Anaerobic sealant is one of the most popular formulations often used by plumbers and car service masters. It is ideally suited for fastening threaded joints and pipe repair, as it easily tolerates high pressure and has excellent performance characteristics.
- What is anaerobic sealant?
- The composition of the funds
- Main characteristics and scope
- Pros and cons
- Types of sealants
- The use of anaerobic compounds
- Application technology
- How long does anaerobic sealant dry?
- How to remove anaerobic sealant?
- Producers of funds
- Rating of the best anaerobic sealants
- Permabond
- Loctite
- LOXEAL
- Santekhmaster
- Siseal
- "The latch number 3"
- Anaterm
What is anaerobic sealant?
Anaerobic sealant (fixative) is understood to mean a polymer gel for threaded joints, which provides absolute sealing of joints and has a special principle of curing. Such a sealant hardens in the absence of oxygen, that is, its polymerization occurs in an airless (anaerobic) environment. Similar conditions are created when the composition penetrates into narrow slots, threads, other places where air does not enter.
After curing, the product turns into a solid plastic-like substance that does not expand and does not shrink in the future. It will harden at any temperature, pressure, humidity, if only in the place of application there was no oxygen. Anaerobic fixative is particularly effective when in contact with metal - in this case it provides maximum bond strength. Due to the ability to remain liquid in air, the material can be easily removed before solidification, for example, when applied inaccurately.
to contents ↑The composition of the funds
Anaerobic fixatives are based on acrylic oligomers and monomers (adhesives), which are not cured in the package due to the vapor permeability of its walls. In addition, the compositions may include pigments, plasticizers, polymerization initiators (accelerators), stabilizers. Depending on the consistency, the number of thickeners in them can change: in gel-like forms there are fewer of them than in paste-like ones.
Main characteristics and scope
Anaerobic sealants differ from analogues in a number of properties and application features. They are perfectly suitable for metals, as they do not contain acids and do not provoke the development of corrosion. The highest adhesion properties of the compositions are shown for the following metals:
- of stainless steel;
- carbon steel;
- cast iron;
- brass;
- bronze.
The adhesion of clamps with chrome and chrome surfaces, aluminum, alloy steel, galvanized bases, plastic is slightly worse, and yet these materials are also suitable for work. Other features of anaerobic sealants:
- excellent tolerance to liquids and gases under pressure up to 100 bar;
- lack of damage under the influence of vibration, lubricants, fuel, weak acids, alkalis, solvents;
- the ability to operate at temperatures of –90 ... + 300 degrees, maximum efficiency when working in the range of + 18 ... + 30 degrees;
- setting time - 5-60 minutes (depending on the specific brand).
Anaerobic sealing compounds are applied only after thorough preliminary preparation, otherwise the quality of the connection will decrease. With the right job, the finished joint gets a strength comparable to the characteristics of the weld. Immediately after application, the sealant must not be allowed to come into contact with alkaline agents or acids. It is also important to prevent air from entering, otherwise the retainer will remain liquid in texture.
These properties allow the use of anaerobic compounds in various fields and industries. They provide impermeability of injection units, welds in metallurgy and engineering, military and aerospace industries, are widely used for repair of water supply, sewage, heating, gas supply systems.
Anaerobic clamps help to fix various threaded joints, flange joints, tubular elements. They can replace simple gel or rubber pads, which is very important in car repair.
Also, anaerobic sealants are used instead of flax, FUM tapes, and among craftsmen, plumbers are becoming increasingly popular. Such funds are used for work with drinking water, as they do not contain toxic constituents.
to contents ↑Pros and cons
The application of sealants with anaerobic type of polymerization has many advantages. The main advantages of their use:
- anticorrosive effect, the ability to work on metal;
- lack of need for additional tools;
- elasticity of the seam, which prevents cracking;
- safety for humans, the environment;
- ease of use, lack of need for skills;
- high-quality fixing and sealing of elements;
- wide scope of use;
- mechanical resistance;
- convenient consistency, providing optimal penetration and distribution of the composition;
- economical consumption, the ability to transfer the crawled product to another connection;
- large assortment and affordable price.
Anaerobic fixatives have few disadvantages. The frozen composition is difficult to remove, and the threaded connection to dismantle. Will have to heat it with a hairdryer or use other construction tools. At low temperatures, the surface should also be slightly warmed up during sealant application so that the adhesion does not deteriorate.
to contents ↑Types of sealants
All anaerobic formulations can be divided into one- and two-component. The first are implemented in finished form, they can be immediately applied to joints and seams. The second before use must be mixed in a certain proportion between the base and hardener. Usually for household needs and repairs are purchased one-component clamps.
