Compressed Air Piping Material

Using pvc for compressed air is a safety liability you don t want to gamble on.

Compressed air piping material.

The compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types. Cleaner than black iron pipe. Non metal pipe is commonly called thermoplastic pipe. Question is there any benefit to using 1 1 4 copper pipe instead of 3 4 pipe for my air lines.

I mean besides the obvious storage increase. However just as hearts can fail due to clogged arteries compressors can fail due to poor piping. Owners of compressed air piping systems tend to focus on the compressor and think of the piping as less of a concern. For steel pipes we have plain steel stainless steel copper and galvanized steel pipes that are often used.

In the old days compressed air pipes where made of plain steel. Here are some of the most common materials used for compressed air piping and the pros and cons of each. Iron pipe is one of the oldest compressed air piping materials used. May 15th 2020 at.

Choosing compressed air line piping materials here s a long detailed and well informed discussion about air supply pipe materials sizing and layout. Black iron pipe creates rust silt and sediment which can ruin your equipment. Non metal pipe commonly called plastic pipe has been offered for many years as compressed air piping because. It is also an osha violation to use pvc for compressed air distribution which means you could incur a hefty fine.

Rapidair products deliver safe compressed air. Plus osha has banned the use of pvc piping for compressed air in above ground applications. Measure the pipe runs and buy exact lengths. These failures combined with air under pressure are potentially fatal due to the airborne razor sharp shrapnel.

Unlike gas and water lines air compression lines don t require perfect joints so don t worry if they leak a tiny bit. Guide to compressed air piping systems last updated on. For plastic there is a whole range of plastic types all with their own characteristics. It is lighter than most metal and easier to handle.

Hardware stores will cut and thread the ends for you. Installation is straightforward or can be done by a plumber and fittings are available at your local hardware store. Iron pipe is available in galvanized or raw black form. The presence of air compressor oils in the line and heat from the compressed air accelerates the degradation of pvc.

If you don t want to solder use galvanized or black steel pipe. Nowadays there are many different steel and non steel types of piping. As with most decisions the choice in piping material comes down to tradeoffs between cost performance longevity and aesthetics. Plastic compressed air piping is cheap lightweight easy to install and non corrosive.