Pipe dopes harden quickly and produce a moderate to strong seal.ĭisadvantages. Their chemical composition is compatible with all pipe materials, including plastic. Pipe dopes are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. Pipe dope is usually applied to threaded components with a brush or spatula.Īdvantages. This condition creates the potential for the dope to pull away from the thread walls or crack, allowing leaks to develop. The resulting seal adheres to all plastic and metal pipes and effectively blocks leak paths.īecause it contains solvents, pipe dope has a tendency to shrink over time as the solvent dissipates. The material relies on a solvent carrier and hardens when the solvent evaporates. Pipe dope has been used in industrial applications for decades. Teflon tape offers no resistance to vibration and should be avoided in high-pressure systems. Widely used in plumbing, this material is adequate for assembling standard water pipes and fittings. Teflon tape may be dislodged during pipe adjustments, allowing leak paths to form. Bits of torn tape can migrate into a fluid system, clogging valves, screens, and filters. Because the tape is thin and fragile, it is prone to tearing when pipes are being assembled and tightened. Teflon tape does not adhere to thread flanks, and does not provide a secure seal. The product is easy to carry and store, and has an indefinite shelf life.ĭisadvantages. It supplies sufficient lubrication to enable pipe system components to be easily assembled without damage to threads. Teflon tape can be applied quickly with no mess. During installation, the tape must be carefully wrapped in the direction of the threads or it unravels and tears.Īdvantages. The tape may have the effect of clogging the thread path, but it does not actually adhere to surfaces as a true sealant should. Strictly speaking, Teflon tape is not a thread sealant (Fig. The inherent slipperiness of the material makes assembly easier. The purpose of this white, nonsticking tape is to serve as a lubricant when threaded parts of a piping system are being assembled. Each type has properties to recommend its use. The experience of the technician and availability of the product dictate which one is used. There are three basic types of pipe sealants in use today: teflon tape, pipe dope, and anaerobic resin compounds. But reaching for the nearest pipe joint sealing material can lead to serious problems, including leaks, pipe system damage, contamination, and plant downtime.Īs the name suggest, pipe sealants, also known as pipe joint compounds, seal threaded pipe fittings and block the leak path along the threads. Looking into any maintenance technician’s tool box or a plant’s supply closet likely turns up some type of pipe thread sealant.
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