PTFE AN line for compressor discharge tube?

[HappySalesman]

Hey all,

So about a year ago I made a thread showing the super awesome job the factory did installing the discharge tube on my compressor (in that they boogered the whole thing by over-tightening the compression fitting). Buying a house and moving put getting it setup with the aftercooler on the backburner, but now that I'm settled I'm wanting to get it back up and running.

I was looking into materials, and thought that instead of dealing with copper tubing and a bender and the like, I could just run a braided hose from the compressor head to the cooler and then to the tank. Googling recommended PTFE lined, and for ease of finding fittings, I thought AN would work well. Was thinking -8 since that's the closest in ID to my current setup. Curious if anyone has ever done this? Is it a terrible idea?

 

[bwringer]

That tube gets HOT. Like, really hot. The plastic will soften and melt at the pump.

My Dad actually did this many moons ago (no clue how he adapted the fittings and threads), and it worked for a few cycles, but it melted and failed one day when we were working the compressor pretty hard. Quite annoying, not to mention noisy.

 

[Ing3018]

Making up a flared and bent copper tubing discharge line is not too hard. Start with the soft annealed copper, Type L or K thickness.

 

[CamMark]

PTFE lined braided stainless hose for an air compressor outlet is the regulatory standard in the industry I work in. it will hold up to the heat if you're getting what's on the label. most will be rated to about 480°F. the braid could be nylon for your application, but stainless is ideal

You could check sites like Summit Racing, Jegs or Speedwaymotors and buy the hose and push-on fittings if you want to set the exact length at install. there may be preassembled stuff out there too, maybe for power steering or transmission coolers

 

[racecougar]

When talking PTFE-lined SS braided hose, I like Russell Powerflex. It meets SAE 100R14, which means it's capable of at least -65F to 400F. It's advertised as capable of -76F to 500F. I've only used it in automotive applications (hydroboost systems, transmission coolers, engine oil lines, etc.), but I wouldn't have qualms about using it in this application.

 

[andyvh1959]

PTFE, Teflon is the highest heat resistant inner tube material common to heavy truck and industrial applications. But check the duty cycle temerpature rating as it may be lower than an intermittent or peal value.

Almost every Class 8 heavy truck with air brakes uses a RFE hose for at least four feet from the air compressor output to the system air dryer before the first air tank.

 

[W-Cummins]

They work fine I'm using one on each side of the after cooler





Been running them for over 15 years now