“It’s Leaking Again” — Those Dreaded Words

Whether you’re in the water treatment, chlorine, or bottled gases industry, few words cause the same dismay as those three. The natural inclination is to blame the sealant, but in many cases, the sealant is not to blame.

Fluoramics has done a fishbone analysis on the causes of leaks, and we will break down the elements in this eight-part series.

  1. Low-Cost, Low-Quality Fittings
  2. Fitting Material Selection
  3. Cracked Plastic Fittings
  4. Tape or No Tape, Type of Tape
  5. Cold Flow
  6. Repairs & Maintenance
  7. Gas Attack & Chemicals
  8. Type of Thread Sealant

Today we will be focusing on part four: Tape or No Tape, Type of Tape

Thread seal tape is a practical and versatile solution for creating leak-free seals on threaded pipe connections. However, like any tool, it works best when applied appropriately and with the correct type of tape for the job. In this guide, we explore when and where to use thread seal tape, when to avoid it, and the best types to choose for specific applications.

When to Use Thread Seal Tape

  • Large Diameter Fittings (½” and Greater)
    • For fittings with larger diameters, thread seal tape is highly effective. It fills the gaps between the threads, ensuring a secure seal.
  • Bulk Fill with Coarse Threads
    • In applications with coarse or uneven threads, thread seal tape provides the necessary material to create a tight, leak-proof seal.
  • Alone or with Approved Thread Sealant
    • Thread seal tape can be used as a standalone solution or in combination with an approved thread sealant for added reliability in demanding applications.

Always apply the tape in a clockwise direction so the tape will pull down into the thread as you torque it. When using Fluoramics’ Full Density Tape, only use 1-2 wraps. Using too much tape will cause fittings to not seal properly.

When Not to Use Thread Seal Tape

  • Plastic Fittings
    • Plastic threads are more prone to damage from overtightening. The lubricating nature of thread seal tape can exacerbate this issue, causing cracks or deformation.
    • Cold Flow Relaxation
      • Over time, plastic fittings may experience cold flow relaxation, where they return to their natural state. This compromises the seal created by the tape.
  • Fittings That Must Seat Properly
    • Thread seal tape can interfere with the seating of certain fittings, especially those requiring precise alignment or compression for a secure connection.

What Type of Thread Seal Tape to Use

Choosing the right type of thread seal tape is critical for ensuring compatibility with the system’s requirements.

  • Full-Density Thread Seal Tape:
    • Recommended for use with acids, chlorine, corrosive chemicals, oxygen, potable water, sewage, and steam.
    • It provides a robust seal and maintains chemical compatibility, making it ideal for industrial and plumbing applications.
  • Nickel Tape:
    • Not recommended for most applications due to limited compatibility and potential issues with specific materials.

Thread seal tape is a reliable sealing solution, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all product. Understanding when and where to use it—and what type to choose—is crucial for ensuring a successful and leak-free connection.

Use Fluoramics Sealants

Assuming you’ve found the source of your leaks, Fluoramics’ sealants are an excellent option to ensure no further leaking.

  • LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape is a multipurpose pipe sealing tape for sealing threads and preventing leaks. It is suitable for sealing threaded connections in multiple environments, is oxygen-approved, and is colored green to designate suitability for use on oxygen connections. It may be used alone or with Fluoramics’ pipe thread sealants.
  • LOX-8 Thread Sealant is highly recommended where oxygen or harsh chemicals such as chlorine or powerful oxidizers are present. It is the product of choice in applications where critical safety and resistance to aggressive chemicals are primary requirements. Providing superior performance as a sealant and anti-galling agent, LOX-8 withstands both high extreme temperatures and high pressure, plus it is NSF-approved for food processing facilities.
  • Formula-8 seals threads in gas, liquid, and vacuum service. Oxygen-safe and NSF-approved for food processing facilities, Formula-8 is a water-based thread-sealing compound compatible with hydraulic oils and systems, PVC piping, cryogenics, and high temperatures. This sealant works by wetting into and sealing threaded joints when torqued and is engineered to seal over the entire thread length for the life of the joint in liquid, gas, and vacuum service.

If you haven’t found the source of your leaks, stay tuned for the next edition of Don’t Blame the Sealant where we will discuss Cold Flow.

Shop LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape Now> LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape

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