Compressed Air

[Paul D.]

New Subject, just to diversify things here in the mud box.. ;)


What do you do to run compressed air underground between buildings? Wrapped black iron? Schedule 80 PVC?

They have formed up and will pour the slab on my garage first break in the weather. I have the electrical conduit ready to go in the slab, but I think I'd like to be able to run compressed air to/from the garage at some point, without poking holes in my walls. I anticipate having a shop some time in the future that will house the air compressor. The shop will probably be at least 50 rocky feet from the garage.

As usual, thanks for the input by all.

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[Kirk Grodske]

Probably cheaper to buy a second compressor( or roll the first one). You have PSI drop in long lines. You also will have moisture condensation in the line. So you will have to put an air/oil filter after it stubs up in the garage. If you are going to do it anyway, make it as large a diamter black (or coated would be better )pipe you can afford and close it off with valves at both ends so you only fill it when you need it. It is best to form a loop out of the pipe rather than one long straight away.

[cx]

Having given this some thought on a number of occasions, my choice would be to try some Kitec. We've discussed this stuff around here before for water plumbing in concrete foundations. Kitec is a brand of PEX that is actually PEX on the inside with a layer of aluminum, then PEX on the outside. Would give you a non-corrosive surface, no connections for the full length of the run, plenty pressure rating for normal shop use, etc. Only drawback I can see at all is you would need to get hold of the tool to make a connection on each end.

PVC pipe is not recommended for compressed air for reasons not known to moi. I have used regular ol' schedule 40 PVC all over my shop for years. Probably a hundred feet or so of it with 8 or 10 outlets and never a failure of any kind. Might be something happens somewhere down the road, but maybe I'm dead then anyway, eh? :)

Were it mine, I'd do one inch Kitec (the blue, cold water kind). Half inch or three quarter would likely be enough, but the bigger the pipe, the more extra storage capacity you get for free. Well, not zackly free, but you understand the concept. Only other consideration I'd keep in mind is to have fall in one direction if possible so you'll be able to drain it and have no "bellies" for condensation to collect. Just be careful when you bury it and don't ding it up with big rocks and such.

Also, in my shop I just connect the compressor to a regular quick-disconnect fitting in the manifold system via a short hose with male connectors on each end. Easy to move the compressor if need be and can also connect another compressor into the system in case of failure or when you need MUCHO air for something. Can also take the big compressor along to a job site if bigger air is needed there.

Is good you are thinking of things to pewt inna ditch. A full ditch is a happy ditch. :D

[cx]

Sumulpost there Kirk.

Good to see there are differing opinions, otherwise it gets dull around here. :)


Mine is the correct one, of course. :D