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Old 11-05-2013, 12:00   #1
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What adhesive to use?

We need to move a fitting on our polyethelene water tank. What adhesive should we use to seal around the opening for the new fitting?
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Old 11-05-2013, 17:18   #2
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Re: What adhesive to use?

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Originally Posted by Trefoil View Post
We need to move a fitting on our polyethelene water tank. What adhesive should we use to seal around the opening for the new fitting?
I don't think there is an adhesive that will stick to polyethelene.

Todd makes a tank fitting relocation kit. You may not want to buy the kit, but if you can examine it at a marine retailer and read the instructions, you shold find out what you need to know.
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Old 11-05-2013, 17:29   #3
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Re: What adhesive to use?

I agree with rwidman; nothing will stick to PE. Possibly can be welded.
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Old 11-05-2013, 17:57   #4
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Re: What adhesive to use?

Polyethylene can be welded, but you need a plastic welder. Harbor Freight has a relatively cheap one, but I have not tried it.

You can also use flexible epoxy like West System G/Flex or Marine-Tex FlexSet. You will need to flame treat the polyethylene (quickly pass a propane torch flame over it). Both epoxies include instructions for flame treating.
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Old 11-05-2013, 18:08   #5
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Re: What adhesive to use?

there is a new 'putty stick' type epoxy called 'water weld' that i used to patch a leaking plastic water jerry jug. it states that it works on many types of plastics. it's made by the same guys who make 'j b weld' - i found it at home depot.
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Old 12-05-2013, 05:13   #6
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Re: What adhesive to use?

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Trefoil.

I’ve never found an adhesive that would really stick to PE.
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Old 12-05-2013, 08:09   #7
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How thick is the wall of the tank, is the fitting on top or on the side?
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Old 12-05-2013, 08:32   #8
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Re: What adhesive to use?

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I’ve never found an adhesive that would really stick to PE.
G/Flex works. You can get about 2000 psi adhesion to HDPE: WEST SYSTEM | Specialty Epoxies - G/flex
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Old 12-05-2013, 08:39   #9
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Re: What adhesive to use?

3M 4693H is one of a range of adhesives designed to stick to such 'slippery' material: "This adhesive is unique in its ability to bond hard-to-hold materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and high-impact polystyrene."
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Old 12-05-2013, 09:09   #10
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Re: What adhesive to use?

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3M 4693H is one of a range of adhesives designed to stick to such 'slippery' material: "This adhesive is unique in its ability to bond hard-to-hold materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and high-impact polystyrene."
That's an interesting option. 3M claims at least ScotchWeld DP8005 and DP8005 don't not require flame treatment for LSE platics like HDPE: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...ng%20Paper.pdf
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Old 12-05-2013, 09:28   #11
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Re: What adhesive to use?

are you using a screw on or thru hull fitting with a nut? if you are just use food grade silicone sealant.
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Old 12-05-2013, 22:13   #12
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Re: What adhesive to use?

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We need to move a fitting on our polyethelene water tank. What adhesive should we use to seal around the opening for the new fitting?
You don't need any sealant, nor do you need a fitting relocation kit. What you do need is a li'l doodad called the Uniseal The UNISEAL Warehouse - Uniseals A short piece of pvc pipe or elbow fitting--available from any hardware store-- becomes the new hose barb. You'll find the instructions for installing it under the "Blog" tab (I dunno why they didn't just call it "instructions"...'twould have made 'em a whole lot easier to find). Trust me, it will not leak. A threaded plug--also available from hardware stores--wrapped in teflon tape will seal the old fitting.
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Old 12-05-2013, 23:53   #13
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You don't need any sealant, nor do you need a fitting relocation kit. What you do need is a li'l doodad called the Uniseal The UNISEAL Warehouse - Uniseals A short piece of pvc pipe or elbow fitting--available from any hardware store-- becomes the new hose barb. You'll find the instructions for installing it under the "Blog" tab (I dunno why they didn't just call it "instructions"...'twould have made 'em a whole lot easier to find). Trust me, it will not leak. A threaded plug--also available from hardware stores--wrapped in teflon tape will seal the old fitting.
+1 at least for fittings on the top of the tank.
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Old 13-05-2013, 06:43   #14
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Re: What adhesive to use?

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Originally Posted by peghall View Post
You don't need any sealant, nor do you need a fitting relocation kit. What you do need is a li'l doodad called the Uniseal The UNISEAL Warehouse - Uniseals A short piece of pvc pipe or elbow fitting--available from any hardware store-- becomes the new hose barb. You'll find the instructions for installing it under the "Blog" tab (I dunno why they didn't just call it "instructions"...'twould have made 'em a whole lot easier to find). Trust me, it will not leak. A threaded plug--also available from hardware stores--wrapped in teflon tape will seal the old fitting.
Very interesting. Do manufacturers actually use this instead of conventional fittings or is that just part of their advertising?

I'm surprised the marine stores aren't selling this product.
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Old 13-05-2013, 06:55   #15
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I would just use a bulkhead fitting. This is what is used on large industrial sized polyethylene tanks.

Here is one of many sources:

http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=186
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