Depending on the brand and intended purpose, certain varieties of quality PTFE tape may feature any of the following properties:Ĭhemically inert, meaning it won’t react with other elements - this makes it suitable for more aggressive environments where acids, gases or solvents may be present Specific types of plumber’s tape may also boast any number of other important qualities which make it even better suited to particular tasks or environments. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at a some of the main properties of PTFE thread sealant and lubrication tape, explore what it should and shouldn’t be used for, and outline a few of the most popular varieties of PTFE tapes for sale in the UK and beyond.Īs previously mentioned, one key characteristic of PTFE thread seal tape is that it’s water-repellant, which makes it ideal for use in a wide range of plumbing and ductwork applications.Īnother of its most prized qualities is that it’s a very low friction material, which is why it’s very often used mainly to lubricate joint threads in piping: a layer of PTFE tape around the threads of a joint can make it much easier to screw more tightly together, and to uncouple the mating parts later on. This makes PTFE tape incredibly useful for a wide range of plumbing and pipework jobs - which is why you’ll find a thread seal tape of some kind in almost every well-stocked plumbing or pipework toolkit.īut what exactly is plumber’s tape designed for, and which different varieties can be used for which specific tasks? Among PTFE’s key material characteristics are the fact that it’s both extremely low friction, and is hydrophobic (meaning it repels water). PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is a bit of a mouthful, but plumber’s tape is essentially a long strip of synthetic polymer film sold on a spool. Plumber’s seal tapes sometimes come in a plastic cover or casing, to protect and preserve the adhesive material better during toolbox storage. Much like all types of professional adhesive tapes, it’s usually sold pre-cut to a range of specified widths on small rolls or spools. Thread seal tape is thus required to seal any spiral leak paths or voids that may exist between threads on the fitting and the port, while also limiting corrosion on the threads, which otherwise can make future disassembly nearly impossible.PTFE tape, often referred to casually as thread seal tape or ‘plumber’s tape’, is a simple but highly versatile thread sealant and lubricating material, used primarily in piping and ductwork applications. Tapered threads provide the mechanical strength, however, the main disadvantage is that voids in the connection can still remain once the mating threads are drawn together, resulting in the potential for leakage and galling, especially since there is no other sealing mechanism besides the thread themselves. Tapered threads form a seal when torqued as the flanks of the threads compress against each other, as opposed to parallel/straight thread fittings or compression fittings in which the threads merely hold the pieces together and do not provide the seal. It is designed for use on tapered/pipe threads where the sealing force is a wedge action, to ensure the most effective seal for the transport of liquids, gases, steam, and hydraulic fluid through pipes made from materials such as steel, brass, PTFE, nylon, bronze, and cast iron. ![]() PTFE Thread Seal Tape is commonly used commercially in applications including pressurised water systems, central heating systems, and air compression equipment. The tape also works as a deformable filler and thread lubricant, helping to seal the joint without hardening or making it more difficult to tighten – instead, making it easier to tighten. It lubricates, allowing for a deeper seating of the threads, thereby helping to prevent the threads from seizing when being unscrewed. PTFE Thread Seal Tape (also known as 'PTFE Tape', 'Teflon Tape', or 'Plumber's Tape') is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. Made of 100% PTFE, it is resistant to most common chemicals, sealing threaded pipe connections up to 9.5mm (3/8 inch) in diameter, at temperatures between -268 oC and +260 oC. ![]() PTFE Thread Sealant Tape (White) is a high-density tape of approximately 0.3g/cm 3, which is generally used as an allrounder, and for less critical applications.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |