Solvent Cement Welding

Plastic Piping Systems

Instructor –

Stephen Gardiner

Cell: 336-261-8189

E-mail: stephen.gardiner@ipscorp.com

© IPS Corporation 2010

• The Solvent Welding Process

• Basic principles of solvent welding

• Proper techniques for solvent welding plastic joints

• Importance of correct sized applicators

• Set and cure times

• Solvent welding tips – hot and cold weather

• Causes of failed joints

• Repair

• Safety precautions

• Training Completion Card (mailed after class)

Agenda

The original innovator of solvent cements, primers

and cleaners for PVC, CPVC and ABS plastic piping

systems with over 60 years of experience.

All formulations are Low VOC for better air and

workplace environment. Meets SCAQMD and LEED.

Products meet strict code and regulatory

requirements.

Products meet strict performance standards.

Listings:

Since

1954

This seminar is designed to train all users in the proper techniques of solvent cement welding plastic pipe and fittings.

Your participation in this seminar should minimize field failures when proper techniques are followed.

The main cause of field failures is due to a lack of knowledge about installation techniques.

About This Seminar

Which Solvent Cement to Use?

Viscosities:

• Regular

• Medium

• Heavy

• Extra Heavy

Solvent Cements

PVC and CPVC Applications - Industrial

Water treatment plant

Why Must Primer Be Used?

• Softens the surfaces faster than solvent cement alone

• Available in clear or purple

• In certain code jurisdictions, purple-colored primer may be required

• For Schedule 80 pressure applications

• On hard surfaces, like CPVC pipe and fittings

Product Selection Guide

Product Manufacture Date / Shelf-life

The date on the bottom of the solvent cement can is the date

of manufacture.

PVC and ABS

Solvent Cements3 years

CPVC Solvent

Cements2 years

Primers and

Cleaners3 years

Product Shelf-life

The Solvent Cement

Welding Process:

ASTM D2855

Basic Principles of Solvent Welding

1. The joining surfaces must be softened and made semi-fluid.

2. Sufficient solvent cement must be applied to fill the gap between the

pipe and fitting.

Basic Principles of Solvent Welding

3. Assembly of the pipe and fitting must be made while the surfaces are still wet and the solvent cement is still fluid.

Basic Principles of Solvent Welding

4. Joint strength develops as the solvents escape from the joint.

Basic Principles of Solvent Welding

Fused and bonded areas within a

solvent welded joint

Bonded area (darker

bottom portion) where

the solvent cement fills

the tapered gap

between the pipe and

fitting

Fused area (lighter

top portion) where the

interference fit occurs

Applicators should be equal to ½ the pipe diameter for proper

application of primer and solvent cement.

Correct Use of Applicators

Daubers are

recommended for

use on pipe with

diameter of 3

inches or less.

Weld-On Applicator Selection

• Weld-On solvent cements and primers are packaged

with can-lid daubers:

• ¾” dauber in quarter pint and half pint cans

• 1-½” dauber in pint and quart cans

1. Cut the pipe square (90° angle). Use a saw or a plastic pipe

cutter.

Material Preparation

Material Preparation

Deburring Tool

3. Bevel the pipe end.2. Remove all burrs or raised beads from

the end of the pipe with a knife, file or

deburring tool.

Material Preparation

4. Remove dirt, grease and

moisture. Moisture will

retard cure. Dirt or grease

can prevent adhesion.

Use clean, dry rag.

Weld-On® C-65™ Cleaner is

recommended.

5. Dry fit the pipe and fitting to

check for a proper interference

fit. The pipe should enter the

fitting easily and becomes tight

about ⅓ to ⅔ into the fitting

socket.

Primer Application

Solvent Welding Technique

1. Aggressively work the

primer into the fitting socket.

Primer Application

Solvent Welding Technique

3. Apply a second primer

coating inside the fitting

socket.

2. Aggressively work the

primer onto the pipe end

equal to the depth of

fitting socket.

Solvent Cement Application

Solvent Welding Technique

2. Apply a medium layer of

solvent cement inside the

fitting socket.

1. Apply a full layer of solvent

cement onto the pipe end equal

to the depth of fitting socket.

Solvent Cement Application

Solvent Welding Technique

3. Apply a second, full layer of

solvent cement onto the pipe

end.

Assembly and Solvent Welding

Solvent Welding Technique

1. While the solvent cement is still

wet, assemble the pipe and

fitting and twist a ¼ turn as the

pipe is being inserted, if

possible.

2. Hold the pipe and fitting

together for 30 seconds to avoid

push out.

Assembly and Solvent Welding

Solvent Welding Technique

3. A bead of solvent cement must

be around the fitting socket

entrance.

4. Remove excess cement. Handle

assembled joint carefully until it

initially sets.

Hot Weather Tips

1. Store solvent cements and primers in a cool or shaded area below 100°F

prior to use.

2. If possible, store pipe and fittings, or at least the ends to be solvent welded,

in a shady area before solvent welding.

3. Cool surfaces to be joined by wiping with a damp rag. Be sure that the

surface is dry prior to applying the solvent cement.

4. Try solvent welding the joints during the cooler morning hours.

5. Make sure that both surfaces to be joined are still wet with the solvent

cement when putting them together. With larger size pipe, more people on

the crew may be necessary.

6. Using a primer and heavier, high viscosity solvent cement will provide a little

more working time. Vigorously shake or stir the solvent cement before use.

7. There can be a greater expansion-contraction factor affecting the pipe in hot

weather. We suggest you follow the advice of the pipe manufacturer

regarding this condition. Anchored and final connections should be made

during the cooler hours of the day.

Why Do Joints Fail?

• Did NOT follow the basic principles of solvent welding –LACK OF UNDERSTANDING.

• Did NOT use the proper applicator.

• Did NOT use the proper solvent cement for the piping system.

• Disregarded set and cure times.

Based on your

knowledge of solvent

cement welding, what

is wrong with this

photo?

1. Wrong applicator

2. Too much solvent

cement

3. No primer

4. Pipe-end is not

chamfered

5. No nitrile gloves

(PPE)

Failure occurred due to lack of solvent cement

and the pipe was not fully inserted to the fitting

socket stop, the strongest part of the joint.

Puddling of solvent cement can cause

fractures in the pipe wall.

Erosion of the pipe wall by a high velocity water

leak due to poor application of solvent cement.

A space, or a gap, exists at the entrance of the

socket due to lack of solvent cement.

Safety Precautions (ASTM F402)

• NO eating, drinking, or smoking

• NO heat, ignition sources, sparks, or open

flames

• WARNING: Solvent vapors are heavier than air

and will remain in and around a piping system

and present an explosion hazard. A jobsite fire

watch may be considered necessary.

What NOT to do while solvent welding:

What MUST be done while solvent welding:

• Wear personal protective equipment –

goggles, gloves and if needed NIOSH

approved respirator

• Work in well ventilated area

READ the Safety

Data Sheet (SDS)!!!

Safety Precautions

Solvent cement and primer products must

never be used in thermoplastic piping

systems (PVC, CPVC, or ABS) using or

being tested with compressed air or gases.

Bleed all trapped or entrained air from a

thermoplastic piping system at the highest

elevation(s) prior to hydrostatic pressure

testing.

Serious injury and/or property damage may

result if a system fails and explodes.

Safety Precautions

455 W. Victoria St., Compton, Ca 90220 USA

Questions?

Thank You