ASTM D2855-96(2002)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Fittings
Standard Practice for Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Fittings
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The techniques described herein can be used to produce strong pressure-tight joints between PVC pipe and fittings, either in shop operations or in the field. However, skill and knowledge on the part of the operator are required to obtain a good quality joint. This skill and knowledge can be obtained by making joints under the guidance of skilled operators and testing them until good quality joints are obtained.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for making joints with poly(vinyl chloride) plastic (PVC) pipes, both plain ends and fittings, and bell ends, by means of solvent cements. These procedures are general ones for PVC piping. In non-pressure applications, simplified procedures may be used. Manufacturers should supply specific instructions for their particular products, if and when it seems necessary.
1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to PVC pipe, both plain and bell-end, and fittings of the same classes as described in Specification D 1784.
1.3 Pipe and fittings are manufactured within certain tolerances to provide for the small variations in the extrusion, belling, and molding processes and are not to exact size. A partial list of standards for PVC pipe, fittings, and cements suitable for use in making solvent-cemented joints is given in Appendix X1.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the practice.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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An American National Standard
Designation: D2855 – 96 (Reapproved 2002)
Standard Practice for
Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Pipe and Fittings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2855; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to
Plastics
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for making joints
D1784 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
with poly(vinyl chloride) plastic (PVC) pipes, both plain ends
Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
andfittings,andbellends,bymeansofsolventcements.These
(CPVC) Compounds
procedures are general ones for PVC piping. In non-pressure
D2564 Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl
applications, simplified procedures may be used. Manufactur-
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
ers should supply specific instructions for their particular
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements, Prim-
products, if and when it seems necessary.
ers, and Cleaners Used for JoiningThermoplastic Pipe and
1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to PVC
Fittings
pipe,bothplainandbell-end,andfittingsofthesameclassesas
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
described in Specification D1784.
F656 Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement
1.3 Pipe and fittings are manufactured within certain toler-
Joints of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and
ances to provide for the small variations in the extrusion,
Fittings
belling, and molding processes and are not to exact size. A
partial list of standards for PVC pipe, fittings, and cements
3. Terminology
suitable for use in making solvent-cemented joints is given in
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
Appendix X1.
nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
nology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
information only.
4. Summary of Practice
1.5 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes
4.1 To consistently make good joints, the following should
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
be clearly understood and adhered to:
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
4.1.1 The joining surfaces must be softened (dissolved) and
as requirements of the practice.
made semi-fluid.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1.2 Sufficient cement must be applied to fill the gap
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
between pipe and fitting.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.3 Assembly of pipe and fittings must be made while the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
surfaces are still wet and fluid.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.4 Jointstrengthdevelopsasthecementdries.Inthetight
2. Referenced Documents part of the joint the surfaces will tend to fuse together; in the
2 loose part the cement will bond to both surfaces.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2 Penetration and dissolving can be achieved by the
D740 Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone
cementitself,byasuitableprimer,orbytheuseofbothprimer
and cement. A suitable primer will penetrate and dissolve the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
plastic more quickly than cement alone. In cold weather, more
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining.
time and additional applications are required (see Fig. 1).
Current edition approved March 10, 1996. Published May 1996. Originally
4.3 More than sufficient cement to fill the loose part of the
published as D2855–70. Last previous edition D2855–93. DOI: 10.1520/D2855-
96R02.
joint must be applied (see Fig. 2). Besides filling the gap,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
adequate cement layers will penetrate the surfaces and also
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
remain wet until the joint is assembled.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D2855 – 96 (2002)
FIG. 1 Areas of Pipe and Fittings to Be Softened (Dissolved) and
Penetrated
FIG. 4 Bonded and Fused Surfaces of Joined Pipe
goodqualityjoint.Thisskillandknowledgecanbeobtainedby
making joints under the guidance of skilled operators and
testing them until good quality joints are obtained.
6. Materials
6.1 Pipe and Fittings—The pipe and fittings should meet
therequirementsofcurrentapplicablePVCpipingstandards.A
list of these standards is given in Appendix X1.
6.2 Solvent Cement:
FIG. 2 Cement Coatings of Sufficient Thickness
6.2.1 Specification—Thesolventcementshouldmeetallthe
requirements of Specification D2564.
