Installation is straightforward or can be done by a plumber and fittings are available at your local hardware store.
Compressed air piping materials.
However just as hearts can fail due to clogged arteries compressors can fail due to poor piping.
Moisture and oxygen in compressed air makes rust and corrosion inevitable.
For steel pipes we have plain steel stainless steel copper and galvanized steel pipes that are often used.
Non metal pipe is commonly called thermoplastic pipe.
The compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types.
Iron pipe is one of the oldest compressed air piping materials used.
Here are some of the most common materials used for compressed air piping and the pros and cons of each.
It can be installed with no special tools such as welders threaders etc.
In the old days compressed air pipes where made of plain steel.
As with most decisions the choice in piping material comes down to tradeoffs between cost performance longevity and aesthetics.
Cleaner than black iron pipe.
For plastic there is a whole range of plastic types all with their own characteristics.
Owners of compressed air piping systems tend to focus on the compressor and think of the piping as less of a concern.
Plastic compressed air piping is cheap lightweight easy to install and non corrosive.
However these materials suffer from some significant limitations.
It is lighter than most metal and easier to handle.
Black iron pipe creates rust silt and sediment which can ruin your equipment.
Non metal pipe commonly called plastic pipe has been offered for many years as compressed air piping because.
Measure the pipe runs and buy exact lengths.
These failures combined with air under pressure are potentially fatal due to the airborne razor sharp shrapnel.
Guide to compressed air piping systems last updated on.
Using pvc for compressed air is a safety liability you don t want to gamble on.
The presence of air compressor oils in the line and heat from the compressed air accelerates the degradation of pvc.
Traditionally steel sometimes referred to as black iron and galvanized steel piping have been a common choice for compressed air systems.
Rapidair products deliver safe compressed air.
Iron pipe is available in galvanized or raw black form.
In our experience thermoplastic should be used only in some air compressor inlet piping situations which are not.
Nowadays there are many different steel and non steel types of piping.
May 15th 2020 at.
Hardware stores will cut and thread the ends for you.
If you don t want to solder use galvanized or black steel pipe.
It is also an osha violation to use pvc for compressed air distribution which means you could incur a hefty fine.
