Compressor Air routing question

[Smbevma]

Hi:

I'm thinking of putting a 5HP 60gallon compressor in a shed I want to build. I want to also tap this air supply in my garage, which is about 40 feet away.

Since I have to dig a trench for an electrical conduit I was thinking of running a PVC conduit in the same trench an then threading a high quality air hose through it. I'd put a shut off at each end and keep the hose unpressurized when not in use.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this type of arrangment, or had any other ideas.

thanks
Shawn

 

[nbpt100]

I would run a hard line just to avoid dealing with a future leak. Another consideration is if it gets real cold out, like it can in the winter in MA, How will your compressor run in those temps?

 

[cidermill]

I ran synflex plastic truck air brake line underground then tied it into steel pipe. Just make sure you have a drain leg.

 

[Stuart in MN]

In your area you'll have to deal with freezing temps. With the airline underground it will be the place where moisture will collect, unless you have some sort of well in the floor of the shed that has a low spot where you can drain the line.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wouldnt run air hose underground because of freezing and possible leaks.

 

[CNGsaves]

The hose idea would work, and other GJer's have done it . . . . however, I'd recommend a more permanent solution.

Actually, underground is ONLY instance where PVC would be viable option for airline section of hardline. Purposely put pitch in the line so any moisture runs downhill to lowest point where you have method of draining.

Other options include copper hardline for airline that you'd wrap in insulation or something to protect from corrosion. It too would need slope and drain.

Search GJ using Google as other guys have underground section of their airlines.
> > > > GOOGLE > > > underground airline site:garagejournal.com

 

[OccupantRJ]

Pex for underground air line for the last 5 years in NC climate with no issues. Can be pulled through conduit if desired.

 

[krcoomer]

Pex for underground air line for the last 5 years in NC climate with no issues. Can be pulled through conduit if desired.

What type of fittings did you use for your pex and what did you take it into above surface in the garage?

I am looking at doing the same thing, but my shed is only a couple of feet away from my garage so I am looking at doing a copper run overhead. Gutter lines will be close enough that no ladders to damage, but the underground method looks intriguing.

 

[R.Anderson]

I did just as discribed, central Wisconsin. No issues at 5 years of being pressurized 24/7, no freezing or leaking. Compressor was in detached garage ran pvc with air hose to shop to my basement.

I seriously question the idea of running hard line instead of pvc with a line pulled through because of possible leaks. With a hard line, if a leak develops you are screwed period. With pvc you have the ability to pull a new line.

 

[OccupantRJ]

What type of fittings did you use for your pex and what did you take it into above surface in the garage?

I am looking at doing the same thing, but my shed is only a couple of feet away from my garage so I am looking at doing a copper run overhead. Gutter lines will be close enough that no ladders to damage, but the underground method looks intriguing.

Standard pex crimp rings, and ran the pex vertically through a shop made metal chase to protect it from damage.

 

[Smbevma]

What if I ran an in line filter to catch the water before it goes into the pvc conduit, and then still blew the air out when I'm done? Since the pipe is buried 18" there's no practical way to install a drain.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Install a valve at the end of the line as it enters the second building to shut off the air. Right before this valve, install another valve to blow moisture out of the underground line after allowing pressure to build. A moisture separator before and after the underground line might further improve moisture removal. There will be moisture in the underground line because when you bury an air line, you have just created a fairly efficient condenser by using the mass of the earth to cool the air line, causing the water to drop out of the air.

 

[revamped]

I ran synflex plastic truck air brake line underground then tied it into steel pipe. Just make sure you have a drain leg.

I like how you think! I just need air run from my new shop back to my current garage for general use, tires, inflatables, etc. I have 1" conduit run for low voltage that is only going to have two cat 5 cables in it, so I am thinking of running 100ft. 1/2" air brake tubing back to the garage through my LV conduit (after inspection) and setting up a manifold just for general purpose. I have norgeren air filters and water separators already from on old air-bag install so that will look nice and function well.