Compressed Air Piping Materials

If you don t want to solder use galvanized or black steel pipe.

Compressed air piping materials. As with most decisions the choice in piping material comes down to tradeoffs between cost performance longevity and aesthetics. Iron pipe is available in galvanized or raw black form. Non metal pipe is commonly called thermoplastic pipe. Here are some of the most common materials used for compressed air piping and the pros and cons of each.

Installation is straightforward or can be done by a plumber and fittings are available at your local hardware store. Iron pipe is one of the oldest compressed air piping materials used. These failures combined with air under pressure are potentially fatal due to the airborne razor sharp shrapnel. Black iron pipe creates rust silt and sediment which can ruin your equipment.

Rapidair products deliver safe compressed air. The presence of air compressor oils in the line and heat from the compressed air accelerates the degradation of pvc. Compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types. Using pvc for compressed air is a safety liability you don t want to gamble on.

Traditionally steel sometimes referred to as black iron and galvanized steel piping have been a common choice for compressed air systems. Moisture and oxygen in compressed air makes rust and corrosion inevitable. Plastic compressed air piping is cheap lightweight easy to install and non corrosive. However these materials suffer from some significant limitations.

Owners of compressed air piping systems tend to focus on the compressor and think of the piping as less of a concern. Guide to compressed air piping systems last updated on. Measure the pipe runs and buy exact lengths. In our experience thermoplastic should be used only in some air compressor inlet piping situations which are not.

Non metal pipe commonly called plastic pipe has been offered for many years as compressed air piping because. In the old days compressed air pipes where made of plain steel. Hardware stores will cut and thread the ends for you. The compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types.

However just as hearts can fail due to clogged arteries compressors can fail due to poor piping. Cleaner than black iron pipe. It can be installed with no special tools such as welders threaders etc. For plastic there is a whole range of plastic types all with their own characteristics.

Plus osha has banned the use of pvc piping for compressed air in above ground applications. It is also an osha violation to use pvc for compressed air distribution which means you could incur a hefty fine. May 15th 2020 at. Unlike gas and water lines air compression lines don t require perfect joints so don t worry if they leak a tiny bit.