When it comes to installing CPVC piping systems, there are various methods for joining pipes and fittings. Threaded or flanged connections may offer strength, but solvent cement welding is often recommended by Lubrizol Industrial Systems for its speed, simplicity, and reliability. This process chemically fuses the pipe and fitting together, creating a seamless thermoplastic unit.
What Is Solvent Cement?
Solvent cement is composed of CPVC resin, stabilisers, fillers, and solvents. These solvents dissolve the CPVC resin and prepare the surfaces for bonding. Solvent Cement creates fused joints at a molecular level, creating a seamless and exceptionally strong joint and ensuring durability while maintaining the integrity of the piping system.
Difference Between Solvent Cement and Glue:
While both serve the purpose of joining pipes and fittings, solvent cement and glue function differently. Glue relies on adhesion and cohesion, while solvent cement chemically fuses materials together. Glue may weaken under pressure and temperature variations, making it unsuitable for industrial piping applications.
Solvent cementing is not only faster than welding but also offers quicker set and cure times, depending on factors like pipe size and environmental conditions. Solvent cement joining method of CPVC pipe in Pakistan also eliminates the need for electricity and extensive space, as only solvent cement and a dauber are required for installation, even in confined areas.
Moreover, while heat fusion demands skilled labour and may lead to internal bead formation, potentially hindering water flow and promoting bacterial growth, solvent cementing is straightforward and produces an evenly dispersed joint, preserving the pipe’s internal diameter and promoting full flow rate while reducing bacterial growth.
In terms of long-term reliability, solvent cemented joints in Prestige FlowGuard® CPVC piping system are virtually indestructible, with the joint thickness doubling that of the pipe wall. This ensures unparalleled system reliability, bolstering the reputation of contractors who opt for CPVC pipe in Lahore.
Training resources from reputable companies and manufacturers ensure correct installation practices. Additionally, compatibility with chemical processes is crucial, with comprehensive charts available to guide material selection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper solvent cement welding:
-
Cutting:
Use a ratchet cutter, plastic tubing cutter, power saw, or fine-toothed saw to cut the pipe squarely, maximising the bonding surface area.
-
Chamfering and Deburring:
Remove any burrs or filings from both the outside and inside of the pipe to ensure proper contact and prevent stress on the assembly. Chamfering the pipe end eases entry into the fitting socket.
-
Fitting Preparation:
Wipe away any loose soil and moisture from the fitting socket and pipe end with a clean, dry rag. Ensure a proper dry fit, and add extra solvent cement if needed to prepare the joint.
-
Primer Application:
Apply primer to both the CPVC pipe end and CPVC pipe fittings socket using an appropriate applicator, ensuring the entire surface is tacky.
-
Solvent Cement Application:
Use solvent cement, applying it to the pipe end and fitting socket when the surfaces are tacky. A natural bristle brush or swab is suitable for application, ensuring a heavy coat on the pipe end and a medium coat inside the fitting socket.
-
Assembly:
Immediately insert the pipe into the fitting socket, rotating it 1/8 to 1/2 turn until the fitting stop is reached. Hold the assembly in place for 10 to 30 seconds to ensure initial bonding, and inspect for a continuous bead of cement around the joint. For larger CPVC pipe dimensions, a pipe puller may be necessary to hold the joint in place without exerting excess force.
Set and cure times vary based on CPVC pipe sizes, temperature, and humidity, with recommended times provided for optimal results. Following are some things that you should do, and some that you should not do for successful solvent cement welding:
Dos:
– Follow manufacturer’s instructions and recommended safe work practices.
– Use appropriate tools and solvent cement, and cut pipe ends square.
– Deburr and bevel pipes before solvent cementing.
– Rotate the pipe when bottoming in the fitting socket.
– Inspect joints visually after assembly and during pressure testing.
Don’ts:
– Use expired or degraded solvent cement.
– Expose solvent cement to heat, flame, or smoking.
– Pressure test before recommended cure times.
– Use dull or broken cutting tools.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a reliable and durable joint for your CPVC piping system.
Types of Solvent Cement:
Solvent cements vary in viscosity, categorised as regular-bodied, medium-bodied, and heavy-bodied. The viscosity depends on the resin content, with higher viscosity allowing better gap filling. Selection should adhere to the standards based on pipe diameter, schedule, and application.
Utilising Solvent Cement in Industrial Applications:
For industrial use, heavy-bodied solvent cement is recommended, often requiring a primer to ensure proper bonding. Proper surface preparation, application techniques, and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are crucial for successful installations.
Considerations for Hot and Cold Weather:
Temperature affects solvent cement application and curing times. In hot weather, precautions such as shading and cooling the joints are necessary to prevent premature drying. While in cold weather, aggressive primers and longer curing times are required for effective bonding. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and reliable installation, even in hot and cold weather conditions.
CPVC flexible pipe offers advantages over steel piping, including lower labour costs due to its lightweight nature and the simplicity of solvent cement welding. Solvent cement is a chemical compound that facilitates the fusion of CPVC pipe and fittings at a molecular level, creating a seamless connection.
Solvent cement welding is the preferred method for joining CPVC piping systems due to its ease, speed, and reliability. Additionally, CPVC pipe installation doesn’t require heat producing equipment, making it a cooler option for contractors.
Prestige Plastics is one of the best CPVC pipe manufacturers providing good quality and CPVC pipe price in Pakistan. Prestige FlowGuard CPVC piping system offers contractors a Streamlined installation process, enhancing profitability and minimising costs while ensuring enduring reliability.
CPVC piping systems are connected using solvent cement, ensuring efficient installation, long term reliability, and cost effectiveness. All different CPVC pipe dimensions, CPVC pipe fittings and solvent cement are manufactured and supplied by Prestige Plastics. Contact us now to get started with your CPVC plumbing project.
