Shop Air System Install

[Shield Arc]

Interesting.... Is the garbage can just a shield to protect the coil from dirt and damage?

No, you fill the garbage can full of water. In your neck of the woods, you might have to add ice. Never gets that hot around here.:cold:

 

[grsthegreat]

Interesting.... Is the garbage can just a shield to protect the coil from dirt and damage?

no, its to hold the 6pack while its cooling

 

[bubbacuse77]

If the garbage can is filled with water it will cool the lines with conduction from the water 10 times faster than the convection of air alone.

On another note, yes PVC is rated for that pressure, but with a liquid not a compressed gas. If the PVC fails with compressed air it will explode because the air is compressed x number of times it's normal size. Liquid cannot compress. This is why they use water to hydro test compress gas cylinders.

 

[Kubota Tee]

Create some low point drains. Feed your connector from a tee, and extend a leg downward to a valve. A cheaper way is to use a reducer to a larger pipe and cap it. The larger pipe will hold more water longer, and can be drained when you bring your system down.

KG,

Thanks for the suggestion. I noticed that one of the systems I was looking at had outlets with built in drain valves. This seems like it would solve the drainage question.







What do you think? Will this work for water drainage?

 

[Loadstar]

I would do copper (so easy and corrosion resistant), next choice threading black iron. don't care for PVC for air. A Plastic system goes off like a bomb when it goes.

 

[Shield Arc]

If you happen to have employees you'll want to think twice about using PVC for air piping! :thumbdown:

https://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

 

[grsthegreat]

If you happen to have employees you'll want to think twice about using PVC for air piping! :thumbdown: https://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

now THATS the definitive answer. thank you

 

[Shield Arc]

now THATS the definitive answer. thank you

If I remember correctly you're a business owner with employees? If so, I'm sure you're aware of what a nightmare OSHA can be when they zero in on you!

 

[PANHAPP]

Has anyone had any problems to report with pex tubing?

 

[Kubota Tee]

I did my commercial body shop back in the early 80s with 1 inch copper. Sold business in the late 90s. But there has been 0 failures for about 30 years. They run 4 body techs and 2 painters. Paint booth and prep deck. Dual 10 HP compressor set a 175 PSI. Copper is by far better than black pipe if clean air is must.

Wow! That would be a pretty expensive route these days. 3/4" x 10' type L copper pipe is running $20 each. The one thing I like about the new system "kits" is that they allow you to easily disconnect and change things up when your needs change.

 

[k0ua]

I have always "heard" that PVC was dangerous to use for air transport/distribution, but to actually see in print federal, state agency's and manufactures stating DO NO USE IT, that pretty well puts the death knell to the idea of using PVC for your shop air supply. It was pretty plain language.

James K0UA

 

[bandaidmd]

I used cpvc

 

[crazyal]

None. That's what I have in my garage. Unlike PVC if PEX bursts it's not going to break apart and create shrapnel. Moisture will form in low spots so create some legs with ball valves so you can drain it. I used one touch connectors as they are the industry standard now. I ran the PEX just like I ran all the wiring, though the studs vs mounting pipe onto the sides. Just verify the working pressure of the PEX is higher than your air compressor will go.

 

[dclynch]

ShieldArc I thought maybe your intercool er had a multi purpose like maybe a still :drink: