Which New Air Compressor Lines

[wow]

Since I have the ceiling open in my shop, I am considering moving my air lines up into the ceiling (conditioned space) to run around the shop and just doing 'drops' wherever I want them. I currently use black pipe, but I am open to other options. It might be difficult for me to get lengths of black pipe angled up into the truss space?

I want at least 1/2" - 3/4" ID pipe. My compressor is a 2-stage 80 gallon IR that can produce about 16 CFM at 90 PSI, and a maximum of 175 PSI. BTW, the longest run would be around 60-70 feet.

What would you guys do?

 

[leakyroof]

I like iron pipe, I can thread it easily, and it's strong and dependable .
Some people just solder 3/4" copper tube and go with that, even at 150psi line pressure before your regulator takes it down at the end of your run. 

 

[peter halle]

There is of course the newer plastic - almost like PEX - systems out there that offer flexibility, fewer joints, and adaptability in the future.  I am sure if you do a google search for plastic air line piping you will find info.

Peter

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Iron, sloped with drops for drains. 

 

[RJNeal]

Iron, sloped with drops for drains. 

[thumbs up]and take your feeds off the top of the pipe. It will cost you two elbows per drop but you will get less water
At your tools.

Rick

 

[rst]

This stuff works great and is easy to install http://www.rapidairproducts.com/

 

[tjbnwi]

I've installed the Rapid Air system for others. It is a nice product.

Tom

 

[alpastor]

I installed 1/2" AquaPex for a few drops inside my workshop, and a 1" run to an upstairs bedroom that I often setup as a spray booth.  It sure was easy to build.  I have a Quincy 5hp, 2 stage, 60g compressor with a harbor freight air dryer attached. I do have moister filters near the tools that need that. With the dryer attached I decided not to setup up any kind of water drainage system in the lines. So far, so good, but I haven't really used it that much yet.

 

[wow]

I already have the tools to do the aquapex, but I've seen mixed statements about whether it could handle the pressures involved. I suppose I should research that some more, since sure like the ease of installation.

My shop does have a couple of windows, so the lex could be exposed to UV to a small degree. Just another consideration, I guess.

 

[Richard A.]

I have a large 2-stage stationary compressor in my shop. I just used 1/2" PVC to pipe air all around my shop. You can save a lot of $$ not using black-pipe or copper. PVC holds 175 lb with ease.

I have also used this PVC set-up on large commercial jobs. We put the compressor on the ground floor (or in the L.L. for security & noise) and run a vertical 1” PVC riser up to each floor. On each floor we ‘T’ off ½” PVC horizontally runs the width of the building. As the building goes higher, we just cut off the end cap and add to the riser. Usually the easiest place to run the riser is through the elevator shaft. With this set-up, all the trades have air at a few central locations on each level. PVC is cheap. At the end of the job, we just remove the quick disconnects and abandon the PVC.

- Rich

 

[Hurricane Whisperer]

PVC should not be used for compressed gasses including air.  It tends to explode and send sharp shards all over the place.  Manufacturers often print a statement about not using it for compressed air or gasses right on the pipe.

 

[wow]

I agree. PVC is NOT an option I would consider.

 

[Richard A.]

  I have been using PVC for 37 years now and have never had it explode. I have used it in both winters and summers here in NJ.

- Rich

 

[festooltim]

My brother uses PVC in his metal fabrication shop for many years and never had a problem.

 

[Hurricane Whisperer]

I have heard a lot of statements like that from people who use it.  I have also personally heard it explode when every one was at lunch and no one was around to damage it any way.

At Garagejournal.com forum, the subject comes up frequently and the compressed air guys usually post pictures of various exploded lines and refer to OSHA regulations against using it.

 

[BobcaygeonJim]

I've installed the Rapid Air system for others. It is a nice product.

Tom

I used their Maxline 1/2" master kit for my shop. It has aluminum core with a pex type outer jacket. It was very easy to install and I like the outlet blocks with the drain valves.

 

[James Metcalf]

One con for any plastic is if you have a fire the plastic melts and then the air feeds the fire. Having said that I have not made my mind up and this discussion is of interest to me. I am also building a shop.

 

[jimmylittle]

This stuff works great and is easy to install http://www.rapidairproducts.com/

I second the RapidAir system.  Easy, and in the north east US, cheaper than black iron pipe.  It's also not prone to rusting like iron, lighter, and flexible so there are less connectors necessary.  They offer in-wall, surface mount, ceiling mount and even exterior hose connection plates, and all the fittings are friction fit.  If you decide to reconfigure later, the fittings can be reused.

You can get the starter kit for less than $150. 

 

[nickao]

I agree, at rapidair at .91cents  a foot for 1/2 inch and ease of install how much do you really save by using PVC which really isn't designed for it or iron with all its issues?

Starter kits are way less than 150.0 more like 95.00 for 1/2" , 3/4" is about 185.00.

 

[rustym]

Just looked the Rapidair system up on Amazon.  You can save some money on the kits.

Rusty