Anybody have experience using copper piping for for an air compressor? I have noticed several posts with what appears to be 1/2″ copper pipes and was wondering about it’s strength at the higher PSI air (150-200PSI). Would it matter if I use L or M pipes? Seems like a cheep and simple way to pipe air.
Nathan
Replies
I used type L and have had no problems. Much easier than running iron pipe.
-nazard
What is the shutoff PSI on your compressor, is it two stage? I know water runs 50PSI, but question 150-200psi air. Sounds like it works well for you, tough. Obviously water wouldn't affect it either.
Nathan,
My compressor goes to around 120 -130. I generally run at about 90 or so for nailers and less for spraying. After doing a major house remodel a few years back, we had lots of copper pipe and fittings left over. Just the stuff I needed down in the shop. We also had leftover 4" galv downspouts (DC lines), 2" PVC (shop-vac lines), 12 ga. wire, breakers, boxes, EMT, paint, 2 x 4's, 3/4 birch ply, etc.... Shame to let that stuff go to waste when it can be used down in the shop!!
Best!
-Jerry
Per OSHA type L or K is OK for copper air lines. Do not use type M or PVC. As a retired power house engineer I know for a fact that all of our service and instrument air lines were copper. One advantage of copper is that it doesn't rust !! Depending on the type of compressor you have. Oil separators and moisture traps or moisture traps with automatic impulse traps installed will go a long way it maintain dry air, especially if you do any spraying and nail guns will last longer with clean dry air. But in line oilers are a good thing to install on pneumatic tools. For those of us who forget to add a few drops now and then.
After thought. Do your main runs in 3/4", branches in 1/2". Gives you a little more reserve and less friction losses.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Edited 4/7/2008 3:06 pm ET by BruceS
I used Type L a few years ago when copper was cheap. I used 3/4" for the main line and 1/2" for the drops. I am very good at sweating copper pipe, no leaks and a relatively simple task for me. Do not use solder with lead. Lead solder is not recommended for air lines. I used solder with some silver in it for the strongest joints.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
"Life is not a success only journey." Dr. Phil
http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/airline-piping-diagram.pdf
Here is a good guide to follow. Drops go up then down. There is an ABS plastic airline by Chem-aire that is air rated. There's also a couple of aluminum air line system around by Kaiser and Garage-pak.
We use 1/2" copper in our auto repair shop. There's been no problems with 6 years of use. Impact tools and tire machines usually don't operate at 200psi, though. Our contractor insisted on copper over other materials.
I used 1/2" L copper pipe. Installed 10 years ago, no problems.
mike
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled