Bromic recommends Loxeal 58-11 Thread Sealant for multiple applications. Manufactured in Italy to global standards, it boasts high performance and minimised cure time. But before you choose a product, it’s important to consider a range of factors and today, we’re going to go into what they are and the differences between thread sealant and sealing tape.

The Fundamentals of Sealing

When you need a seal to be watertight or gastight, it’s critical that the space between the male and female threaded connections is completely filled. If it’s not, the result will be leaks and reduced flow. Either a PTFE (*Polytetrafluoroethylene) liquid thread sealant or a PTFE sealing tape can be used but it depends on the purpose and the kind of seal you’re working on. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Thread sealants feature five important properties:

1. Adhesion – In order to achieve efficient sealing, the sealant must adhere to the material to which it is being applied.
2. Consistency/viscosity – A sealant must have the right consistency or viscosity for it to correctly level itself on the thread.
3. Longevity – The length of time for which a sealant provides an effective seal will depend on the application, vibration, media, temperature and pressure.
4. Chemical compatibility – In order to ensure appropriate grip and eliminate the possibility of failure, there must be chemical compatibility between the pipe material, the media that flows through it and the sealant used.
5. VOC content – For industrial applications, VOC (volatile organic compounds) in the media must be considered in sealants that contain solvents, as VOCs can emit irritants.

*Polytetrafluoroethylene is a fluoropolymer, i.e. a plastic that contains fluorine atoms. It has a very high melting point of 327°C so it won’t melt and it is hydrophobic, meaning it won’t dissolve in water. PTFE is chemically inert; it will not dissolve or break down in common organic solvents and it is low friction (slippery) which makes it resistant to sticking.

Why Bromic recommends Loxeal Thread Sealants

Bromic offers a range of Loxeal liquid thread sealants which are favoured among professional tradespeople. They are manufactured by Italian company Loxeal Engineering Adhesives, leaders in technically advanced adhesives and sealants.

Loxeal 58-11 High Pressure Thread Sealant – Ideal for sealing threaded metal to metal joints, Loxeal 58-11 seals against water, gas, LPG, hydrocarbons, oils and other chemicals. It provides functional sealing against moderate pressure in 1 to 3 hours, is shock- and vibration-resistant and boasts sealing properties over working temperature range from -55°C to more than 150°C. Available in 50ml, 100ml and 250ml tubes.

14 reasons to choose Loxeal 58-11

1. The ideal choice for sealing threaded metal to metal joints.
2. Can also be used on metals including cast iron, steel, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminium and zinc plating.
3. Recommended for kitchen, laundry and bathroom applications.
4. Highly viscous: once oxygen is expelled from the sealant it will activate and start to cure.
5. Rapid cure time: fitting is functional in under 3 hours.
6. Shock- and vibration-resistant.
7. Drip-proof.
8. Suitable for temperature range from -55°C to above 150°C.
9. Non-toxic.
10. Made in Italy to exacting standards.
11. Safe for use with potable water.
12. AGA (Australian Gas Association) approved.
13. Easy to use and suitable for professionals. Suitable for multiple applications including gas (LPG and Natural Gas), water, hydrocarbons, oils and a range of chemicals.
14. No shrinkage and no cracking.

You can find Loxeal products through leading hardware and plumbing suppliers across Australia and New Zealand.