Frequently Asked Questions - Weld-On

Frequently Asked Questions

Solvent welding is a chemical process that uses a Apprêt, or the cement itself, to soften the surface of plastic Tuyau and Raccords in order to weld, or fuse them together. This requires a tight, or interference fit. The solids contained in the Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) will then fill the gap between the Tuyau and Raccord. Glue such as PVC glue, on the other hand, is only a bonding cement and will not work with an interference fit.

Apprêts pre-soften the surface of the Tuyau and Raccord before the Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) is applied so that maximum fusion can take place.

To remove grease, dirt, and foreign matter from the surface of the Tuyau and Raccord prior to application of the Apprêt and cement.

The Temps de prise is the amount of time the joint is to be left undisturbed before handling. The Cure Time is the amount of time it takes the joint to be completely set and ready for pressure to be applied.

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which are emissions from materials. Low VOC products contribute to Nettoyant air. The requirements for “Low VOC” have been established by SCAQMD Rule 1168/316A.

This phenomenon is caused by moisture being drawn into the cement (only at the surface) during the first part of the curing process and is not harmful to joint strength.

Low VOC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s and Apprêts are currently required in California, Maryland, New Jersey and Connecticut. Requirements are also under consideration in several other states, including New York, Rhode Island, and Maine. Even where not required, Low VOC products are a good idea because they contribute to Nettoyant air and a healthier environment.

Weld-On’s Low VOC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s and Apprêts provide the same performance, have the same installation properties, but are better for the environment and more user-friendly than non-Low VOC products.

Yes. CPVC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) technically will work on PVC piping. However, we recommend that the correct Weld-On Apprêt and PVC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) for the particular application should be used. Please note that PVC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants), because of temperature limitations, is not recommended for CPVC piping.

No. The Weld-On Apprêt must be wet and fluid. The purpose of the Apprêt is to soften the joining surfaces of the Tuyau and Raccord allowing proper penetration and dissolution of joining surfaces prior to Weld-On Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) application. This step is specifically recommended for large diameters, PVC Calibre 80 (norme américaine de tuyauterie en PVC/CPVC), CPVC piping and cold weather installations.

No. For 4-inch and larger diameter piping, we recommend the use of 4-inch swab to apply our Apprêts and Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s. A can dauber is appropriate for use on Tuyau diameters that are approximately twice the size of the dauber diameter.

No. However, we recommend the use of Apprêt on all PVC piping systems. Some Weld-On PVC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s for irrigation piping can be used without Apprêt on non-pressure systems if local codes permit.

Identify the parameters of the particular application:

  • Tuyau material – PVC, CPVC, ABS
  • Temps de durcissement total or SDR of piping – Sch.40, Sch.80, SDR21, etc.
  • Tuyau diameter
  • Working pressure of piping system
  • Ambient temperature at the time of installation
  • Temperature of media conveyance within the piping system
  • Type of media being conveyed within the piping system – water, specific chemicals, etc.
  • Other variables which may affect application and/or piping syste

Consult the Weld-On Guide de sélection and Guide des produits for more information or contact your local Weld-On sales representatives for recommendation. Please call 1-800-888-8312 for your nearest Weld-On sales representative office. If further technical assistance is required, contact our Technical Service Hotline at 1-877-477-8327.

Weld-On Apprêts, PVC and ABS Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s: 3 years Durée de conservation
Weld-On CPVC Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s: 2 years Durée de conservation

All Weld-On Apprêts and Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)s have expiration dates imprinted on the outside of the case boxes and the manufactured date imprinted on the bottom of each can. The Durée de conservation is also stated in the product bulletin of each Weld-On product.

Please refer to Documentation produit and/or browse through our website for more product details.

In response to questions concerning Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants) joint strength vs. PVC Tuyau pressures and surges; the shear strength of a well-made/fully-cured Ciment à base de solvants (Colle à solvants)ed joint is always stronger than the individual Tuyau or Raccord itself.  This is regardless of the Tuyau diameter, Temps de durcissement total of wall thickness, PVC compound formulation, or system pressure/temperature.