Need to run air stations, what size line ?

[cootersplace]

Just had a new shop erected and I need to run some air stations thru out , what size line should I use ? I am gonna use sch.40 pvc , do I use 1/2", 3/4", or 1" ? Also one run is gonna be about 100' should I start with large line and down size part ways ? Thanx for any input. Cooter

 

[ob]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

If you are talking about compressed air stations PVC aint gonna cut it.Use galvanized pipe or copper.Sizing will depend on the number of air stations,pressure used,and CFM of compresser feeding system.

 

[kev_alaska]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

I have 1" ran all the way around my garage with plug in stations at 6' intervals. Almost 100' of 1" adds a lot of capacity to my somewhat smallish (25 gallon) compressor.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

cooter when I had my tire shop (we are talking running big 1 inch air guns here for 125 lbs continuous air) I ran 3 in and sized it down then put regulators on each station so I could control air pressure at each station.

 

[cootersplace]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

Thanx everybody for the help and input , it will probably be a week before we are doing the air . <br />I appreciate everybodys time . Cooter

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

for my little peabrained opinion, i like what bubbakat said. but that is if you want to increase the capacity of the air tank- a good thing. that also will take a hell of alot longer to fill up (those lines). back in the day when i worked at a muffler shop, we used oxy/actyl with air to heat/break loose seized exh flange nuts. all we had was 3/4 pvc piped down to @ 16ft 1/2" rubber airhose to every station. and the tank was a huge (probably 200 gal) tank, like paint shops use. we shut it down ea/every night, drained it every fri. put oil inj inline too.<br /><br />did the same at the shop where we rebuilt alt/gen/starters... but the tank was huge, like an lp tank with a motor that sounded like a tractor idling...

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

just wanted to say what i'm sure you already considered - its all according to whether you're running air tools or continuous use stuff, like sprayers.<br /><br />stop & go air might only need large tubes with small tank, constant air needs heavy volume lines & hi-capacity tank... hope this helps. for a startup garage working only with wrenches & occasional blowing off, i'd do like the ole muff shop mid-grade industrial compressor & mid-grade sized lines. mucho sales(profit) can lead to bigger/better stuff. re-running airlines should be designed into the building upgrade plans. IMHO

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

for my drop down stations I used 1/2 inch pvc, it worked well for quite a few years, I suppose if I were to fire it up it would stil hold air - this was a residential set up now, for commercial use I would likely go with copper, or one of the stiff walled plastics, that sch 40 droops a lot<br /><br />next time I am over to the house, Ill take some pics of the set up, works GREAT, the coiled lines dropping down from the cieling keeps em out of the way till ya need em AND the whole works minus the compressor was maybe 25 bucks (I already had the primer and cement)<br /><br />well ...<br /><br />not counting the air regulator, filter oiler unit, that was another 20 at the flea market<br /><br />boy I tell ya, Ive sure wasted a lot of money on tools, lol

 

[ndemge]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

We used copper in my borther's shed.... solder it together... NO leaks....<br /><br />One thing to think of... on your downhill runs, put a T in on the bottom with a valve to drain water from time to time. <br /><br />Our last drop down on the line, didn't get used for a while, I hooked up the hose to it and WATER came out.... would have been bad if I didn't notice and hooked up tools to it.

 

[cootersplace]

Re: Need to run air stations, what size line ?

I appreciate all the input , with everybodys input I have alot to work with now . This is a residence so no commercial codes to follow . The shop is 45' long but I am gonna run an air line 60' out from the shop for those things that won't get to the shop because of size. Thanx again everybody, Cooter