Thread: Compressed air piping.

You can use “plastic” pipe and fittings. Use at least 3/4” to minimise pressure drop.

At work it is all copper piping. The pipe also has slight fall on it for drainage.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

At work it is all copper piping. The pipe also has slight fall on it for drainage.

I did specify "budget", Simon.

X 2 on drainage fall. Say, 1:75
The Air supply must be at the high point.
a valve at the low point to drain the condensate.
distribution points inserted with an inverted ‘T’ to avoid condensate flowing into your hose and tools.
your new air reticulation will “bring you joy” (Marie Kondo)
best. Jeff

I just used blue stripe Poly tube with irrigation fittings. 25mm dia from memory. Works fine.
Chris

Originally Posted by Tins

I did specify "budget", Simon.

Hey, you said "the best budget"

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Hey, you said "the best budget"

Yes, I suppose I did....

10m of nylon piping might cost in the $40-50 range.
A bag of various angle quick connects, about $20
Couple of quick release couplers, maybe $20(depends on what type you prefer and quality you require.

I piped the compressor in this way, I reckon all up the 20m of 10mm hose, 2 bags of quick connects, and manifolds cost me about $150, but with heaps of spare stuff now for other jobs.

I did go to the trouble to use screw mount manifolds at the walls, this way I added a gauge, at the far end to keep an eye on pressure loss too.
I do have an air leak, but its so weak, soapy bubble producing liquids don't! .. it loses it's 120psi over about 4 or 5 days(hence why the gauge is handy to have).
I have a tap at the compressor to cut the feed to the mounted lines .. figured this one out AFTER, I bodged the first attempt and it leaked like a sieve. nice to be able to maintain air in the compressor but be able to cut air in the mounted lines for maintenance.
Annoying to have to evacuate the entire compressor and then pressurize it all over again!

All the piping tucked neatly behind framing so it won't get pinched too.

So much nicer having air outlets where you need them. You still have some hose on the floor of course, but I mainly use a 10m coily lead and it's easy to get it out the way.