ASTM D2855-96(2010)
(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 D1784.
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 standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D2855 − 96(Reapproved 2010)
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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for making joints 2.1 ASTM Standards:
with poly(vinyl chloride) plastic (PVC) pipes, both plain ends D740Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone
andfittings,andbellends,bymeansofsolventcements.These D1600TerminologyforAbbreviatedTermsRelatingtoPlas-
procedures are general ones for PVC piping. In non-pressure tics
applications, simplified procedures may be used. Manufactur- D1784Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
ers should supply specific instructions for their particular Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
products, if and when it seems necessary. (CPVC) Compounds
D2564Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl
1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to PVC
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
pipe,bothplainandbell-end,andfittingsofthesameclassesas
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements,
described in Specification D1784.
Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic
1.3 Pipe and fittings are manufactured within certain toler-
Pipe and Fittings
ances to provide for the small variations in the extrusion,
F412Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
belling, and molding processes and are not to exact size. A
F656Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement
partial list of standards for PVC pipe, fittings, and cements
Joints of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and
suitable for use in making solvent-cemented joints is given in
Fittings
Appendix X1.
3. Terminology
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
and are not considered standard.
nology D1600, unless otherwise specified.
1.5 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes
4. Summary of Practice
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
4.1 To consistently make good joints, the following should
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
be clearly understood and adhered to:
as requirements of the practice.
4.1.1 The joining surfaces must be softened (dissolved) and
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
made semi-fluid.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1.2 Sufficient cement must be applied to fill the gap
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
between pipe and fitting.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.1.3 Assembly of pipe and fittings must be made while the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
surfaces are still wet and fluid.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2010. Published March 2010. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D2855–96(2002). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D2855-96R10. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2855 − 96 (2010)
4.1.4 Jointstrengthdevelopsasthecementdries.Inthetight
part of the joint the surfaces will tend to fuse together; in the
loose part the cement will bond to both surfaces.
4.2 Penetration and dissolving can be achieved by the
cementitself,byasuitableprimer,orbytheuseofbothprimer
and cement. A suitable primer will penetrate and dissolve the
plastic more quickly than cement alone. In cold weather, more
time and additional applications are required (see Fig. 1).
4.3 More than sufficient cement to fill the loose part of the
joint must be applied (see Fig. 2). Besides filling the gap,
FIG. 2 Cement Coatings of Sufficient Thickness
adequate cement layers will penetrate the surfaces and also
remain wet until the joint is assembled.
4.4 If the cement coatings on the pipe and fittings are wet
and fluid when assembly takes place, they will tend to flow
together and become one cement layer. Also, if the cement is
wet the surfaces beneath them will still be soft, and these
dissolved surfaces in the tight part of the joint will tend to fuse
together (see Fig. 3).
4.5 As the solvent dissipates, the cement layer and the
dissolvedsurfaceswillhardenwithacorrespondingincreasein
FIG. 3 Assembly of Surfaces While They Are Wet and Soft
joint strength. A good joint will take the required working
pressure long before the joint is fully dry and final strength is
obtained. In the tight (fused) part of the joint, strength will
develop more quickly than in the looser (bonded) part of the
joint. Completed joints should not be disturbed until they have
cured sufficiently to withstand handling. Joint strength devel-
ops as the cement dries. Information about the development of
bond strength of solvent cemented joints is available (see Fig.
4).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The techniques described herein can be used to produce
strong pressure-tight joints between PVC pipe and fittings,
FIG. 4 Bonded and Fused Surfaces of Joined Pipe
either in shop operations or in the field. However, skill and
knowledge on the part of the operator are required to obtain a
goodqualityjoint.Thisskillandknowledgecanbeobtainedby
making joints under the guidance of skilled operators and
6.2.1 Specification—Thesolventcementshouldmeetallthe
testing them until good quality joints are obtained.
requirements of Specification D2564.
6. Materials
6.2.2 Selection—PVC solvent cements are available in a
6.1 Pipe and Fittings—Thepipeandfittingsshouldmeetthe variety of viscosities and wet film thicknesses to cover the
requirementsofcurrentapplicablePVCpipingstandards.Alist range of pipe sizes from ⁄8 to 12 in. and for interference-fit
of these standards is given in Appendix X1. joints as well as noninterference joints, as found in some
Schedule 80 pipe and fittings. One of the general principles of
6.2 Solvent Cement:
solvent cementing that should be strictly adhered to is: suffi-
cient cement must be applied to fill the gap between pipe and
fitting.
6.2.2.1 Theabilityofasolventcementtofillagapinapipe
joint can be determined by considering its viscosity and
wet-film thickness (see Note X3.1). A guide to the proper
selectionofasolventcementforthevariouspipesizesisgiven
in Table X3.1and Table X3.2, where PVC solvent cements are
classified (for purposes of identification) as regular-bodied,
medium-bodied, and heavy-bodied cement based on minimum
viscosity and minimum wet-film thickness.
