A.O. Smith GPS-75 Selection of Materials, Primer, Cement, Applicators, Making the Joint, Step a

2.SELECTION OF MATERIALS

•Cutting Device - Saw or Pipe Cutter

•Deburring Tool, Knife, File, or Beveling Machine (2" and above)

•Brush - Pure Bristle

•Rag - Cotton (Not Synthetic)

•Primer and Cleaner

•Solvent Cement - PVC for PVC Components and CPVC for CPVC Components

•Containers - Metal or Glass to hold Primer and Cement. Select the type of PVC or CPVC materials to be used on the basis of their application with respect to chemical resistance, pressure rating, temperature characteristics, etc.

•Insertion Tool - Helpful for larger diameter pipe and fittings (6" and above).

PRIMER

It is recommended that Tetrahydrofuran (THF) be used to prepare the surfaces of pipe and fittings for solvent welding. Do not use water, rags, gasoline or any other substitutes for cleaning PVC or CPVC Surfaces. A chemical cleaner such as MEK may be used.

CEMENT

The cement should be a bodied cement of approximately 500 to 1600 centipoise viscosity containing 10-20% (by weight) virgin PVC material solvated with tetrahydrofuran (THF). Small quantities of dimethyl formamide (DMF) may be included to act as a retarding agent to extend curing time. Select the proper cement; Schedule 40 cement should be used for Schedule 40 pipe. Never use all-purpose cements, commercial glues and adhesives or ABS cement to join PVC or CPVC pipe and fittings.

SAFETY PRECAUTION: PRIMERS AND CEMENTS ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE, AND MUST NOT BE STORED OR USED NEAR HEAT OR OPEN FLAME. ALSO, USE ONLY IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.

APPLICATORS

Select a suitable pure bristle type paint brush. Use a proper width brush or roller to apply the primer and cement (see chart below). Speedy application of cement is important due to its fast drying characteristics. IMPORTANT NOTE: A dauber type applicator should only be used on pipe sizes 2" and below. For larger diameter pipe, a brush or roller must be used.

3.MAKING THE JOINT

A. Cutting

Pipe must be squarely cut to allow for the proper interfacing of the pipe end and the fitting socket bottom. This can be accomplished with a miter box saw or wheel type cutter. Wheel type cutters are not generally recommended for larger diameters since they tend to flare the corner of the pipe end. If this type of cutter is used, the flare on the end must be completely removed.

STEP A

NOTE: Power saws should be specifically designed to cut plastic pipe.

B.Deburring

Use a knife, plastic pipe deburring tool, or file to remove burrs from the end of small diameter pipe. Be sure to remove all burrs from around the inside as well as the outside of the pipe. A slight chamfer (bevel) of about 10°-15° should be added to the end to permit easier insertion of the pipe into the end of the fitting. Failure to chamfer the edge of the pipe may remove cement from the fitting socket, causing the joint to leak.

STEP B

C. Test dry fit of the joint

Tapered fitting sockets are designed so that an interference fit should occur when the pipe is inserted about 1/3 to 2/3 of the way into the socket. Occasionally, when pipe fitting dimensions are at the tolerance extremes, it will be possible to fully insert dry pipe to the bottom of the fitting socket. When this happens, a sufficient quantity of cement must be applied to the joint to fill the gap between the pipe and fitting. The gap must be filled to obtain a strong, leak-free joint.

D.Inspection, cleaning, priming

Visually inspect the inside of the pipe and fitting sockets and remove all dirt, grease or moisture with a clean dry rag. If wiping fails to clean the surfaces, a chemical cleaner must be used. Check for possible damage such as splits or cracks and replace if necessary.

Depth-of-entry mark

Marking the depth of entry is a way to check if the pipe has reached the bottom of the fitting socket in step F. Measure the fitting depth and mark this distance on the pipe O.D. You may want to add several inches to the distance and make a second mark as the primer and cement will most likely destroy your first one.

Apply primer to the surface of the pipe and fitting socket with a natural bristle brush (see chart). This process softens and prepares the PVC or CPVC for the solvent cementing step. Move quickly and without hesitation to the cementing procedure while the surfaces are still wet with primer.

E.Application of solvent cement

•Apply the solvent cement evenly and quickly around the outside of the pipe at a width a little greater than the depth of the fitting socket.

•Apply a light coat of cement evenly around the inside of the fitting socket. Avoid puddling.

•Apply a second coat of cement to the pipe end.

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