Compressor Air Lines - what pipework to use?

[joda]

I have a large compressor in one end of my Unit, and regularly need to use it at the other end, this results in a long hose that runs across the floor, you trip over it, drive over it, it get snagged, burst etc

I have been looking at Blue rigid 22mm pipe and installing a circuit as this is better than a dead leg - the cost however will be around £600

I have a roll of blue MDPE water pipe, which i think would do the same job, i can install connectors to allow for copper pipe tails and then push fit compressor fittings, this would in total cost me around £75-100 at the very most

Has anyone used water pipe for compressed air before?

[blackpopracing]

I used the blue nylon air line tube - around 8mm I.D which seems fine and uses the push fit connectors.

[automax]

I wouldn't advise it. Do you know the burst pressure on it? Doubt it will be anywhere near that of 100-150psi that a compressor generates. I've got to do mine for my new workshop for the same reason but I'm just swallowing it and going with the proper stuff. Expensive but worth the investment.

[LowStandards]

I installed the normal 15mm plastic pipe you get from screwfix with push fit fittings about 5 years ago, still good, no leaks, no explosions

[bmw2101]

Apr 11, 2024 13:11:52 GMT LowStandards said:

I installed the normal 15mm plastic pipe you get from screwfix with push fit fittings about 5 years ago, still good, no leaks, no explosions

that s what ive been looking at recently, how did you get from the 15mm to air fittings? thanks

[jimi]

Apr 11, 2024 12:31:01 GMT automax said:

I wouldn't advise it. Do you know the burst pressure on it? Doubt it will be anywhere near that of 100-150psi that a compressor generates. I've got to do mine for my new workshop for the same reason but I'm just swallowing it and going with the proper stuff. Expensive but worth the investment.

Blue MDPE is normally rated around 175 psi (12/12.5bar)
For a workshop there's no real reason to to run the compressor at 150 psi, air tools normally run around 90psi (6bar)
Offshore we ran the compressors at 120 psi (8bar) and the air points for tools were regulated to 90psi (6bar)
At home I run my compressor at 100psi (7-ish bar)

[LowStandards]

Apr 11, 2024 16:08:22 GMT bmw2101 said:

Apr 11, 2024 13:11:52 GMT LowStandards said:

I installed the normal 15mm plastic pipe you get from screwfix with push fit fittings about 5 years ago, still good, no leaks, no explosions

that s what ive been looking at recently, how did you get from the 15mm to air fittings? thanks

Used the brass tap end fittings that screw to the wall with a threaded adaptor down to the quick release airline fitting.

All plumbing parts from screwfix

[welshpug]

use the 22mm pipe if its rated for the pressure, it'll help with flow.

at work I think its the blue plastic coated aluminium stuff that was fitted by the Compressor engineers, inside the factory is a large bore cast iron ring hanging off the roof joists.

[bmw2101]

the tap fixings, could you link one please? I'm not sure the ones you mean? i was wondering if you could just screw an air fitting into the end of it. I see the 15mm pipe for £32 for 25 meters...

I am wondering about adding some form of water trap too, my compressor is outside of the garage in a box, it is maybe 4 meters out, then there is 2 take off points int he garage maybe 5 and 10 meters from the door. I have a norgrem water trap but i still get water in the air lines when painting some times. I have seen some of these U type sections added outside of buildings with a tap at the bottom of the U. But not really seen any good pics etc.




welshpug, for my example, i have a 4-5 horse v twin compressor, i only use it for painting, plasma, or maybe an air gun. At work we have the same blue air lines, but we can run multiple air guns at one go. the 22mm i wonder if its a bit overkill for my example, but probably the better solution.

[welshpug]

for spraying I'd definitely want the larger bore as its volume you want there not pressure, same with any air tool to be honest, the more air flow they have the better.

[bmw2101]

i was given some of the 15mm pipe today, a 1/4 fitting screws really nice into it ! I'm going this route now with my compressor, seems the right way.

[kevstarlet]

I've got 1/2" heavy wall "hydrodare" black plastic waterpipe for air supply in my garage for the last 6 years with no issues. Think the roll cost me about €100