PVC - pros and cons

[L5wolvesf]

Hi,

I’ve read here some cons about using PVC for air compressor lines in my garage. I’ve searched but haven’t found a thread covering both pros and cons, and ways around the cons if any. A link to a thread would be fine with me.

FWIW, my pros are; cost – I have a bunch of ¾” pvc (pipe and fittings) here that came with the house, ease of install, I can mount most of the lines up and away from being struck by any flying objects (wrench).

Thank you,
L

 

[porcupine73]

The cons are very bad cons, when it fails the stuff explodes and sends shrapnel flying everywhere. Whether it fast fractures or not I don't know.

The pros are that it is cheap and easy to work with.

Sunlight exposure and compressor oil is not good for it, though underground lines like this have exploded too.

 

[diesel research]

in before the lock

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115661

quit fighting them. Some lessons are better learned by first time experiance. Nothing says "Thats ****'s dangerous" like getting a four foot section of PVC removed from your chest down at the ER.

This stuff gets heated and uncivil.

 

[Outlawmws]

I was on the Pro side until I did the research. DON'T DO IT.

Every compressor Mfg, AND OSHA are united against the use of PVC for Compressed anything. it is brittle, get more brittle with age and cold temperatures, and is a definite hazard.

Just one of many links on the subject:

http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

 

[pattenp]

PVC is not designed to be used for compressed air and I believe the manufacture specs say not to use it for such. I believe there's even an OSHA reg against it.

Oulawmws beat me to the punch.

 

[Outlawmws]

in before the lock

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115661



This stuff gets heated and uncivil.

Why would it get locked? That was a thread suggestion, not a rule change.

 

[Outlawmws]

PVC is not designed to be used for compressed air and I believe the manufacture specs say not to use it for such. I believe there's even an OSHA reg against it.

Oulawmws beat me to the punch.

True on all accounts.

 

[six-T-seven]

Smoking will kill you too, but millions still choose to participate. You know the risks. Decide for yourself.

 

[diesel research]

Why would it get locked? That was a thread suggestion, not a rule change.

It was a suggestion based off of other previous threads that got heated.

 

[Shipfittin]

You really need to be extremely careful when using compressed air, it can be very dangerous. I know a lot of guys think it's a joke but I have seen and know quite a few people that have learned that lesson the hard way.

It's always important to make sure that no matter what you are using the right product for the job at hand. It's just like when using a grinder on metal, if you use the wrong one you could end up like my friend. He put a grinding stone on a turbo grinder and it exploded on him. The stone was not rated for the RPM's of the turbo grinder. He took one large chunk of that wheel to the family jewels. It's amazing he didn't cut an artery.

Not to mention I know a lot of this discussion about using PVC for compressed air is with people looking for in their home garage. You really need to think of not only your safety but also your family. I'm sure you couldn't live with yourself if your spouse or child was severely injured due to the effects of the pipe exploding.

Safety always comes first

 

[L5wolvesf]

I was on the Pro side until I did the research. DON'T DO IT.

Every compressor Mfg, AND OSHA are united against the use of PVC for Compressed anything. it is brittle, get more brittle with age and cold temperatures, and is a definite hazard.

Just one of many links on the subject:

http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html

Thanks for the link - no PVC for me. I had asked with safety (first) in mind as someone suggested.

L

 

[rlitman]

Yay, a PVC thread with a happy ending!

 

[Alchymist]

.....................

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks for the link - no PVC for me. I had asked with safety (first) in mind as someone suggested.

L

You're welcome!

I was about to make the same mistake, and was arguing for, because back in the 70's I'd seen PVC run in I tech plants a lot some up to 4-6" too. That was well before the issues were discovered.

OSHA rules include one that basically only materials that the manufacturer recommends for air lines be used, and I went to the Pipe manufacturing sites and damn if every one didn't expressly say it was not a recommended use. even one breed of Copper Pipe is not on the list.

 

[Jack Olsen]

For what it's worth, there is a PVC designed for compressed gasses. It's a different color than the stuff you buy at the local hardware store and of course it's much more expensive.

