Blue pipe for airlines in shop

[ArtisanFarms]

Is anyone using the rigid blue aluminum pipe for their air distribution systems, or have experience with them at work? If yes, which connectors do you like - Transair, Unipipe or ???

I am getting ready to install the air system in my new shop and the rigid blue pipe looks to be both easy to install and possibly less expensive than either copper or black pipe. The shop is 1500sqft and I will be using a 7.5 hp Champion compressor.

 

[napa68]

I have it in my shop for work. Great product and easy to expand upon (which I am planning on)

 

[rburke65]

I e. Ever heard negative comments on this product

 

[MFortie]

I plumbed my shop with RapidAir FastPipe. Works fine. Had a couple leaks/blowouts at first, but they were basically install errors. Once I redid the connections (two I think) I haven’t had any problems for 5-6 years. I’d do it again.

Oh, and my shop’s 2400 sq ft and I have a 5hp, 175 PSI max, Quincy compressor with (4) drops.

 

[nadogail]

With my small, two car garage, space; I am using Harbor Freight air hoses threaded through the ceiling joists.

 

[Stobal]

I use a combination of rapid air and sweated copper pipe. Al Pex tubing comes highly recommended. Just use care during installation and you should never have an issue.

 

[jeep63]

I just installed Maxline 3/4” by rapid air Yesterday. I don’t have any time in the seat, but the install is simple and clean. I now have drops everywhere and no leaks.

 

[dzahm]

Just did mine with the rapid air max (I think thats what its called- its the 3/4") It was a well designed system. I ran 4 drops inside and one outside- very easy- worst part is straightening the coiled up pipe (not bad really- but kinda need a helper as you unroll- and then gently bend it- it takes a few tweaks to get it nice and straight) I did mine by myself and I had several straight 20 ft runs- so when I would unroll that much it kinda flops around making it awkward. NOte: the fittings are kinda expensive- I bought the kit- then got some more fittings- (Then i realized I needed more tubing) So I actually went back and bought another kit (and returned the extra fittings) THis was alot cheaper in the long run- so FYI. All in all I would do this again with Rapid air

 

[racecougar]

Both the rigid and bendable PEX-AL-PEX setups are excellent, safe, air handling options. I've used the rigid systems in large applications at work without any complaints, and I installed the RapidAir Maxline M7500 system in my personal shop, again without issue.







I prefer to install ball valves to isolate hoses when not in use. I also have a main ball valve at the compressor that gets shut off (along with the pressure switch) when I'm not in the shop. This is all just personal preference.

 

[infinkc]

I just installed Maxline 3/4” by rapid air Yesterday. I don’t have any time in the seat, but the install is simple and clean. I now have drops everywhere and no leaks.

just curious, why you had it all nice an neat with the tee's and 90's by the door, but on the drop by the work bench you didnt put a 90?

 

[jeep63]

just curious, why you had it all nice an neat with the tee's and 90's by the door, but on the drop by the work bench you didnt put a 90?

I was faced with the challenge of working around the generator feed cables along the back wall. The corner back there had gaps from the radius of the power conduit. I have a 90 in that corner that turns 'down', and I fed the pipe along the wall at an angle to go behind the various items I have on that wall (Shelf, TV, Clock). A clean straight line is not easily achievable on that wall. At least I did not see one.

 

[andyvh1959]

Parker Transair is a great product (not just because I work for Parker). For my shop I am using 5/8" black heavy truck air brake tubing. It is working pressure rated to 150psi and burst rated to 500psi. Very easy to cut and route . You can use standard compression fittings or use the various push to connect style fittings. Certainly is a low cost option because nylon air brake tubing it available anywhere heavy truck service is done.

One thing about nylon air brake tubing is it does curve somewhat between supports/clamps. May require more clamps to make it route straight, or a vinyl channel to route the tubing into, or route the tubing up into the corner at the wall/ceiling, or just hide the tubing behind all the other shop equipment.

 

[fourjeepin]

I used white pex, but it is also available in blue or red

 

[andyvh1959]

I've not seen PEX used for compressed air, though the specs look good. Certainly easy to plumb using the push to connect fittings. Its pressure rated to 160 psi, and burst pressure rated to 800 psi.

PexUniverse - PEX, Plumbing, Heating, HVAC Supplies

Comparison of specifications, properties and features of non-barrier, O2 oxygen barrier and PEX-AL-PEX tubing types.

www.pexuniverse.com

Since all push to connect fittings are sized to fit the OD of tubing and seal on the OD, PEX tubing, Nylon air brake tubing, Copper tubing all work with push to connect fittings, or compression fittings.

Best Materials for Compressed Air Piping | RapidAir Products

Discover top materials for compressed air piping that ensure optimal pressure. Learn which piping type best fits your system's performance requirements.

www.rapidairproducts.com

Since most air compressors feature a large air tank to cool the heat of creating compressed air, its not an issue for whatever tubing is used. If the compressor only discharged directly into the distribution system the piping directly out of the compressor can get quite hot.