WELL CONSTRUCTION--Pipe dope UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER RESOURCES DIVISION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20242 February 17, 1970 4037 0001 GROUND WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 70.9 To: Regional Hydrologists and District Chiefs, WRD From: Chief, Ground Water Branch, WRD, Washington, D.C. Subject: WELL CONSTRUCTION--Pipe dope J. H. Crimer of the Memphis, Tennessee, office responded to Ground Water Branch Technical Memorandum No. 70.8 by relating his experience with both Teflon and silicone lubricants. I quote: Teflon pipe dope is an excellent product. However, you may be interested in our experience, first with Teflon powder which is available in a squeezer bottle. The powder can be applied to large diameter pipe in a fraction of the time required for the paste application. Small diameter pipe and couplings or bolts and nuts may be dipped in the powder or it may be squeeze-sprayed on. Usually there is enough of the thread-cutting fluid on threads to cause a sufficient amount of the powder to adhere. Second, very thin Teflon tape is also available for this purpose. Both provide excellent sealing qualities in pipe joints. The powder is also an excellent lubricant for door and drawer slides. Samples of powder, tape, and paste were obtained from the Alpha Molykote Corp., Stanford, Conn. Finally, a new silicone grease (lubricant) that is water repellent seems to be the best material we've ever used for pipe dope, as well as a lubricant for Type F recorder pen- carriage slides and recorder bearings, for battery terminals to prevent corrosion, rubber and leather preservative- lubricant, and general purpose lubrication including plastics and aluminum. The grease is manufactured by the General Electric Company under the trade name "Versilube." There are several "Versilube" products for a wide range of uses but G- 322, the one that we are trying, appears to be best suited and the most nearly general-purpose for our uses. Stability over a wide temperature range and the ability to seal out water and water vapor are very important qualities, so far as we are concerned. Moisture and heat cause the greatest loss of water records in the Memphis area. A sample of the lubricant and samples of RTV sealant-adhesive silicone rubber were obtained from our local GE agent. I am sure Jim would be happy to answer any additional questions about these products if they appear to have application in your operations. (s) C. L. McGuinness WRD Distribution: A, B, S, FO, PO