Air dryer?

[Chadwilliam1]

As just a casual compressor user I am pipping all my air lines. I am running 1/2 black iron throughout my garage and into my basement. I have about 40' of it ran in my garage and I just have it poked out into my basement but I was wondering if you do anything besides just filters?

I was considering a desiccant air dryer but I have no experience with these.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

 

[Firebrick43]

Why the raised T for the quick connects?

An air conditioning (large truck) condenser between the compressor and distribution pipe cools the air which lowers the amount of moisture the air can hold. Put a drop/drain right after it, then your filters.

Air dryers aren't really required unless painting/sand blasting/or other critical uses.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

A few reasons one is it best to come of the top of the line to prevent dirt from getting in the line but I am ocd and I had to have my fitting pointing down and expansion if later on I decide I want to run a line up to a Hose reel I don't have to break everything apart I can just come of the end of one of those tee.

The same goes for just about any gas or liquid it is always best to come off the top. I just couldn't deal with my fittings pointing up.

 

[rcjoy]

I don't have any suggestions regarding an air dryer, but that flexible PVC hose to the filter/regulator is a bad idea. Ideally you would use a flexible metal hose. Zoro and Amazon sell them.

http://www.amazon.com/Hose-Master-Masterflex-Stainless-Connection/dp/B007L8WT4E

Also, you really should use conduit, and not exposed Romex, for the wiring.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ +1 that the electrical needs protection from wall to compressor.

Also +1 that better flexible line from compressor to airline system should be used as what OP has is point of failure. I'd recommend short piece of hydraulic hose that you can get at Tractor Supply.

Finally, the setup OP has is detrimental to taking out moisture as he's immediately using air right off compressor rather than after a long segment of black pipe steel to cool off air. Would be better to route black pipe steel over to another location for "drop" where connection will be for his flexzilla hose.

What OP has now will collect moisture in both the blue and green hoses. I'd keep them disconnected until needed as they are source of failure/leaks as well. Also drain any moisture in tank daily. No air dryer needed if long runs of black pipe steel for airline system.

See pic below for conventional layout of airline system.

 

[DenisG]

The piping should be sloped so that any condensation that collects in a line can collect in a trap (vertical pipe with a drain valve). Always plan a system assuming that the compressed air has moisture.

 

[PT Doc]

I wouldn't hard pipe such a long protrusion with the t. it will get asked at some point and you could damage the npt threads in the compressor. just a thought.