How to Make Solvent Cement for PVC Pipe
Introduction:
Solvent cement is a compound of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and plasticizers, compounded together by solvent. The hardening effect of the cement comes from the chemical reaction between the compounds used.
The usual solvents are alcohol, acetone, benzene, etc. However, to ensure that there’s no problem with environmental pollution, you can use acetone and some impurities in paint thinner (containing white spirit). In this article, I will discuss how to make solvent cement for PVC pipe. SO let s get started.
Why is Solvent Cement Used For PVC Pipes?
There are two main categories of solvent cement; those used on CPVC and those used on PVC.
PVC Solvent Cements have a plasticizer called diethyl phthalate that helps bring the PVC pipe into contact with the fitting, making for an efficient seal.
This also makes it is easier to remove at a later time if necessary since removing solvent-cement pipes takes heat and isn’t easy or quick if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Please note that while it is possible to join PVC pipes using CPVC solvent cement, there are some drawbacks to this technique which are noted below. In particular, the presence of polyvinyl alcohol, as opposed to DOP (PVC), can make it more difficult to clean up once you’re finished.
What Does Solvent Cement Do?
Solvent cement like the one shown here is used to join PVC pipe and fittings together. The cement will soften the PVC pipe (so that it is flexible enough to wrap around a fitting) and bond the two together so they don’t leak. It will also lengthen the time before they need to be removed since solvent cement allows for a tight joint that won’t come apart without special effort during normal use.
Step-wise Guide on How to Make Solvent Cement for PVC Pipe:
Preparation of Solvent Cement
The ratio of cement, water and solvent in the mix is 1:4:3, but the exact ratio depends on the quality (grade) of cement used. The ingredients are mixed to ensure there are no lumps when pouring it into the pipe. If any lumps are formed during mixing, break them by rubbing between your palms. Pipe line is important to take into account when choosing the size of cement. If a small pipe is being repaired, the cement mix will be very thick and difficult to pour into the pipe. Likewise, if the cement is too loose, it may not have enough holding power to hold the repair in place.
1 Part Cement
Ensure that dry ingredients are sifted before measuring. A pinch from the upper and lower sides will give you an estimated idea about how much quantity you require for making solvents cement. For a bucket-sized cement mix, use 60 – 70 Kgs cement, 3 – 4 liters water, and 25-30 Ltr solvent.
2 Part Water
Tap water is used for making solvents cement for PVC pipe. But if you want to use distilled or RO purified water, then also it will be fine. Do not use hard water as it will increase the slowness of setting time.
3 Part Solvent
Chloroform or dichloromethane (whichever is available in your country) are often used as solvent material. Some people also prefer using thinner, but this one is a hazardous chemical.
Please handle this with extreme care when pouring it into pipes and mixing it with other ingredients. Wear gloves to avoid contact with eyes. Please do not go near it when smoking, etc.
· Ensure that the solvent is in its liquid state while mixing with cement and water; otherwise, there will be chances of clogging pipe joints during later stages of construction, which may create a huge problem (like re-work, rejection of concrete, etc.).
When mixing cement for pipes, be sure that the temperature of the solvent is above 20 degrees C. If necessary, heat it above this limit by keeping it in sunlight or using another method if the weather is cold outside.
But after ensuring its temperature, do not let it become hot as the hot solvent can decrease the strength of the cement mixture.
Make sure the solvent is fresh and in liquid form when you pour it into water. Sometimes it may crystallize or coagulate if it’s been stored for a long time, so filter it off with a fine filtration system (like a sieve) before using it.
If we are buying ready-made solvent cement from the market, then also follow the same way as we do with cement mix at our end by checking its freshness, smell, etc·
Store these two, i.e., Chloroform / Dichloromethane and Cement, separately in separate containers after purchase so that no chemical reaction takes place between both of them while stored for future use, which can create lumps / harden cement over a period of time.
4 Part Water
This solvent cement is only for diluting purposes and not to be used as part of the final mixture, as you can see from the ratio example above.
Mixing Procedure / Making Solvent Cement:
Now we will make solvent cement over a period of 3 days to achieve consistency at our end for making PVC pipes using this material.
On Day-1, let’s prepare a mixture by adding cement, water, and chloroform (or Dichloromethane) in a 1:3 ratio. Slowly mix them with the fine, stirring attachment of the machine being used, or use a handheld stick blender for effective mixing with least efforts. This will ensure that all three ingredients mix smoothly.
Conclusion:
I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to make solvent cement for PVC pipe. Thank you and have a nice day!
You may read also – How to Connect PEX to PVC
