TECTULby IMR
Eterna A-53 sealant for threaded galvanized and copper pipe — ETERNA S.A. chloroprene-phenolic base
TECTUL · Dispatch across Colombia · Exports to Central & South America
Eterna A-53 sealant is an industrial sealing adhesive from the Colombian brand ETERNA S.A., made from a chloroprene polymer modified with phenolic resins, formulated specifically for threaded joints on galvanized and copper pipe — even threads with a defective bite, thanks to its adhesive action rather than a purely mechanical seal. This sheet gathers the physicochemical characteristics published in the manufacturer's current data sheet (code MEN-012, valid from 30-Nov-2015): density of 0.919 g/cc, viscosity of 1600 cP ± 150 at 20 °C measured under NTC 1984, 19 % ± 1 solids concentration, tan color in the container and ivory once applied. It is applied on pipes carrying water, oils, aliphatic solvents, water vapor and combustible gases (propane and butane); the manufacturer expressly excludes PVC, polyethylene, petroleum-derived fuels, aromatic solvents and high-concentration acids or alkalis. The sheet also details the surface preparation and thread application sequence, the practical difference versus PTFE tape, material and fluid compatibility, and the storage and safety conditions (Class 3 flammable product) declared by ETERNA S.A.
Important: Before using these data in engineering, design or installation decisions on systems exposed to mechanical, pressure, rupture, fatigue, impact or water-hammer risk, it is essential to read the technical notice and limitation of liability at the end of this sheet.
SKU VT-58698 (variant VT-58698-01 · 375 mL) · single commercial presentation published by TECTUL · ETERNA S.A. factory documents a 1/8-gallon can and a 3600 cc tin · sold by the unit
1. Technical specifications
Physicochemical characteristics (ETERNA S.A. sheet MEN-012)
| Property | SI value / source | Imperial equivalent | Method / standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (20 °C) | 0.919 g/cc | 7.67 lb/US gal · 57.4 lb/ft³ | Manufacturer declared |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | 1600 cP ± 150 (1.6 Pa·s ± 0.15) | 1600 cP — a universal industrial unit, no separate imperial conversion | Brookfield RVF, spindle 2 at 20 rpm, NTC 1984 (Icontec) |
| Solids concentration | 19 % ± 1 | 19 % ± 1 (dimensionless) | Manufacturer declared |
| Container color | Tan | — | Manufacturer declared |
| Applied (cured) color | Ivory | — | Manufacturer declared |
| Solubility | Fully soluble in aromatic and chlorinated solvents (toluene, xylene); insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, gasoline, mineral spirits); immiscible with water | — | Manufacturer declared |
| Flammability | Highly flammable, Class 3 | — | Manufacturer declared — extinguish with class B/C equipment |
| Storage shelf life | 12 months from production date, in a closed container | 12 months | Manufacturer declared |
IMPORTANT
This data sheet is a reference guide to the properties of this product type. The measurements, dimensions and physical or geometric characteristics of the product actually supplied may vary by manufacturer and lot, and may even fall outside the cited standards. If any of these figures is critical to your design or build, it is essential to verify it with one of our advisors against the physical product, so you can be fully certain of what you are buying. · Original data sheet: tectul.com/en/conduccion-de-fluidos/sellado-y-union-de-tuberias/ficha-tecnica-sellador-eterna-a-53.html
ETERNA S.A.'s current data sheet (MEN-012, revision 01) does not publish a tack-free time in minutes, a total cure time in hours, a service temperature range or a numeric flash point: it defines the re-threading point by a tactile criterion ("once the surface is dry to the touch") rather than a fixed timer. Those figures are confirmed on quotation or directly with the manufacturer — see confirmarAlCotizar.
TECTUL catalog commercial data
| SKU | Presentation | Sales unit |
|---|---|---|
| VT-58698-01 | 375 mL (≈ 12.7 fl oz US) | Bottle, sold by the unit |
This is the only active presentation in the TECTUL catalog. ETERNA S.A.'s factory sheet additionally documents a 1/8-gallon can (≈ 473 mL) and a 3600 cc tin (≈ 0.95 US gal); the exact relationship between TECTUL's 375 mL bottle and those two factory presentations is not published and is confirmed on quotation.
