The Shop > Our Shop
PEX for compressed air?
marfaguy:
Thanks Gazz, Picclock and PT,
Ok looks like PEX is out. I suspect I'll want .50" ID. So it looks like nylon-12 should be a good choice. Or is
there something else I should be looking at? Anything else I need to be aware?
Picclock,
I won't ask but it's killing me not to.
bigmini:
--- Quote from: PTsideshow on March 21, 2011, 02:58:59 PM ---I forgot to add that, PEX tubing cannot be used in applications exposed to sunlight, as it degrades fairly rapidly. Prior to installation it must be stored away from light, and needs to be shielded from daylight after installation. Leaving it exposed to direct sunlight for as little as 30 days may result in premature failure of the tubing due to embrittlement. this also means reflected UV radiation/light, will cause material deterioration. As with the people that use PVC hard pipe for air lines. Every maker and seller clearly states that it should not be used. And since like that If you use it and have a catastrophic failure, with injury's you probably only make a lawyer rich trying to collect from the company.
I had a PVC air line set up in the basement overhead, It had a catastrophic failure mid pipe length and plastic shrapnel was embedded into the wall board. Sorry no photo's it was BDC (before digital cameras) :bugeye:
what ever you choose to do, be aware of what can happen.
:thumbup:
--- End quote ---
PE and PVC aren't the same. Yes, PVC will crumble away under exposure to UV in a short time. PE can work in the sun, but you need the black version with carbon filler, or the special white version with the titanium filled coating (like sunscreen).
I've seen black PE used with great success in mining applications in 50degC daytime temperatures, and on my uncle's farm with stock treading on it, vehicles running over it, etc. It's very tough and when it does fail, it tends to bulge like a tyre giving plenty of warning rather than shatter like some grades of PVC will do.
In Sydney a lot of natural gas lines use PE(http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/gas_pipe.html so I'm not sure that it's usage is restricted to liquids only either.
Definitely do not use PVC for air lines or gases of any kind, especially the brittle stuff you buy from the hardware store :zap:, and definitely keep PVC out of the sun.
There is a grade of PE for Compressed air applications: http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/vinidexair_pipe.html
A reference for usage of polyethylene pipe (Australian):
http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/pe_pipe_systems.html
There are other suppliers of the same material. These guys are the most familiar to me and have lots of on-line info about their products.
marfaguy:
--- Quote ---PE and PVC aren't the same. Yes, PVC will crumble away under exposure to UV in a short time. PE can work in the sun, but you need the black version with carbon filler, or the special white version with the titanium filled coating (like sunscreen).
I've seen black PE used with great success in mining applications in 50degC daytime temperatures, and on my uncle's farm with stock treading on it, vehicles running over it, etc. It's very tough and when it does fail, it tends to bulge like a tyre giving plenty of warning rather than shatter like some grades of PVC will do.
In Sydney a lot of natural gas lines use PE(http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/gas_pipe.html so I'm not sure that it's usage is restricted to liquids only either.
Definitely do not use PVC for air lines or gases of any kind, especially the brittle stuff you buy from the hardware store :zap:, and definitely keep PVC out of the sun.
There is a grade of PE for Compressed air applications: http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/vinidexair_pipe.html
A reference for usage of polyethylene pipe (Australian):
http://www.vinidex.com.au/page/pe_pipe_systems.html
There are other suppliers of the same material. These guys are the most familiar to me and have lots of on-line info about their products.
--- End quote ---
GAHHHH!!! OK so PEX is out as is PVC. Nylon is in and now PE is also a contender. Ok guys I've got about 150' (feet) run. This includes about 10' on both ends
for fixturing/fittings. Anticipated/allowed pressure is going to be in the 100-120 psi range. Should price be my main concern at this point?
lordedmond:
do it proper
copper or galvanised iron pipe with condensation traps in the drops
Just for fun look up the pressure drop on that run bet you will need 1 inch pipe if you draw any amount of air
Like the RO l over A losses in electrical circuits
Stuart
Gazz292:
the nylon pipe i use is the 12mm stuff, which is the standard air line size for trucks it seems, i run my compressor at 150 psi, and draw off about 8cfm max, but i only have about 40 feet of the pipe, plus a pull out hose reel about 20 meters long,
but for your length of pipe, i would deffo think about going up a few sizes in the pipe,
i can't recall what the nylon pipe cost me, but i am a professional tight arse, so i wouldent have bought it if i thought it was too expensive, fittings were cheap too,
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version