Air Compressor lines

[custodian]

I'm looking at putting an air compressor line in my building. Has anyone used the thick wall PVC piping, or what type of piping should I use?

 

[skysurfer]

Don't use pvc, it becomes brittle over time and will eventually explode under pressure. At the very least, anyone in the vicinity will take shrapnel wounds and the threat of serious injury is real.

Use copper pipe. Yeah, its expensive but worth it in terms of safety. Another benefit of copper, with enough length it has the ability to cool the air from the compressor and drop out the moisture trapped in the compressed air. Dry air is essential for air tools and bead blasting.

 

[jetman]

As stated by skysurfer, not a good idea to use PVC with compressed gas. Any failure could be life changing. https://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

 

[custodian]

Good info from OSHA.

 

[foamypirate]

Another vote for copper. That's what I used (with brass fittings and unions for corrosion resistance).

These were "in progress" pictures of the install, but you get the idea. I used a hydraulic hose to connect the compressor to the copper piping with a union (temporary steel union in this picture, I changed it out for brass).

The little "hump" at the drop to the regulator is another step to help keep water out of the line. I've never had water out of the ball valve on the drop or out of the regulator, even with that short of a run. Both ends of the main run are stubbed and capped for future expansion. The main line also has some amount of slope to help water drain to one end (though it just collects in the capped line at the moment, the way it's set up).

 

[84 Chevy Kyle]

I'm looking at putting an air compressor line in my building. Has anyone used the thick wall PVC piping, or what type of piping should I use?

I know this is a post is a little older but if anybody is thinking about plumbing their garage for air, this is a pretty slick setup.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200484023_200484023

They sell a few different diameters and such. I had thought about doing the same with some leftover PEX tubing from in floor heat but wasn't sure where to get the fittings for everything. The kits eliminate all the guesswork out of it. Doesn't look cheap but when you consider materials for copper pipe, it quickly becomes economical.

 

[87scotty]

they make a plastic air compressor line that would work just fine. as long as its not in a place that will get hit. in danger zones ive used galvinized and just steel pipe copper works as well!

 

[Quadrajet Power]

I used that rapid air system in my shop. It was very easy to customize and it has worked very well for me. I rearranged my shop and just took it all apart and then reconnected after all the changes.