A question I could not answer

[Ramper]

A coworker of mine asked: If we use copper tubing for water and copper tubing for air, why could we not use the flexible tubing made for sinks and toilets for air connections? Specifically for the connection between the pump and the tank.

I did not have a good reason other than PSI rating, but his response was the rating was 300 PSI.

 

[franzdom]

You could but those braided cables are more than just using rubber air line, if you want an option for copper isn't that better than the flexible tubing you are asking about?

 

[Ramper]

I just went through this with one of my small compressors and switched from the aluminum tubing to copper (3/8 compression on both ends). He wanted to know why I would go through that work if I could have used something like this. He said there are some made for dishwasher that are 3/8 compression on both ends.

 

[franzdom]

That sounds like a good idea.

 

[beakie]

temperatures would be an issue I'd guess

 

[tymbo]

I used a 1" braided water heater connector to isolate my compressor from the rigid air lines. Been working fine for years.

 

[offroadsteve]

size would be the only thing I could think of, typically those flexible sink / toilet connections are only 1/4", which pretty substantially restricts your flow.

But what tymbo said makes perfect sense... designed for higer temp, plenty of head room on the pressure rating, seems like a winner to me.

 

[G_P]

Those pre made braided supply lines are not going to like the temperatures of the air coming out of the head on the pump. They are rubber/plastic. And also as Offroadsteve said, they have 1/4" or even smaller passages in them which will restrict the airflow greatly.

Coil copper tubing works great though.

 

[Ramper]

Thanks. I used copper and now I should be able to convince him to use copper. I had not thought about the diameter of the tubing.

 

[b-body-bob]

Have him touch the head outlet line after filling the tank, then ask him if that wouldn't melt a rubber line. Or if you like the guy, lick your finger and touch it and let him hear the sizzle instead of burning his hand.

 

[tymbo]

Those pre made braided supply lines are not going to like the temperatures of the air coming out of the head on the pump. They are rubber/plastic. And also as Offroadsteve said, they have 1/4" or even smaller passages in them which will restrict the airflow greatly.

Coil copper tubing works great though.

I misread the OP. I missed the part 'between pump and tank'. yeah, THAT will get hot. My connection is between the tank and hard lines.

 

[softailgarage]

Like this...?




My bad, I also mis-read.

 

[DekeT]

A coworker of mine asked: If we use copper tubing for water and copper tubing for air, why could we not use the flexible tubing made for sinks and toilets for air connections? Specifically for the connection between the pump and the tank.

I did not have a good reason other than PSI rating, but his response was the rating was 300 PSI.

If that were the only criteria we could use pvc.

 

[BJ42LX]

Those pre made braided supply lines are not going to like the temperatures of the air coming out of the head on the pump.

This.

When I was doing some sandblasting last summer I measured the output temperature of the pipe/fitting right at the pump head at 315F. Ouch.

 

[franzdom]

A question I should not have answered

 

[dogdog]

.... they are not rated for the pressure and temperature and stress as the hydraulic or air hoses. you could probably use it for a short while but will never know when it will fail on you. same as trying to use one of those hoses on a pressure washer fix (.... not that I ever done it ;P). or did I read someone some where used it for turbo oil supply line cause it's braided and pressure rating is well above requirements.

 

[Ramper]

I do not dislike the guy, so I will tell him that GJ told me so, so it must be true that copper is the way to go!!!

 

[dogdog]

I do not dislike the guy, so I will tell him that GJ told me so, so it must be true that copper is the way to go!!!

no you can use aluminum with thick enough wall or other hydraulic rate hoses that have the temperature pressure ratings (I think) but definitely not cheaper.

 

[Outlawmws]

Also keep in mind water pressure in your house is only 20-80 PSI or so. Those flat washer fittings on the flex lines aren't designed for 150-175 psi. (leaving aside Temp and size issues...)

Having said that, the line off the head of my big compressor was "temporally" connected using an impact whip after about 7" of fittings and one way valve. That was >25 years ago, and it's stored outside... I've no clue why that line hasn't blown apart years ago...

 

[RCStocker]

If a thing is worth doing it is worth doing right.
I have used #40 PVC at home and on the farm for 35 years. Never had a problem. The fittings will get cold and crack. If mounted right it will not flop all over bit when a fitting blows chunks are shot out like a high powered air riffle.
Galvanized pipe works very well. Gas black pipe will have a lot of rust coming out the end even with a filter.
Steel pipe had a rough interior and restricts the water flow. It cause the water to circulate back against the flow. There is a formula for it and is some times asked on the Civil Engineers licensing exam. Copper pipe has less resistance. Not that it will really matter but it is the best way to go. Just because it is made does not make it safe for use in other purposes.

 

[Outlawmws]

If a thing is worth doing it is worth doing right.
I have used #40 PVC at home and on the farm for 35 years. Never had a problem. The fittings will get cold and crack. If mounted right it will not flop all over bit when a fitting blows chunks are shot out like a high powered air riffle.
Galvanized pipe works very well. Gas black pipe will have a lot of rust coming out the end even with a filter.
Steel pipe had a rough interior and restricts the water flow. It cause the water to circulate back against the flow. There is a formula for it and is some times asked on the Civil Engineers licensing exam. Copper pipe has less resistance. Not that it will really matter but it is the best way to go. Just because it is made does not make it safe for use in other purposes.

Once again RC, you are babbling. I'm not sure if you are intending to promote the use of PVC for other than Fluids, but since no one can tell form your meanderings...

NO! do NOT use PVC for Compressed air or other non liquids!

This has been discussed and debunked as an "ok thing to do" MANY times just here on GJ! NO! its not SAFE!

Simple test:

Take a PVC fitting and set it on concrete. Hit it with a hammer (Wear a face shield!), then sweep up the shards and tell me you are OK with that sharp as hell shrapnel flying around your work area...

****** stuff is sharp enough to shave with...