Reactor Repair - seal a loose fitting

[_shorty_]

I recently had to repair my dual chamber Ca reactor. Inlets in the bottom of each chamber had to be drilled out and re-tapped to accept 1/2" male PVC fittings. The main chamber seals great. Unfortunetly the second chamber I may have tapped too far (or something went wrong), since the fitting screws in pretty easily and only really tightens when the head of the male fitting hits the chamber.

So, what's the best way to seal this 1/2" PVC male fitting into the loose female threaded acrylic chamber hole? (no inapproprate jokes, please... lol)

I used Rector Seal T plus 2 the first time to try to get a seal, but after a pressure test last night, I have a small leak. I'd like to try to avoid using weld-on if I can as that's what caused me to have to drill these fittings out to begin with, and I'd hate to weld it in, and then have it still leak on me.

Any recommendations? I was thinking of trying to use some silicon like pipe dope, but don't know if that's a good idea or not. I've also considered welding in a cheaper 1/2" PVC fitting, and then re-drilling and re-tapping... but that seems extreme. So just looking for input. Other suggestions on sealing this fitting?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cal3v]

Any space that you could drill a larger hole for a threaded 1/2" bulkhead? Or drill and tap for a 3/4" fitting and use a reducer bushing to size it down?

How loose is it? Does it wiggle when not fully bottomed out? Could try some Teflon tape and a quality liquid Teflon like loctite brand, otherwise without re-doing the hole you would be best off with silicone.

 

[_shorty_]

Any space that you could drill a larger hole for a threaded 1/2" bulkhead? Or drill and tap for a 3/4" fitting and use a reducer bushing to size it down?

How loose is it? Does it wiggle when not fully bottomed out? Could try some Teflon tape and a quality liquid Teflon like loctite brand, otherwise without re-doing the hole you would be best off with silicone.

thanks or the input. No, it doesn't wiggle.. but it can be hand turned all the way down without much effort. A larger size hole might be an option, but not one I'd like to try. taps this size aren't cheap!!

your suggesting tape and liquid Teflon together? I could try that. Then if that doesn't work, silicon. My biggest concern about the silicon is whether or not it will seal long term to acrylic and PVC. But, not a ton of pressure on this thing either.

 

[Steveb]

If your not concerned about a permanent solution I would be more inclined to use Weldon 16. I will bond the pvc fitting in the hole tapped in the acrylic.

-- oops just caught the part about not wanting to use weldon... another option might be a uniseal.

 

[ca1ore]

My biggest concern about the silicon is whether or not it will seal long term to acrylic and PVC. But, not a ton of pressure on this thing either.

All the threads on my MTC calcium reactor are sealed with silicone and have remained leak free for over a decade. It plays no structural role and cannot really be mechanically dislodged. That is what I would do. Just give it adequate cure time.

 

[_shorty_]

I used tape & puddy last night and still had a pinhole leak in the same spot. Wondering if there is a path in the threads that's not supposed to be there.. I will try the silicon this weekend and let it cure a day or two before testing it. Then.. i think I will use wedon 16 and a cheap PVC fitting, then re-drill/re-tap if the silicon doesn't work for any reason.

It makes me feel better to hear about the silicon lasting a while.
Thanks for the input!

 

[cal3v]

The silicone will work, like you said give it time to cure and definitely wipe down with alcohol before applying to ensure the surfaces are clean.