I guess the toss up is do you get better quality air from galvanized, with the risk of galvanization coming off inside the pipe, or from black pipe knowing that rust will develop for sure, and that rust will flow down the line to your application. It has been in place for close to 20 years, without any issues at all. There are some companies that build a composite plastic piping system for compressed air. Options exist for different installations. Without experience in these techniques, the installation can be complicated and could present costly mistakes. We recently got a client who needed installation of a compressed air system for his printing machines. The initial cost is typically higher than both black and copper pipe systems; however, in many cases, there is little maintenance or replacement that will be needed. They have different price points, different installation requirements, and options for future expansion. Stainless steel piping can present a challenge when adding drops or expanding the system, and these areas are best planned during the initial installation. The Black Iron or Black Pipe can be an advantageous product. This rigidness results in an inflexible material which is good at resisting cracks. This initial low cost may have a high risk over time. 250psi seems to be standard max operating pressure. The shattering makes the pipe unsafe for use therefore, consider other options for compressed air piping. The flakes and rust are carried by the compressed air to the user points. ABS5. Ive also included some negative user comments on compressed air piping materials to follow. Yet there are new plastics being developed that might, and I emphasize might be suitable. PVC and CPVC piping is not approved by OSHA for compressed air systems so they should certainly be avoided. High quality compressed air was required, and the client specified that there should be minimal to no pressure drop in the system (which is the goal for most people). For your safety and the longevity of your systems, I am summarising materials that I strongly believe to be less suitable for compressed air lines. Coming back for additions can be difficult and require skill to cut and re-weld the existing pipe. Thats whether in an industrial setting, or in the at home garage! air tank These flakes can also be a safety concern when blown out of the lines at high speeds at the end application. The following are the most common plastic air compressor piping options that meet this criteria: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a suitably lightweight and easy to work with material that requires no special bracing or supports. vanishing Therefore, I wondered if they can be used for my compressed air system. The moment it is threaded, the galvanization has been compromised and breeched. Copper pipe for air compressors can be purchased in standard pressures and for standard temperatures. Which Parts are Checked and Replaced During Routine Maintenance on my Air Compressor? 
The pipes are also relatively affordable as compared to Stainless Steel. Polyurethane is sometimes used to plumb air to valves and air cylinders too, as it is softer, more malleable and able to be bent in tighter circles without kinking. ABS is good at handling severely cold temperatures but it is liable to warping under exposure to direct sunlight which indicates it is not suitable for outdoor use. The purpose of air pipes is to carry and deliver air to the points of application. This pipe is an excellent choice for use in a compressed air system. They do not become degraded by contact with oils and lubricants and thus are less likely to warp than plastic piping. Many older installations use it as it is able to hold up to a lot of abuse due to its strength and durability traits.
The cost of stainless steel piping is one of the more expensive options. Why consider them, then? Nobody got hurt, thankfully, but there were shards of PVC all over the shop and all work ceased since there was now no air pressure to run tools or paint cars. Stick to plastics that are OSHA approved and are oil-resistant, to ensure that the compressor lubricants cant degrade them. The sheet used to make these pipes are thicker than class A and can withstand maximum working pressures of up to 30 bar. Avoid going beyond the specifications of any piping system. So What is the Best Compressed Air Pipe Choice? If I had lots of money, my first choice for a compressed air supply line would be copper. Do not forget the multiple fittings needed for any installation. The pipes are color coded yellow. Compressed Air System Design and Installation. Everyone in the shop came running thinking a car had exploded. A fully modular system that allows the creation of new fittings for absolute ease of installation. there is almost no rust (keep in mind theyre exposed to rain), I do have some newer pipes too but I dont keep them outside because they rust almost instantly when exposed to moisture, rain etc., stuff just isnt as good as it was in the past. galvanized pipe flakes off on the inside that is why they dont use it. High-density polyethylene boasts similar traits to PE with the addition of being more denser, and therefore rigid/stronger. The following are the most common metal air compressor piping options: Each material boasts its own set of advantages and disadvantages which well now look into in more depth. Pressure loss due to improper pipe sizing and leaks along the piping system. If it leaks it probably gonna be at a connection. Save the plastic for moving poo, hopefully downhill. A frequent question regarding air compressors is, What type of pipe should I use for my air compressor? Below are the most common options: In summary, there are many choices when it comes to piping for your compressed air system.
