I am hearing some people saying they are running larger than 1" hard compressed airline for additional air storage. I am not seeing much for reducing fittings to reduce over 1" down to 1/2" line unless you are running multiple reducers in succession of each other? Big airline runners, what are you doing to reduce down to a normal air outlet?
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Anyone over a 1" airline?
- Thread starter DRJZ1974
- Start date
Uncle Dave
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 3, 2008
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Bell reducer ?
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
I am hearing some people saying they are running larger than 1" hard compressed airline for additional air storage.
Do the math, you need large enough air lines for the flow you will be using, given the distance of the run (internal friction and all of that), but beyond that, using the pipe to increase storage capacity is a waste. Do the math, calculate the volume in cubic inches of say, a 3/4" pipe (probably adequate for most home shops) and say 1-1/4" pipe (way too large to be of any benefit) and you will find that the additional volume is only a couple of gallons for typical runs in a small shop. Much better off spending money on a compressor with a larger tank 60 vs 80 gal, say.
Charles
Torque1st
MEMBER EMERITUS
For a home shop use 3/4" steel or copper for the distribution lines and 1/2" for the drops.
See the info here:
http://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htm
They mention PVC exploding if the pressure rating is exceeded. That is true but it will also explode spontaneously with normal pressure in it. It is a very dangerous material and must not be used for compressed air. It is rated for water pressure only. Liquids and compressed gas are two entirely different beasts.
See the info here:
http://www.oldsmobility.com/air-compressor-piping.htm
They mention PVC exploding if the pressure rating is exceeded. That is true but it will also explode spontaneously with normal pressure in it. It is a very dangerous material and must not be used for compressed air. It is rated for water pressure only. Liquids and compressed gas are two entirely different beasts.
You can get reducing tees for either copper or black iron from just about any size down to any size at a plumbing supply store.
I used to buy 3 x ¾ inch black threaded tees all the time.
(That is a 3 inch main line with a ¾ inch tee off it.)
Just do your homework and know how many you will need before you go in.
They are used to working with pros and some don’t like DIY types.
I used to buy 3 x ¾ inch black threaded tees all the time.
(That is a 3 inch main line with a ¾ inch tee off it.)
Just do your homework and know how many you will need before you go in.
They are used to working with pros and some don’t like DIY types.
scooby074
Well-known member
large airline for storage? Nope. any extra volume would be minimal. Be better to add a second surge tank or something
As to fittings, alot larger industrial airline ive seen is Swagelok??. And they have fittings to reduce.
If your using black pipe, wherever you got the larger pipe should have a source for fittings and reducers. Plumbing/heating supply houses for example.
As to fittings, alot larger industrial airline ive seen is Swagelok??. And they have fittings to reduce.
If your using black pipe, wherever you got the larger pipe should have a source for fittings and reducers. Plumbing/heating supply houses for example.
Last edited:
wineslob
Well-known member
I am hearing some people saying they are running larger than 1" hard compressed airline for additional air storage. I am not seeing much for reducing fittings to reduce over 1" down to 1/2" line unless you are running multiple reducers in succession of each other? Big airline runners, what are you doing to reduce down to a normal air outlet?
Most home applications would be 1" or 3/4" as a mainline. The usual "calc" for drops is 1/2 the size of the mainline, and 1/4" Parker style quick disconnects at the point of use.
Our plant uses 2" mainlines to 1" branch lines to 1/2" drop lines. All the QD's are 1/4 "
Falcon67
Well-known member
If you are sourcing fittings where most of us do at Lome Cheapo, stick with 3/4" main and 1/2" drop because you get the best selection of fittings. 3/4" is plenty big IMHO unless you have a really big shop or long run.