- How do I use X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound Special No. 2?
Mix as required with clean water only to a consistency of heavy paste or peanut butter. When cement lining has been brought flush to the end of the pipe and fittings, wet down the edge of the cement linings with clean water and apply a heavy paste of X-Pando Special No. 2 with a spatula or brush, being careful not to get X-Pando on the steel surface to be welded. Join the ends together with welding clamps. Using a wet brush or swab, pass over the inside of the pipe to smooth out the X-Pando. Remove surplus X-Pando and other dirt or oil from the outside of the steel surface to be joined by welding. Tac-weld as required to hold pipe in proper alignment.
Allow X-Pando Special No. 2 to dry or pre-heat the area to be welded to about 250°F for a few minutes to remove all the moisture from the cement lining and the X-Pando. Do not overheat, or the X-Pando may become too dry and tend to pulverize and lose its strength. Allow to cool slightly before applying weld.
Prior to welding, thoroughly clean the surface to be welded, removing all grease, scale, and rust. During the welding process, all slag and flux remaining on the bead must be removed before lying down successive beads. It is best to make practice beads until the desired heat is obtained.
Welding: All welds start at the bottom of the pipe and proceed upward. Apply two or three beads as required, using upstroke motions and allowing a cooling off between different beads. Check carefully for cracks or blemishes in the weld. These are apt to occur during any of the welding strokes and must be removed and repaired by chipping and grinding prior to depositing the next bead.
- What type of welding rods are recommended?
Rods of low-heat type are recommended. The heat is kept to a minimum. 1/8" or 5/32" 6010 5P rods are recommended for this application.
- How do I cut cement lined pipe?
To cut cement lined pipe with a cutting torch, simply wash the steel away from the cement lining by passing all the way around the pipe. Tap off the portion to be removed with a hammer in order to provide a sharp break in the cement lining. Repair the edge of the cement lining. The heat from the cutting torch will do little or no damage to the cement lining.
- How do I use X-Pando Special No. 2 in freezing temperatures?
During this type of weather, mix only small amounts with warm water and have facilities to heat contents sufficiently for the mix to set properly.
- What is the "pot life", or workability time, of X-Pando Special No. 2?
You should not mix more than you can use in approximately one hour. DO NOT add water to a batch that is starting to set up - rather, mix a new batch.
- What is the shelf life of X-Pando Special No. 2?
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.
- Can I use X-Pando Special No. 2 on pipes made of unanondized aluminum?
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.
- Is X-Pando Special No. 2 non-toxic?
Yes!!! X-Pando does not contain any lead, asbestos, teflon, or harmful carcinogens.
- Is X-Pando Special No. 2 safe for use in systems containing drinking water?
Yes!!! X-Pando Special No. 2 and its sister product, X-Pando Pipe Joint Compound, are in compliance with the AWWA's suggested requirements for drinking water and are classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.® in accordance with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, as well as compliant with NSF/ANSI 372 (formerly known as Annex G) requirements of ANSI/NSF 61-2008.
- Is X-Pando Special No. 2 insoluble in liquids?
X-Pando is insoluble in water, gasoline, hot or cold oil, hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, steam, oxygen, CO2, freon, and ammonia, 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.
- How much X-Pando Special No. 2 do I need to use?
Use our convenient Volume Calculation Sheet to figure out how much X-Pando Special No. 2 you will need.
