Compressed Air

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Dec 13, 2003 | 07:26 PM

Aftrmidnite

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Compressed Air

I wanted compressed air from my garage to my basement and outside of the house. I used half inch PEX pipe with the Brass fittings and crimp rings. I got the pipe and some of the fitting from Lowes. The Crimp Block and Go- No gauge I got from PEX connection on the Internet. The inside ports are 1/4" ball valves and male quick connects. Outside I used Code makers (Domed Electric Boxes) Inside the boxes the air enters the side port of a 1/4 brass "T" , a 90' comes out of the top with a small pressure gauge at the top. Out of the bottom is a male X female ball valve and and male quick connect. The fittings are attached to the inside of the boxes with conduit clamps and siliconed.

Dec 13, 2003 | 07:44 PM

Torque1st

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Is the PEX pipe rated for compressed gas service?

Dec 13, 2003 | 08:05 PM

Aftrmidnite

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I email PEX connection and they said it was okay for compressed air, told them what I wanted to do. The pipe will handle 150# at 80' I only run 100# on it. You can check with them<www.pexconnection.com>. I don't know what the burst pressure is. The pipe has had 100# on it for 3 months 24/7. The pipe is soft, not like PVC, so a burst wouldn't cause shrapnel.

Dec 13, 2003 | 08:23 PM

dan79

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From: Hamburg, NY

I believe they are using PEX as a replacement of copper for pneumatic control systems in buildings.

Dan 03 Ranger EDGE 4x4 5speed

Dec 13, 2003 | 08:27 PM

Aftrmidnite

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Control systems are only 30 PSI max, I checked with the PEX people for the pressure I was going to subject the pipe too.

Dec 13, 2003 | 09:43 PM

Torque1st

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Isn't that the pipe that was giving everyone fits because it was failing and leaking behind walls in new homes?

That site has lots of fitting catalogs but no tech literature or specifications.

Dec 13, 2003 | 10:04 PM

Aftrmidnite

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Polybutylene was the pipe they had batch problems with, I have PB pipe in my house, its 13 years old and was one of the good batches. I've had holes in some of the copper and brass valves have corroded away. Well water in Southern Maryland is tough on metals. PS they don't make PB any more except for repair work. Another good thing about PB and PEX is it won't burst from freezing. Email the company and they will give you Specs.

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Dec 14, 2003 | 11:53 AM

ultgar

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Make sure your PEX is not exposed to sunlight or unshielded incandescent lighting. Long term UV exposure can be detrimental to the life of the tubing.