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