4.4 If the cement coatings on the pipe and fittings are wet
6.2.2 Selection—PVC solvent cements are available in a
and fluid when assembly takes place, they will tend to flow
variety of viscosities and wet film thicknesses to cover the
together and become one cement layer. Also, if the cement is
range of pipe sizes from ⁄8 to 12 in. and for interference-fit
wet the surfaces beneath them will still be soft, and these
joints as well as noninterference joints, as found in some
dissolved surfaces in the tight part of the joint will tend to fuse
Schedule 80 pipe and fittings. One of the general principles of
together (see Fig. 3).
solvent cementing that should be strictly adhered to is: suffi-
4.5 As the solvent dissipates, the cement layer and the
cient cement must be applied to fill the gap between pipe and
dissolvedsurfaceswillhardenwithacorrespondingincreasein
fitting.
joint strength. A good joint will take the required working
6.2.2.1 Theabilityofasolventcementtofillagapinapipe
pressure long before the joint is fully dry and final strength is
joint can be determined by considering its viscosity and
obtained. In the tight (fused) part of the joint, strength will
wet-film thickness (see Note X3.1). A guide to the proper
develop more quickly than in the looser (bonded) part of the
selectionofasolventcementforthevariouspipesizesisgiven
joint. Completed joints should not be disturbed until they have
inTable X3.1 andTable X3.2, where PVC solvent cements are
cured sufficiently to withstand handling. Joint strength devel-
classified (for purposes of identification) as regular-bodied,
ops as the cement dries. Information about the development of
medium-bodied, and heavy-bodied cement based on minimum
bond strength of solvent cemented joints is available (see Fig.
viscosity and minimum wet-film thickness.
4).
6.2.3 Storage—PVC solvent cements should be stored in a
cool place except when actually in use at the job site. These
5. Significance and Use
cements have a limited shelf life when not stored in hermeti-
5.1 The techniques described herein can be used to produce
cally sealed containers. Screw top containers are not consid-
strong pressure-tight joints between PVC pipe and fittings,
ered to be hermetically sealed. Consult the cement manufac-
either in shop operations or in the field. However, skill and
turer for specific storage recommendations on storage
knowledge on the part of the operator are required to obtain a
conditions and shelf life. The cement is unsuitable for use on
the job if it exhibits an appreciable change from the original
viscosity,orifasignofgelationisapparent.Restorationofthe
original viscosity or removal of gelation by adding solvents or
thinners is not recommended.
6.3 Cleaners—Cleaners are of two types, chemical and
mechanical (abrasives). Cleaners are used to remove surface
impurities (oil, dirt, etc.) and surface gloss.
6.3.1 Chemical Cleaners—The chemical cleaners are as
follows:
6.3.1.1 Cleaner recommended by the pipe, fittings, or ce-
FIG. 3 Assembly of Surfaces While They Are Wet and Soft ment manufacturer, and
D2855 – 96 (2002)
6.3.1.2 Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) in accordance with should be snug. If the fit is loose or wobbly, other fittings or
Specification D740. pipe should be selected which give a proper fit.
6.3.2 Mechanical Cleaners—The mechanical cleaners are 7.4 Cleaning—Surfacestobejoinedmustbecleanedandbe
as follows: free of dirt, moisture, oil, and other foreign material (see Fig.
6.3.2.1 Fine abrasive paper or cloth (180 grit or finer), and 8). If this cannot be accomplished by wiping with a clean dry
6.3.2.2 Clean, oil-free steel wool. cloth, a chemical or mechanical cleaner must be used. If a
6.4 Primers—Primersareusedtoclean,soften,anddissolve chemicalcleanerisused,applywithanapplicator.Skincontact
the joining surfaces in order to better prepare them for solvent with chemical cleaners should be avoided.
cementing.Primersmustbecapableofdissolving10weight% 7.5 Application Procedure:
of PVC resin as required in Specification F656. Primers may 7.5.1 Handling Cement—Keep the cement can closed and
also be used as cleaners; refer to specific recommendations of in a shady place when not actually in use. Discard the cement
the manufacturer. when an appreciable change in viscosity takes place, or at the
first sign of gelation. The cement should not be thinned. Keep
NOTE 1—In the event of conflicting instructions from the pipe, fittings,
the brush immersed in cement between applications.
or cement manufacturer, use a primer as well as solvent cement in the
joining procedure.
NOTE 2—A gel condition is indicated when the cement does not flow
freely from the brush or when the cement appears lumpy and stringy.
6.4.1 Primer Specification—The primer shall meet the re-
quirements of Specification F656.
7.5.2 Applicator Size—Apply the cement with a natural
bristle, nylon brush or suitable applicator, using a ⁄2-in.
