Compressed Air Piping

[427yenko]

Thanks for all of the replies. It seems like black pipe is the popular choice for doing this installation. I have looked at a few hdpe/aluminum offerings such as rapid air and was hoping that they were good options as they seem very simple to install. I have schedule 80 pvc in my current garage and I know some people cringe at the thought of using something like that because of the bursting danger. It has been installed for more than 10 years now and I do not have any leaks of any consideration. I wanted to upgrade from that material and do this right while hoping the more cumbersome installation of rigid and heavy pipe would not be necessary. I may be overstating the concern with this method, but lightweight bendable tubing sure has an appeal.

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by 427yenko

Thanks for all of the replies. It seems like black pipe is the popular choice for doing this installation. I have looked at a few hdpe/aluminum offerings such as rapid air and was hoping that they were good options as they seem very simple to install. I have schedule 80 pvc in my current garage and I know some people cringe at the thought of using something like that because of the bursting danger. It has been installed for more than 10 years now and I do not have any leaks of any consideration. I wanted to upgrade from that material and do this right while hoping the more cumbersome installation of rigid and heavy pipe would not be necessary. I may be overstating the concern with this method, but lightweight bendable tubing sure has an appeal.

1/2" schedule 80 pvc is rated to 850 psi. I don't see an issue with bursting at piston compressor capabilities.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

1/2" schedule 80 pvc is rated to 850 psi. I don't see an issue with bursting at piston compressor capabilities.

It is also not UV protected. If you run it in the shop exposed to light, it will rot eventually.

I know I am REALLY the oddball here. I wanted something easier than black pipe. Even though I have my own threader, it is a pain cutting and threading to make it look good. When running 100 foot of natural gas line, I had to use black pipe. What a pain. It is heavy and difficult for an old man to work with.

I came across a great deal on several hundred feet of 1/2 in air brake line. Very flexible and easy to work with. If you heat the end, it stretches easily enough to get it over a pex line fitting.

It is UV protected and has a burst pressure of 1300 psi.

Talk about easy. Cut with pex cutters, heat the end with a heat gun for 20 seconds, use a brass pex fitting. Also found deals on bulk pex fittings and clamps.

My compressor has an aftercooler. I ran three loops up the wall and back down before any of the lines headed into the shop area. I have a fancy three stage dryer set up, but have never installed it. Each loop on the wall has a ball valve at the bottom. I open them every once in awhile but have NEVER seen moisture in the system. Sandblast for an hour straight, and never get moisture.

[Rsconv68]

PVC has a high burst pressure. I used a standard compressor hose due to the tight area I needed it mounted.