Features of impregnated tow

Such a nondescript material as tow is necessary for use in many industries for specific purposes: in construction, plumbing operations, in the manufacture of ships, when laying pipes and cables. In this article, we will take a closer look at the characteristics of the impregnated tow and with the basic requirements that apply to this material.

Tow is a special waste product from the primary processing of flax, hemp and other similar crops. It looks like a tough, frayed fiber. It has a slight aseptic effect and good insulating properties. In the construction business it is used as a cushioning, stuffing, wiping product. In the plumbing industry, it is used as a reliable seal of various threaded pipe connections in order to avoid possible leaks.

Oakum has the following important properties:

• the impregnated model has the longest service life;
• due to environmental safety, it is possible to use in large-diameter threaded connections;
• not subject to damage from biological pests;
• is a high-strength material;
• has good porosity;
• has a high moisture absorption;
• resistant to wear;
• excludes gluing of pipe products to each other in sanitary facilities;
• antiseptic characteristics are present;
• not capable of causing an allergic reaction in humans.

During the manufacturing process, products are numbered from 8 to 24 units. The larger the designation, the higher the quality of the material. Linen without impurities has a beige color. Good quality tow should be dry and free of stench.

Resin tow is a tape product impregnated with resin-bitumen mastic, due to which the development of putrefactive processes is excluded. It must be manufactured in accordance with GOST 12285-77 (16183-77) in compliance with the following technical requirements:

• the oiled product is made in the form of a tape of low indicators of short fibers of flax, hemp, kenaf and treated with water-repellent and anti-rotting agents;
• taking into account the type of raw material and its composition, the resinous product is subdivided into shipbuilding and construction tow.

The shipbuilding version is made from a short hemp, followed by impregnation with resin released by conifers. The mass of the fire in the product should be no more than 10%.

The construction option is developed in two types: the first and the second.

The model of the first type is made from a short fiber of flax and kenaf of various indicators or their mixture. The fire should not exceed 18% of the total mass.

Tow of the second option is obtained from a mixture of short fiber flax, kenaf and linseed bast of different numbers. In this case, the fires in the product should be no more than 24%. The first and second products are completely treated with coniferous resin or special rope grease of a certain brand:

• to achieve the desired consistency of the composition, standard kerosene or motor fuel is used as a diluent for impregnation;
• the mass fraction of the impregnating composition in the product should be in the range of 25% to 35% of the total mass;
• the density of the processed tape tow should not be less than 200 ktex;
• the impregnated model should not tear under its own weight at a length of 1.5 meters;
• the impregnated part should not stick to the metal plate while firmly pressing against it;
• when the product is bent at an angle of 90 degrees in 15-degree frost, the composition should not crack and break off from the surface of the model.

Impregnated tow is an effective auxiliary material in construction. For such work, the bale option is most often used. It is used for caulking seams, various joints of structural parts made of metal and wood. Thus, due to the high-quality filling of the gaps between the crowns, the house will not shrink. It is also an ideal material for filling voids between window and door frames and walls. The impregnated product can be used in conjunction with cement, gypsum and other solutions.

In the plumbing direction, this material is necessary for sealing joints and for carrying out repair work in the water supply, heating, and sewerage systems. In this case, the impregnation is oil bitumen, resin-bitumen mastics and specially made dissolving agents.

Depending on the area of ​​application, the product is divided into two options:

• use in the plumbing area;
• for caulking technique.

The total consumption of a product in these types of work can vary greatly, therefore a similar product differs from each other in the form of packaging. The caulking product comes in small rolls or bales. To correctly calculate the required amount for specific work, you should know the weight of tow in 1 m3.

Cubic capacity is calculated as follows: the length, width and height of the bale are multiplied.

For example, let's take a bale with the following parameters:

• length - 0.45 m;
• width - 0.5 m;
• height - 0.8 m;
• weight - 10 kg.

We multiply: 0.45x0.5x0.8 = 0.18 m3

So, we learned that there is 0.18 cubic meters in a 10-kilogram bale with the given parameters. It will not be difficult to calculate the weight of 1 m3:

10: 0.18 = 55.6 kg

To maintain quality, the finished material should be stored in closed, well-ventilated rooms with no heating systems and meeting all fire safety requirements. The surrounding area must also meet similar requirements. Special drains should be present in case of surface water diversion. To ensure additional safety of products from various impurities and moisture, individual packaging should be used.