Compressed Air Piping

[Too Many Projects]

In my previous shop, I ran 50' of black iron on the ceiling, with 4 moisture drops and ball valves along the system. I don't see getting enough air to properly cool the pipe with long term use to condense the moisture out of the air enclosed in a ceiling/wall. When I ran my blast cabinet for a couple hours, I had moisture all the way to the 4th drop. In an 8 hour pressure pot blasting day, I had to stop halfway thru and let the pipe cool for an hour during lunch to prevent getting moisture in the sand.

[427yenko]

Thanks for all of the replies. It seems like black pipe is the popular choice for doing this installation. I have looked at a few hdpe/aluminum offerings such as rapid air and was hoping that they were good options as they seem very simple to install. I have schedule 80 pvc in my current garage and I know some people cringe at the thought of using something like that because of the bursting danger. It has been installed for more than 10 years now and I do not have any leaks of any consideration. I wanted to upgrade from that material and do this right while hoping the more cumbersome installation of rigid and heavy pipe would not be necessary. I may be overstating the concern with this method, but lightweight bendable tubing sure has an appeal.

[396 SS/RS]

Originally Posted by 169indy

My "Rapid-Air" Plastic system has Constant issues, Sad I went this route now.
"MAXLINE" system.

I'm curious as to what issues you are having?
I installed this system in my shop about 3 years ago with 4 air connections and found it to be trouble free. I would recommend it from my personal experience.
FWIW, I do not leave the lines charged, I close the outlet valve at the tank at night as I don't use it daily.

[SuperNovaSS]

I installed the rapid air in my shop as well. I was easy to install and has been trouble free for the couple years I have had it installed.

Jason

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by 427yenko

Thanks for all of the replies. It seems like black pipe is the popular choice for doing this installation. I have looked at a few hdpe/aluminum offerings such as rapid air and was hoping that they were good options as they seem very simple to install. I have schedule 80 pvc in my current garage and I know some people cringe at the thought of using something like that because of the bursting danger. It has been installed for more than 10 years now and I do not have any leaks of any consideration. I wanted to upgrade from that material and do this right while hoping the more cumbersome installation of rigid and heavy pipe would not be necessary. I may be overstating the concern with this method, but lightweight bendable tubing sure has an appeal.

1/2" schedule 80 pvc is rated to 850 psi. I don't see an issue with bursting at piston compressor capabilities.

[lbnaz]

I have been a Union Steamfitter for 48 years now 39 of which I worked at the trade. All of the systems mentioned will work in a shop. I personally used 3/4" (7/8" od) type L copper with sweat joints, dirt legs, and valves for blow off on all my drops. My compressor runs at a 125 psi in the system. The use of black iron sch 40 pipe is used industry wide in most commercial applications and is highly recommended. It resists breakage, bumps, tugs, etc. on the system. PVC is subject to burst with any of the same. Just my 2 cents.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

1/2" schedule 80 pvc is rated to 850 psi. I don't see an issue with bursting at piston compressor capabilities.

It is also not UV protected. If you run it in the shop exposed to light, it will rot eventually.

I know I am REALLY the oddball here. I wanted something easier than black pipe. Even though I have my own threader, it is a pain cutting and threading to make it look good. When running 100 foot of natural gas line, I had to use black pipe. What a pain. It is heavy and difficult for an old man to work with.

I came across a great deal on several hundred feet of 1/2 in air brake line. Very flexible and easy to work with. If you heat the end, it stretches easily enough to get it over a pex line fitting.

It is UV protected and has a burst pressure of 1300 psi.

Talk about easy. Cut with pex cutters, heat the end with a heat gun for 20 seconds, use a brass pex fitting. Also found deals on bulk pex fittings and clamps.

My compressor has an aftercooler. I ran three loops up the wall and back down before any of the lines headed into the shop area. I have a fancy three stage dryer set up, but have never installed it. Each loop on the wall has a ball valve at the bottom. I open them every once in awhile but have NEVER seen moisture in the system. Sandblast for an hour straight, and never get moisture.