Sealants & Adhesives

Thread sealants, PTFE tapes, leak detector and tap grease for commerical and residential plumbing.

Sealants & Adhesives FAQs

What's the difference between a thread-sealing compound (thread pastes) and an anaerobic thread sealant?

Thread-sealing compounds are usually solvent-based and work by hardening as the solvent evaporates. As solvent-based thread-sealing compounds present a risk of shrinking and cracking over time, they are best for sealing threads in maintenance applications where a permanent rigid bond is not essential.

Anaerobic thread sealants are high-performance sealants that only cure when oxygen is expelled. Anaerobic thread sealants such as Loxeal 58-11 are ideal for sealing permanent fixtures in commercial applications.

When should I use a liquid thread sealant or thread sealing compound instead of thread seal tape?

A liquid thread sealant or thread-sealing compound is recommended when sealing larger-diameter pipelines. For high-strength sealing on permanent structures, it's important to use a high-performance thread sealant such as the Loxeal®58-11. The Loxeal®58-11 is not only AGA-approved for use with gas, it is also WaterMark-approved for use with potable water.

For a detailed comparison, read our blog post here

What's the difference between Loxeal 58-11 and 18-10 Thread Sealant?

Whilst Loxeal 18-10 is designed for medium-pressure gas applications, Loxeal 58-11 is designed for high-pressure gas and water applications.

PropertiesLOXEAL 58-11
High-Pressure Thread Sealant
LOXEAL 18-10
Medium-Pressure Thread Sealant
Viscosity @ 25°C24,000 - 70,000 mPa.s (high thixotropy^)≈45000 mPa.s (Thixotropic^)
Density @ 25°C1.05 g/ml1.0 g/ml
Max Diameter of Thread / Gap Filling AbilityM 80 / 3°/ 0.50mmM 80 / 0.30mm
Flash Point>100°CApproximately 100°C
Solvent ContentNoneNone
Shelf Life @ 23°C2 Years2 Years
Temperature Range-10°C to +150°C-10°C to +150°C
AGA ApprovalAGA-5048AGA-5047
WaterMark ApprovalWM-040164None
Maximum Working Pressure2000 kPa500 kPa
Handling Cure Time15 to 30 minutes20 to 40 minutes
Functional Cure Time1 to 3 hours1 to 3 hours
Full Cure Time3 to 6 hours5 to 10 hours
Shear Strength6 to 13 N/mm24 to 6 N/mm2
Locking Torque
Breakaway
Prevailing
18 to 24 N m
7 to 14 N m
6 to 11 N m
2 to 5 N m
Elongation at BreakMore than 100%More than 100%

Data stated is as tested on Bolt M 10x20 – quality 8.8. – Nut h – 0.8d.

Which thread sealant can be used on Natural Gas and LPG (propane) pipes?

SUPA-SEAL P.T.F.E Thread Seal Tapes, Loxeal Thread Sealants and LA-CO T-O-T and Slic-tite® Thread Sealing Compound can be used to seal pipes containing Natural Gas or LPG (propane).

Can I use Loxeal on plastic thread?

No, it needs metal ions to cure.

Do I need to use thread tape with Loxeal?

No, do not use thread tape with it, or any other sealant. The thread tape will inhibit Loxeal from curing as the sealant needs metal to metal contact.

Does Loxeal work for stainless/galvanised steel?

Recommended to use Loxeal 58-11 instead of Loxeal 18-10, as it has a higher strength and it takes longer to cure on stainless steel than other metals and the final strength is less than 100% of its full curing strength.

How do I remove Loxeal from the thread?

For disassembly, use normal tools and eventually heat pieces at 150/250°C (note: heating will likely produce carbon oxide and toxic fumes), remove any residue of cured product mechanically and clean parts with Acetone.

What does Loxeal look like when cured?

The sealant between the threads will harden when oxygen is expelled. The sealant outside of the piping will remain liquid as oxygen cannot be expelled.

Sealants & Adhesives - Frequently Asked Questions
Thread Sealants - FAQ

Sealants & Adhesives

Bromic proudly supplies thread sealants, PTFE tapes and lubricants by trusted international brands LA-CO & Loxeal suited for a range of commercial and residential plumbing applications. Bromic supplies AGA and WaterMark approved sealants designed for use with gas and water.

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Bromic Plumbing & Gas