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Solvent Cement Welding Corzan® CPVC

Solvent cement welding is a fast, easy installation process that uses solvents and resin to chemically fuse Corzan® CPVC pipe and fittings together at the molecular level to create one continuous piece of plastic. Solvent cement is not glue: Glues rely on cohesion force to remain joined, whereas solvent welding is a chemical reaction that makes a single piece of Corzan CPVC from separate pieces.

The following information is an overview of instructions created by the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association. Always defer to local codes governing which joining methods are acceptable in your area. There are different types of solvent cements, so always choose the correct solvent cement and primer for each specific installation, deferring to manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

For in-depth information and practical how-to advice on how solvent cement creates the strongest piping systems, access our free guide.

Fitting Preparation

Once pipe has been cut to the desired length and ensuring that both pipes and fittings are at the same temperature, begin by beveling the pipe end with a chamfering tool. Next, wipe the fitting socket and pipe end with a clean, dry rag to remove dirt, burrs, filings and moisture. Moisture can slow the curing, and at this stage of assembly excessive water can reduce the joint strength. Then check the dry fit of the pipe and fitting: The pipe should enter the fitting socket easily 1/3 to 2/3 of the depth. If the pipe bottoms in the fitting with little interference, extra solvent cement should be used to prepare the joint.

Primer Application

Use primer conforming to ASTM F656. Primer is needed to prepare the bonding area for the addition of the cement and subsequent assembly. It is important that a proper applicator be used to apply a heavy, even coat. A dauber, swab or paintbrush approximately half the size of the pipe diameter is appropriate. A rag should not be used. Primer is applied to both the outside of the pipe end and inside of the fitting socket, re-dipping the applicator as necessary to ensure that the entire surface of both is tacky. Too little cement can result in gaps and leak paths, while too much cement can puddle and soften the material.

Solvent Cement Application

For most applications, use only solvent cement conforming to ASTM F493. Contact Corzan CPVC support or the solvent cement manufacturer for recommendations for harsh chemical applications. Solvent cement must be applied when the pipe surface is tacky, but not wet, from primer. Joining surfaces must be penetrated and softened. Cement should be applied with a natural bristle brush or swab half the size of the pipe diameter. A dauber may be used to apply cement on pipe sizes below 2 inches. A heavy, even coat of cement should be applied to the outside of the pipe end, and a medium coat should be applied to the inside of the fitting socket. Pipe sizes greater than 2 inches should receive a second coat of cement on the pipe end.

Assembly

After cement application, the pipe should immediately be inserted into the fitting socket and rotated 1/8 to 1/2 turn until the fitting-stop is reached. The fitting should be properly aligned for installation at this time and the pipe must meet the bottom of the fitting socket. The assembly should then be held in place for ten to 30 seconds to ensure initial bonding and to avoid push-out. A bead of cement should be evident around the pipe and fitting juncture. If this bead is not continuous around the socket shoulder, it may indicate that insufficient cement was applied. In this case, the fitting should be discarded and the joint reassembled. Cement exceeding the bead may be wiped off with a rag.

For 6-inch or larger diameter pipe, a pipe puller (also called a come-a-long) is recommended to assemble the joint and hold it in place for the initial set time without applying excess force that may damage the pipe or fitting. This equipment should be set up prior to the start of priming so the assembly can happen quickly while primer and cement are still fluid.

Set and Cure Times

Solvent cement set times and cure times are a function of pipe size, temperature, relative humidity and tightness of fit. Drying time is faster for drier environments, smaller pipe sizes, high temperatures and tighter fits.

The assembly must be allowed to set, without any stress on the joint, per the time shown in the following tables. Following the initial set period, the assembly can be handled carefully avoiding significant stresses to the joint.

Recommended Set Times

corzan-set-times

Recommended Cure Times

Corzan Piping Cure Times

Extra care should be exercised when systems are assembled in extreme temperature conditions. Additional set and cure times should be allowed when the temperature is below 40°F (4°C). When the temperature is above 100°F (38°C), the assembler should ensure that both surfaces to be joined are still wet with cement before joining them.

VIDEO: Solvent Welding Corzan CPVC

Watch this video for a step by step approach to preparing and solvent welding Corzan pipes and fittings.

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