General specifications
| Product | Industrial sealing adhesive for threaded joints, manufacturer code 4403030xx |
| Chemical base | Chloroprene polymer modified with phenolic resins |
| Primary use | Sealing threaded joints on galvanized and copper pipe, even with a defective thread bite |
| Declared service fluids | Water, oils, aliphatic solvents, water vapor, combustible gases (propane and butane) |
| Declared exclusions | PVC and polyethylene pipe; conveyance of petroleum-derived fuels, aromatic solvents, high-concentration acids or alkalis |
| TECTUL presentation | 375 mL bottle, SKU VT-58698-01 — sold by the unit |
| ETERNA S.A. factory presentations | 1/8-gallon can and 3600 cc tin |
| Manufacturer | ETERNA S.A. (Colombia) — brand distributed by TECTUL |
| Standard reference | NTC 1984 (Icontec) for the Brookfield viscosity method |
⚠ Important: this technical data sheet is a reference guide to the product's properties; it is not a quality certificate for the product you are buying. Heats vary from one another and may differ from the values stated here, or even depart from the standards. If your application requires compliance with a standard, always check the quality certificate (mill certificate) of the lot you are buying. If in doubt, ask one of our technical advisors →
2. Application on pipe and threaded joints
Application sequence declared by the manufacturer
- Surface preparation: the pipe thread must be dry and free of dust, grease and rust particles. ETERNA S.A. suggests brushing the thread before applying the sealant.
- Application: Sellador A-53 is applied on the pipe thread in a layer of uniform thickness — no thickness in millimeters is specified, only a continuous, even coat over the entire thread.
- Check before assembly: the fitting is positioned and threaded once the pipe surface is dry to the touch. The manufacturer does not publish a fixed time in minutes to reach that point: it is a tactile criterion, not a timer, and depends on temperature, humidity and the thickness of the applied layer.
- Rest before service: once the joint is assembled, the parts must be left to rest, away from heat, sunlight and excessive stress, so the adhesive develops all of its properties before entering service.
Consumption per joint varies with pipe diameter, thread depth and the amount of sealant deposited — the manufacturer does not declare a fixed coverage figure per container.
When to specify A-53 versus PTFE tape
The difference is not one of quality but of mechanism: A-53 is a sealing adhesive that fills and bonds the thread flank, which is why ETERNA S.A. recommends it even on threads with a defective bite; PTFE tape is a mechanical interference seal, not an adhesive, intended for sound NPT threads that may need to be disassembled later. Short rule: if the joint must remain serviceable for future maintenance, or if the pipe material is not galvanized steel or copper (for example PVC or polyethylene, where A-53 is not recommended), specify tape or a thread sealing paste instead of A-53. If the joint is permanent, on galvanized or copper pipe, and there is a risk of an imperfect thread bite, A-53 is the manufacturer-declared option. The two products are not mixed on the same thread unless explicitly indicated, because each seals by a different mechanism.
3. Material and fluid compatibility
Pipe materials
| Material | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | Primary application declared by the manufacturer |
| Copper | Primary application declared by the manufacturer |
| PVC | Not recommended by the manufacturer |
| Polyethylene | Not recommended by the manufacturer |
Service fluids
| Fluid | Declared compatibility |
|---|---|
| Water | Compatible (typical galvanized/copper plumbing application); the cured sealant is immiscible with water |
| Oils | Compatible |
| Aliphatic solvents | Compatible as a conveyed fluid; the liquid sealant itself is insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, gasoline, mineral spirits) |
| Water vapor | Compatible |
| Propane and butane gas | Compatible (combustible gases) |
| Petroleum-derived fuels | Not recommended |
| Aromatic solvents (toluene, xylene, etc.) | Not recommended as a conveyed fluid — the uncured sealant is fully soluble in these solvents |
| High-concentration acids or alkalis | Not recommended |
The manufacturer's sheet does not publish a numeric service temperature range for the above conditions; confirmed on quotation.
Storage and safety
- Store under roof, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, protected from sunlight and contamination.
- Shelf life of 12 months from the production date; check that date before use.
- Keep the container closed to prevent solvent evaporation; stir or mix well after prolonged rest.
- Highly flammable product, Class 3 — extinguish with class B/C fire-fighting equipment.
- Produces neurotoxic vapors: avoid prolonged skin contact and use adequate eye and respiratory protection during application.
- On skin contact, wash with plenty of water; on eye or mucosa contact, or if ingested, consult a physician immediately.
4. Frequently asked questions
What is Eterna A-53 sealant used for?
It seals threaded joints on galvanized and copper pipe, preventing fluid leaks even when the thread has a defective bite. It is a chloroprene-phenolic sealing adhesive, not a purely mechanical sealant: on curing it fills and bonds the thread flank.