Overall Aluminum is the Best Compressed Air Pipe for your new or existing compressed air network. Aluminum compressor piping is quickly becoming the preferred piping system. Question from reader: How does galvanized pipe rank for compressed air plumbing? This article will provide you with all the necessary information on the possible materials that could be very well suited to your piping system! And once a pin-hole (or even smaller holes) has been established, the corrosion starts immediately. Compressed Air Dryers Guide Which Type of Air Dryer Do I Need? This versatility can make finding fittings locally easy and ensure you have the correct fitment for your installation. ABS minimizes the risk of particulates making its way into the air flow due to its strong corrosion resistance. Having said that, I would most likely use copper next time, its just easier. How to Select the Best Pipe for your Air Compressor Lines. Nylon pneumatic tubing is a more expensive alternative to polyurethane, but comes with a range of enhanced capabilities like greater operating pressures and chemical compatibility. Aircom offers a variety of fittings in aluminum and polymer. For expanding the system in the future, much like black pipe, it is best to plan and prepare during the initial process. It works well in corrosive environments. The corrosion and rust can cause tools to be destroyed, raise electric bills, and contaminate your system. I certainly will recommend against using it. Are you wondering what is the best pipe material for air compressor lines?
However, whether at home or in the plant, I personally would not recommend black pipe unless I absolutely had to. Most people prefer it since installation is easy, the fittings are readily available and cheap. They are: Class C- these pipes have a higher gauge than all the other classes. How to select the best piping for your compressed air system. If you are in the room when a plastic pipe full of compressed air explodes and it sends shards of plastic into you and those around you I dont know, wouldnt you consider that the worst that catastrophic? The price of copper affects the overall pricing of the product. I also know that PVC is not used inside houses for waterlines. Years ago, I worked in an auto paint shop in Orlando, FL that was plumbed with PVC. The drops and or T fittings will need to be prepared during the initial installation. Stainless steel pipe can be an excellent option for high temperatures and high-pressure installations. air compressor garage diagram piping tools plumbing workshop The problems with polyethylene tube are that if you need large volumes of air, you cannot get a tube large enough for that high air flow. What Type of Pipe Should I Use for My Air Compressor? Polyethylene (PE) tube is low cost, it is rated for industrial compressed air pressures, very easy to install, does not react with moisture in the compressed air and it has scads of different air fittings to enable easy plumbing. Is an air leak even at 100psi really gonna be catastrophic? For experienced installers, the copper pipe will be slightly easier to install over the black pipe. How Much Oil Does An Air Compressor Need? The major problems faced in a compressed air system include: To mitigate these problems, selecting the correct pipe material for your application is key. When PVC lets go, it often shatters, and anyone and anything around could get shredded. Many elements can induce corrosion. Often, when people are presented with different choices, they tend to go for the option that costs less at face value without consideration for the cost implications in the future. Wed welcome it here!, https://www.about-air-compressors.com/comments/feed/, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Difference between NPT and IM fitting measurement, Need air compressor to run 4 roofing nail guns, Porter Cable Air Compressors Information, Manuals, Service Locations, United States Air Compressor Company Compressors, Oilless Air Compressors vs Oil Compressors, Air Compressor Motor Guide HP, Types & Where to Buy Compressor Motors, Air Compressor Pressure Switch Troubleshooting & Buying Guide, What Size Air Compressor Do I Need? Reader Negative Views on Galvanized pipe for plumbing compressed air, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Using Pex Pipe for Compressed Air Lines Dos & Donts, Readers have had PVC pipes swell and burst on them, Using Aluminum Air Pipe For Compressed Air, Galvanized vs Black Pipe For Air, Gas And Water, Using Pex-Al-Pex Compressed Air & Pex-Al-Pex Fittings, How to Plumb an Air Compressor Setup in Garage, Husky Air Compressor Will Not Shut Off Husky Air Compressor Troubleshooting, Air Compressor Air Line Non-Return valves/Inline (In The Air Line) Air Check Valves Explained, Campbell Hausfield Compressor Oil Choosing Oil, How Much To Use & Changing Oil, Air Compressor Overheating: 9 Most Common Reasons & How to Prevent It, UST Power System Plus Air Compressor Wont Reach Cut-Out Pressure, Emglo Air Compressor Wont Reach Cut-Out Pressure, Makita Air Compressor Wont Reach Cut-Out Pressure, Air Compressor Wont Reach Cut-Out Pressure Troubleshooting, Sanborn Air Compressors Information, Manuals, Service Locations, Top Air Compressor Manufacturers & Air Compressor Brands List, Plumbing an Air Compressor Setup Running Air Compressor Lines In A Garage, How To Calculate CFM of Air Compressors PSI to CFM Conversion, Identifying An Older Air Compressor Serial Numbers, Photos & Antique Air Compressor Identification, Air Compressor Troubleshooting, Solutions, Common Problems & Causes, How To Choose An Air Compressor Buying Air Compressors 2021, Compressed Air Treatment Guide Compressed Air Preperation And Treatment, What is Compressed Air? but leaks came way later down the road 10 maybe 15, 20 years. Class A the thickness of the sheet used to make these pipes is minimum. Before you take what might be a dangerous decision, I recommend that you note the pipe manufacturers name off the pipe, email them this same question, and keep their answer on file if they say yes. As always, consult a specialist before acting on any advice and please be aware of my information disclaimer here. And then there is the real hard issue of how does one inspect the surface that is really supposed to be doing the protecting: the internal pipe surface!
