In everyday life and industry, a large number of pipes are used that need to be connected. Flax is often used as a sealant. Get it from pure combed raw materials. Homogeneous and thin material is the best. There are several varieties of flax fiber. They are denoted by even numbers from 14 to 30.
Where is flax applied?
To obtain a tight threaded connection with high reliability, sanitary flax is used. GOST on it has the designation 10330-76. The document states that plant fibers should fit tightly into the threaded folds. The material is high strength, not collapsing when connecting fittings. The increased humidity that occurs in the thread area leads to flax swelling. This property allows it to eliminate small leaks that may occur during operation of the pipe.
Winding flax plumbing should be as follows:
- Separate a small group of fibers from the bundle.
- Lay flax on the grooves of the thread from the base of the part to the edge. Fibers should be in each lane.
- Apply a special composition in order to provide additional reliability.
Flax Characterization
Silica contained in plant fibers prevents their decay. Flax can be used in systems where the temperature of the liquid does not exceed 150 ºC: water supply, heat and steam. In the production of the material, long fibers from the linen stem are used. There are strength characteristics that are checked at the manufacturing stage. Positive qualities of a sealant:
- Affordable price. It can be bought much cheaper than any similar synthetic compounds and materials. The cost depends on the volume and is at the level of 50 rubles per 50 grams.
- Universality. Flax is suitable for all types of compounds.
- High wear resistance. It can be used several times.
- Naturalness. Does not release toxic substances into water.
He also has drawbacks, but they are noticeable only in case of violation of the application technology or errors in the calculations. Flax plumbing manufacturer supplies in different styling options. It can be a scythe or a ball. The latter option is preferable, although more expensive. If lumps and foreign inclusions are visible in the flax sold, it is better to refuse to purchase it. It is more difficult to twist a thread of the desired thickness from it.
FUM tape
Flax sanitary - the sealant checked by time. However, other modern materials appeared for the same purpose. One of the modern sealants is the FUM tape. For convenience and reliability, it is similar to flax. But synthetic material has a significant drawback: its remarkable properties disappear as soon as the compound has been disturbed. This is a disposable tape.
In appearance and other characteristics, it is impossible to distinguish the connection with flax and FUM tape. However, sanitary flax gives greater reliability to the pipe contact point. For this reason, it is better to use flax fiber.