SOLVENT CEMENT

FOR THE FUSION OF

CHLORINATED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

PIPES AND FITTINGS

1.0 INTRIDUCTION

Solvent cement is a binder developed from the mixture of Chlorinated Polyvinyl

chloride resin, stabilizers and fillers dissolved in a solvent. The solvent serve two
purposes:

1) To dissolve the CPVC,

2) To prepare the surface of the pipe and fitting material by loosening its
molecular structure.

The fitting socket has a tapper which creates an interference fit that ensures
contact between the pipe and fitting. The CPVC resin fills in any gap that may
exist.

Solvent cement viscosity can be classified into one of the three categories:

1) Regular bodied,

2) Medium bodied, and

3) Heavy bodied.

The proper cement category for a piping system is determined by the CPVC
pipe diameter, schedule and application.

2. JOINING MECHANISM

• Solvent cement is a preferred joining mechanism for CPVC piping because

it is a fast, easy and incredibly reliable joining method. They fuse the CPVC
material together, creating one uniformly bonded piece of plastic. The fused
joints help to maintain the life expectancy, chemical resistance, high
 distortion temperature, pressure rating, and safety qualities throughout the
system.

3. GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING SOLVENT CEMENT

The ASTM standard specification for solvent cements for Chlorinated

Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe and fittings (F493) provides the
following guidelines for selecting solvent cement. This is just a guide and
Engineers should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation:

3.1 CPVC CEMENTS FOR SCHEDULE 40 INTERFERENCE

Pipe size Cement Type Min. Viscocity Min. Wet Film

Range (in.)

1/8 to 2 Regular Bodied 90 (90) 0.006 (0.15)

2 ½ to 6 Medium Bodied 500 (500) 0.012 (0.30)

6 to 12 Heavy Bodied 1600 (1600) 0.024 (0.60)

3.2 CPVC CEMENT FOR SCHEDULE 80 PIPING

Pipe Size Cement Type Min.Viscocity Min. Wet Film

Range (in.)

1/8 to 1.1/4 Medium Bodied 500 (500) 0.012 (0.30)

1.1/2 to 6 Heavy Bodied 1600 (1600) 0.024 (0.60)

3.3 SOLVENT CEMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Manufacturers of solvent cement recommends that heavy bodied solvent cement be

used for industrial application since they contain more resin and less solvent. In
this case, a primer should be used. A primer is an additional solvent applied to the
fittings and pipes to help soften the material and free the surface molecules. The
softening process is further done when the solvent cement is applied which creates
a strong pipe and fitting connection.

3.4 SOLVENT CEMENT FOR HIGHLY CORROSIVE APPLICATIONS

Another class of solvent cement is engineered for industrial system which requires
more aggressive and highly corrosive stream applications. The solvent cement
solutions do not contain fillers that can be attacked by certain chemicals that will
degrade the system. For appropriate application, Engineers are cautioned to check
the manufacturer’s label of the solvent cement.

4. STEPS IN THE JOINING PROCESS OF CPVC

 Cutting of CPVC:

Use tools designed for use with the plastic pipe and fittings like ratchet
cutter, wheel type plastic tubing cutter, a power saw or a fine toothed saw.

Ensure the CPVC is cut squarely by usinga miter box.

Don’t use a dull or broken cutting tool blade.

 Chamfering and Deburring of CPVC

Remove burrs and filings which can prevent proper contact between the pipe
and fittings and may put undue stress on the assembly. Place a slight bevel at
the end of the pipe.
 PREPARING THE FITTING

Loose soil and/or moisture can slow cure times and reduce the joint strength.
Make sure the fit is good by checking that the pipe enters the fitting socket
easily 1/3 to 2/3 of the depth.

Note: If the pipe bottoms in the fitting with little interference, try a new
fitting.

 PRIMER APPLICATION

 SOLVENT CEMENT APPLICATION

 ASSEMBLY

 SET AND CURE

4.1 CHLORINATED POLYVINYLCHLORIDE PIPE AND FITTING

 A thermoplastic produced by chlorination of Polyvinyl Chloride resin, which

is more flexible and can withstand higher temperatures than the PVC itself.

 CPVC is usually the chosen material for hot water applications while PVC
is for cold water applications like irrigation and drainage.

 The maximum service temperature is 200F. To determine the max. working

pressure of the pipe at the elevated temperature chosen, multiply the
working pressure rating of the selected pipe at 73F by the appropriate de-
rating factor.

 CPVC is available in nominal pipe sizes and copper tube sizes while PVC
comes in nominal pipe sizes only.

 CPVC and PVC can be glued together because technically, CPVC solvent
cement will work on PVC piping. However, it is recommended that the
correct weld-on primer and PVC solvent cement for the particular
application should be used. PVC solvent cement is not recommended for
CPVC piping due to its temperature limitations.

4.2 Standards for Solvent Cement for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
Pipes and Fittings

• ASTM D2846 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

(CPVC) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems

• ASTM F441 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

(CPVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedule 40 and 80
 • ASTM F442 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(CPVC) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR)

• ASTM F438 - Standard Specification for Socket-Type Chlorinated

Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40

• ASTM F439 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)

(CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80

• ASTM F493 - Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated

Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings

• CSA International B137.6 - CPVC Pipe, Tubing and Fittings for Hot and
Cold Water Distribution Systems

5. CONCLUSION

 It is important to adhere to the standards for suitable solvent cement(s) for

joining pipes and fittings made from chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride).

 They shall be useful in manufacturing, marketing and/or importation of

solvent cement(s). Plumbers and other users of the product shall find it
useful. Mostly, it shall be used as a quality guide/safety and reference in the
selection of proper solvent cement(s) for CPVC products.

Thanks for your attention.