Sugestions for plumbing in the compressor.

[ajlelectronics]

I currently feed the compressor to regulator pack with a rubber hose, could be 3/8" or 5/16" bore, probably the latter. I am going to replumb from its new position outside and intend to use copper. I have a few questions:

22mm or 15mm? I had intended 22mm but maybe that is over kill? Distance is 2m up, 5m across the ceiling and 2m down to the regulator.

The lever valve as fitted to the compressor by MM is likely to have a standard thread (15mm compression)?

The compressor is a heavy beast which will be unlikely to walk. Can I couple it up with a rigid pipe, or must I use a flexi? If so, where do I find a flexi that will run at 10 Bar all the time? Plan B, how about a coil of 15mm, but then how do I form a nice tight coil without a kink?

 

[rtbcomp]

I'd use 22mm for long runs, but that said I have used 15 with no problems. 22mm will give better cooling and less resistance.

The lever valve will most likely be a BSP thread rather than compression, a photo will help, 15mm compression fittings have a 1/2" BSP thread, which is useful for connecting copper to other components. I think 22mm compression fittings has 3/4 BSP, but don't quote me.

I'd think about use about a foot of flexible pipe, it's the vibration you need to allow for, the copper will work harden after a time. For the short length some 10mm ID air hose will be fine.

Don't forget to slope the horizontal run away from the compressor slightly. This will drive any condensate into the moisture trap, rather than allowing it run back against the airflow.

 

[ajlelectronics]

The lever valve takes a standard rubber hose fitting, so 1/8" BSP maybe?

 

[ajlelectronics]

 

[rtbcomp]

It't won't be 1/8, the hose connector looks like 1/4 and the valve looks like a 3/8, it will probably have it embossed on the side.

The size of a BSP thread refers to the size of pipe, not the diameter of the thread http://www.duncanrogers.com/tools/thread.asp

If that compressor is a Clarke don't undo the large boss from the tank, it's sealed by an O-Ring that sits between 2 flat surfaces rather than in a groove and it's a sod to get it airtight!

 

[Cobbler]

That looks to me like a 1/2 or 3/4 inch lever valve with a reducing bush screwed in to it, can't tell the size on the photo. If so you can use what size you want by changing the bush

 

[Burdekin]

Decent air hose, hosetails and jubilee clamps for your flexi line will be no issue. I bought my stuff from here and have all the stuff you’ll need: http://airaccessories.fluidfittingsshop.com/Products/004900020001

Good idea to get full bore ball valves as well to allow full flow through your valves.

Size of copper really comes down to what you’re using it for, what goes out must come in. I have a mixture of 15mm and 22mm and works fine. 22mm is over double the area of 15mm so has the capability of flowing over twice as much if required.

My thread has some pics of how I did my flexi lines: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/new-compressed-hard-airline-design.60065/page-2

 

[8ob]

My compressor is outside in its own shed ( kin noisy thing) and I ran 22mm copper from it on a compression fitting, no issues with it in daily use for the last fifteen years. When piping think of the condensation that builds up and make sure the drops have a way of draining out, I had one of the external drops burst in the frost with condensation buildup. Also think of the tank drain, I have extended mine so I can get to it easily. ( bottom right)

Bob

 

[armalites]

Why not run it in 1/2 or 3/4 reinforced PVC, durable,flexible and cheap as chips. Also very easy to modfiy if you suddenly find you need a another connection.

Get some barb fittings and some O clips and you'll be away.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blue-Brai...hash=item3f280abec0:m:mXsHhP91CMIJHCR8-bN-tqQ

 

[rtbcomp]

Trouble is with flexible pipe is that you can get sags on horizontal runs which will hold water, and the cooling isn't as good. Not so tempting for itinerant scrap metal thieves though.

You could use rigid plastic pipe, but make sure it's suitable for compressed air, some types go brittle under pressure.

 

[Omniata]

Does the OP know anyone that could cut galv pipe and thread it?
Could braze all the threaded joints then, might make it a bit less interesting...

Edit: Not cheap but these do 3m lengths in various sizes, 1/2" BSP is narrowest, bottom of the top drop down box:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EE-GALVAN...P-WATER-STEAM-AIR-GAS-GALV-TUBE-/272418585761

Edit2: These will supply custom runs and lengths:
http://www.pipeworksuppliers.co.uk/

 

[armalites]

Trouble is with flexible pipe is that you can get sags on horizontal runs which will hold water, and the cooling isn't as good.

I fully understand the argument that the cooling isn't as good but I've never experienced water sitting in sags. My pipes go all over the place and when you have 140PSI running 10-15CFM I don't believe for one minute it's just going to blow over the top of standing water.

 

[eSCHEn]

Does the OP know anyone that could cut galv pipe and thread it?

If you go this route know that it is one of the pigging awfulest things to thread as the chuck jaws slip on the galv. Budget extra time to get royally annoyed with it!

 

[daleyd]

If you go this route know that it is one of the pigging awfulest things to thread as the chuck jaws slip on the galv. Budget extra time to get royally annoyed with it!

Yeah that wouldn't be high on my list of things to do it with!!

I like the blue pipe that's used now in a lot of factories I go to, with the chunky plastic fittings. It's a really neat/quick solution, but probably a bit spendy for home use.

 

[carbon]

When I did mine fifteen years ago I did it with 1/2" steel pipe. Ok then but I've made a few changes to the layout since and it was interesting to say the least to get some of it disconnected. 15mm copper should be fairly easy to connect but I would recommend a flexible link between the tank and the fixed pipe

 

[eSCHEn]

Yeah that wouldn't be high on my list of things to do it with!!

I like the blue pipe that's used now in a lot of factories I go to, with the chunky plastic fittings. It's a really neat/quick solution, but probably a bit spendy for home use.

Ditto man. If I was inclined that way I'd be looking at red band black mal and possibly welding it instead. Super robust and a coat of red lead will see it through many years of service.

I'd still actually do it in copper though. Split PVC covering if the local fauna isn't tame.

 

[daleyd]

Ditto man. If I was inclined that way I'd be looking at red band black mal and possibly welding it instead. Super robust and a coat of red lead will see it through many years of service.

I'd still actually do it in copper though. Split PVC covering if the local fauna isn't tame.

Out of curiosity I just googled "blue air pipe" and some John guest stuff came up, the pvc stuff doesn't look too expensive actually (£5 for a 3 m length) and being proper compressed air stuff should be plenty strong enough.

But yeah, copper is easy to get hold of and would be what I'd probably use.

 

[eSCHEn]

Out of curiosity I just googled "blue air pipe" and some John guest stuff came up, the pvc stuff doesn't look too expensive actually (£5 for a 3 m length) and being proper compressed air stuff should be plenty strong enough.

Knew I'd seen it local - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+Tools/d40/Pneumatic+Workshop/sd2791

 

[rtbcomp]

I fully understand the argument that the cooling isn't as good but I've never experienced water sitting in sags. My pipes go all over the place and when you have 140PSI running 10-15CFM I don't believe for one minute it's just going to blow over the top of standing water.

I've suffered from sagging in 10mm plastic pipe and even had water freeze in winter partially blocking the pipes. I have 2 3hp compressors driving my blast room so I'm putting plenty of air through.

I'd use copper again, if only for the cooling, cool air does more work per volume than warm.

 

[armalites]

Is that condensation that's frozen due to outside temperature?