Running air line

[BoatBuoy]

I have an air compressor that I quite frequently use to air up tires and run an impact wrench. Every time I use it, I have to drag it out of the garage and lay down a very heavy extension cord, since my only outlet is at the back of the garage. I could buy a very long air hose, but I'd like to run a rigid pipe from the back of the garage to near the garage doors. Galvanized or black iron is out of the question as I don't have threading tools. Has anyone used plastic PVC water pipes for compressed air?

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Running air line

I have run PVC for air lines in a manufacturing plant. You need to use the grey PVC (sched 80) as it is rated for the higher pressures.<br /><br />Do not exceed the rated pressure of the PVC and slope the PVC line slightly back to the compressor along it's entire length to prevent moisture from collecting in the line. <br /><br />If it is not possible to slope the line (or if you want extra protection from moisture) then set it up for the outlet to run vertical for a foot or two with a drip leg at the bottom of this line that has a valve to drain the moisture. From the horizontal run you would install T fitting and then your outlet would come off the top and the drip leg off the bottom.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Running air line

I have not used pvc, but you might try <br />schedule 80 and keep it from freezing. Your air lines will collect water so you can run the lines off the floor and put some downspouts and drain valves to remove the water periodically. Personall I use soft copper and compression fittings and that works good...just a thought

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Running air line

You could also run copper and solder the connections.<br /><br />Also, I would not slope it all back to the compressor. All of the water will end up back in your compressor . Make a drip tee at every hook up point. Every place you have a place to hook in a quick connect coupler, put a tee and run 6" more pipe below the outlet. You can also put a ball valve on the bottom to relieve pressure and drain any collected moisture. If you have a gas furnace or water heater, look at how they are connected. It's the same principal, minus the ball valve on the bottom.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Running air line

Hey the local Home Depot here sells threaded iron pipe in almost any length. <br /><br />Bob

 

[rwise]

Re: Running air line

schedule 40 is good for 480 psi, but I wont argue wuth going schedule 80. Just use a big unuf id so you don't get any restriction/s that could cause heat with the airflow as pvc don't like heat! But the there is CPVC. I would probably use copper.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Running air line

Hey thanks everyone for your replies. The max working pressure I'll be using is 90 lbs. I think that's the limit of my regulator so I think I'll use the PVC.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Running air line

PVC is a *REALLY* bad idea for use with compressed air. Don't ask how I know. It may be rated to handle the pressure, but PVC degrades very quickly. Sunlight will degrade it and make it brittle. If anything ever bumps into it, it could cause small fractures that later explode. When it goes, if you're near, you will be going to the hospital. ALL PVC manufaturers tell you not to use their pipe with compressed air. Use steel pipe. It is the only kind of pipe designed for compressed air. Any good hardware store or plumbing supply place will be able to thread the pipe for you.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Running air line

I vote copper, very easy to put up, and it's not pvc.