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Other PPFA Products: ABS | Cements | CPVC | Fittings | PE | PEX | PVC | TIPS What is the difference between pipe cleaner, primer/cleaner and primer? All pipe surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with pipe cleaner. The cleaner is formulated to remove surface dirt and any oils or grease that exist on the pipe from the manufacturing process. Primer/Cleaner and Primer contain more aggressive solvents and will soften the pipe surface to allow the solvent cement to penetrate more effectively. Primer is often required by plumbing codes and sometimes a purple colored primer is needed. What temperature should solvent cements be applied? While it is recommended that the cement be applied between 40-100 degrees F, weather conditions may not make this feasible. A strong solvent welded joint can be made at temperatures below freezing, as long as the cement is fluid, cure times are extended and other handling precautions are followed. What is the difference between PVC, CPVC and ABS? These are three different types of plastic pipe used in plumbing applications that are joined by solvent cementing: PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride); CPVC (Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride); and ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene). PVC and ABS pipe are normally used for Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) systems, while CPVC is used for water distribution systems. It is important to choose the correct solvent cement based on the type of plastic pipe being used. What is the recommended cure time? The cure time is dependent on several factors. The pipe size, socket fit, ambient temperature, relative humidity, solvent cement used and the system operating pressure should all be considered when determining cure times. The following chart can be used as a guideline to determine joint cure time:
What type of applicator should be used to apply the solvent cement? Most solvent cements come with a dauber included in the can. This dauber can be used to apply cement to pipe sizes up to 3". Above 3" diameter, it is recommend the applicator (brush, roller, etc) be 1/2 the pipe diameter. Should a gelled or lumpy cement be used? It is not recommended that you attempt to thin solvent cements. The solvents in the can will evaporate if left open for extended periods of time, causing the product to thicken or gel. Do not used gelled or thickened cements on plastic pipe. What cement should be used for PVC, CPVC and ABS pipe? It is important to carefully select the proper solvent cement for your application. PVC cements should be used for PVC pipe and fittings, CPVC cements should be used for CPVC pipe and fittings and ABS cement should be used for ABS pipe and fittings. Should primer or primer/cleaner be allowed to dry before applying solvent cement? Because the primers will soften the pipe surface, it is important to apply cement to the pipe and fittings while the primer is still wet for maximum bond strength. What are Low VOC solvent cements? In areas of the country where population and geography combine to produce ozone and smog air quality issues, low volatile organic compound (VOC) products, like paints and adhesives, are either recommended, or required by law. These products have special formulations that have lower solvent content and/or use alternative solvents, like acetone, that are less reactive in the atmosphere. Solvent cements and primers are produced that meet the requirements in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). These products still must meet required levels of performance required by standards and third party certifiers. Can I use solvent cements in “green” and “sustainable” building systems, like LEED? Yes. While solvent cements contain VOC’s, the total quantity used during home construction is very small compared with other products commonly used by the gallon, like paints and other adhesives. Solvent cemented plumbing systems are essentially permanent once installed and do not need repair or reapplication. LEED V 2.2 does require the use of low VOC solvent cements in Environmental Quality credit 4.1. In order to obtain the credit point, all adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building are to meet SCAQMD rule #1168. Solvent cemented piping systems, like ABS, PVC and CPVC each find uses in sustainable plumbing systems such as gray water, subsurface irrigation and higher efficiency hot water distribution. Where can shippers of solvent cement products learn about placarding and other DOT transportation regulations? Under certain conditions, and because of their flammability, larger containers of solvent cements, cleaners and primers "offered for shipment" require special placarding of vehicles. To properly follow U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping regulations, training of employees is required. Containers with volumes under one liter are considered ORM-D (consumer commodity) by DOT and are generally exempt. DOT does not certify hazmat employees, or endorse any private sector training program or certification. Rather, the hazmat employer must choose what training is appropriate for its employees under the Hazardous Material Regulations, and certify that employees are appropriately trained. Training must be done initially with a new employee and at least every three years. Any employee whose work directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety is required to have this training. The following link: http://hazmat.dot.gov/training/mods/mod.htm contains links to pre-made DOT training materials your company may find useful.
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