Why not use PVC?

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Jan 19, 2010 | 10:20 AM

#16

12ozd

Posting Guru

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,845

Likes: 1

From: No.Va.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B1942

Maybe I'm lucky. I plumbed my compresser in the garage with schedule 40 PVC about 30 years ago, so far no problems. Granted it only puts out 120 pounds but it is the best investment, tool wise, I ever made. Maybe pvc was better quality 30 years ago?

Same here,although I will agree it's probably not the best option.

Jan 19, 2010 | 09:14 PM

#17

*2fords*

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,672

Likes: 20

From: Nixa

I ran schedual 40 all through out my shop, and with in the first 2 years it blew out 3 times. There were peices everywhere. Luckly the compresser is outside my shop and that's where all the breaks happened.

Feb 13, 2010 | 11:08 AM

#18

monckywrench

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 2,220

Likes: 26

I just run decent quality air hose instead of piping. Less work, easy to alter or repair, lasts a long time.

Feb 13, 2010 | 12:08 PM

#19

LMS Residential

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 6,243

Likes: 2

From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL

1) PVC is not the first choice for high pressure air or gas.
2) Schedule 80 PVC is by far the only piping I would use if I HAD to run plastic air lines.
Most importantly:
3) The fittings that failed were vent fittings, designed to withstand atmospheric pressure only. Note the sharp turns, they are supposed to be used for venting plumbing fixtures to the atmosphere, nothing more.
Thank God no one was killed or seriously injured. Another bit of advice for those of you using PVC air lines would be to bleed down the system when not in use and install a pressure relief set to a few lbs over the max pressure you use in your shop. Might just save an accident.

Feb 13, 2010 | 04:58 PM

#20

Aftrmidnite

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 20

Why don't you guys use Pex, with the crimp connectors? Freeze proof, Corrision proof, dent resistant, doesn't transmit vibrations, and easy to work with.

Feb 13, 2010 | 06:06 PM

#21

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,481

Likes: 5,542

From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

is PEX pressure rated to 200+ lbs??

Feb 13, 2010 | 06:06 PM

#22

95stepside

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 547

Likes: 0

where i work all the air lines are black gas line and the only problems weve ever had are welds leaking. why they decided to weld it to the mounts ill never figure out. maybe cause its a welding shop and its cheaper than clamps? who knows lol

Feb 13, 2010 | 07:18 PM

#23

Aftrmidnite

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 20

PEX Material at 180º *

Silane PEX 375 psig burst
Peroxide/Engel PEX 305 psig burst
Radiation/E-beam PEX 315 psig burst

*Slightly higher burst at 73.4º F

Go too iPlumb.tv - PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heating Systems and contact them on application.