How long does Eterna A-53 take to dry?
ETERNA S.A.'s current data sheet does not publish a time in minutes: the factory criterion is tactile — the fitting is threaded once the pipe surface is dry to the touch, and the joint is then left to rest, away from heat and sunlight, before entering service, so the adhesive develops all of its properties. The exact time to reach that point depends on temperature, humidity and coat thickness, and is confirmed on quotation.
Is it suitable for hot water or for gasoline?
Yes for water, including water vapor: the manufacturer declares use on pipes carrying water and water vapor. Not for gasoline: ETERNA S.A. expressly excludes conveyance of petroleum-derived fuels, and the uncured sealant is also soluble in solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons — it is not specified for that application.
What presentations does Eterna A-53 come in?
TECTUL currently sells the 375 mL presentation (SKU VT-58698-01). ETERNA S.A.'s factory sheet additionally documents a 1/8-gallon can and a 3600 cc tin as manufacturer catalog presentations.
Can Eterna A-53 be painted once applied?
ETERNA S.A.'s current data sheet (MEN-012) does not include a paint compatibility specification; that detail is confirmed directly with the manufacturer or on quotation before defining a painted finish over the sealed joint.
How is it applied on a pipe thread?
Clean and dry the thread of dust, grease and rust (brushing is suggested), apply the sealant over the thread in a layer of uniform thickness, thread the fitting once the surface is dry to the touch, and let the joint rest away from heat and sunlight before it enters service.
5. Application notes
Feasibility
Eterna A-53 is the manufacturer-declared solution for sealing threaded joints on galvanized and copper pipe carrying water, oils, aliphatic solvents, water vapor and propane/butane gas, even over threads with an imperfect bite. It is not specified for PVC or polyethylene pipe, nor for conveying petroleum-derived fuels, aromatic solvents, or high-concentration acids or alkalis: in those cases a sealant compatible with those materials and fluids must be evaluated.
Installation
Prepare the thread clean, dry and free of rust before applying the sealant; apply an even coat over the flank and assemble the joint once the surface is dry to the touch. Let the joint rest, away from heat, sunlight and excessive stress, before putting it into service, so the adhesive develops all of its properties. Use eye and respiratory protection during application: the product is highly flammable (Class 3) and produces neurotoxic vapors.
Design
The manufacturer's data sheet does not publish a numeric service temperature range or a fixed coverage yield per container: consumption depends on pipe diameter, thread depth and the amount applied. For projects with certification requirements, a safety data sheet (MSDS) or a critical design temperature, that specific documentation should be requested from the manufacturer before specifying the product.
6. Technical notice and limitation of liability
The values in this sheet come from ETERNA S.A.'s current data sheet (code MEN-012, effective date 30-Nov-2015, revision 01) for the Sellador A-53 product, complemented with commercial data published by TECTUL. They guide selection and are not a certificate of conformance for any lot; the manufacturer's sheet does not publish tack-free time in minutes, cure time in hours, service temperature range or coverage yield as numeric figures, and those values are confirmed on quotation or directly with ETERNA S.A.
Certifying a specific lot requires the safety data sheet (MSDS) and the current technical data sheet directly from the manufacturer. Final selection of this sealant versus other pipe sealing or jointing alternatives is the responsibility of the line designer per the applicable project code and regulations.
Sources
- ETERNA S.A. — Ficha Técnica SELLADOR A-53, código MEN-012, fecha de vigencia 30-nov-2015, actualización 01 (base química, viscosidad, concentración de sólidos, color, solubilidad, densidad, modo de empleo, presentación, precauciones de almacenamiento, uso y seguridad)
- NTC 1984 (Icontec) — método de viscosidad Brookfield referenciado en la ficha técnica del fabricante
- TECTUL — página de producto sellador-eterna-a-53 (previews/conduccion-de-fluidos/juntas-empaques-y-sellos/sellador-eterna-a-53.html): SKU VT-58698, variante VT-58698-01, presentación 375 mL
- Datos comerciales de catálogo TECTUL (SKU, variante, presentación) — archivos internos de scraping de producto y de variantes por presentación
This data sheet is the property of TECTUL, part of the Industrias IMR group. Reproduction without attribution is prohibited. Original document and updates: tectul.com/en/conduccion-de-fluidos/sellado-y-union-de-tuberias/ficha-tecnica-sellador-eterna-a-53.html.