Underground pipeline networks serve as the "blood vessels" of a city, crucial to public welfare such as domestic water supply and wastewater discharge. Among various pipeline materials, ductile iron pipes have become the preferred choice for the construction and renovation of underground pipeline networks due to their exceptional performance, silently safeguarding the lifeline of urban operations. Today, they account for over 90% of underground pipeline networks nationwide, serving as a "hardcore" force supporting urban infrastructure.

Ductile iron pipes possess mechanical properties comparable to steel pipes while offering superior corrosion resistance. Their flexible joints facilitate easier installation, and they are relatively cost-effective in terms of engineering expenses. In pipeline network operations, ductile iron pipes demonstrate strong toughness, enabling them to adapt to geological shifts and withstand sudden forces without significant bending or deformation. Their excellent anti-corrosion properties ensure a long service life, low maintenance costs, and better environmental performance.

In recent years, with the acceleration of China's urbanization and the advancement of "sponge city" initiatives, ductile iron pipes have performed remarkably in numerous major projects. For instance, in the second phase of the self-supply well replacement project in Beijing's sub-center (launched in 2024), the design explicitly requires the use of ductile iron pipes for main pipe diameters. They have also been extensively employed in other significant projects, such as the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and the Hanji-to-Wei River Water Diversion Project.

Faced with a vast number of aging pipeline networks across the country that urgently need updating, ductile iron pipes are the top choice for replacement. In the renovation of the old water supply network in the main urban area of Chang Zhi City, Shanxi Province, launched in 2025, over 15 kilometers of pipelines are planned for renewal, with ductile iron pipes primarily used for large and medium diameters. Since 2010, the Beijing Waterworks Group has utilized high-performance materials like ductile iron pipes to renovate more than 2,800 kilometers of aging pipelines, significantly enhancing the safety coefficient of the pipeline network and reducing the risk of pipe bursts.

Although underground pipeline networks are invisible and intangible, they represent the "conscience project" of a city. With their robust quality, ductile iron pipes silently protect the city's "lifeline," ensuring a more stable water supply and smoother drainage. As technical standards continue to improve and application experience accumulates, this reliable "underground guardian" will undoubtedly play an even more critical role in future urban construction.