Hose instead of black pipe?

[marrt]

Probably this has been asked many times but I didn't find it. I'd like to mount my compressor in the attic and run air hose instead of black pipe (since I know PVC is not a good idea). Eventually, the hose would have to be replaced. However, I have easy access to the location. Hose is easy, fast and cheap. Therefore, there must be something wrong with the idea?

 

[malibu101]

Just make sure you turn off thr compressor when you're not there. Like you know, a hose will not last forever. When the hose pops you don't want the compressor running non-stop.

 

[stricht8]

I think it has to do with moisture in the lines. Warm air from compressor will hit colder black pipe and condense. This water can then be trapped downstream. Hose all the way will allow moisture to end up in your tools/paint job.

Probably this has been asked many times but I didn't find it. I'd like to mount my compressor in the attic and run air hose instead of black pipe (since I know PVC is not a good idea). Eventually, the hose would have to be replaced. However, I have easy access to the location. Hose is easy, fast and cheap. Therefore, there must be something wrong with the idea?

 

[Steve in Mi]

Other than the load rating for the attic to support it, consider too the operating temperature range for the compressor. When I got my 5 hp 2 stage IR I read in the manual "operating temp. range 32 -120 degrees F". Some attics are (depending on your location) to hot and/or to cold to meet this requirement.

It's great if you can place the compressor out of the way but even if you can satisfy the other considerations I'd vote for rigid piping from the compressor both for the tank drain and supply line - in the form of a drop leg. Pipe the supply to within a few inches of the floor downstairs ending with a drain valve for condensate and "TEE" off that stand pipe at a convenient height followed by another valve (to be shut off when the compressor is not in use) to make your horizontal run.

 

[randydupree]

i use plastic truck air brake hose for my compressor lines.
30 years and counting,all is well.

 

[SteveU]

I think it has to do with moisture in the lines. Warm air from compressor will hit colder black pipe and condense. This water can then be trapped downstream. Hose all the way will allow moisture to end up in your tools/paint job.

Exactly right, when I first got my compressor I didn't have the money to get the black pipe right away so I hooked a hose & reducers directly to the tank. Got water out everytime I used air so much in fact that I can identify the fittings that I had at the time from the corrosion on them. It's probably a good thing I didn't have any air tools either because the water surely would have ruined them. Once I got the hardline there was no more water problem. Do yourself a favor and use at least 25' (more is better) of either black pipe, galvanized, or copper pipe with a water filter/separator at the end before you go into your hose, you will save yourself a lot of headaches.

 

[dps]

You can use hose for your entire shop, and it should last forever-ish. But I'm talking a quality hose, not the standard 3/8 rubber like you would use for tool/sprayer whips. My whole shop is a Goodyear 3/4" industrial hose system that was easy to put into existing walls/ceilings. I use a water separator at each drop, but I would also do that with any other pipe or hose system.

 

[e-tek]

Black Pipe IS THE best material to use for your compressor for the reasons already stated (condenses water). Can you use 'other' things like copper or rubber hose - sure - it's just not ideal. I can use a 1/2" socket on a 12mm bolt....but it's not the best tool for the job. As for galvanized, that stuff can come off the tube and into your end-line/filter. If your attick won't freeze/get over 120F it would be a good place to put it. Run some black pipe down to a drain **** and then run the take-off pipe 8" above the lowest point (where the drain **** is)- you'll trap most of the water there, then the rest at the end of the next run of pipe.

 

[marrt]

Thanks for the comments guys. I guess I'll go with Black pipe then. Wasn't aware of the condensation issue but it makes sense.

 

[kbs2244]

Put in a drip leg at the bottom of the first vertical with a drain valve.
You will be amazed at what comes out.

 

[rubadub]

Heres some pictures if it might help. http://www.1969supersport.com/draw1.html


Rob

http://www.1969supersport.com