Underground air line to barn

[Travelover]

I'd just pop for a small compressor like this one. Goes on sale for less than $100 all the time.

Portable Air Compressor - 2 HP, 8 Gallon, 125 PSI

 

[EddieWalker]

How often do you need air at that location? I have a hundred foot hose that I keep outside on a garden hose real that I just unwind when I need it. Depending on where I'm working, I just unroll it and leave it lay on the ground until I'm done with it. Sometimes it's just a minute that I need it, other times, it's laying on the ground for a week or more.

If it ever breaks or needs replacing, I just buy a new one. No trenches, nothing to mess with and I'm ready to go in minutes.

Eddie

 

[hizoot]

Years ago, I buried 3/4 " heavy wall pipe from my storage shed to my shop,about 80-100'. I did this mainly to get rid of the noise.Also, installed a 3 way switch that I could turn it on remotely. It turned out,the condensation was too much. Line filled with water regularly. I tried all kinds of ways to cool the air before going underground,but it didnt work. I guess the ground being cool would invariably condense the air,especially in winter. I gave up,moved the compressor into my shop and built a sound deadening enclosure.

 

[BeezFun]

You could put in 1" poly plastic line like they use for wells. I just bought 100' for $25 at Tractor Supply, it's rated 160 psi. Menards also sells it. Easy to step down at each end to standard pipe fittings. Wouldn't be any pressure drop over that distance, and it's made to be buried. They also make 200psi for a bit more money. I think there's even less expensive stuff that isn't approved for drinking water.

 

[dex3361]

I ran a 1.5' black PE pipe from the house to the garage fortunately my pipe is downhill all the way and the condensate is easy to drain off. I think the PE pipe is rated for 160# and is cheap. if you force a low spot and install a tee with a valve to blow off the condensate then you could keep it drained. Probably more trouble than its worth but it can be done.

 

[rjmack]

i have a compressor on a 60 gallon tank. i just left the shipping pallet attached. it's easy to move with forks on the loader bucket. all that's needed is a 240v plug in whatever building you want to use it.

 

[ultrarunner]

A few years ago I ran coiled copper 3/4 a few hundred feet underground and condensation has not been a problem because the air goes through a dryer first.

I also added an automatic condensate valve to the compressor that cycles every couple of hours...

 

[mjncad]

A few years ago I ran coiled copper 3/4 a few hundred feet underground and condensation has not been a problem because the air goes through a dryer first.

I also added an automatic condensate valve to the compressor that cycles every couple of hours...

I was going to suggest 3/4" type K soft copper pipe. Type K is the heaviest wall of the three grades of copper.

I guess it depends on whether the OP wants to wrestle with a hose on a reel now and then, have a second compressor, or have something buried.

 

[hizoot]

A few years ago I ran coiled copper 3/4 a few hundred feet underground and condensation has not been a problem because the air goes through a dryer first.

I also added an automatic condensate valve to the compressor that cycles every couple of hours...

Is the drier a refrigerated air cooler? What is the typical humidity in your area? 3/4" heavy wall copper is approximately 200.oo+ for 50' now....At least the refrigeration tubing is,haven't priced heavy walled water copper.

 

[ultrarunner]

Is the drier a refrigerated air cooler? What is the typical humidity in your area? 3/4" heavy wall copper is approximately 200.oo+ for 50' now....At least the refrigeration tubing is,haven't priced heavy walled water copper.

Humidity varies... average is about 50%... can be much drier for short periods or much more humid when the fog comes in.

I picked the drier and compressor up together from Grainger in 1998...

I has refrigeration coils and and a float condensation valve and the compressor has an automatic tank drain.

The only time I had any moisture at the end of the line was when the drier float froze and preventing the condensate from draining.

Copper has never been cheap... best guess was about $1.40 a foot...

I think the coils were 60' lengths.