 

[1320stang]

Smoking will kill you too, but millions still choose to participate. You know the risks. Decide for yourself.

Yeah, but if I come to your garage to pick up a bicycle I'm buying from you on Craigslist and you're smoking a big stogie, it won't kill ME, but as you're lowering it down and bump the PVC line and a 4" shard goes thru my chest, THAT might kill me.

 

[fatfillup]

I've outfitted 2 shops with air hose running from compressor to reels and drops. Ran it along joists in the ceiling with zip ties. First shop used it for 11 years and present shop for 13 years. Granted, we don't use a lot of air and most times its used for impacts and air ratchets which don't use the air a sander uses, but I have had 0 problems, its cheap and easy.

 

[toolmaker1]

Slightly off topic but what kind of pressure is PEX pipe rated for?

 

[ghnl]

It is not simply a matter of how much pressure it is rated for - it is how much energy is behind that pressure. PVC pipe is rated for fluid pressure (i.e. water). 100psi of water pressure does not have the same potential energy as 100 psi of compressed air. If a pipe with 100 psi of water inside breaks the pressure immediately goes to zero. If a pipe with 100 psi of compressed air inside breaks it tends to blow out explosively.

 

[Stuart in MN]

For what it's worth, there is a PVC designed for compressed gasses. It's a different color than the stuff you buy at the local hardware store and of course it's much more expensive.

Actually, it's an ABS pipe and not PVC...also, it's a specific type and brand that's not commonly available to consumers.

 

[Outlawmws]

Slightly off topic but what kind of pressure is PEX pipe rated for?

PEX Tubing is rated 160 PSI at 73°F, 100 PSI at 180°F, and 80 PSI at 200°F. However, it is intended for Fluid uses, and has no specific claims for compressed air use as required by OSHA.

Not a safe option.

 

[canuckian]

Heard too many horror stories and even seen the after effects of using PVC with air and that's enough for me to pay a couple extra $$ and go with either copper or the garage pak type tubing. Small price to pay to ensure a safe install and peace of mind in my books.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I am a survivor of a PVC air line explosion. My face was a foot away, and every shard missed me by bouncing off a piece of wood between me and the line. I won't be using it this time around. The percussion was bad enough by itself.

 

[vga]

PVC gray color(sch 80) is used for low pressure liquid processes that have very low PH levels and heavy chemical contents@(40/80 psi@ 120/150 deg max. As stated above never use PVC as a compressed gas carrying pipe. Copper pipe with BRAZED unions/ connections, or threaded connections are the safe way to go.

 

[TireTracks]

Edit;

Pex question was answered allready.

 

[mark40sw]

A pro for PVC would be
...............that the shrapnel is non toxic

 

[Ed_EOD]

I'm thinking of using bamboo chutes for my air lines. Anyone know of a supplier to ship to Alaska?

 

[porcupine73]

Yes, I would recommend http://www.bamboohq.com/cold-hardy-bamboos-6/ Some of these bamboos are not rated for full sun, though many take the cold pretty well. I guess you would just use double end hose barbs and hose clamps to join these?

 

[1984Datsun]

Don't use PVC pipe...

If you want a cheaper way to route air lines, get some air hose and run that along the ceiling or walls to your drop points.

That's what I am going to do with the crappy super stiff PVC air hoses (notice I said hoses, not pipe) that I have. I plan on using the straps that you mount conduit to the wall with to hold them up on the ceiling to my planned drop points.

Then ceiling mounts retractable hose reels with flexzilla air hoses will follow that...

It is not worth it to use PVC pipe for air lines... I've done the reading and none of the resulting accidents/explosions turned out well for most of the people that were near the lines when they blew up.

This topic was one of the many that I read up on before I even got my 60 gallon Husky compressor. I'm glad I did, I learned a lot. Like how important it is to regularly drain the tank to get rid of water/condensation build up. PVC pipe is a big no-no with compressed air/gasses... in fact, it was clearly printed in bold in my owner's manual for the Husky compressor as well.

It'd be like not torquing the lug nuts to spec on your wife's car or truck... do you really want to risk your loved one's lives to save a few bucks?

