Compressed air flows from your compressor to the end-users through your compressed air piping. There are so many different kinds of compressed air pipes on the market today and you need help to do compressed air system installation. Black pipe is the most commonly used pipe recommended for compressed air systems.
Because of the condensation that is unavoidable with compressed air systems, iron compressed air piping is prone to corrosion. Avoid Using PVC. PVC piping is NOT recommended for use as compressed air piping. There are many better, safer materials than PVC that can be used for compressed air piping.
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.
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.
Your idea of a retractable hose is a good one, if you don’t mind the occasional need for hose replacement as it ages over time. While others have certain preferences when using pipe, I’ve found from personal experience that galvanized water pipe works best for my needs. While installing electrical inside the wall makes a clean appearing system, there are often times changes are needed and once the walls are covered, these changes become more difficult.
best way to pipe air compressor lines Related Question:
Is PEX OK for compressed air?
A: No, PEX pipe is not intended for compressed air applications.
What kind of 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 is the best way to run Air Lines in a 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.
Can I use ABS pipe for air compressor lines?
ABS, PE and HDPE plastics are appropriate for use in compressed air piping systems and have some benefits over metal. The materials are lightweight and easy to work with, requiring no special bracing or supports. Plastics can be easily cut and fit using standard tools and can be glued together rather than welded.
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 galvanized pipe be used for air lines?
Galvanized piping is commonly used for water distribution and for general plumbing. However, it is not recommended for use with compressed air. Galvanized coating resists moisture in compressed air but pieces of the coating will flake off and end up in your tools.
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 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.
Which air hose is better PVC or rubber?
PVC has a stiffer material so it’s harder to twist and more resistant compared to rubber. Rubber is also a good material with excellent resilience to snags and punctures, thanks to the outer mesh layers. For sturdiness, PVC wins the game for its resistance because rubber is too bendable.
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.
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.
Can HDPE pipe be used for compressed air?
Polyethylene (PE) piping and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping are also good choices for compressed air applications. PVC is not recommended and is an OSHA violation if used. It degrades and can burst, causing damage and is very dangerous to employees exposed to it.
How much psi can abs take?
Acrylonitrile – Butadiene – Styrene (ABS) is a rigid pressure piping system renowned for its high impact strength and durability which combine to give exceptional toughness. It is suitable for use over a wide temperature range from -40ºC to 80ºC at pressures up to 15 bar.
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.
