PEX for shop air lines?

[CincyFlyer]

The first shop I ever worked in had 3/4" copper for air distribution. 175 psi, 10 hp 3 phase compressor (Art Arfon's old shop!) Never an issue, but my shop is getting black pipe.

 

[PILOON]

No matter what U use be sure you create a drop below your female and install a ball valve to bleed the moisture.

 

[ovrszd]

No matter what U use be sure you create a drop below your female and install a ball valve to bleed the moisture.

I believe it's rapidair that has those on every drop.

 

[Ortimber]

I believe it's rapidair that has those on every drop.

Yes, every drop has a drain. It’s really a great system.

 

[BLSXJ]

here's the link to my compressor set up
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-air-compressor-set-up.html?referrerid=309761

I still want to extend the air intake outside and I want to add a water removal system to one of my drops so it can feed a plasma cutter and a paint gun.

 

[ovrszd]

here's the link to my compressor set up
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...-air-compressor-set-up.html?referrerid=309761

I still want to extend the air intake outside and I want to add a water removal system to one of my drops so it can feed a plasma cutter and a paint gun.

Won't it cause more condensation to pressurize outside air?

 

[BLSXJ]

some one smarter then I might have a more accurate answer. But here is my take on it

the air in my shop and the air outside my shop both have the humidity level... so no matter where I pull my compressor intake to... the condensation will be the same.

thoughts?

 

[ovrszd]

some one smarter then I might have a more accurate answer. But here is my take on it

the air in my shop and the air outside my shop both have the humidity level... so no matter where I pull my compressor intake to... the condensation will be the same.

thoughts?

I should have been more specific. As in pulling 20F degree outside air into a 60F degree shop and compressing it.

 

[countrybumpkin]

That’s something I’d also be interested in hearing more about too.

 

[BLSXJ]

I found this
An Introduction to Air and Moist Air - Atlas Copco Australia

I think generally my shop will be the same or warmer then the outside environment ( cool night followed by a warm morning may be the exception)
I think bringing in cold air to compress, would generally have less moisture, and also help keep the compressor cool.

 

[ovrszd]

I found this
An Introduction to Air and Moist Air - Atlas Copco Australia

I think generally my shop will be the same or warmer then the outside environment ( cool night followed by a warm morning may be the exception)
I think bringing in cold air to compress, would generally have less moisture, and also help keep the compressor cool.

So what is the reason for intaking outside air?

 

[cqaigy2]

Warm air can hold more moisture then cold air.

 

[Ortimber]

So what is the reason for intaking outside air?

The intake noise can be quite loud on air compressors, so piping the intake to draw outside air should reduce sound inside the building.

 

[Redneck in training]

Won't it cause more condensation to pressurize outside air?

It depends if the shop is heated in the winter and/or AC in the summer. Take air from outside, while the shop is heated, makes it drier in the winter. Opposite is true in the summer if the shop is AC. If it is not AC and is hotter inside than outside the outside air would be possibly also drier. Amount of water in the air is a function of the temperature.

 

[BLSXJ]

So what is the reason for intaking outside air?

as mentioned... a large portion of the noise a compressor makes comes from the air intake, so I hope to reduce the noise level. And the closet my compressor is in is almost air tight, so drawing air form outside the closet will be better for the compressor

 

[The Fred]

If you plan on doing ANY sandblasting you really need to address the moisture problem at the compressor level. I have a 7.5 hp compressor and the water was ridiculous until I found an air to fluid heat exchanger that would cool the charge so the water would drop out at the tank, not in the lines.

I use Wirsbo for plumbing projects and I can tell you stuff in indestructible.

 

[ovrszd]

Good stuff guys. Thanks for the education!!!

 

[SpringHollow]

When sandblasting, I would get water coming out of the line. I made a Franzinator and was amazed at how much water it removed.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

Forgot to mention, there is an airline rated PEX. As far as I can tell, it is the same stuff that has just been tested and certified for airline use but maybe there is something special about it.

Ken

 

[mcfarmall]

Yup. Plumbed my entire garage air system with PEX tubing. Works great, easy to work with, inexpensive, safe, non corrosive...what more could you ask for?