ASTM D2855-96
(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
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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An American National Standard
Designation: D 2855 – 96
Standard Practice for
Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Pipe and Fittings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2855; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) 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 D 1784 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for making joints
(CPVC) Compounds
with poly(vinyl chloride) plastic (PVC) pipes, both plain ends
D 2564 Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly(Vinyl
and fittings, and bell ends, by means of solvent cements. These
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
procedures are general ones for PVC piping. In non-pressure
F 402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements,
applications, simplified procedures may be used. Manufactur-
Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic Pipe
ers should supply specific instructions for their particular
and Fittings
products, if and when it seems necessary.
F 412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
1.2 The techniques covered are applicable only to PVC
F 656 Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement
pipe, both plain and bell-end, and fittings of the same classes as
Joints of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and
described in Specification D 1784.
Fittings
1.3 Pipe and fittings are manufactured within certain toler-
ances to provide for the small variations in the extrusion,
NOTE 1—Other standards suitable for use in making solvent-cemented
belling, and molding processes and are not to exact size. A joints for PVC pipe and fittings are listed in Appendix X1.
partial list of standards for PVC pipe, fittings, and cements
3. Terminology
suitable for use in making solvent-cemented joints is given in
Appendix X1. 3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
nology F 412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Ter-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for minology D 1600, unless otherwise specified.
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 Joint strength develops as the cement dries. In the tight
2. Referenced Documents
part of the joint the surfaces will tend to fuse together; in the
loose part the cement will bond to both surfaces.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 740 Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone 4.2 Penetration and dissolving can be achieved by the
cement itself, by a suitable primer, or by the use of both primer
D 1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to
Plastics 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).
1 4.3 More than sufficient cement to fill the loose part of the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-17 on Plastic
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining. joint must be applied (see Fig. 2). Besides filling the gap,
Current edition approved March 10, 1996. Published May 1996. Originally
published as D 2855 – 70. Last previous edition D 2855 – 93.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.04.
3 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2855 – 96
FIG. 1 Areas of Pipe and Fittings to Be Softened (Dissolved) and
Penetrated
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
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.
6. Materials
6.1 Pipe and Fittings—The pipe and fittings should meet
FIG. 2 Cement Coatings of Sufficient Thickness the requirements of current applicable PVC piping standards. A
list of these standards is given in Appendix X1.
6.2 Solvent Cement:
adequate cement layers will penetrate the surfaces and also
6.2.1 Specification—The solvent cement should meet all the
remain wet until the joint is assembled.
requirements of Specification D 2564.
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
dissolved surfaces will harden with a corresponding increase in
fitting.
joint strength. A good joint will take the required working
6.2.2.1 The ability of a solvent cement to fill a gap in a pipe
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
selection of a solvent cement for the various pipe sizes is given
joint. Completed joints should not be disturbed until they have
in Table X3.1 and Table 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-
turer for specific storage recommendations on storage
conditions and shelf life. The cement is unsuitable for use on
the job if it exhibits an appreciable change from the original
viscosity, or if a sign of gelation is apparent. Restoration of the
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
FIG. 3 Assembly of Surfaces While They Are Wet and Soft follows:
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2855 – 96
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 D 740. pipe should be selected which give a proper fit.
6.3.2 Mechanical Cleaners—The mechanical cleaners are 7.4 Cleaning—Surfaces to be joined must be cleaned and be
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—Primers are used to clean, soften, and dissolve chemical cleaner is used, apply with an applicator. Skin contact
the joining surfaces in order to better prepare them for solvent with chemical cleaners should be avoided.
cementing. Primers must be capable of dissolving 10 weight % 7.5 Application Procedure:
of PVC resin as required in Specification F 656. 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 2—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 3—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 F 656.
7.5.2 Applicator Size—Apply the cement with a natural
bristle, nylon brush or suitable applicator, using a ⁄2-in.
7. Procedure
(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 nominal pipe size, and a brush width at least ⁄2 of nominal pipe
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. A rotary 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 may be used provided their use results in an equivalent amount
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 cement is fast drying, and therefore the cement shall be applied
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 may be necessary for two workers to perform this operation for
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 First apply primer to inside socket surface (see 7.5.2
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).
FIG. 5 Apparatus for Cutting Pipe
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2855 – 96
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
7.5.3.2 Next, soften surface of male end of pipe, to be
inserted into socket, to depth of fitting socket by uniformly reason it is recommended that testing be done on a piece of
applying a liberal coat of primer. Be sure entire surface is well scrap pipe of the same lot to determine if satisfactory penetra-
softened (dissolved) (see Fig. 10). tion of the surfaces can be achieved at the existing temperature.
7.5.3.3 Again, brush inside socket surface with primer; then, Th
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