airline question

[bob1967]

I know this probably doesn't belong here, but I need to know. My shop will be done next week and I'm running airlines on each wall. My question is can I use pvc or does it have to be copper pipe? With the price of copper it will be expensive. Any help is appreciated.

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by bob1967

I know this probably doesn't belong here, but I need to know. My shop will be done next week and I'm running airlines on each wall. My question is can I use pvc or does it have to be copper pipe? With the price of copper it will be expensive. Any help is appreciated.

I've seen it done in PVC. I don't think it's preferred. I remember it was sagging in allot of places. So if you use it use supports.
s/t

[Piece of Work]

For air lines, just use standard black pipe.

[Longhorn321]

^^What he said...way cheaper than copper. Prolly not too much more than PVC.

[Sequoyah]

Plumbing It Up
Permanent lines are relatively easy to install and cost varies with the tubing used. There are three basic types of piping that can be used: copper tubing, black iron pipe and PVC, and each has its pros and cons.

One consideration is corrosion; as the compressor builds up air pressure, it squeezes out water vapor and that condenses inside the line. Corrosion of the line is caused by water formed from the compression process.

Copper is durable over time and ranks high for cleanliness since it has no corrosion issues. However, cost is high and takes a degree of skill to install. Later modification to the distribution lines is a bit more difficult due to lack of tubing flexibility and soldering.

Black iron pipe is used in a lot of industrial applications with high pressures. It’s likely to corrode over time but has the lowest probability of tube breakdown due to high internal pressure.

Pipe is costly and requires a high degree of skill to install, namely using a pipe threading outfit to cut threads on the pipe ends. Later modification to the distribution lines is very difficult.

PVC is the choice of most compressor do-it-yourselfers. Its main positives are low cost, easy to assemble and modify and has no corrosion issues. Its weakness is that it can fail if the pipe is hit smartly while under pressure and the joints can fail if not cemented properly.

Pulled from:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/compressed-air/

[bob1967]

Thanks for all the input guy's. I am going to price the black pipe and compare to pvc. If it is comparable I will probably look at the using the black pipe

[cdowns]

for a good blueprint on how to properly lay out an air system go to www.tptools.com

[N2TRUX]

I ran PVC before with no adverse affects. The only danger is if struck by a sharp object it might shatter.

[caja_larga]

I run a pvc set up for my moister set up for painting. But I have been told it it dangerous. I will replace and do a better set up in copper or black pipe.

[chevybill]

You might consider "CPVC" which is used for hot water applications and is thicker than just PVC which is supposed to be used for cold water only.

[El Jay]

Don't use PVC!
If something hits it, &/or cracks it, you could have potentially disastrous results with sharp shrapnel flying everywhere.

The risk is just not worth the cost savings.

Copper, or black iron, is a one time expense & will outlive both of us.

I'd hate to see a board member get punctured!

Y'all now have my .02.

[PanelDeland]

Use a good condensate filter right after the compressor.Use a flexible hose to hook the compressor to the line and use the black pipe.May cost a little more but with this and a drainable drip leg you should solve lots of the moisture problem.Make sure you use a union whereever you may want to change later and you should be fine.I've run a few industrial set-ups and have always done them this way,fortunately most plants have the tools.

[70GMCer]

CPVC is the way to go. Don't use PVC.......

[72freak]

Originally Posted by 70GMCer

CPVC is the way to go. Don't use PVC.......

I agree.............with that said...........I used PVC in my shop with all the air lines run high out of the way and all my drops are all protected. I have had no problems...YET. When and if I ever re-do it it will be in black pipe...but it will be way more expensive!!!

[1968SWBBigBlock]

Ok Guys I will weigh in on this since I sell PVC for a living.
NEVER USE PVC FOR COMPRESSED AIR OR GAS!!!!!!!!
We have warnings on most of our boxes & nearly every page of our catalog etc.
The mode of failure is the issue - when thermoplastic pipe fails it shatters (only when dealing with compressed air and gas, liquid is a different discussion) the stored kinetic energy in the pipeline turns the line into shrapnel, think grenade. This has enough power to take chips out of concrete walls, penetrate metal doors etc.
CPVC DOES NOT have a thicker wall and will react in the same manner.
The only difference between CPVC & PVC is the additional chlorination process that creates a piping system good to 210 degrees F Vs 140 degrees F for PVC.
OSHA recognizes the following as acceptable products for commercial applications
Black steel
Copper
Galvanized
Stainless
Alum.
Duraplus - Thermoplastic piping made for compressed air - will not shatter
Chemair - same as above but being discontinued as of last week
Airpro - Same as above but use' thermal fusion since it impervious to compressor oils & solvents
Duratec - PE inside and outside with an Alum core, semi ridged piping system that is made in 100 & 300 foot coils, most goosenecks, 45's and 90's are bent by hand and the lack of joints makes this a cost efficient system to install.

Bottom line.
If you have PVC/CPVC in you shop for compressed air I would remove it.
It may last for years, but if and when it fails it is not pretty.
Again we are talking about compressed air and gas here, these products handle water to harsh caustics and acid better than most metallic piping systems can.
Virtually every water treatment plant, waste treatment plant, plating, painting, ecoat, powder coat, power plant, computer chip mfg, to dialysis clinics use' plastic piping to satisfy the need for corrosion protection or high purity and they work fantastic.

[LSGarage]

Just what 1968SWBBigBlock said. I was in an airplane hanger several years ago when a PVC compressed air line broke. I'm glad it was a big hanger and I was on the other side of the shop. LOUD boom! plastic shrapnel imbeded in the skin of aircraft near by! Not pretty.