 

[Al Bundy]

Hi,

I’ve read here some cons about using PVC for air compressor lines in my garage. I’ve searched but haven’t found a thread covering both pros and cons, and ways around the cons if any. A link to a thread would be fine with me.

FWIW, my pros are; cost – I have a bunch of ¾” pvc (pipe and fittings) here that came with the house, ease of install, I can mount most of the lines up and away from being struck by any flying objects (wrench).

Thank you,
L

If you're looking to use up your PVC there are lots of things you can do with it. I'm planning a retractable "paint booth" framed with PVC pipe. If you search you'll find all kinds of interesting uses.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you're looking to use up your PVC there are lots of things you can do with it. I'm planning a retractable "paint booth" framed with PVC pipe. If you search you'll find all kinds of interesting uses.

Good suggestion for the unused materials. I made a camping privy privacy frame from 3/4" PVC pipe that I used for years before switching to a cut down aluminum canopy frame. I use opaque shower curtains on rings for the actual privacy part. (If you do this, don't get black rings (Like I did), get brightly colored rings so you can find them when you drop them on the forest floor...

 

[spongerich]

160 PSI at 73°F, 100 PSI at 180°F, and 80 PSI at 200°F. However, it is intended for Fluid uses, and has no specific claims for compressed air use as required by OSHA.

Not a safe option.

PEX-AL-PEX is rated for compressed air.

http://www.ardipex.com/pex-al-pex.php

 

[Outlawmws]

PEX-AL-PEX is rated for compressed air.

http://www.ardipex.com/pex-al-pex.php

Where did you see that? I checked that site pretty thoroughly and saw no explicit reference for compressed air.

 

[cglasgow]

Last sentence on the page:
"Ardi PEX-AL-PEX pipe is your safe and reliable choice of compressed air, gas and oxygen supply."

 

[Charles (in GA)]

For what it's worth, there is a PVC designed for compressed gasses. It's a different color than the stuff you buy at the local hardware store and of course it's much more expensive.

Actually its an ABS based plastic. ABS is softer and won't shatter. Nibco did make some stuff called ChemAir, but have discontinued it (probably due to lack of demand) and the only one I know of still on the market is a pipe named DuraPlus manufactured by a firm named IPEX. This too is an ABS based compressed air approved pipe.

http://www.ipexamerica.com/Content/...?ProductId=60&SubMarketId=9&MarketSegmentId=1

They also manufacture a flexible air line that is HDPE/AL/HDPE known as DuraTech

http://www.ipexamerica.com/Content/...?ProductId=93&SubMarketId=9&MarketSegmentId=1

Charles

 

[Outlawmws]

OK PEX pipe vs PEX tubing... Ive corrected my post above to reflect that, but could find no specific rating for PSI on the pipe in that Web site.

Other than that one sentence you pointed out, I didn't find ANYTHING else on compressed air service for their Pipe.

 

[TAftw]

We seriously need to make a sticky for PVC threads.

Black iron pipe or copper are the two most commonly used materials for compressed air. PVC just isn't safe.

 

[cglasgow]

Other than that one sentence you pointed out, I didn't find ANYTHING else on compressed air service for their Pipe.

Agreed, though it does show that this particular product can be used at least in some circumstances. The next step would be a call to the manufacturer....

 

[reptilezs]

we have pvc at work and one of the lines just blew out today.

 

[Zeke]

I've outfitted 2 shops with air hose running from compressor to reels and drops. Ran it along joists in the ceiling with zip ties. First shop used it for 11 years and present shop for 13 years. Granted, we don't use a lot of air and most times its used for impacts and air ratchets which don't use the air a sander uses, but I have had 0 problems, its cheap and easy.

Time will tell, won't it?

I'll heed the advice of those that have more experience than I. But one thing I always thought would be a problem is with the glue joints. People don't do very good work a lot of the time. They fail to clean, rough the surface and prime. They think the purple prime 'n glue stuff is just fine over the factory stenciling and all. Hell, I've seen sprinkler systems come apart.

No PVC air pipes for me.