6.2.3 Storage—PVC solvent cements should be stored in a
FIG. 1 Areas of Pipe and Fittings to Be Softened (Dissolved) and
Penetrated cool place except when actually in use at the job site. These
D2855 − 96 (2010)
cements have a limited shelf life when not stored in hermeti- the fitting socket being scraped from the socket surface,
cally sealed containers. Screw top containers are not consid- producing a dry joint with a high probability of joint failure.
ered to be hermetically sealed. Consult the cement manufac- Remove all burrs with a knife, file, or abrasive paper.
turer for specific storage recommendations on storage
7.2 Joint Preparation—Chamfer or deburr pipe, or both,
conditions and shelf life. The cement is unsuitable for use on
approximately as illustrated in Fig. 6. Failing to chamfer the
the job if it exhibits an appreciable change from the original
edge of the pipe may remove the cement and softened material
viscosity,orifasignofgelationisapparent.Restorationofthe
from the fitting socket, and result in a leaking joint.
original viscosity or removal of gelation by adding solvents or
7.3 Test Dry Fit of the Joint (see Fig. 7)—The solvent
thinners is not recommended.
cement joint is designed so that there will generally be
6.3 Cleaners—Cleaners are of two types, chemical and
interference of pipe wall with the fitting socket before the pipe
mechanical (abrasives). Cleaners are used to remove surface
is fully inserted. Insert the pipe into the fitting and check that
impurities (oil, dirt, etc.) and surface gloss.
1 2
the interference occurs about ⁄3to ⁄3 of the socket depth.
6.3.1 Chemical Cleaners—The chemical cleaners are as
Sometimes, when the pipe and fittings are at their tolerance
follows:
extremes or when Schedule 80 pipe is used, it may be possible
6.3.1.1 Cleaner recommended by the pipe, fittings, or ce-
to fully insert the dry pipe into the fitting socket until it
ment manufacturer, and
bottoms. If this occurs, the fit between the pipe and fitting
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—Keepthecementcanclosedandin
also be used as cleaners; refer to specific recommendations of
a shady place when not actually in use. Discard the cement
the manufacturer.
when an appreciable change in viscosity takes place, or at the
NOTE 1—In the event of conflicting instructions from the pipe, fittings,
first sign of gelation. The cement should not be thinned. Keep
or cement manufacturer, use a primer as well as solvent cement in the
the brush immersed in cement between applications.
joining procedure.
NOTE 2—A gel condition is indicated when the cement does not flow
6.4.1 Primer Specification—The primer shall meet the re-
freely from the brush or when the cement appears lumpy and stringy.
quirements of Specification F656.
7.5.2 Applicator Size—Apply the cement with a natural
7. Procedure
bristle, nylon brush or suitable applicator, using a ⁄2-in.
7.1 Cutting the Pipe—Cutpipesquarewiththeaxis,usinga (12-mm) brush or dauber for nominal pipe size ⁄2-in. and less,
fine-toothhandsawandamiterbox,orafine-toothpowersaw a 1-in. (25-mm) brush or dauber for pipe up through 2-in.
nominalpipesize,andabrushwidthatleast ⁄2ofnominalpipe
with a suitable guide (see Fig. 5). Wood-working blades may
be used. A rotary cutter may be used if the cutting blades are size for sizes above 2 in., except that for pipe sizes 6 in. and
larger a 2 ⁄2-in. (60-mm) brush is adequate. Other applicators
specifically designed for cutting plastic pipe in such a way as
not to raise a burr or ridge (flare) at the cut end of the pipe. If maybeusedprovidedtheiruseresultsinanequivalentamount
of cement being applied to the joining surfaces.
othertoolsarenotavailable,astandardrotarymetalpipecutter
may be used, provided great care is taken to remove all the 7.5.3 Application of Primer and Cement—PVC solvent
ridgeraisedatthepipeendbythewedgingactionofthecutting cementisfastdrying,andthereforethecementshallbeapplied
wheels.Failuretoremovetheridgewillresultinthecementin as quickly as possible, consistent with good workmanship. It
FIG. 5 Apparatus for Cutting Pipe
D2855 − 96 (2010)
FIG. 6 Chamfer and Deburring of Pipe Edges
FIG. 9 Application of Primer to Inside Socket Surface
FIG. 7 Pipe Entering Dry Fitting
7.5.3.2 Next, soften surface of male end of pipe, to be
inserted into socket, to depth of fitting socket by uniformly
applying a liberal coat of primer. Be sure entire surface is well
softened (dissolved) (see Fig. 10).
7.5.3.3 Again,brushinsidesocketsurfacewithprimer;then,
without delay, apply cement to pipe while the surfaces are still
wet with primer (see Fig. 11).
7.5.3.4 Apply cement lightly but uniformly to inside of
socket,takingcaretokeepexcesscementoutofsocket.Thisis
to prevent solvent damage to pipe (see Fig. 12). Time is
FIG. 8 Cleaning of Pipe with Dry Cloth to Remove Foreign Matter
important at this stage. Apply a second coat of cement to the
pipe end (see Fig. 11).
maybenecessaryfortwoworkerstoperformthisoperationfor
larger sizes of pipe. Under conditions of high atmospheric
humidity, quick application is important to minimize conden-
sation of moisture from the air on the cement surface. The
surface temperature of the mating surfaces should not exceed
110°F (45°C) at the time of assembly. In direct sunlight or in
ambient temperatures above 110°F, the pipe surface may
exceed 110°F. The pipe temperature may be reduced by
swabbing the surface to be cemented with clean wet rags
provided the pipe is thoroughly dried before the primer and
cement are applied.
7.5.3.1 Firstapplyprimertoinsidesocketsurface(see7.5.2
for applicator or brush size). Use a scrubbing motion to ensure
penetration. Repeated applications may be necessary (see Fig.
FIG. 10 Liberal Application of Primer to Soften Surface of End of
9). Pipe
D2855 − 96 (2010)
(3) Take special care to remove moisture, including ice
and snow, from pipe and fitting surfaces before applying
primer or cement.
(4) Always use primer to soften the joining surfaces
before applying cement. More than one application may be
necessary.
(5) Allow a longer cure time before the system is used.
This is necessary because the solvents evaporate more slowly
at cold temperatures. Refer to Table X2.1.
7.6 Special Instructions for Bell-End Pipe—T
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.