Anybody use Pex pipe for air lines?

[Rustyiron]

The title just about says it all. Thinking about transitioning to copper or something ridgid at each point of use. I've got the tools for the ring type connectors, I used pex for my domestic water and my radiant heat as well. Seems like good stuff and most air tools are under 125psi. Any stories out there?

 

[dstig1]

I've thought about it too. It looks like there are some systems out there for plumbing shops with PEX for air. I haven't looked closely at them to see if they are what I think they are or not...

 

[aczlan]

Make sure you protect the PEX from UV rays. IIRC, it doesn't handle UV well and will break down from being in UV rays.

Aaron Z

 

[boggen]

my concern with pex would be, that it would ballon over time. more so in hot summer days. another issue is making sure you run the pipe in such a way that any moisture (water) that might build up. has a place to drain out of it. meaning keeping any sags and like out of the line to a place were you could drain water out if need be.

smaller size tubing and using air nozzle to blow stuff off like mower deck. could work clearing a pipe line. but larger you go. more risk you get. with water build up.

to small of a pipe and you will limit CFM of air. or rather you may experience pressure loss when running tools that require a lot of air at higher pressures and may need to use tool, then stop, use tool then stop.

the larger the pipe you go with more likely max PSI it can handle will go down.

pending on type of crimping tool and ends, could possible limit max psi as well for pex.

 

[Redneck in training]

There is a special PEX made specifically for air.
REHAU Ltd. - Industrial Pipe System - RAUPEX

 

[Kays Supply]

I have a dental office plumbed for air using water PEX. I am using it as a test. It has had no problems for several years. It is shut down at night and weekends, so if it has a failure it isn't as big a problem. As long as the pipe is ran so you can get to it if it fails it is up to you if it is worth the gamble. I have another job ran in copper with a rubber hose connecting it to the copper as a vibration stop , he is wiring the compressor through a relay, so that the power is shut off the compressor when the lights are turned off. There is another product AL/PEX it has an aluminum liner built in. It can be straightened and will stay lookimng better for long runs.

 

[AHNC]

Never done it and my only caution would be to secure it well. Bomb proof hangers in other words. The stand-off ring type would be good. If you blew a fitting and the pipe got loose it could whip you pretty good.

 

[Kays Supply]

Another thought. The pressure ratings are based on 100 degree temp. It will handle more at cooler temps. That said, I would consider another type material close to the compressor. Higher temps can be generated close to the compressor. If your tank is big enough it won't be an issue.

 

[ericher69]

Went to local hydraulic supply business and had them make up an 7/8 I.D. Feeder hose from compressor to dual 50ft hose reel

Goes through a desiccant air dryer then air filter before going to reels

Used electrical pipe conduit c-clip fasteners to run line

$130 total