Underground air line to barn

[sawduster98]

Has anyone run compressed air underground? My barn is 85' from my shop where the compressor is and since I'm about to run electric out there I figured I'd ask the question. I don't know if it's feasible and I don't remember hearing of anyone that's done it. Thanks

 

[MotorSeven]

I don't see why you couldn't...air line is cheap enough. I think I'd sleeve it into a 1" pvc pipe. That way if it ever fails just pull it out and slide a new one in. You could use the cheaper lightweight schedule 40 stuff.

 

[MillWeld]

I agree with Motor. Also install a secondary tank in the barn so you don't get a huge pressure drop. But you probably already know that.

 

[MotorSeven]

MW I don't think 85' would show any drop. I've used up to 300' of line on a pancake compressor air nailing fence...no issues at all.

 

[RickB]

Probably more trouble and cost than it's worth. Condensation will collect in the low spots. For the cost of the line (and certainly a line that is sleeved) you can buy a small compressor to have in the barn for tire inflation, etc. If you do run a line, 3/4" is the minumum I would consider and you won't sleeve that with 1" anything.

 

[MotorSeven]

Good point on condensation, but if he get's a 100 foot hose it will have no connectors to rust/corrode. He doesn't have to sleeve it, could just chuck it into the trench and I bet it would last for a decade or more.

 

[RickB]

Good point on condensation, but if he get's a 100 foot hose it will have no connectors to rust/corrode. He doesn't have to sleeve it, could just chuck it into the trench and I bet it would last for a decade or more.

100' of 3/4" hose or 1/2" hose with a balance tank will still cost as much or more than a small oil-type compressor.

There's all kinds of ways to do what the OP is asking. Some of us think it is a good idea, it just happens that I don't. You bury $150-$200 worth of lines & fittings, that's pretty much the only place you can use it. A small 110V compressor can sit in the barn and inflate tires, etc. and when it is needed somewhere else, it can go.

 

[Kays Supply]

For what it's worth, 3\4" PEX is .75 a foot. It is only rated to 100# @ 100+ degrees. But PVC isn't rated that high at that temp.

 

[sawduster98]

Good points brought up...I hadn't considered condensation even though I'd trap and filter the line at the barn. I already have a small portable unit but it won't handle sanders and HVLP sprayers. It sounds like it's probably not worth the cost for the amount of time I'd really need it so maybe I'm better off buying a long hose or 2 to reach out there when needed.

 

[mwb]

I would bury a 4" Big-O (tile drain stuff) and pull a line through. You would also have room for other services, alarm wire, phone, water. It would be so easy to have a shut off valve at the source, leave the buried line unused until you need it. The only additional cost would be the cost of the Big-O. Be aware that the larger line would also be a conduit for mice, etc so plug the ends.

If you want to run impact or other high volume tools then you would need a tank at your barn. For your HVLP you could run full pressure in standard 3/8 line to the barn and use a regulator there to give you the pressure you want, you wouldn't need a ballast tank. Probably cost you $60 for the drain + airline, and a shut off valve - $100 total? You are ONLY going 85 feet, my air line is 100' and I have painted cars with no problem. For $60 you could bury the pipe, if you opted not to use it then you are out $60. While you have an open trench I think you would be crazy not to install it!