What is Thread Sealant: Your Complete Guide

What is thread sealant?

This compound fills the gaps between the threaded pipe and fitting connections. With a reliable thread sealant, you can prevent the leakage of any fluid and gases. These materials can also lubricate the threads, giving an easier and quicker assembly process.

Thread sealants have two primary forms: paste or liquid compound and tape.

Where do you apply thread sealant?

Thread sealants are usually applied to pipes and fittings. You can also use it on bolts and sensors for specific functions.

Other industrial applications of thread sealants are as follows:

• Automotive industries
• Chemical processing
• Distribution industries
• Industrial plant fluid power systems
• Gas compression
• Marine industries
• Petroleum refinement
• Textile
• Pulp/paper
• Utilities or power generation
• Waste treatment

How to choose the suitable thread sealant for your application?

Choosing the most suitable thread sealant for your application is vital for safety and function. To determine which type you should use for each function, consider the following factors:

• Temperature

Liquid sealants can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal as high-temperature sealants. Meanwhile, a standard PTFE tape can perform best within the range of -200°C to + 260°C. Avoid going higher than that with tape sealants to prevent decay.

• Pressure

For high-pressure thread requirements, it's best to opt for liquid thread sealants. This variant holds better resistance from vibration compared to PTFE tape.

• Curing time

If you need a quick fix, the PTFE tape is your best option. Liquid sealants are not applicable for quick assembly and usage due to their curing time of up to 24 hours.

• Ease of application

PTFE thread seal tapes are relatively easy to install compared to other plasters.

• Wear and tear

While liquid sealants cure longer than the others, you can ensure they won't crack or shrink. On the other hand, PTFE tape is more prone to tearing during installation. It also tends to enter the system, eventually clogging it.

• Cost

PTFE thread seal tapes might be the most inexpensive option, but their use is also limited. Liquid thread sealant, on the other hand, is the most cost-effective. Its range of applications covers several materials, pressures, and temperatures.

• Media

For hydraulics, the most commonly used thread sealant is liquid. Both PTFE tape and liquid sealants have approved variants for DVGW application. Still, you must take note of the possible temperature and pressure limits of each approval.

• Approvals

You can use various sealants for your particular needs. Still, you must ensure that each type passes certain approvals of your requirements. The most common licenses are for gas application (DVGW), water application (WRAS), oxygen (BAM), and drinking water (NFS).

What thread sealant should you use?

To determine which type of thread sealant you should use for specific applications, please refer to this list:

• 8-5811 Thread Sealant

  • Potable water, variable pressure
  • An anaerobic sealant
  • Best used on stainless steel threads
  • No need for surface activation
  • Ideal for applications in gases, water, LPG, oils, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals
  • Excellent in preventing migration of the sealant before or during curing

• 8452 Thread Sealant

  • Fast curing, all thread types, low viscosity
  • Best used for hydraulic and pneumatic fittings in high-temperature environments
  • Provides low-pressure resistance to all thread types immediately after application
  • Ideal for applications in gases, water, LPG, oils, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals
  • Excellent for threads up to 25mm (1")

• 8567 Thread Sealant

  • Thick white paste consistency
  • High lubrication, coarse fittings, high viscosity
  • Contains PTFE promoting advanced lubrication
  • Ideal for coarse metal threads, pipes, and fittings, also for all metal types
  • Provides an instant, low-pressure lock and seal to ensure no leakage occurs before cure
  • Prevents corrosion and will not shrink
  • Ideal for threads up to 76mm (3")

• 8569 Thread Sealant

  • General purpose, multi-use, low viscosity
  • Best used for applications on fine metal threads that require a guaranteed and lasting seal
  • Ideal for hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
  • Resistant to loosening from vibration and shock
  • Prevents corrosion and will not shrink
  • Ideal for threads up to 19mm (¾ )

• 8577 Thread Sealant

  • Has thick viscosity and is yellow
  • An anaerobic sealant
  • Delivers instant low-pressure resistance for all metal threads on pipes, joints, and fittings
  • Best used for potable water and gas with a WRAS approval
  • Ideal for threads up to 76mm (¾ )

• Pink PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • A heavy-duty density tape
  • Made up of 100% PTFE
  • Ideal for sealing connections between 12.7mm (½) and 51mm (2")

• White PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • An all-rounder
  • Best used for less critical applications than the pink tape
  • Made of 100% PTFE
  • Ideal for sealing connections up to 9.5mm (3/8'')

• Yellow PTFE Thread Seal Tape

  • A premium high-density tape
  • Made of 100% PTFE
  • Best used for critical applications with natural gas, oxygen, or large and coarse threads
  • Ideal for threads between 12.7 mm (½") and 51mm (2")

How to apply thread sealant?

To have a successful thread sealant application, please follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of sealant that best suits the requirements of your application. Remember the factors that you need to consider listed above.
2. Clean and degrease your threads to ensure the proper adherence of your sealant to the materials.
3. Apply your thread sealant.

1. For tape sealants: Wrap the PTFE tape around the male thread in a clockwise direction. During this phase, the tape should assume the shape of the thread. Avoid covering the end of the thread with tape so it won't go into the system. Make sure that enough tape can fill the gap between the threads. Otherwise, the excessive tape will not make a full threaded connection, thus making the assembly prone to tear. When the conjunction is made, you can't unscrew it anymore.
2. For liquid sealants: Use a brush to apply the sealant to the male threads. Make sure that only enough liquid sealant can fill the gap between the threads. The excessive sealant may exit the threads, thus wasted. You can no longer unscrew the connection after it is made.
1. Check for leakage

How to remove a fitting with thread sealant?

You need to remove the existing thread sealant before applying a new layer on an undone threaded connection. To properly remove a fitting with thread sealant, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the parts by unscrewing the threads.
2. Apply a solvent-based media on the area to dissolve the sealant material. You can either spray the solvent or submerge the parts in it.
3. Wipe clean the threads once the sealant is dissolved.
4. Rinse with water and let dry.

For a safe and guaranteed seal, get quality thread sealants from your trusted specialists. Industrial & Automotive Parts have the best materials in the market suited for your every need.

Need expert assistance? Reach out to our experienced team to discuss your specific requirements.