Several alternative adhesives were trialled to resolve the problem. The LOCTITE 2400 thread locker and sealant proved superior for three reasons: when cured it could absorb any shock, the resultant bond was extremely durable and, most importantly, it was also hazard label-free. In fact it is also approved by WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme).
HUOT is a century-old French company that specialises in the manufacture of products and components for drinking water supply. It produces in the region of one million brass pipe fittings per year and the EN805 standard to which they conform requires them to have a service life of more than 50 years. In reality, this is substantially exceeded. The average lifespan of a HUOT product is 70 years, so clearly quality is at the heart of the company’s design and manufacturing process.
HUOT uses various grades of thread lockers, but especially LOCTITE 2400 when medium-strength sealing is required. LOCTITE 2400 cures when it is confined in the absence of air between the close-fitting metal surfaces when the joint is tightened. As the adhesive fills all gaps between the threads, there is no scope for any micromovement of the joint, the major cause of self-loosening. It is designed for locking and sealing threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools.
This one-part adhesive was one of the founding products in Henkel’s Health and Safety range. It has recently been further developed for use on zinc-coated products.
