Hooked_on_HP
Veteran Member
My shop at home and at work are plumbed with pvc.Both have been this way for over 10 yrs with no problems. What are the draw backs Kenny.
Bill
Bill
Permanent air lines
- Thread starter pat32rf
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CurlyDave
Elite Member
What are the draw backs
When PVC fails it fractures into semi-sharp fragments which are propelled throughout your shop by the compressed air. PVC is not rated for air pressure for this reason. They can be big pieces and propelled quite fast.
If you don't mind the chance of taking something that looks a lot like the spear that Oog the cave man used on miscellaneous game, right through your gut, there aren't many drawbacks.
The other problem is that the failure is not always rupture from internal pressure. If something hits the pressurized PVC pipe it can let go from that.
Water is OK because it isn't compressible and doesn't propel things the way air does. Although, I don't think I will ever forget getting whapped by a piece of 1-1/2" PVC which pulled out of a fitting and swung around on the end of a rubber hose. The only reason it didn't break my leg is that it hit my rear end instead. Left a huge bruise, which in time turned many amazing colors.
When PVC fails it fractures into semi-sharp fragments which are propelled throughout your shop by the compressed air. PVC is not rated for air pressure for this reason. They can be big pieces and propelled quite fast.
If you don't mind the chance of taking something that looks a lot like the spear that Oog the cave man used on miscellaneous game, right through your gut, there aren't many drawbacks.
The other problem is that the failure is not always rupture from internal pressure. If something hits the pressurized PVC pipe it can let go from that.
Water is OK because it isn't compressible and doesn't propel things the way air does. Although, I don't think I will ever forget getting whapped by a piece of 1-1/2" PVC which pulled out of a fitting and swung around on the end of a rubber hose. The only reason it didn't break my leg is that it hit my rear end instead. Left a huge bruise, which in time turned many amazing colors.
Scooby074
Super Member
Cool. My system is a mix of 1/2 and 3/4" black pipe. Total run right now is around 50'. If i was to complete the loop it would add approx 40' to the run.
My compressor is 18CFM at 90PSI 60Gal tank and my system pressure is usually around 130-140. And i use ALL those 18CFM... I wish i had a bigger comp.
All my current run is sloped to reduce condensation. With drains and t's on each end.
I do a fair bit of painting and blasting. So my concern would be my desiccant dryer. Right now its on the end of my run, where the air is coolest and dryest. If i looped my system, the new section would be only 15' at the most from my blaster. I noticed my air was much dryer after i installed the long length of black pipe.
Attached is a quick illustration of my layout. Any ideas for improvement from a pro?
I also have a 30? gal old compressor that i was going to plumb into the system to use as an additional air tank. Is there any benefit to this? I know it will add to my compressor cycle times but when im blasting, my compressor hardly cycles anyways.. (yes i know this is bad
)Attachments
mjncad
Super Member
I have 1/2" copper lines in my shop with 8 drops and no problems. I also have a drop in the outside pen where I keep the implements.
The compressor cuts out at 130-PSI, I have my circuits set at 100-PSI, and small regulators attached to all my blow guns.
The compressor cuts out at 130-PSI, I have my circuits set at 100-PSI, and small regulators attached to all my blow guns.
Egon
Epic Contributor
my compressor hardly cycles anyways.. (yes i know this is bad
Why is it bad? Most industrial set ups run continuously. Stop start would be considered bad by many.
patrick_g
Elite Member
Ah, yup, but with varying degrees of ease and convenience. You can share a fork between multiple eaters but it sure slows down progress.
My vertical compressor is in the garage so I can usually have a wall between me and the noise. There is an outlet there for tires and air tools if needed. The refrigerated air dryer is plumbed so it can be bypassed if desired. Compressor to filter and then dryer is PEX and then black iron on to the 4 outlets in the metal shop (a hair over 1000 sq ft) and 3 in the wood shop (a tad under 1000 sq ft). Several of the outlets are dual outlets with one being filtered dry air and the other with a filter-regulator-oiler for air tools. (You do have to keep the hoses separate. I have some wall mounted retractable spring loaded drums which are super convenient for getting a hose pretty much anywhere you want it fast and convenient. (I need some for electric too.)
The compressor is set for 175 psi and the regulator on the comp's outlet is set for 110 psi for distribution. The regulators out at the ends of the runs can be set for 90-100 for air tools. I would distribute at a higher pressure BUT... the dryer is not rated for 150 psi working pressure.
When I ran electricity to my relocated 35x70 barn I also buried a small plastic tube (ice maker tubing...yes it is rated for the pressure) to supply air to a recycled 30gal compressor tank (motor died after only 25 years or so) It is not a fast recovery situation but to start with you have 30 gal @ 110 psi, good for topping off a tire.
Pat
The Haymaker
Veteran Member
I've used PEX piping for my air supply in The GarageMajal. It works well, no failures, no leaks. Very flexible, takes a few minutes to plumb everything. Best part is if you need to expand, just cut, crimp in a "T", and go where you need it!
Mos heavy trucks don't use metal anymore. They use plastic. No corrosions and good anti-chafing properties. BUT, changing fittings sucks when it's -5f and the wind is blowing!
E
Mos heavy trucks don't use metal anymore. They use plastic. No corrosions and good anti-chafing properties. BUT, changing fittings sucks when it's -5f and the wind is blowing!
E
varmint
Elite Member
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- Kubota B8200, then a Kubota L3130 HST, now a Kubota L3400 HST
It may have been a mistake, but I used schedule 80 pvc for my airlines in my shop, but they are installed inside the wall, seldom used, and then at usually under 100 psi for nail guns. Seemed like a good idea at the time, 10 years ago. No problems, he said.
Scooby074
Super Member
Why is it bad? Most industrial set ups run continuously. Stop start would be considered bad by many.
The key word in your post is INDUSTRIAL. Duty cycle on my compressor is 100% BUT:
My compressor never cycles because im using more air than i can generate (ie:bad). In use my line pressure will drop to around 40psi (bad) when i really want 90.
I really need a larger compressor for what i do.
