UL® performs various tests to determine the suitability of a pipe sealants for a particular use. The classification does not state the strength of the product or the maximum sealing pressure for other uses.
Permabond LH050 is classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.® for use in devices handling gasoline, petroleum oils, and natural gas (pressure not over 300 psig) not exceeding 2 in. pipe size; propane and butane not exceeding 1 in. pipe size.
and
Permabond LH050 is classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.® for use in sprinkler system and water spray system piping not exceeding 2 in. pipe size containing air, nitrogen, water, propylene glycol or glycerol antifreeze solutions.
For clarification, in the first statement, the 300 psig limitation is only for natural gas as tested by UL®. UL® tested LH050 to 450 psig on natural gas to provide the classification of 300 psig. UL® does not test the pipe sealant to failure but stops at 450 psig.
Similarly, Permabond LH150 is classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ® for use in devices handling gasoline, petroleum oils, and natural gas (pressure not over 100 psig) propane and butane not exceeding 2 in. Again the 100 psig refers only to the natural gas and that value is granted based on testing with propane or butane.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Thread Sealant
When choosing a pipe sealant for your application, it’s important to consider the follow metrics and whether they match with the specifications of the application at hand:
- Pipe material: plastic, metal or synthetic pipe materials can each require different pipe sealants.
- Temperature: the pipe sealant must be able to function in the working temperature range of the application.
- Pressure: the pipe sealant must be able to function in the working pressure range of the application.
- Type of pipe sealant: 3 main types of pipe sealants include PTFE, anaerobic, or pipe joint compounds – each suitable for different types of applications.
What is the strength of Permabond Thread Sealants?
In most cases we’ve determined that there is an instant seal of up to 1000 psi and after full cure, the pipe sealant will in general exceed the burst rating of the pipe.
How does anaerobic pipe thread sealant work?
Like all anaerobic adhesive sealants, it takes two things to cause cure – eliminate oxygen + provide metal ions. So when confined from oxygen between the metal threads cure occurs. They form a seal which is inert to water, steam, hydrocarbons, most acids, solvents, and glycol-based products.
In addition to products that are UL® Classified for specific needs, pipe sealants are available with WRAS, DVGW, and NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water. There are also hydraulics grades which are unfilled resins that contain no particles which might clog or foul hydraulic screens and valves.
PERMABOND LH050 Anaerobic Thread Sealant
Description
UL Classification
Features & Benefits of Thread Sealants
- Full cure seal to the burst rating of pipe
- Easy to use and apply
- Directional freedom
- Does not contain solvents
- Excellent chemical and temperature resistance
- Cures at room temperature
- Will not shred, tear or cause blockages
Physical Properties of Permabond LH050 Uncured Adhesive
| Chemical composition | Methacrylate esters |
| Appearance |
White |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 250,000 mPa.s (cP) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.1 |
| Particle size | <10µm |
| UV fluorescence | No |
Typical Permabond LH050 Curing Properties
| Maximum gap fill | 0.5 mm 0.02 in |
| Time taken to reach handling
strength (M10 steel) @23°C |
2 hours* |
| Full strength (M10 steel) @23°C | 24 hours |
*Copper and its alloys will make the adhesive cure more quickly, while oxidized or passivated surfaces (like stainless steel) will reduce cure speed. To reduce curing time, use Permabond activator A905 or ASC10. Alternatively, increasing the curing temperature will reduce curing time.
Typical Performance of Cured Permabond LH050 Adhesive
| Torque strength (M10 steel ISO10964) | Break 4 N·m 35 in.lb
Prevail 3 N·m 25 in.lb |
| Compressive shear strength (steel collar & pin ISO10123) |
7 MPa 1000 psi |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 90 x 10-6 mm/mm/°K |
| Coefficient of thermal conductivity |
0.19 W/(m.K) |
Permabond LH050 Chemical Resistance
| 1000 Hour immersion | Temperature, °C (°F) | Pressure, psi | Results |
| 50% Antifreeze / 50% water solution | 126 (260) | 60 | No leak |
| Brake fluid | 150 (300) | 60 | No leak |
| Differential lube | 150 (300) | 60 | No leak |
| 5W/30 Engine oil | 150 (300) | 60 | No leak |
| Transmission fluid | 150 (300) | 60 | No leak |
| Diesel fuel #2 | 25 (77) | 60 | No leak |
| ASTM fuel C | 25 (77) | 60 | No leak |
| Water, steam | 198 (390) | 60 | No leak |
| Air | 150 (300) | 60 | No leak |
This product is not recommended for use in contact with oxygen, oxygen-rich systems and other strong oxidizing materials. This product may adversely affect some thermoplastics and users must check the compatibility of the product with such substrates before using.
Surface Preparation
Though the anaerobic adhesives will tolerate a slight degree of surface contamination, best results are obtained on clean, dry and grease free surfaces. The use of a suitable solvent-based cleaner (such as acetone or isopropanol) is recommended. To reduce the curing time, especially on inactive surfaces (such as zinc, aluminium and stainless steel), the use of Permabond® A905 or ASC10 can be considered.
Directions for Use
- Prevent the tip from touching metal surfaces during application.
- Apply Permabond LH050 Thread Sealant onto the leading 3-4 threads half way around the male pipe for pipes up to 1½ inches in diameter. For larger pipes, apply completely around the pipe.
- Screw fittings together. Permabond pipe sealants will seal even when the direction the pipe must face does not allow the complete seating of the threads.
- Visually inspect for a bead of pipe sealant around the entire pipe. If the sealant isn’t visible around the circumference, repeat the steps above using more sealant.
Permabond LH050 is designed for use on threaded metallic pipe joints; not recommended for use on plastic components.
Pipe sealing instructions [Video]
How to seal threaded pipe joints with anaerobic thread sealant.
