Sealing Systems for PVC Pipes

Sealing rings of natural and synthetic rubber have been used for connecting pipes since 1930. When PVC-plastic pipes were introduced in the early years solvent gluing became the common method of joining the pipes. The flexible rubber sealed pipes meant tighter pipe systems and easier handling of pipes at the site. This paper will describe the history of the usage of flexible rubber joints and the present trend towards prefabricated and locked-in sealing systems.