FAQ’s Hylomar Universal Blue Non-setting Sealants pg 1

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What is PL32, SQ32, and Aerograde?

Hylomar PL32 , SQ32 and Aerograde are all the same product. Different names and codes have been utilised over the product’s lifetime. SQ32 was the original development code name used by Rolls Royce in the 1950’s. PL32 was the name of the original specification for aerospace purposed issued by Rolls Royce. The product was renamed Aerograde in 1970 to distinguish it from other automotive grades of Universal Blue that were not manufactured to the Rolls Royce specification.

What are the different grades of Universal Blue available – Aerograde PL32, Racing Formula, Aerograde Ultra, Advanced Formula, Universal Blue Medium?

Hylomar Aerograde PL32 is the product which should be used by all aircraft manufacturers which conforms to the original Rolls-Royce specification. Aerograde Ultra is a Rolls- Royce specified product which uses a different solvent (acetone) than Aerograde (methylene chloride). Universal Blue is the original non-setting sealant used for all non aircraft applications. Racing Formula is a new non-setting sealant developed using a different solvent system to Universal Blue. Advanced Formulation is a non solvented non setting jointing compound.

How do non-setting sealants work?

Non- setting sealants work by filling the imperfections between the joint surface. This stops any fluids leaking through the joint. The product has a low cohesive strength so that the joint can be opened easily. Much like a Post-It Note ™ Hylomar non-setting sealants permit joint movement, and even flange separation, but reseal when the joint returns to its normal position. This self-healing mechanism is at the core of how non-setting sealants work.

If you would like to experiment, try spraying the back of a poster with Hylomar XP Aerosol. It will then adhere to a wall or another surface, yet can be pulled apart like a Post-It Note. Hylomar Universal Blue has higher adhesion, and will support more weight than a Post-It Note, but it works on a similar principle.

Can I use Universal Blue as a pipe sealant?

Universal Blue can seal threaded pipe connections to stop leakage of fluid or air. Universal Blue has CALOR approval for sealing pipes with flammable liquids. It has also been used by automakers as a thread sealant.

Can I use Universal Blue as a gasket dressing?

Universal Blue is an ideal product to be used as a gasket dressing. It helps to seal the joint as well as aiding the positioning of gaskets. We recommend the use of Hylomar XP Aerosol for spraying the product on large gaskets. Smaller gaskets can be coated with tubes of Universal Blue with various solvents. Once the solvent flashes off the polymer remains as a non-setting, self-healing gasket sealant.

Can I use Universal Blue on a cylinder head gasket?

Universal Blue has been used for many years as a gasket dressing on cylinder head gaskets

What is the shelf life of Universal Blue, Aerograde, Racing Formula, and AF? Can it be extended?

2 years from data of manufacture. This can be extended if required on submission of a sample of the product to Hylomar Ltd.

What temperature(s) can Universal Blue withstand?

Universal Blue has a temperature rating from –50degC to 250degC depending upon the application.

It has been also been used for years on applications up to 350degC with close fitting smooth surfaced joints when there is not much joint movement. In this case, we believe Universal Blue degrades into ash and silica in a way that fills the microscopic surface imperfections of a smooth substrate and enhances the seal of the joint.

Is Hylomar Universal Blue resistant to fuel, lubricants, refrigerants, CFCs, oils, ATF, etc?

Hylomar Universal Blue is resistant to most types of automotive fuels and lubricants. Hylomar has been used with success with many CFCs and refrigerants, but we have not tested them.

Strong acids and alkalis, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, low molecular weight testers.

What is Permatex Hylomar HPF?

Hylomar Ltd in the past has sold a solvent-free version of Universal Blue to Permatex in bulk, which they have repackaged as Permatex Hylomar HPF with our approval. This started at a point when Loctite (the former parent company of Permatex) was Hylomar’s US distributor. Since then Loctite was acquired by Henkel, which sold Permatex in a MBO, which was then acquired by ITW, and Hylomar has set up its own US distribution company. Some Permatex HPF may still be available in retail locations.

When ITW bought Permatex, they withdrew Hylomar HPF from the market. Customer outcry was such that now, two years later, they have reintroduced a version of Hylomar to the market - Hylomar Racing Formula - in a 35ml tube. Hylomar Racing Formula is an acetone solvented version with higher performance (tackiness and adhesion) and the solvent makes it much easier to apply.

Hylomar USA Inc sells other versions of Hylomar Universal Blue that is not available from Permatex, including Advanced Formula, a solvent free version of Universal Blue, to customers using the product in places without proper ventilation.  Hylomar has also introduced Hylomar XP Aerosol, a new acetone based Hylomar Aerosol, with improved spray coverage, as another alternative.

Who manufactures Hylomar Universal Blue?

Hylomar Ltd  is the manufacturer of the Universal Blue polymer composition used widely around the world. Hylomar has a technology licensee, Marston Domsel GmbH, who also formulates certain Universal Blue compositions. In addition, certain distributors have been permitted to fill tubes and aerosols in co-branded images for specific markets around the world, including Valco in the US, JJ Gandhi in India, ACL in Australia, and previously Permatex in the US.

I have an application where I want to reduce the noise level on a spring
applied brake.  The OEM (Intorq) in Germany says they are using Hylomar
SQ 32/M which I am not able to find.  We tried the Hylomar HPF but it
remains tacky and we would like a type that will form a skin within a
few hours, what do you recommend?  J.E. USA

Hylomar SQ32M is manufactured under license in Germany by our sister company. The UK
equivalent is Hylomar Universal Blue.
Hylomar

Editor’s note: Noise reduction is a very promising application for Hylomar Universal Blue and Advanced Formulation. Application engineers have found that the film that is formed with Hylomar can reduce noise and vibration in addition to acting as a thread sealant or flange sealant.

I am looking for a sealant to use on a water cooled marine engine.  The  head has O-rings in it, but  I am looking for added insurance to keep water from entering the cylinder.  If you think one of your products would be of benefit contact me. Thank you.  R.R.

The product that you need for this application is "Hylomar Universal Blue".

The method of application is critical as the solvent in the "Hylomar UB" will soften and swell the O-ring.

1) Remove the O-ring from the groove.
2) Apply a small amount of "Hylomar UB" to both sides of the groove, that the O-ring sits in.
3) Allow the solvent to evaporate for about 15 to 20 minutes.
4) Place the O-ring in the groove, and re-assemble the components as usual.

To re-cap:

The solvent in "Hylomar UB" will soften the O-ring, but the dry residue will be compatible. To stop the solvent in the "Hylomar UB" softening the O-ring, sufficient time must be given for the solvent to evaporate before coming into contact with the O-ring.

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