Topic: Compressor Line Sizing Education

[CBJoe]

Hello Folks,

I need a little education on air compressor line sizing.

I have a Campbell Hausfeld Compressor that does 10.2 CFM @90 PSI. https://campbellhausfeld.com/air-compressor-30-gallon-horizontal-portable-single-stage-10-2cfm-3-7hp-208-230v-1ph-vt6271.html

And I have an eastwood Pressure Blaster (10 CFM @90 PSI) and Blasting Cabinet (7 CFM @80 PSI)

The Compressor has a 1/4" NPT threaded outlet at the regulator and the Blasters have 1/4" NPT Inlets.   I am going to run a main air supply line through the garage to connect everything. In the end I will have connections for

- Pressure Blaster
- Blasting Cabinet
- Lift Table
- 2 Connections for general air tool use.

I will not be operating any of these at the same time.

Given that the inlet and outlet of all this equipment seems to be 1/4" NPT, do I understand correctly that I should run my main line as large a diameter as possible with as few elbows as possible?  3/4" for example or is 1/2" ok?  I'm a bit fuzzy on the physics of having a supply line bigger than the inlet and outlet connections.

Cheers, Joe

[strynboen]

on my farm i used 1/2 galvanised vaterline.it vas a line of 20 meters..had a vater trap in both ends..just a 1 tube..vho i had machined and veldet some ends inn..and cut 1/4 vater valvets inn..the bottom end..and 1/2 in the top..plus a manometer to hold a look of the pressure..vorked for years vith no problems..
..think 3/4 and 1 is overkill even over longer distances..had a 4 hk kompressor..but i can run my blaster vith the small standart rubber lines..even vith more kopled in line,,

[CBJoe]

Thanks for the feedback Strynboen

[CBJoe]

With a 30 gallon compressor, 1/2" is more than plenty, in fact almost too much.

Thanks Cal...I did a lot more reading today and came to the same conclusion. Hopefully will have it all set up later this week and can start cleaning some parts!

Cheers, Joe

[CBJoe]

With a 30 gallon compressor, 1/2" is more than plenty, in fact almost too much.

Any thoughts on a kit like this?  https://www.amazon.com/Rapidair-90500-Master-2-Inch-100-Feet/dp/B0015A11U2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1500216469&sr=8-6&keywords=compressor+line

[RAFster122s]

The kit restricts you to using their connectors for any terminations on the pipe.  You could use it to a distribution point but it also recommends runs not exceed 50 feet on any line.  Just make sure that is not a problem.  While expensive you could even use copper pipe.  Black pipe is very easy and it is readily found and maintained.  Pitching the line to drain to one end makes draining any condensate from the lines.  Additionally, recommend you install a remote drain line for your compressor so you can keep the tank dry rather than under pressure rusting from the inside out...
Tthat is my $0.02
David

[CBJoe]

Thanks David.  The 50' is not a problem with the size of my garage.  Yes...drainage of condensation has been on my mind.  Was just reading about black pipe install config for this.  I don't have the tools to thread the pipe so need to see how easily I can fit standard available pipe.

I do want to think ahead and do this once 

Looking forward to saying hi at the reunion   Getting close!

Cheers, Joe 

[jgger]

Check the pressure rating on PEX pipe, it may work for you. Black gas pipe, in the Chinese version is seamed when they roll it and typically only carries a few pounds of pressure in normal use. However Home depot can thread the ends for you. If you go the black pipe route buy it from a good plumbing supply house and get the quality stuff.

I have heard of people using PVC or CPVC, from what I remember that isn't the "best" thing to use, but it is an option.

[scottly]

A 10 foot stick of PVC schedule 40 600 PSI pipe costs about $2.50. Put in Tees where you want an outlet, and fit caps threaded for 1/4 NPT fittings to accept the quick-disconnect couplers. Make the connection from the compressor to the manifold with a short length of flexible hose. 

[MoMo]

I used pvc 3/4 rated at 600 psi from the place where everyone wears orange aprons, seems to work well

[jgger]

I used pvc 3/4 rated at 600 psi from the place where everyone wears orange aprons, seems to work well

Wendy's?

Sorry MoMo feeling spunky tonight.

[MoMo]

I used pvc 3/4 rated at 600 psi from the place where everyone wears orange aprons, seems to work well

Wendy's?

Sorry MoMo feeling spunky tonight.

Unfortunately, I work there(not Wendy's).  Usually wear my apron backwards

[Stev-o]

A 10 foot stick of PVC schedule 40 600 PSI pipe costs about $2.50. Put in Tees where you want an outlet, and fit caps threaded for 1/4 NPT fittings to accept the quick-disconnect couplers. Make the connection from the compressor to the manifold with a short length of flexible hose. 

I did this when I set up a shop a few years back.   

You also could consider putting in a couple shut off valves if the line is going to be long.

[Rookster]

I used the Black Pipe from Lowes in 3/4".  My setup is just a simple hard line from the compressor at the back of the garage to the front by the garage door:

I connect to the compressor with a short flex line.  The hard line is vertical.


Then a 90 degree fitting to a horizontal ine with a slight downward slope toward the front of the garage.


Another 90 degree fitting to bring the line down vertical.


The outlet is off a T fitting.


I continued the vertical pipe down to a drain.


With this set up I get no water out of the outlet and I have never had any water out of the drain.  I drain the tank of my compressor about once a month.  I did not put a shut off at the outlet or a pressure gauge because I'm mostly just filling up tires out by the garage door.

If you are going to use Black Pipe make sure you also use some pipe dope or pipe tape.  You will probably have to buy a couple of extra fittings as well because some of them just do not seal well.  It is also cheaper to buy a long section and have it cut and threaded than to buy a bunch of shorter sections.  Do some research before considering PVC.

Scott

[CBJoe]

With a 30 gallon compressor, 1/2" is more than plenty, in fact almost too much.

Any thoughts on a kit like this?  https://www.amazon.com/Rapidair-90500-Master-2-Inch-100-Feet/dp/B0015A11U2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1500216469&sr=8-6&keywords=compressor+line

I have the same kit in 3/4" in my garage. Makes for a very nice install and very handy to have multiple drops. Their terminal ends have fittings for either horizontal or vertical fittings. I run a regulator and condensation canister after my compressor, but well before the main service run (which I run vertically up). I have shut offs after my compressor and strategically installed in spots along the runs to allow expansion drops or service.

You can always do things "cheaper" but sometimes it's nice to have a simple inclusive kit, and come away with a very nice install.

Hey Cal...I'm seriously considering this kit.  From What I can tell with my needs (10cfm @90PSI) from a 30gal compressor the 1/2" kit should be good....which is nice because it's half the price. 


 

[CBJoe]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and thoughts on the subject...helped a lot to see the different setups and materials.

[strynboen]

here is some ekstra..pex line is easy,,and need no special Tool..use brass fittings and cut rings ...i often end the line use metal tube to get a more solid hold.i have a removed kontaktor vith light for hot system..so i renember to cut the power..its a hell to hear the kompressor roar at night...(have the compressor in the garage)

(a co2 pressure  tank is good for vater trap)..need a hole drilled/cut... for drain valve)