Information

Solvent Cement Welding Joints

Solvent Cement Welding Joints

Joining Equipment and Material
Material

  • Cutting Tool
  • Saw & Pipe Cutter (Ratchet Type, Wheel Type)
  • Pipe deburring & beveling tool, file or knief
  • Solvent Cement
  • PVC cement for PVC materials, CPVC cement for CPVC materials
  • Primer
  • Cleaner
  • Cotton Rag
  • Square
  • Marking Pen
  • Tape Measure
  • Brush



1. Cutting
Cutting Cutting

Pipe ends must be cut squarely.
Check the pipe end with a square to make sure it has been cut squarely.
NOTE: A diagonal cut will reduce bonding area in the most critical part of the joint.
Wheel type cutters are not recommended for large diameters since they tend to raise flare at the pipe end.
Flares must be removed with a file or deburring tool, since it will scrape the cement away while inserting pipe into the fitting.



2. Deburring
Deburring

All burrs, chips, filings, etc. around the pipe must be removed before joining.
Use a knife, deburring tool or a half-round coarse file.
All pipe ends should be beveled by 45 degrees.
NOTE: Failure to chamfer the edge of the pipe may remove cement from the fitting socket, causing the joint to leak.



3. Inspection and Cleaning
Inspection and Cleaning Inspection and Cleaning

Visually inspect the inside of the pipe and fitting sockets. Remove all dirt, grease or moisture with a clean dry rag.
Check pipe and fitting for potential damages such as splits or cracks and replace if necessary.



4. Testing Dry Fit of the Joint
Check pipe and fitting for dry fit before cementing.
The pipe should be inserted into the fitting easily for about 1/3 to 2/3 of the socket depth.



5. Depth-of-Entry Mark
Depth-of-Entry Mark

Mark the socket depth of the fitting on the pipe O.D..
This reference mark can be used to ensure the pipe is completely bottomed into the fitting when jointing.



6. Priming
Priming

This step is necessary to penetrate and soften both pipe and fitting socket surfaces before cementing process.
Apply a layer of primer to the surface of the pipe and fitting socket with a natural bristle brush.
Proceed immediately to the cementing procedure before the primer dries.

Recommended Brush Size for Primer and Cement Application
Nominal Pipe Size1/2”3/4”1”1-1/4”1-1/2”
2”2-1/2”3”4”5”6”8”10”12”
Brush Width1/2”1”1”1”1-1/2”1-1/2”1-1/2” to 2”1-1/2” to 2-1/2”2” to 3”3”3” to 5”4” to 6”6” to 8”6” to 8”
* Use Only Natural Bristle

Applicators
Select a suitable pure bristle type paint brush. Use a brush or roller with proper width to apply the primer and cement.
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 of 2" or below. For larger diameter pipe, a brush, swab, or roller must be used.



7. Application of Solvent Cement
Application of Solvent Cement

While the primer is still wet, apply the solvent cement evenly and quickly around the outside of the pipe at a width a little larger than the depth of the fitting socket.
Lightly coat the inside of the fitting socket with the cement.
Apply a second coat of cement to the pipe end.
NOTE: Read all warnings on primer and cement containers before the installation.



8. Joint Assembly
Joint Assembly

Insert the pipe into the fitting socket bottom with a one-quarter turn to evenly distribute the cement.
This procedure should be operated quickly and smoothly.
Do not continue to rotate the pipe after it has reached the bottom of the fitting socket.
A good joint will have sufficient cement to make a bead all the way around the outside of the fitting hub.
Hold the pipe and fitting together for at least 30 seconds to make sure the pipe has a good bond with the fitting.



9. Clean up
Remove all excess cement around the pipe and fitting with a dry cotton rag while the cement is still soft.



10. Initial Set Time
Initial set time is the necessary time to allow the joint to create enough bond strength before it could be carefully handled.

Recommended Initial Set Time
Temperature Range Pipe Sizes
1/2" to 1-1/4"
Pipe Sizes
1-1/2" to 2"
Pipe Sizes
2-1/2" to 8"
Pipe Sizes
10" to 15"
Pipe Sizes
15"+
60°F to 100°F / 15°C to 40°C 2 min 5 min 30 min 2 hrs 4 hrs
40°F to 60°F / 5°C to 15°C 5 min 10 min 2 hrs 8 hrs 16 hrs
0°F to 40°F / -17°C to 5°C 10 min 15 min 12 hrs 24 hrs 48 hrs
NOTE: In damp or humid environments, please allow 50% more set time.



11. Joint cure time
Joint cure time is the necessary time for the joint to be strong enough before pressurizing the system.

Recommended Joint Cure Time
Temperature range during assembly and cure periods Pipe Sizes
1/2" to 1-1/4"
Pipe Sizes
1-1/2" to 2"
Pipe Sizes
2-1/2" to 8"
Pipe Sizes
10" to 15"
Pipe Sizes
15"+
up to 150psi / 1MPa up to 150psi / 1MPa up to 150psi / 1MPa up to 100psi / 0.7MPa up to 100psi / 0.7MPa
60°F to 100°F / 15°C to 40°C 1 hour 2 hours 6 hours 48 hours 72 hours
40°F to 60°F / 5°C to 15°C 2 hours 4 hours 12 hours 96 hours 6 days
20°F to 40°F / -5°C to 5°C 8 hours 16 hours 72 hours 8 days 14 days


Helpful Hints
  1. Process quickly and carefully.
  2. Use a sufficient amount of fresh cement.
  3. Do not attempt cementing in the presence of moisture or in the rain.
  4. Do not cement when the temperature is below 40°F/5°C or above 90°F/32°C under direct sunlight.
  5. Do not take shortcuts or bypass recommended steps.
  6. Consult your cement manufacturer for specific questions or problems.

Applicable Specification for Solvent Welding
ASTM D-2564:Solvent cements for PVC thermoplastic pipe and fittings.
ASTM D-2855:Marking solvent cemented joint with PVC pipe and fittings.
ASTM A-493:Solvent cements for CPVC thermoplastic pipe and fittings.
ASTM A-656:Primers for use in solvent cement joints of PVC thermoplastic pipe and fittings.



12. Hydrostatic Pressure Testing

  1. All joints should be fully cured before filling the system with water.
  2. AII valves should be opened and air relief mechanisms should be installed at relative high points angles. Fill the system slowly with water and precautions; flow velocities should be slower than 1 foot per second. This will prevent surge,water hammer, and air entrapment.
  3. Continue to fill water until all entrapped air is completely flushed out. Maintain the 1 ft/s velocity until every valve is checked. A sudden fluctuation of pressure (indicated by gauge needle) during pressure rise may be an indication that entrapped air still remains in the system.
    Systems should include proper air relief and vacuum breaker valves to vent air out during normal operations after installation. Entrapped air is the major cause of surge and burst failure in plastic piping systems.
  4. After the system is filled, do not pressurize until the responsible engineer is present to witness the test. All personnel should wear safety glasses and helmet. High voltage electrical equipment should be protected in case of leak or spray.
  5. The piping system should be pressurized to 1.25 times its maximum designed operating pressure. This pressure must not exceeds 1.5 times of the working pressure of the lowest rated component in the system, such as flanges, unions, thread parts, valves, etc.
  6. The pressure test should be under 1 hour. This should provide enough time for inspections of leaks or other potential defects of the system. If leaks are found, pressure must be relieved for repair. The system should then be recharged and retested. Consult the factory if you have any questions concerning these steps.


    warning: Failure to follow the safety precautions below may result in misapplication or improper installation and testing which can cause severe personal injury and/or property damage.