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PVC for air lines

Legdoc

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
469
Location
south texas
I plan to plumb my shop/barn this with air lines this weekend. It is 40'x100' and I will regulate it to 125 psi. Rigid pipe is a PITA due to all the threading involved and the galvanized Chinese pipe available today is junk. I am considering using 3/4" sch 80 pvc pipe and fittings. With proper joint preparation is this an acceptable method? I know people use sch 40 pvc for this all the time. Any advice is appreciated.
 

GaryKelley

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
66
Location
Red Bluff, California
Occupation
Self employed loser
I've seen more than 1 shop plumbed with PVC for air. 120 psi is the same regardless of the contents, with the exception of chemical breakdown, which should not be a problem with air..although if you go to 1" instead of 3/4". your volume is almost double..
 

littledenny

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2004
Messages
132
Location
Ellijay, GA
Occupation
Owner, 2Vets, LLC
Is schedule 80 PVC rated for that pressure?

I've seen it done with schedule 40 before, and I've seen it rupture when it was bumped with some shifting metal. PVC makes for some wicked shrapnal.

There must be something on the web somewhere that deals with this.
 

hvy 1ton

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
1,946
Location
Lawrence, KS
the oil from the air compressor will eat pvc from the inside. ABS plastic piping is the only non-metal option
.
 

Legdoc

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
469
Location
south texas
I appreciate the advice. I did some online research today. Taking into account the options available locally the decision is 3/4" hard drawn copper. I will silver solder it. It looks like it's going to be a good weekend to work indoors!
 
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