black coating helps prevent corrosion.
Black iron pipe used to be found in water lines, but has been much more popular for gas since the advent of copper, CPVC, and PEX. It is a great option to gas for two reasons. 1) It is strong, and 2) it is relatively easy to put together. Just like PVC, black malleable iron uses a system of pipe and fittings that fit together with compounds instead of welding. Despite its name, black iron pipe is actually made of a low-grade "mild steel" compound. This gives it much better corrosion resistance than traditional cast iron piping.
Since this post is all about black iron pipe and fittings, we will go in depth about a few of its traits and properties. It's important to be knowledgeable when it comes to your home's plumbing.
"Black iron" is a term that usually refers to a type of black-coated steel, but many different types of black iron pipe exist. The main problem with this is that there are few standards that all black iron pipes adhere to. However, they are all made to handle natural and propane gas, which usually stay below 60psi. The standards that black iron pipe must conform to guarantee a pressure rating of at least 150psi, if installed properly.
Black iron is stronger than any plastic pipe because it is made of metal. This is important, because a gas leak can be deadly. In the case of an earthquake or fire, this extra strength could be what causes potentially deadly gas from leaking throughout a home.
Black malleable iron piping is also tough when it comes to its temperature rating. While the melting point of black iron pipe can exceed F (538C), the teflon tape that holds the joints together can start failing around 500F (260C). When the sealant tape fails, the strength of the pipe doesn't matter, as gas will start leaking through the joints.
Luckily, teflon tape is plenty strong enough to withstand any temperatures caused by weather. The main risk of failing comes if there is a fire. But in that case, any occupants of a home or business should already be outside by the time gas lines fail.
One of the primary advantages of black iron piping is its malleability. This means it can be threaded without much trouble. Threaded piping is easy to work with because it can be screwed into fittings instead of having to be welded. Like any system with threaded connections, black iron pipe and fittings require teflon sealant tape to make an airtight seal. Luckily, sealing tape and pipe dope are inexpensive and easy to apply!
Putting together black iron gas systems require a little bit of skill and a lot of preparation. Sometimes pipe comes pre-threaded in specific lengths, but other times cutting and threading must be done by hand. To do this, you must hold lengths of pipe in a vise, cut them to length with a pipe cutter, and create threads on the end with a pipe threader. Use plenty of thread cutting oil to avoid damaging threads.
When connecting lengths of pipe, you must use some type of sealant to fill the gaps between threads. The two methods of thread sealant are thread tape and pipe dope.
Thread tape (commonly referred to as "teflon tape" or "PTFE tape") is a simple way to seal joints without making a mess. Applying only takes a few seconds. Wrap thread tape around the pipe's male threads. If you are looking at the end of the pipe, wrap clockwise. If you wrap counter-clockwise, the act of screwing on a fitting could push the tape out of place.
Wrap tape 3 or 4 times around the male threads, then screw the pieces together as tightly as you can by hand. Use a pipe wrench (or a set of pipe wrenches) to tighten at least one full turn more. Once you have fully tightened the pipe and fitting, they should be able to withstand at least 150psi of pressure.
Pipe dope (otherwise known as "joint compound") is a liquid sealant that oozes between threads to maintain a tight seal. Pipe dope is great because it never fully dries, allowing joints to be unscrewed for maintenance and repairs. One downside is how messy it can be, but usually pipe dope is too thick to drip much.
Pipe dope typically comes with a brush or some other type of applicator. Use this to completely cover the male threads in an even coating of the sealant. Do not apply to female threads. Once the male threads are totally covered, screw pipe and fitting together just as you would with thread tape, using pipe wrenches to finish tightening.
Some plumbers recommend thread tape with a layer of pipe dope on top, so that is worth a shot if you can't decide which you like more! For more details on installing black iron piping, read this article.
The company is the world’s best Best Uses for Galvanized Pipe Fittings in Plumbing and Construction supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.