By strength, the products are classified as follows:
- Low strength. They are applied to threaded joints with a standard load (without pressure) or in places where there is no vibration. When disassembling, the latch can be removed manually.
- Medium strength. They are used to strengthen joints, joints, working under pressure, or subject to regular occurrence of vibration. For dismantling, you will have to use keys or other tools.
- High strength. Connections where such clips are used do not require dismantling in the future, and an attempt to break may result in damage to the parts.
The consistency of the sealants can be fluid, medium viscosity, viscous, pasty, gel-like. According to the temperatures at which the operation of the finished seam is performed, they are differentiated into the following groups:
- means that can withstand no more than +120 degrees;
- compositions operating in the range –60 ... + 140 degrees;
- sealants capable of withstanding heat up to +300 degrees or more.
The use of anaerobic compounds
Typically, sealants are sold in small tubes with a thin neck, through which it is convenient to squeeze even into hard to reach places. Also on sale are funds in bottles equipped with a brush, which also makes the work simple and quick.
Application technology
Before using an anaerobic fixative, all surfaces are cleaned of dirt, dust and degreased. They are dried without fail, since on wet bases, products of this type do not hold well. A solvent (acetone, white spirit or any other) is excellent for processing materials.
The sealant should be applied to the connection from two sides - inside and outside - or on two parts. This will allow the composition to spread evenly and exclude the appearance of non-lubricated areas. The procedure will be as follows:
- Shake the packaging, then open it.
- Apply sealant in a thin layer.
- Lock parts, hold for 30 seconds.
- Remove the spilled compound with a soft cloth.
- Leave the product until the sealant completely hardens (the time is always indicated on the package). You can use the details after a day.
to contents ↑Anaerobic type fixers best demonstrate their properties on pipe joints up to 8 cm in diameter. If the surface is rough, the setting will be more durable than on smooth substrates.
How long does anaerobic sealant dry?
Typically, at a temperature of +15 degrees or more, it takes about 15 minutes (up to an hour) to solidify the product. Nevertheless, the time for complete polymerization is 24 hours, and only then can the quality of the work carried out be checked by applying pressure. After a day, water and gas are launched with a pressure of 10 atmospheres, after another 24 hours they give 40 atmospheres. In the absence of leaks, the installation of joints can be considered successful.
to contents ↑How to remove anaerobic sealant?
Low strength formulations can be removed without much effort. You just need to press the knot harder or just unscrew the nut manually. Those seams, the strength of which is higher, must first be heated to a temperature of + 230 ... + 250 degrees using a building hair dryer. After 10 minutes of heating, the thread can be untwisted with a special tool. Residues should be removed with a rag.
Producers of funds
The clamp for threaded connections is produced by many manufacturers. Of the imported compounds, Abro, Quickseal, Elting, Permatex, Dirko are popular, of the Russian, Unigerm, Anaterm, and Fixator. It is important that the sealant is ideally suited for the base material, and its strength meets the user's requirements. Also on the packaging should find the temperature range during operation: it should also be suitable for a specific situation.
to contents ↑Rating of the best anaerobic sealants
Some compounds in construction stores can be bought without fear - their quality remains at a very high level.
Permabond
This is a line of medium and high strength products that can easily tolerate even very strong vibrations and shifts. Such compositions can be used in the repair of transmissions, pumps, cylindrical blocks, they easily replace various gaskets on industrial equipment.
Loctite
The manufacturer's range includes several anaerobic sealants in the form of pastes and gels. There are also special tools that are designed for gas pipes, characterized by increased wear resistance and durability.
LOXEAL
Professional products of this brand are designed for sealing threaded pipe joints, for securing bearings, hardening flanges, replacing gaskets. Sealants are characterized by work in a wide temperature range, resistance to aggressive substances and vibration.
Santekhmaster
The product of the Russian manufacturer has practically no smell, is not afraid of temperature changes, pressure surges, is resistant even to the action of antifreeze, gasoline, and other chemicals. It can be used in difficult and extreme conditions for sealing threads and flange joints, as well as for the purpose of corrosion protection.
Siseal
This is a medium-pressure sealing gel, which is well suited for water supply and sewage systems. It is undesirable to use where there is a risk of increased oxidation of materials. Available in white.
"The latch number 3"
The sealant under this name was created specifically for domestic use: work with pipes, heating systems, gas supply. The tool protects the metal from rust and is suitable for repairing cracks of any size.
Anaterm
Sealants of the brand are of high quality and low price. They can glue parts, strengthen joints and threads, eliminate pores, cracks, various defects. In the line there are clamps for repairing steam lines and automobile mechanisms.
Anaerobic sealants are a modern replacement for obsolete products, gaskets, threads. With their help, you can quickly and inexpensively repair various components in everyday life, and without the involvement of specialists.
