PTFE Thread Seal Tape (Yellow)

PTFE Thread Seal Tape (Yellow) is a premium, high-density tape of approximately 0.5g/cm3, which is generally used for critical applications such as natural gas, oxygen, or large, coarse threads. Made of 100% PTFE, it is resistant to most common chemicals, and ideal for sealing threaded pipe connections between 12.7mm (1/2 inch) and 50.8mm (2 inches) in diameter, at temperatures between -268oC and +260oC.

Further Information:

PTFE Thread Seal Tape (also known as 'PTFE Tape', 'Teflon Tape', or 'Plumber's Tape') is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape commonly used in plumbing for sealing pipe threads. It lubricates, allowing for a deeper seating of the threads, thereby helping to prevent the threads from seizing when being unscrewed. The tape also works as a deformable filler and thread lubricant, helping to seal the joint without hardening or making it more difficult to tighten – instead, making it easier to tighten.

PTFE Thread Seal Tape is commonly used commercially in applications including pressurised water systems, central heating systems, and air compression equipment. It is designed for use on tapered/pipe threads where the sealing force is a wedge action, to ensure the most effective seal for the transport of liquids, gases, steam, and hydraulic fluid through pipes made from materials such as steel, brass, PTFE, nylon, bronze, and cast iron. Tapered threads form a seal when torqued as the flanks of the threads compress against each other, as opposed to parallel/straight thread fittings or compression fittings in which the threads merely hold the pieces together and do not provide the seal.

Tapered threads provide the mechanical strength, however, the main disadvantage is that voids in the connection can still remain once the mating threads are drawn together, resulting in the potential for leakage and galling, especially since there is no other sealing mechanism besides the thread themselves. Thread seal tape is thus required to seal any spiral leak paths or voids that may exist between threads on the fitting and the port, while also limiting corrosion on the threads, which otherwise can make future disassembly nearly impossible.