Technical data

13773-001
20-10
Page 1
SEALANTS
1. DESCRIPTION
This section contains information which defines the proper usage, storage, shelf life, and application of
sealants used on the airplane. Sealant is used to prevent the spread of fire or flames from the engine com-
partment to the airplane, prevent air leakage, prevent fastener corrosion, prevent water or dust intrusion,
and to prevent fluid leakage. The following sealants are recommended by Cirrus Design Corporation.
A. Approved Sealants
The sealants shown in the referenced figure, when applied properly, have been approved by Cirrus
Design for use in specified applications. These sealants are available from a variety of manufacturers
and packaged in a variety of fashions - in bulk, in kits, and in premixed form.
CAUTION: Always observe the manufacturer’s recommendations for the product being used.
B. Shelf Life
Shelf life refers to the period of time (usually from the date of manufacture) in which the sealant is
usable. Shelf life is dependent on proper storage temperature and environmental factors, such as
humidity and exposure to sunlight. Always observe the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended
use, storage, and testing of over-aged sealant.
C. Storage Criteria
All sealants must be stored under controlled temperature conditions to achieve maximum shelf life.
Unmixed sealants should be stored at a controlled temperature of between 40°F (4.5° C) and 80°F
(26.5° C). Never store sealants where the temperature exceeds 95° F or falls below 40° F. U nm i xe d
sealants stored at temperatures exceeding 80°F (26.5° C) should be used within five weeks. All seal-
ants should be used on a “first in, first out” basis.
Note: Containers must be tightly closed prior to placing them in the proper storage environ-
ment. Sealants must be stored as recommended by the manufacturer. Mixed sealants
subjected to refrigerated storage may exhibit altered application life. Mark all material
containers clearly with a “use by” date, consisting of the year and month.
(1) Refrigerated Storage - Mixed Sealants
When desired, store mixed sealants under refrigeration. Use of a quick-freeze technique is rec-
ommended to minimize the amount of application life that would be lost in a slower cooling pro-
cedure. To quick-freeze mixed sealant, immerse the filled cartridges in a slurry of dry ice and
alcohol for 10 minutes.
(2) Thawing of Frozen Sealant
Frozen sealant is normally thawed by exposure to ambient temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
However, the rate of thawing may be accelerated by immersion in warm water, 120° F(49° C)
maximum, for approximately 10 minutes. Sealants are subject to excessive slumping when
heated to temperatures above 80°F (26.5° C). For best results, thawing time should be adjusted
to give an extruded or thawed sealant temperature 60 - 80° F(15.5° C - 26.5° C). The time con-
sumed by freezing and thawing operations reduce application life by approximately 30 minutes.
Further reduction in application life may result from duration and temperature during storage. It
is recommended that all aspects of mixing, freezing, and thawing be considered before mixing
and freezing material with less than one hour application life.
30 Nov 2000