Overview
ISO 23991:2022 - "Irrigation applications of ductile iron pipelines - Product design and installation" provides a comprehensive framework for the design, production, testing and installation of ductile iron pipes, fittings and accessories used in piped irrigation networks (PIN). The standard specifies design factors, technical requirements, test methods, installation technologies and operational guidance. All pressures in the document are expressed as relative pressures in bars. Joint geometry (gasket shapes) is explicitly outside the scope.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 23991:2022 addresses practical and technical elements relevant to ductile iron pipelines for irrigation, including:
- Materials, dimensions and tolerances for pipes, fittings and accessories.
- Mechanical properties and pressure classes, including preferred pressure classes and allowable operating/test pressures.
- Coatings and linings: internal linings, external coatings, abrasion resistance and recommendations against water aggressiveness and soil corrosiveness.
- Joint and performance requirements for both flexible (push-in) and restrained joints (joint design details excluded).
- Hydraulic and mechanical design: water demand, diameter selection, head-loss calculation, flow velocity, pressure and deflection resistance.
- Installation technologies and laying methods: trench laying, above-ground, slopes, open canals and trenchless techniques; handling and pipeline assembly practices.
- Testing and commissioning: hydrostatic testing after installation and allowable site test pressures.
- Operation, maintenance and life-cycle considerations: operation advice, life-cycle cost analysis, key parameters for total cost of ownership and circular economy aspects.
- Informative annexes on advantages of piped irrigation, planning, efficiency factors and push-in joint guidance.
Applications - practical value
ISO 23991 is tailored for the design and implementation of piped irrigation systems where durable, pressure-capable distribution is required. Practical uses include:
- Designing field-to-farm irrigation networks and main distribution pipelines.
- Selecting appropriate ductile iron pipes and fittings based on pressure class, corrosion protection and hydraulic needs.
- Guiding contractors on correct installation methods (trench, trenchless and above-ground).
- Defining test procedures for commissioning and ensuring leak-tight performance.
- Supporting life-cycle cost and sustainability assessments for irrigation infrastructure.
Who should use this standard
- Irrigation and water resources engineers
- Pipeline system designers and civil engineers
- Manufacturers of ductile iron pipes, fittings and linings
- Construction and installation contractors
- Water utilities, farm water managers and procurement/specification teams
- Asset managers conducting life-cycle and maintenance planning
Related standards
Normative references in ISO 23991:2022 include (among others):
Keywords: ISO 23991:2022, ductile iron pipelines, piped irrigation, product design, installation, ductile iron pipes, irrigation network, pipeline laying, coatings, pressure class, hydraulic design.