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X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:


  1. How do I use X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound?

  2. X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound is a dry powder and must be mixed with water at about a five parts powder to one part water ratio before using. Mix the material to a thick consistency, similar to creamy peanut butter, using clean water and a clean container. With a brush or spatula, apply the X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound across the first four male threads (filling more than six threads is unnecessary and wasteful). A "collar" or "rope" of excess material will be forced to the outside of the joint. Do not remove this excess material, as it is a very helpful guide in determining whether the pipe joint compound is set up. When this material becomes a hard cement that cannot be scored, it is set up. X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound is not an adhesive - rather, it expands as it sets to fill a void.  All threads should be clean of any debris or cutting oil (particularly stainless steel threads), as either could cause a gap between the threads and the material, allowing leaks.
  3. Does X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound set up quickly?

  4. NO!!!! X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound is not a fast setting cement. Under normal temperature and atmospheric conditions, the material will set up in 24 hours.

  5. Can I hasten the set up time?

  6. Evaporation of water is the main factor, so making the mixture as thick as possible will hasten set up time. If a faster set up time is desired, X-Pando may be force dried by using heat lamps, infrared bulbs, heat guns, or torches. However, DO NOT HEAT ABOVE 200°F. Higher heat may create steam and possibly fracture the X-Pando. If using ordinary low city pressures, joints may be used within 30 minutes. If using high pressure, or damaged joints, it is recommended that you wait until the material is entirely set up.

  7. How do I use X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound in freezing temperatures?

  8. The water content in the mixture of X-Pando creates a problem in winter's freezing temperatures. The joints must be protected from freezing by using insulation and/or electrical heat tape. You can also use the force drying methods mentioned above.

  9. What is the "pot life" or workability time of X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound?

  10. Depending on your own personal preference on the water to powder mixing ratio, a batch should be workable for 1 ½ to 2 hours. The material hardens as the water evaporates; therefore, the thinner or more liquid the solution, the longer the working life of the mix. A thinner mix will not alter the sealing qualities of X-Pando, but it will take longer to set up. Do NOT add water to an existing mix - rather, make up a new batch.

  11. What is the shelf life of X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound?

  12. If you follow the directions on our containers and KEEP THE COVERS OF THE CONTAINERS CLOSED TIGHTLY and avoid exposing the material to moisture, the compound will last indefinitely.

  13. Can I use X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound on pipes made of unanodized aluminum?

  14. Yes, you can, but be aware that the X-Pando material will cause the aluminum to discolor. If this is not an issue in your application, the product will perform as usual.

  15. Is it possible to take apart a joint that was put together with X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound?

  16. Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult than other materials. Straining the joint with a wrench will not usually work. The proper procedure is to put a strain on the pipe - with a wrench - while at the same time tapping the fitting all around. Striking the joint will break the expansion bond between the surface and the compound and allow the joint to be turned off.

  17. How strong is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound?

  18. X-Pando is at least ten times stronger than most other pipe joint sealants.

  19. How tight do I have to make the joint?

  20. It is not necessary to over tighten the joint - the expansion of the product, once it is set up, will effectively seal the joint.

  21. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound non-toxic?

  22. YES!!! X-Pando does not contain any lead, asbestos, teflon, or harmful carcinogens.

  23. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound safe for use in systems containing drinking water?

  24. YES!!! X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound, and it's sister product X-Pando Special No. 2, are in compliance with the AWWA's suggested requirements for drinking water and are classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ® in accordance with ANSI/NSF Standard 61.

  25. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound useful for hard-to-contain gases?

  26. Yes. It is used extensively as a sealer for gases, including oxygen, helium, CO2, butane, natural gas, and chlorine. It is particularly useful in the fields of air conditioning and refrigeration for ammonia and freon, as well as the other environmentally safe gases. It has also been tested and approved for systems containing medical oxygen in hospitals.

  27. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound insoluble in liquids?

  28. X-Pando is insoluble in water, gasoline, mineral spirits, steam, and most other liquids, with the exception of concentrated acids and bases. X-Pando Products Company does not recommend the use of their products to seal liquids at the pH ranges below 2 and above 12.

  29. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound useful on liquid gases?

  30. Yes. After lengthy tests at the Kennedy Space Center, X-Pando was added to NASA's list of liquid oxygen compatible materials.

  31. Is X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound approved by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc.®?

  32. Yes, it is classified as follows:  Meets UL Standards for performance in sealing joints of threaded metal pipe tight against leakage.  Also classified in accordance with NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for drinking water - compliant with NSF/ANSI 372 (formerly known as Annex G).
  33. How much X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound do I need?

  34. Use our convenient Volume Calculation Sheet to figure out how much X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound you will need.