Air Compressor Plumbing

[Hillyard]

Hello,

Not sure if this is the right forum section or not so please go easy.

I setup some hard lines using 3/4" for the main air line with 1/2" drops. I used stainless steel fittings and galvanized pipe *******. I used the pink brand teflon tape on all the threads but still getting air leaks on a majority of them. Even knowing the tape needs to follow the threads (i.e. there is a right and wrong way to apply the teflon tape). I wrapped each one 3 to 4 times. They felt really tight.

I can't quite figure it out and feel like tightening them any more might strip the threads or freeze them together.

Do you guys have any advice or hints?

 

[DAVE VAN]

On stainless steel fittings I use Permatex#2 instead of tape. It stops stubborn leaks every time.

 

[Worsedog]

Back in the day I did a lot of ag spray equipment construction, maintenance, and repair. Rector Seal #5 on every threaded fluid fitting. Stainless always leaked with tape.

 

[akdiesel]

I have 3/4" stainless tubing and Swagelok fittings for my system. I had the same problem at first. I did use teflon and pipe dope together for the NPT threads. I then used pipe dope on the ferrels (spelling) and sealing portion of the fittings and that stopped my leaks. When the fitting threads are new they are coated with a silver goop for Swagelok and a graphite for Parker.
I had to do this for my truck just the same.

 

[Streetbu]

Paste first then tape over the top. Not a single leak from my system. My buddy helped me dot it and he's a sprinkler fitter. That's how they taught him.

 

[Hillyard]

Thank you for the input. I will try some of the suggestions and let you know how it goes.

 

[Fixnair]

Lock tite pipe dope & be done with it. I have worked with compressed air all my life and have learned that TFETape is junk. T
Gel on tape is a great thread lube but a poor sealant for pressures above 75 PSI.

 

[Hillyard]

I had to redo it a couple times but got it to hold air. I started out using locktite pipe sealant with ptfe and had some issues with it not sealing. I was at the store and decided to try rector seal and actually prefer it for what it's worth. I feel like it is less messy and gets a really good seal. I attached a picture of my work. I know it is probably overkill for my smalll air compressor but plan on upgrading at some point.

Im still working on everything for what it's worth.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Nice work so far that I see. I think you may want to keep those drip legs vertical though as the bottom horizontal is going to be prone to collecting water before it gets to the valve itself.

I think I'd also be tempted to put in a valve between your flex line to the compressor and to the pipe so that you can work on the airlines without having to depressurize your tank itself.

You've got room on that wall to do a zigzag of vertical pipes to condense the water out of the air before going to your main supply line. I wish I had this much room clear to lay it out.

 

[Hillyard]

Nice work so far that I see. I think you may want to keep those drip legs vertical though as the bottom horizontal is going to be prone to collecting water before it gets to the valve itself.

I think I'd also be tempted to put in a valve between your flex line to the compressor and to the pipe so that you can work on the airlines without having to depressurize your tank itself.

You've got room on that wall to do a zigzag of vertical pipes to condense the water out of the air before going to your main supply line. I wish I had this much room clear to lay it out.

Thank you, ya its hard to tell but the bottom drip rails have two vertical lengths and the horizontal section does angle down. There is a valve on the tank and i have ball valves in a few other places so i don't have to depressurize the entire system, I can isolate areas.

My tool chest goes on that wall so i had to move the very bottom ball valve over so i could easily access it.

The garage is conditioned so humidity stays pretty low but this should help squeeze it out. If i have issues i will have to add a couple more zigzags.

 

[9GUY9]

Nice work so far that I see. I think you may want to keep those drip legs vertical though as the bottom horizontal is going to be prone to collecting water before it gets to the valve itself.

I think I'd also be tempted to put in a valve between your flex line to the compressor and to the pipe so that you can work on the airlines without having to depressurize your tank itself.

You've got room on that wall to do a zigzag of vertical pipes to condense the water out of the air before going to your main supply line. I wish I had this much room clear to lay it out.

Zig zags on the wall do not remove any measurable amount of water. I had one for a couple years and never drained more than a drip or two.

 

[72Anthony]

I had to redo it a couple times but got it to hold air. I started out using locktite pipe sealant with ptfe and had some issues with it not sealing. I was at the store and decided to try rector seal and actually prefer it for what it's worth. I feel like it is less messy and gets a really good seal. I attached a picture of my work. I know it is probably overkill for my smalll air compressor but plan on upgrading at some point.

Im still working on everything for what it's worth.

Nice job with the Unistrut...looks very professional!

 

[J Persons]

I use Rector Seal for sealing pipe joints. Apply to the threads and let it set up overnight, and it will not leak. Just don't get it on your clothes, it will not come out.

 

[arsco]

Leak lock is by far the best I have used

http://www.highsidechem.com/leaklock.html

 

[Notgrownup]

Pipe dope is the bomb....I even use it on my Harley to seal my 3 oil drain plugs, 84000 miles now and never a drip.

 

[NewLogik]

I've been using Loctite thread sealant on many different projects and always had good results, only one was stainless so many that's the main difference !

Good looking installation, I hope I'll be installing my own setup sometimes soon !

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I had to redo it a couple times but got it to hold air. I started out using locktite pipe sealant with ptfe and had some issues with it not sealing. I was at the store and decided to try rector seal and actually prefer it for what it's worth. I feel like it is less messy and gets a really good seal. I attached a picture of my work. I know it is probably overkill for my smalll air compressor but plan on upgrading at some point.

Im still working on everything for what it's worth.

That's a fine job.

 

[Hillyard]

Thanks for all the compliments. I will get some more pictures once i get everything tidied up