Owners of compressed air piping systems tend to focus on the compressor and think of the piping as less of a concern. The purpose of compressed air piping systems is simple: to deliver compressed air to where it is needed. Metal pipes have been around for much longer than their plastic equivalents, and traditionalists prefer them when it comes to piping compressed air distribution systems.
No matter the size of your shop, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having a piped network of compressed air. Connecting an air compressor to the pipe system with a short, flexible hose lets you disconnect it should you need to take the compressor elsewhere. Quick-connect fittings provide the link between pipe and air hose, below.
Avoid pressure loss and problems with our clear information on compressed air piping. Compressed air flows from your air compressor to the end-users through your compressed air piping. The compressed air piping in your building will always generate some pressure drop.
You have many different options on the type of piping, and how you pipe your compressed air system. Pressure drop is caused by the friction between your pipe and the air that runs through it. Your compressed air pipe can greatly affect the performance of your compressor.
how to install air compressor piping Related Question:
What pipe is best for compressed air?
A great choice for compressed air piping is stainless steel because it is strong and resists corrosion. Like with copper, corrosion resistance in stainless steel piping produces a cleaner, more consistent stream of air.
Can I use PVC pipe for air compressor lines?
However, using PVC pipe in any compressed air application is extremely dangerous and NOT recommended by multiple associations and manufacturers. PVC piping is often used to transport liquids, mainly water, for multiple applications.
What size pipe do I need for compressed air lines?
A shear will require anywhere from 8 to 16 cfm at 90 psi through a half-inch pipe. If the pipe exceeds 100 feet in length, you will need a 3/4-inch pipe to accommodate the pressure and velocity of applications that exceed 15 cfm.
Can I use black pipe for air compressor lines?
Black pipe is the most commonly used pipe RECOMMENDED for compressed air systems. It is readily available, it is strong and durable and most people are familiar with how to install it. With all of the advantages black pipe provides, however, it will produce rust contamination that damages pneumatic tooling.
Can I use PEX for air compressor lines?
My personal preference for small-shop compressed-air piping is PEX. It’s lightweight and flexible, and the fittings literally snap together. It’s the easiest of any of the options to reconfigure and the simplest to install.
Can Schedule 40 PVC be used for compressed air?
PVC Pipe. The use of PVC pipe is common but not recommended for use with compressed air. The biggest reason is because it is against OSHA Regulations to utilize PVC and plastic pipes in the United States for compressed air usage.
How many PSI will PVC hold?
Most smaller sizes of PVC pipe are rated for between 300-600 psi, but that is only if the pipes are new and the system is perfectly sealed. As we mentioned before, it is extremely difficult to make a PVC system airtight. Also, due to the fact that it is plastic, PVC pipe becomes brittle with age.
Can I use SharkBite for compressed air?
SharkBite, part of RWC’s family of brands, now offers a new range of brass push-fit fittings and anodised aluminium pipe to simplify small to large commercial and industrial compressed air installations.
Will increasing pipe size increase flow?
Generally, the larger a pipe is, the higher the water flow. The water pressure level always has to be taken into consideration, however. Even the biggest, smoothest pipes will not have effective water flow if the water pressure is low, because there is not enough strength to defeat the force of friction.
How far can you run an air compressor line?
Typically, air hoses will be either 50- or 100-feet long, with a few exceptions. Most people will go for the 100-foot option because it allows them to maximize their distance from the air compressor.
Can CPVC pipe be used for compressed air?
No, PVC and CPVC pipe should not be used for compressed air lines. Here is what the manufacture has to say about it. WARNING! The use of plastic piping with compressed air or gasses can result in severe bodily injury or death.
What can I use for air line in shop?
Use copper instead. It’s available at most hardware stores and home centers. Solder it using the same fittings as you would for water supply lines. If you don’t want to solder, use galvanized or black steel pipe.
What is copper tubing used for?
Copper tubing is most often used for heating systems and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems. Copper tubing is slowly being replaced by PEX tubing in hot and cold water applications. There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper and rigid copper.
How much psi can PEX?
PEX-a pipe can withstand a burst pressure of around 800 psi (almost two times the requirement for ASTM F876, the standard specification for PEX tubing). So neither the pipe nor the fittings are weak points, making for an extremely high-performing system in domestic water and hydronic piping applications.
What type of copper pipe is used for compressed air?
Copper pipe is a common selection for sensitive compressed air systems and when correctly sized and connected is very durable and effective. Type M hard, type L hard and type K soft copper has a working pressure of 250 psig (17 bar). Type K hard copper is rated for 400 psig (27 bar).
