After much deliberation with the Loxeal technical sales guys we have decided to offer the Loxeal 55-03 formulation instead of the more commonly used 18-10 formulation.
The reason is simply one of practicality. The 18-10 formulation is more viscous than the 55-03 formulation, to the extent that it is not practical to offer the 18-10 in a 10mL sized tube as most of it would remain stuck to the inside walls of the tube. As a result the smallest size the 18-10 formula is available in is 50mL.
Anyone who has used a liquid thread sealant will know that 50mL is enough for several lifetimes for the owner of a Bacchi. For this reason we felt it important to sell the product in a 10mL size if at all possible. The less viscous (more ‘runny’, if you like) 55-03 formulation allows it to be sold in the 10mL size.
What is the difference between the 55-03 and the 18-10? Well the formulas are the same in many respects, with both being certified for use in potable water. The primary difference is the higher ‘breakaway’ locking torque rating of the 55-03 (18 to 23Nm) relative to the 18-10 (6 to 11Nm). However, as the 18-10 still requires the use of a wrench/spanner to remove the valve from the piston wall of the Bacchi, we are advised that this isn’t a significant disadvantage.
As soon as the Loxeal 55-03 arrives we will upgrade our well used Bacchi with the new piston design (no hole in the crown). We are expecting many owners will benefit from this upgrade as it eliminates a likely source of pressure loss from the hole in the crown of the piston.