Maintaining Impregnation Sealant for Optimal Performance

2 Minute Read

In order to maintain impregnation sealant for optimal performance, there are two vital tests that should be performed on a regular basis:

  1. Gel Test
  2. Viscosity Test

testing sealantGel Test – The gel test measures the beginning and the end of the curing process which shows that the sealant is stable and initiated correctly. Along with showing that your sealant transforms from a liquid to a solid, the test confirms that your sealant is within its specifications as manufactured.

Viscosity Test – The viscosity verifies that your sealant is in a proper state to penetrate the parent material and fill the porosity or leak path. If the viscosity is too high it serves as evidence of solids contamination or pre-polymerization which would prevent penetration. A low viscosity points to water or foreign liquid contamination of the sealant which could impact the fill or physical properties of the sealant.    

There are a variety of more in-depth tests performed at our in-house laboratory in Aurora Ohio. These include:

  • Karl Fisher titration
  • infrared spectroscopy
  • gas chromatograph mass spectrometry.

If a customer suspects his sealant has been contaminated these tests help determine possible sources and degrees of contamination.

The gel and viscosity tests are routine, performed by the operator with materials that can be supplied by Godfrey & Wing. Listed below are items included in GW gel / viscosity test kit.  

  • Test tubes
  • Pipette
  • Heater block
  • Certified Zahn cup
  • Calibrated thermometer
  • Stop watch

It is suggested that the line operator(s) performs these tests on a daily basis for thermal cure sealants and every shift for anaerobic sealants.  Again, the reason behind performing these tests is to make certain your sealant is within specification, and most importantly, healthy enough to seal the finest of porosity holes in a casting.

Godfrey & Wing manufactures and sells various different Mil Spec / QPL approved sealants ranging from Thermal Cure, Anaerobic, UL87A, and Flexible sealants, and there is a range of specifications for viscosity and gel times listed. To learn more about what your sealant’s specifications should be, please click here.

If you would like to order a gel / viscosity test kit or have any questions, please contact Godfrey & Wing by clicking here or calling 1.800.241.2579.