Couplings for copper pipe air setup

[skotl]

I've been following this thread with interest and would like to do something similar, but with two sets of traps / outlets - one with an oil feed and one without (mainly cos I've got one set of each!).

My question is on what to use for the couplings between the copper pipe and the air line / filters. On the assumption that I'm going to be soldering the joints (or at least trying to!) would something like this be suitable to screw in BSP air fittings?

(clicky-piccy-linky)





or this;

 

[rtbcomp]

Once you've soldered the pipe you can't screw the fitting.

I use normal compression fittings 15mm ones have 1/2" BSPP threads. Discard the the nut & olive off one end and screw it into the filter then fit the other side to the pipe in the normal way. The filter Can then be removed by undoing the compression nuts on the pipe.

 

[skotl]

Once you've soldered the pipe you can't screw the fitting.

I use normal compression fittings 15mm ones have 1/2" BSPP threads. Discard the the nut & olive off one end and screw it into the filter then fit the other side to the pipe in the normal way. The filter Can then be removed by undoing the compression nuts on the pipe.

Thanks for the prompt response. Why can't you screw the fitting - because the solder flows into the thread?

And compression joints will be ok at ~150psi?

Summat like this? http://www.screwfix.com/p/male-coup...g - Plumbing&gclid=CPGAiPyHqskCFSQcwwodx3ECUg

 

[rtbcomp]

You could use one of those.

If you use the first type you showed you can't screw it into the filter without turning the pipe that you've soldered into it

 

[skotl]

If you use the first type you showed you can't screw it into the filter without turning the pipe that you've soldered into it

Ah! What a plank - can't believe I didn't figure that out

That would have been embarrassing got it! Cheers

 

[Wallace]

Using either of those 15mm to 1/2" BSP fittings would be no different to a 1/2" BSP tee in a pipe run, anything fitted to the thread that is positional ie a regulator or valve would require a union to compensate for the thread start position. You need to be careful how you use plumbing brass fittings with compressed air, try not to hang any weight on them as you might with steel pipe as they lack the strength and fracture easily.

 

[hanvyj]

Thanks for the prompt response. Why can't you screw the fitting - because the solder flows into the thread?

And compression joints will be ok at ~150psi?

Summat like this? http://www.screwfix.com/p/male-coupler-15mm-x-/69358?kpid=69358&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product Listing Ads-_-Sales Tracking-_-sales tracking url&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping - Plumbing-_-Shopping - Plumbing&gclid=CPGAiPyHqskCFSQcwwodx3ECUg

Those are what I got. Nice to know you can undo the compression fittings, I didn't know if that was going to be possible.

Another good money saving tip, for your drain taps you don't need both ends of the ball valve - so rather than spending £5 each you can use a washing machine valve:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/15mm-x-washing-machine-valve-without-check-valve/51231

They're about 4 times less. I've also used them to connect to 3/4 BSP threads in my DIY desiccant dryer.

 

[rtbcomp]

I use washing machine taps quite a lot. I remove the fitting from a washing machine hose and fit it to proper air hose.

The downside with washing machine taps is that the small plastic handles eventually break, so save the levers off conventional ball valves - they can be 'encouraged' to fit.

 

[skotl]

Well, the good news is that I pressurised the setup last night (with safety specs on!) and nothing let go

There's one leak, but that is on a screwed reducer, so I just need to tighten that up. My brazing isn't pretty, but it seems to have done the job!

Pics and a mini-video to follow...

 

[hanvyj]

I'd like to see. Glad to know nothing failed spectacularly (or even leaked that badly), I've not had a chance to get near pressurizing my own as I've slowly accumulating extra parts (the piping turned out more expensive than I initially budgeted).

I'd be interested to see how much water the drains release, and how much gets past it. See whether my drier is going to have to do anything at all.

 

[skotl]

I'd like to see. Glad to know nothing failed spectacularly (or even leaked that badly), I've not had a chance to get near pressurizing my own as I've slowly accumulating extra parts (the piping turned out more expensive than I initially budgeted).

I'd be interested to see how much water the drains release, and how much gets past it. See whether my drier is going to have to do anything at all.

I created a new thread as it was about the completed radiator, not just the couplings question --> http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/...r-de-humidifier-multi-regulator-doodah.59954/