ASTM International has published a new standard that aims to improve the reliability and sustainability of iron water pipes that provide clean drinking water. The organization’s corrosion of metals committee developed the new standard.

According to ASTM International member Mike Horton, a senior process engineering manager at U.S. Pipe., there are many standards (related to coatings and cathodic protection) that help protect steel pipe but those standards aren’t always applicable to iron pipe.

“The metallurgy, chemistry, physical properties, surface composition and texture, coating requirements, and electrical continuity of standard production ductile iron pipe are significantly different from those of steel pipe,” he says. “The purpose of the new guide is to summarize publications, case histories, and studies available regarding cathodic protection installations of polyethylene encased ductile iron pipe to give users guidance on this unique method of protection.” 

He says the new standard provides basic information that could be helpful to engineers, asset owners, water companies, corrosion consultants, ductile iron pipe manufacturers and others who have an interest in providing underground corrosion protection to iron pipes.