compressed air line size.

[Ggg]

I know this has been covered but after searching twice and reading a lot my head is spinning. I want to run some iron pipe or galv pipe for shop air. the straight run will be 70' long with 3 or 4 drops for couplers. My compressor runs at 175 psi. 24 cfm. So I imagine that is what I need to use for figuring line size.
My question is what size pipe to use?

[bgott]

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/co...ss-d_1014.html

It's said that you can't go too big. What size is the outlet on your tank? Are you going to use all the drops at the same time? I have worked shops plumbed with 3/4" with that long of a run and never noticed a performance drop at the end of the line, after three lifts and four other mechanics running air tools.

[jim hasslinger]

The bigger pipe you use the bigger your reserve air supply will be!

JIM

[Jim-TX]

1" schedule 40 PVC will handle plenty of air, will not rust out, is cheap, and easy to plumb. I know a guy that has 2 shops (one business and one hobby) plumbed with PVC and he has no problems. He runs a sandblaster, sodablaster and other air tools.

[Ggg]

I am the only person working in the shop, possibly on the odd chance one person may stop by, but nothing to specifically plan for.
Tank outlet I believe to be 2" max.
No PVC for me, besides I really do not find iron pipe hard to plumb.

[Dave Lee]

I plumbed a small factory for air at my last "real" job. The engineer speced 3/4" galvanized for the main trunk lines and 1/2" for the drops.

I too, found steel pipe, fairly easy to work with. The old gentleman, who was the engineer, brought in his ratchet-type pipe dies and vise from home for me to use on the job. When the job was over, he let me keep them. BONUS!


Dave

[Charles (in GA)]

Originally Posted by Jim-TX

1" schedule 40 PVC will handle plenty of air, will not rust out, is cheap, and easy to plumb. I know a guy that has 2 shops (one business and one hobby) plumbed with PVC and he has no problems. He runs a sandblaster, sodablaster and other air tools.

I noticed how politely everyone ignored Jim's rather dangerous suggestion of using PVC. It certainly can cause some arguments.

This information has been out for over 20 years now.

http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

There is a reason why OSHA will cite a business it finds using PVC, and it isn't because uncle sam needs money either.

I know of one board where the moderators simply delete any post that suggests PVC, they will not allow the arguments to begin. Copper is a very good choice.

Charles

[Ggg]

I just picked up the copper pipe, 1" type L (USA) it was only about $1 more/10' length than galv. I am also using the 1" for the drops. It will neck down at the quick couplers only.