Air compressor line questions

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I just bought a used air compressor and finished all of the wiring, etc., to get it set up in one corner of my barn. The barn is 70' x 80' and, of course, the compressor is about 75' from the nearest place I'd ever want or need to connect an air hose. I could have run a much longer 220V line and had the compressor much closer to the work area but made this choice instead. It's now in what is becoming a 'utility area' which may even get closed off some day. The upside of it being where I put it is that I won't be working right next to it when it kicks on and won't have to put up with the noise all the time.

I'd like to run a hard line to probably a couple different places rather than running 150' of rubber hose all over the place but didn't know what kind of pipe to get for this project. Has anyone done this or have knowledge of what to use to do it?

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( what kind of pipe to get for this project )</font>

Gary, that's very commonly done in most shops. You can use threaded galvanized iron pipe or you can use copper, but you are definitely warned against using PVC, I suppose because of the possibility of it shattering and throwing pieces. And in spite of the warnings, I used schedule 40 PVC with three outlets in my shop and never had a problem, but don't recommend it to anyone else. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Egon]

Best to have an water separator or two in the line and use pipe that is rated to the presure required. It also helps to have a slope on the line to a water separator with no traps in between.

Egon

 

[Anonymous Poster]

If it's going to be in an unheated area, black iron or galvanized, and definitely maintain a pitch on the entire system to drain condensates. Don't forget to include a dripleg on any drops, it will save problems later on.
MOST important, make the diameter of the air line sufficient to overcome friction loss. Friction loss in compressed air is phenominal.
A vibration reducer between the compressor and line is also most helpful.

 

[40Kchicks]

Gary
For the main line run ½ copper, galvanized, or black pipe. They also do use a specially rated pvc pipe. That’s what we used in the fire department that I used to work for. I have never seen it for sale. I just know it does exist and it was green colored. Then T off the main line with quick connects (female end) that you could hook a regular hose (with a male connector) or one of those spiral hoses too. Of course a water separator and filter should be in there somewhere before your tools.

The remote setup will be a benefit once the installation is completed.

Eric

 

[Boondox]

Gary, having just done that in my shop, I have all sorts of advice to offer. Instead, visit TIP Tools and check out their section on air piping. Best resource I've ever seen for this sort of stuff.

Pete

 

[StanInCalif]

I have seen Sch 40 PVC used in commercial shops and with two stage compressors. No, it's not to code, and I am not recommending it, but it works. When I finally get around to plumbing my shop with air, I will use Sch 80 PVC. Knowing that 40 works, 80 will give me a margin of safety. Plastic is so much faster and easier to use. The weak point is the plastic to metal threaded joints- that must be done correctly.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I used schedule 40 PVC to five outlets and never once had a problem, myself. It is now 12 or so years gone by.

 

[Phred]

Gary,

I am a fan of copper. Two types are avilable type M and L. One is thicker I forget which.
Most plumbers use the thin stuff due to cost but the box stores care the thicker pipe.
Cu line plus a MAP torch and you can make quick work of a set of lines that will out last you and never have any problems. Black iron is to much work.
Negative side on copper is higher cost compared to plastic. Probably not much higher than black iron if at all.

I am preparing to do this in my current shop with 3/4" cu pipe.

Fred

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've had pvc for eight years now without a problem. You will need a water separator.
Mainiak1