7. Procedure 1
(12-mm) brush or dauber for nominal pipe size ⁄2-in. and less,
7.1 Cutting the Pipe—Cut pipe square with the axis, using a 1-in. (25-mm) brush or dauber for pipe up through 2-in.
a fine-tooth hand saw and a miter box, or a fine-tooth power nominalpipesize,andabrushwidthatleast ⁄2ofnominalpipe
saw with a suitable guide (see Fig. 5). Wood-working blades size for sizes above 2 in., except that for pipe sizes 6 in. and
may be used.Arotary cutter may be used if the cutting blades larger a 2 ⁄2-in. (60-mm) brush is adequate. Other applicators
are specifically designed for cutting plastic pipe in such a way maybeusedprovidedtheiruseresultsinanequivalentamount
as not to raise a burr or ridge (flare) at the cut end of the pipe.
of cement being applied to the joining surfaces.
If other tools are not available, a standard rotary metal pipe 7.5.3 Application of Primer and Cement—PVC solvent
cutter may be used, provided great care is taken to remove all cementisfastdrying,andthereforethecementshallbeapplied
the ridge raised at the pipe end by the wedging action of the as quickly as possible, consistent with good workmanship. It
cutting wheels. Failure to remove the ridge will result in the maybenecessaryfortwoworkerstoperformthisoperationfor
cement in the fitting socket being scraped from the socket larger sizes of pipe. Under conditions of high atmospheric
surface, producing a dry joint with a high probability of joint humidity, quick application is important to minimize conden-
failure. Remove all burrs with a knife, file, or abrasive paper. sation of moisture from the air on the cement surface. The
7.2 Joint Preparation—Chamfer or deburr pipe, or both, surface temperature of the mating surfaces should not exceed
approximately as illustrated in Fig. 6. Failing to chamfer the 110°F (45°C) at the time of assembly. In direct sunlight or in
edge of the pipe may remove the cement and softened material ambient temperatures above 110°F, the pipe surface may
from the fitting socket, and result in a leaking joint. exceed 110°F. The pipe temperature may be reduced by
7.3 Test Dry Fit of the Joint (see Fig. 7)—The solvent swabbing the surface to be cemented with clean wet rags
cement joint is designed so that there will generally be provided the pipe is thoroughly dried before the primer and
interference of pipe wall with the fitting socket before the pipe cement are applied.
is fully inserted. Insert the pipe into the fitting and check that 7.5.3.1 Firstapplyprimertoinsidesocketsurface(see7.5.2
1 2
the interference occurs about ⁄3 to ⁄3 of the socket depth. for applicator or brush size). Use a scrubbing motion to ensure
Sometimes, when the pipe and fittings are at their tolerance penetration. Repeated applications may be necessary (see Fig.
extremes or when Schedule 80 pipe is used, it may be possible 9).
to fully insert the dry pipe into the fitting socket until it 7.5.3.2 Next, soften surface of male end of pipe, to be
bottoms. If this occurs, the fit between the pipe and fitting inserted into socket, to depth of fitting socket by uniformly
FIG. 5 Apparatus for Cutting Pipe
D2855 – 96 (2002)
FIG. 6 Chamfer and Deburring of Pipe Edges
FIG. 9 Application of Primer to Inside Socket Surface
FIG. 7 Pipe Entering Dry Fitting
FIG. 10 Liberal Application of Primer to Soften Surface of End of
FIG. 8 Cleaning of Pipe with Dry Cloth to Remove Foreign Matter
Pipe
applying a liberal coat of primer. Be sure entire surface is well
softened (dissolved) (see Fig. 10). tionofthesurfacescanbeachievedattheexistingtemperature.
7.5.3.3 Again,brushinsidesocketsurfacewithprimer;then, This test can be done by applying the primer, waiting a few
without delay, apply cement to pipe while the surfaces are still minutesandscrapingthesurfacewithaknifeedge.Ifsufficient
wet with primer (see Fig. 11). penetration is achieved, some of the plastic surface of the pipe
7.5.3.4 Apply cement lightly but uniformly to inside of should be soft enough to be removed. If sufficient penetration
socket,takingcaretokeepexcesscementoutofsocket.Thisis is not achieved, even with multiple applications of primer, it is
to prevent solvent damage to pipe (see Fig. 12). Time is unlikely that a suitable joint will result.
important at this stage. Apply a second coat of cement to the 7.5.4.1 Individual scrape tests may be needed for pipes and
pipe end (see Fig. 11). fittings from different manufacturers or even for pipes and
7.5.4 L
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