Compressed Air Piping Materials

Traditionally steel sometimes referred to as black iron and galvanized steel piping have been a common choice for compressed air systems.

Compressed air piping materials.

Installation is straightforward or can be done by a plumber and fittings are available at your local hardware store. The compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types. Unlike gas and water lines air compression lines don t require perfect joints so don t worry if they leak a tiny bit. However just as hearts can fail due to clogged arteries compressors can fail due to poor piping.

As with most decisions the choice in piping material comes down to tradeoffs between cost performance longevity and aesthetics. Non metal pipe is commonly called thermoplastic pipe. Rapidair products deliver safe compressed air. 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. Cleaner than black iron pipe. For steel pipes we have plain steel stainless steel copper and galvanized steel pipes that are often used. Hardware stores will cut and thread the ends for you.

Iron pipe is available in galvanized or raw black form. In the old days compressed air pipes where made of plain steel. Non metal pipe commonly called plastic pipe has been offered for many years as compressed air piping because. May 15th 2020 at.

Nowadays there are many different steel and non steel types of piping. However these materials suffer from some significant limitations. Iron pipe is one of the oldest compressed air piping materials used. For plastic there is a whole range of plastic types all with their own characteristics.

Using pvc for compressed air is a safety liability you don t want to gamble on. Plastic compressed air piping is cheap lightweight easy to install and non corrosive. Moisture and oxygen in compressed air makes rust and corrosion inevitable. Here are some of the most common materials used for compressed air piping and the pros and cons of each.

Compressed air piping materials can be divided into two basic types. Plus osha has banned the use of pvc piping for compressed air in above ground applications. Owners of compressed air piping systems tend to focus on the compressor and think of the piping as less of a concern. It is also an osha violation to use pvc for compressed air distribution which means you could incur a hefty fine.

The presence of air compressor oils in the line and heat from the compressed air accelerates the degradation of pvc. Measure the pipe runs and buy exact lengths. Guide to compressed air piping systems last updated on. It is lighter than most metal and easier to handle.