steam sealing

[92220]

I was browsing the web to find the best/cheapest source of Rocal RTD liquid. It's the best lubricant I've come across for tapping any size from M12 down to M0.6 !!

While looking at the list of Rocal liquids, on the Zoro Tools website, I come across this which made me sit up and take note!! How about a sealing paste that will seal at temperatures from -20C up to 600C, and at pressures up to a max of 2800 psi.

It hardens but remains flexible enough to resist cracking due to vibration.  Foliac Manganese P.J.C. 4 00GM [Steamseal] ByRocol.     This appears to be the ultimate sealant for use on our locos. I don't know if this will work but I copied the Rocol link address for anyone who wants to investigate further. If it doesn't work straight from here, just copy the web address and paste it into Google. :-     www.rocol.com/datasheets/download/tds/6/STEAMSEAL

Anyone who is interested in buying some, should search the web as prices vary enormously, depending on who is selling it. Prices go from cheap to sky high, for the same thing!!!

Bob.

Edit. I've just posted the thread and checked the link. It automatically pulls up a .pdf copy of the Rocal data sheet with the option to download to your computer.

[Deleted]

That's an interesting product Bob, I wonder how thick the paste is and whether it cures in the air? I'm thinking will it be any good at sealing the smokebox where the various pipes exit?

Pete

[oldnorton]

We had a chat about this stuff in Aug 2016, and then you found it in Aug 2017 Bob 

Don't worry, it's the Groundhog Day effect on all of us 

Get it from Heritage Steam.

[Deleted]

Jan 27, 2021 16:15:56 GMT oldnorton said:

We had a chat about this stuff in Aug 2016, and then you found it in Aug 2017 Bob 

Don't worry, it's the Groundhog Day effect on all of us 

Get it from Heritage Steam.

Hi Norm

Can this stuff be used to seal openings in the smokebox? I'm just thinking ahead...

BTW, well done on making the front cover in the latest issue of ME...

Pete

[oldnorton]

Pete

Rocol Steamseal is the traditional steam engine pipe sealant, has been called 'Foliac' for years I think, and will do a reasonable job on any metal to metal joint that has got big gaps or fitting problems. It forms a hard skin in the tin and a joint that was made a year ago will still unscrew, but with a bit more force, and the material will be like a firm plastic.

No, I wouldn't use it to seal smokebox leaks - it won't hold. Best for that is high temperature silicone rubber. Usually red and sold for sealing log stoves.

I think for our very fine threads even Steamseal is a bit too coarse and the new loctite thread sealants (white coloured) seem much better.

Norm

[Deleted]

Thanks Norm...when I got around to reading the file that Bob gave the link too I realised how unsuitable it was for large gaps. I should have read it properly before asking my question...I have a habit of doing that...

Pete

[ejparrott]

Steamseal is what I use on bigger models. It has a limited life span though, it's linseed oil based and it does dry out and go lumpy. Far as I'm aware there's no way to reinvigorate it