Air Compressor Lines

[ch47dpilot]

Wasn't sure what forum to put this question under but thought this may be the best place. I've decided to run my shop with copper type "L" copper lines. I have 2 questions.

I'll have some runs that are close to 80ft long. My compressors outlet is 3/4". Will I lose pressure or CFM with these long runs? If so will running 1" mainlines help or will the 3/4" compressor's outlet be my limiting factor?

None of the fittings I can find list their letter rating. I know the lines are color coded by rating how are the fittings labeled? Are all the fittings the same rating?

 

[murphy1244]

Why are you using copper for air lines?

 

[RPW]

Not sure about the copper but for the price involved I would consider the rapidair line. They now have a 3/4" setup with 100' of line 2 T's and 3 outlets for under $200.00 through Notherntool. I've seen the system and it's real easy to run.

Good luck.

 

[Egon]

I'll have some runs that are close to 80ft long. My compressors outlet is 3/4". Will I lose pressure or CFM with these long runs? If so will running 1" mainlines help or will the 3/4" compressor's outlet be my limiting factor?

The 3/4 outlet will give a slight pressure drop. The rest of the pressure drop will be dependent on the line diameter, length, roughness factor and flow velocity.:thumbsup:

 

[ray66v]

You don't lose pressure with undersized pipes, you actually lose volume, which in turn, causes the pressure to drop under a large load.

Yes you should use a larger size, unless the runs are less than 50 feet. And slope each line to a drain point, below where you have your take off for an air hose.

No, having a small outlet won't hurt you, but keep in mind every time you force air through a smaller opening, it can condense water on the other side, so you want to to limit these.

A vibration isolator between the compressor and the pipe would be a good idea. A length of hydraulic hose will work well here.

BTW: I hate you, for getting to fly CH47's, while the rest of us can't.

 

[rec]

why dount you use pvc for your air lines. my compresssor runs 175 psi on 3/4 pvc through the shop with no problem

 

[ray66v]

why dount you use pvc for your air lines. my compresssor runs 175 psi on 3/4 pvc through the shop with no problem

Please read up on the internet about pvc air lines.

As discussed in may threads on TBN, pvc is NOT rated for compressed air.

It is dangerous, and people have been injured. I know this from personal experience.

 

[ch47dpilot]

Why are you using copper for air lines?

I am planning on using copper for mainly two reason:

at 175 you need to use scheduled 80 black pipe and that cost more than similar sized copper.

Black pipe: Pipe, 1 In, 6 Ft L, Schedule 80, Blk Steel - Black Pipe - Pipe and Tubing - 1CPV5 : Grainger Industrial Supply $16/ft
Copper: Tube, Type L, 1 In, 5 ft - Copper Pipe and Tubing - Pipe and Tubing - 4WTJ3 : Grainger Industrial Supply $6/ft

easier to install, I have a pipe threader and pipe cutter for black pipe but it's just more time consuming than copper.


Originally was going to use PVC but like ray66v said I found that not to be a good idea.

 

[Garybake]

Type L will handle your pressures but over time I would rather have threaded joint seams with pipe sealant but if a joint does leak it is easy enough to cut and fix once you locate it. My pet peeve is the small leakdown that requires repressure run after a couple days off and away.

 

[grsthegreat]

NEVER use pvc for pressured air.....i was witness to one that exploded ... luckily no one was hurt. There were large shards of plastic embedded THRU a steel wall of the shop.

I have 1" type l for the main runs in my shop. with 3/4" tees every 12' or so.

the system is about 6 years old...no issues. should last forever.....knock on wood