Copper pipe for air lines.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 347
From: SE Iowa
Copper pipe for air lines.
Is there any reasons against using soldiered copper pipe for compressed air lines? I've being using them for years and have had no problems. I was thumbing through my owners manual for my Quincy the other morning (all this talk of compressors made me have to get it out) and it says not to use piping with leaded joints. It doesnt give any reasons and I can find any on the net. There are a lot of shops I know of that use copper and havent heard of any problems either. Can someone enlighten?
Stryder
Stryder
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Ivan -
Good point about using a flex line between the compressor and hard pipe. I don't know if the installs I've seen had this feature, but if so that's probably why they've been trouble-free.
Steve
Good point about using a flex line between the compressor and hard pipe. I don't know if the installs I've seen had this feature, but if so that's probably why they've been trouble-free.
Steve
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Look thru some of the old posts here on shop air systems, check the archives too. There were a few posts on the specs that copper air lines had to meet for compressed air. I am not sure if the standard water type copper pipe is OK for compressed air service. It may need special pipe and special solder or brazing etc. I just use iron pipe. I prefer galvanized pipe but black pipe seems to be the preferred material.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
If you silver solder the joints on copper pipe there is no reason it would not be okay. Large air conditioning and refrigeration systems use copper pipe and have much higher pressures than air systems. The joints are silver soldered.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I have never heard of copper being a problem, other than the possibility of soldering flux contamination in sensitive air usage situations like say, air lines for auto spray painting. The pressure rating on any copper used should be rated more than the air compressor maximum output, of course. And it is always best to use a flexible metal hose connection from the a/c tank oulet to the first piece of piping downstream anyway. I piped my garage in with 3/4 in . black pipe because I did not want to use a torch flame against the wood members, and it has served me well. jmo
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: 90501
Don't use plastic (PVC...)
Hi,
If you do a google search on pvc (which I'm assuming you mean
when you talk about plastic pipes) you'll find some OSHA and
building code sites specifically calling PVC unacceptable in
pressurized gas lines. The problem is a compressed gas
contains alot of energy and it there is a crack/split in the
PVC it'll shatter and the shards will become projectiles.
Kind of like your own little hand granade.
I've seen it used in shops but the code said it had to be
encased so the shards couldn't escape.
thanks
jim cowan
If you do a google search on pvc (which I'm assuming you mean
when you talk about plastic pipes) you'll find some OSHA and
building code sites specifically calling PVC unacceptable in
pressurized gas lines. The problem is a compressed gas
contains alot of energy and it there is a crack/split in the
PVC it'll shatter and the shards will become projectiles.
Kind of like your own little hand granade.
I've seen it used in shops but the code said it had to be
encased so the shards couldn't escape.
thanks
jim cowan
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown WV
My shop has SCH40 plastic. I've been using it for six years. Some is even in the attic, gets real hot. I think the new plastic also has a temp rating for hot water that gives it a higher PSI. The PSI rating is marked on it. Make sure you use the precleaner before the glue.
