The following is an excerpt from The Complete Guide To Solvent Cement & CPVC Fire Protection Systems. Download the full guide to discover more on what solvent cement is, how it works, the process for utilizing it in fire sprinkler applications and special considerations for successful installation.
When installing chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) fire sprinkler systems, there are a few different ways to join the piping and fittings. However, BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems recommends solvent cement welding because it’s quick, simple, and highly reliable.
Solvent cement welding is a fast, easy installation process that uses solvents and CPVC resin to chemically fuse the pipe and fitting together at the molecular level. In the end, using solvent cement doesn’t just adhere two pieces together—it creates one continuous piece of plastic. The joint becomes the strongest part of a piping system.
What is Solvent Cement?
Solvent cement is made up of CPVC resin, stabilizers and fillers blended in a cocktail of solvents. These solvents serve two purposes:
- Prepare the surface of the pipe and fitting.
- Dissolve the CPVC resin.
When applied to the pipe and fitting, the solvents soften and dissolve the top layer of the pipe and fitting material, unbinding the surface molecules. The interference fit forces the pipe and fittings into a snug position when they are pushed together, and the freed surface molecules entangle, fusing the two pieces together. As the solvent evaporates, the molecules harden again, creating a permanent bond between the pipe and fittings.
When applied correctly and fully cured, the solvents don’t weaken the material’s structural integrity and the fused joint takes on the same characteristics and capabilities of the piping material itself. This helps to maintain the life expectancy, high distortion temperature, pressure rating, and safety qualities throughout the system.
Learn More About Solvent Cement and BlazeMaster CPVC Pipe and Fittings
Interested in learning more? Download The Complete Guide To Solvent Cement & CPVC Fire Protection Systems for details on why solvent cement is the recommended joining method for CPVC applications.
In this guide, you’ll also discover:
- How solvent cement works.
- The process for utilizing solvent cement in fire sprinkler applications.
- Special considerations for successful installation, including cure times and weather-specific adjustments.
- How and why solvent cement can save you time and money.
If you still have questions, contact one of our CPVC experts for more technical advice and information.
