Thread Sealants: PTFE Tape, Hemp, Anaerobic
Sealing Technology
Thread sealants seal tapered and parallel pipe threads where the thread itself forms the seal. The category is laid out for PTFE tape, hemp and anaerobic sealants; at present six items from Chesterton, Fluidics equipment and Riegler are listed, all of them PTFE tape. Available are the dense GRp quality in 4.6 m, 13.7 m and 32.9 m at 0.09 mm thickness, and standard FRp tape in 12 m at 0.1 mm thickness and 12 mm width. Hemp and anaerobic products are being added.
PTFE tape suits a water-glycol loop: it resists water, glycol and cleaning additives, and one Riegler tape is rated from -240 °C to 260 °C with DVGW and KTW approval. Unlike elastomer gaskets, the question of EPDM against NBR and FKM does not arise here, because no elastomer is involved. What matters instead is the metal pairing of the fitting itself: stainless steel and plastics without restriction, brass and gunmetal only in a single-metal assembly.
PTFE thread seal tape - quality, length and thickness
| Quality | Length | Thickness | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRp, highest quality | 32.9 m | 0.09 mm | dense tape for repeat installation work |
| GRp, highest quality | 13.7 m | 0.09 mm | medium roll for maintenance |
| GRp, highest quality | 4.6 m | 0.09 mm | small roll for single fittings |
| similar to GRp, high quality | 12 m | 0.1 mm | alternative to the GRp roll |
| FRp, standard quality | 12 m | 0.1 mm | 12 mm wide, general installation |
| PTFE tape with approval | by version | by version | -240 °C to 260 °C, DVGW and KTW approval |
- Tapered pipe threads R and Rp on manifolds and headers of the cooling loop
- Fitting gauges, thermometers and sensors to flow and return lines
- Make-up and potable water lines that require DVGW and KTW approval
- Assembling plastic and stainless steel fittings without an additional flat gasket
- Reworking leaking threads where no flat gasket is provided
- Tool cases and maintenance trolleys: a small roll as standard equipment
