[AR] Re: Best sealant for Tapered thread fititngs?

  • From: Lars Osborne <lars.osborne@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: arocket@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:00:22 -0800

Thanks for the responses. I hadn't heard of X-Pando before. According to
their website, they claim X-Pando was added to NASA's list of LOX
compatible materials.

Thanks,
Lars Osborne

On Fri, Dec 11, 2015 at 2:43 PM, Ben Brockert <wikkit@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I'll generally second Lloyd's advice. Pipe dope like x-pando can be
used in situations where the fittings are never expected to be taken
apart. Teflon tape in all other applications. Paying attention to
fluid compatibility in all cases.

I wouldn't ever use epoxy on pipe fittings.

On Fri, Dec 11, 2015 at 3:28 PM, Lloyd Droppers <ldroppers@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I like teflon tape, it has worked well enough for me on a variety of
rocket
application that I never really used the dopes much. Just make sure you
buy
the thicker and denser mil spec variety, I like McMaster 6802k33.

You probably already know this but the key for a FOD sensitive
application
is to:
Cut the tape instead of ripping it
Do not apply it on the last thread
Wrap it so threading tightens the tape when assembling
And if you open the joint up thoroughly clean and reapply new tape before
reassembly.

That being said I have also used the X-pando powder, but only on high
temperature joints as the telfon tape fails to seal after a thermal cycle
over about 600K. the X-pando worked well even at high temperature, but it
was rather more annoying to use both for assembly and cleanup.

Lloyd

On Sat, Dec 12, 2015 at 7:48 AM, Lars Osborne <lars.osborne@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Admitting, this is a bit of a silly question, since obviously the best
way
is to not use tapered thread.
Does anyone have any strong preferences for a 'best' tapered thread
sealant? Teflon tape works pretty well, and epoxy can improve things
when it
refuses to stop leaking. I was wondering if there are other sealants out
there that are well-liked. My application is FOD sensitive and needs to
be
hydrocarbon compatible. Stainless fitting into an aluminum body.

Thanks,
Lars Osborne




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