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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Is pvc a sufficient air supply line?

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TomNTexas

12-29-2005 23:23:47




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I would like to have access to air through out my workshop. This would be 120 psi max. I've seen PVC pipe plumbed for supply lines.
Any advice for or against this.

Thanks,
Tom




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Jeff Oliver

12-31-2005 22:02:53




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
We tried it at our shop and it was ok for a few years but evenutally had a few blow outs and replaced everything with steel pipe.. If your just using it now and then it would probably be ok as long as yo uget the gray pipe but personally I would stick with steel.haven't yet seen it blow apart.



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gearhead

12-31-2005 04:49:12




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Where I work now the previous mechanic had run 2 inch pvc pipe around the shop for the airline. While at work one day there was one loud boom and pieces of plastic went flying. One 2 inch pipe tee exploded. Lucky for me I wasn't near it at the time. The pipe was about 10 years old. I replaced all the lines with 3/4 galvinized. I run 165 psi in the line.



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Charles McNelly III

12-30-2005 15:53:46




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Hi Tom, Our farm is in South Texas. My Dad ran air lines in the shop in 1983, all PVC. We have never had any blow apart. I"m not saying that it could"nt happen, just never happened to us. As far as that happening, copper, steel, etc. could do the same. The chance is less but it"s still there. What ever you choose, good luck.
Charles



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paul

01-02-2006 21:54:43




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to Charles McNelly III, 12-30-2005 15:53:46  
The difference is the metal, hose, or approved platics will rupture & blow air out. The pvc plastic shatters into sharp bits of stuff that blows around the building along with the air. Much more dangerous.

--->Paul



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Charles McNelly III

01-03-2006 16:08:33




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to paul, 01-02-2006 21:54:43  
I understand the risks. I just wanted to state that since 1983, we have never had a problem with using PVC as air supply line. They now have come out with a high pressure PVC.

Charles



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RickL

12-30-2005 09:48:36




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
galvinized pipe PERIOD. I have it all throu my shop



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Rodman

12-30-2005 05:24:20




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Hey I need to ask some information here. I ran PVC Schedule 80 through my shop, which is all threaded fittings. Am I in trouble? or is Sch 80 okay for air lines?????



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Charles (in GA)

12-30-2005 13:41:51




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to Rodman, 12-30-2005 05:24:20  
It isn't so much the fittings as it is the pipe itself. Impact it with pressure on it, and it explodes. Deterioation and hardening of the PVC itself due to compressor oils, solvents and chemicals in the air in the atmosphere in the shop, and simple age hardening all contribute to the pipe failure eventually.

Charles



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Ken Crisman

12-30-2005 12:26:56




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to Rodman, 12-30-2005 05:24:20  
You'd better hope your insurance company doesn't ever do an update inspection . I was inspected once . Had to do some improvements around my home is all . My garage checked out ok . Plastic is for water . If you read your manual , it states Galavanized pipe only . Black pipe is for natural gas due to the bare steel inside rusting from air . Is cutting costs worth chancing injury or death to someone ? I'd change it if I was you . Ken

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Bus Driver

12-30-2005 05:36:45




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to Rodman, 12-30-2005 05:24:20  
Some compressor oils cause PVC to deteriorate over time. Usually the first sign of trouble is an exploding pipe.



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bigr

12-30-2005 04:46:26




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
I've used copper for air lines in my current shop and my past shop. Easy to install, easy to change, etc. I run up to 125 lbs and haven't had any problems in 20+ years. Got the idea from a machine shop I did work at many years ago. I've seen plumbing contractors use it for gas and air.



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Charles (in GA)

12-30-2005 13:50:39




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to bigr, 12-30-2005 04:46:26  
There are different grades or types of copper, some rated for more than others, and you should allow some margin for safety (the difference between the max pressure you operate it at, and the max rated working pressure of the pipe.

For copper, consider consider consulting the "Copper Tube Handbook" (which will show you that Types K, L, or M will suffice.

Charles

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TomNTexas

12-30-2005 02:28:05




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Thanks for the information guys. The answer is very clear now. I had seen it used before and assumed it was ok. That's what I love about this forum. It's a wealth of information that often saves time, money, and even lives.

Tom



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Charles (in GA)

12-30-2005 02:06:12




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
While I have seen PVC used sucessfully in shops and businesses, it is dangerous as it splinters and scatters dangerous pieces when it is damaged or impacted, or simply decides to fail. OSHA will not allow it in a business and that should tell you something right there.

There are different types of plastics approved for use with compressed gasses (including air) under specifications set forth by California, and accepted by most all states and OSHA. Generally these are a Type of ABS plastic and are not PVC. This discussion came up some time back and here is a link to the thread for further reading on the subject.

The specialized ABS pipe (chemaire) is not cheap however, with 1" running about $300 for 100 ft if I recall correctly, plus fairly pricey fittings, but it is a solvent weld (glue) type system and is easily assembled by a do-it-yourselfer.

Charles

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Midwest redneck

12-30-2005 01:28:03




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
OSHA regulations state that you cant use PVC for air lines. PVC when it ruptures is like shrapnel and can imbed it self in walls, people, etc.



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Ken Crisman

12-30-2005 01:15:24




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Absolutely not, unless you like to live dangerously . Just think about a joint popping loose at that pressure & it hitting you or someone else . Maybe your kid or wife if you love her . All owners manuals specify "galvanized" not black pipe . Use 3/4" for best volume . Reduce down only at your hose shut off valves . Be sure to install tees with a drain plug . Air causes much moisture as you will find out . Drain tank & lines often . So spend the money & do it right . Always use the special oil in any air tools . Play it safe not dumb . Ken

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Benney 2

12-30-2005 01:14:59




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 Re: Is pvc a sufficient air supply line? in reply to TomNTexas, 12-29-2005 23:23:47  
Dont ever use pvc for airlines, If it blows it can seriously injure or even kill you. If you still want to use it make sure it has a PSI rating no less than 300 lbs.
When you run airline through the shop make sure that they run up hill all the way across the shop except for down spouts for air and have a water drain on each one starting at the first connection at the compressor outlet.



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