What kind of pipe is used for compressed air?
Avoid Using PVC Heat from the compressed air degrades PVC because it is plastic. This degradation leads to cracks, and in some cases PVC can also shatter, harming not only the compressed air system but nearby employees as well. For these reasons, using PCV as compressed air piping is actually an OSHA violation.
What is the best pipe to use for air compressor lines?
Black pipe
Black pipe is the most commonly used pipe recommended for compressed air systems. It is easy to get your hands on, it is strong and durable, and most people are familiar with how to install it. However, it will produce rust contamination that damages pneumatic tooling.
What is the standard slope of compressed air lines?
1″ per 10 feet
The main header pipe in the system should be sloped downward in the direction of the compressed air flow. A general rule of thumb is 1″ per 10 feet of pipe. The reason for the slope is to direct the condensation to a low point in the compressed air piping system where it can be collected and removed.
What is copper m pipe?
Type M Copper Pipe: Copper pipe type M wall is thinner than both type K and L copper. Sold in both rigid and flexible forms, Type M is used most commonly for heating water services and vacuum systems. It can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings.
What type of copper is used for compressed air?
Copper pipe is a common selection for sensitive compressed air systems and when correctly sized and connected is very durable and effective. Type M hard, type L hard and type K soft copper has a working pressure of 250 psig (17 bar). Type K hard copper is rated for 400 psig (27 bar).
How do you measure compressed air pipe?
Typically, you can multiply the capacity of straight-line piping by 1.5 for loop type compressed air distribution systems. For example: If a 2” aluminum pipe is rated for 500 CFM at 125 PSI, that same length of pipe in a loop system would be rated for 750 CFM at 125 PSI.
What is the velocity of compressed air in pipe?
Most compressed air system designers recommend using a velocity of about 20 fps (feet per second) when designing discharge and interconnecting piping systems. It should not exceed 30 fps.
Can HDPE be used for compressed air?
Polyethylene (PE) piping and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping are also good choices for compressed air applications. PVC is not recommended and is an OSHA violation if used. It degrades and can burst, causing damage and is very dangerous to employees exposed to it.
How many PSI is PVC rated?
Note that each material is pressure rated to 230 psi at 73°F (22.8°C). PVC has a derating factor of 0.31 at 130°F (54.4°C), making it pressure rated up to 71.3 psi at that temperature (230 psi x 0.31 = 71.3 psi).