copper air lines questions

[jlaird]

I am going to run 3/4 copper in my 2 car garage and have some questions.

1. I've read to use type L copper line which I'm going to. Are the fittings also type L or are all copper fittings the same? (as you can tell by this question, I haven't gone to the store yet to look.)

2. What is the ratio of slope per foot you should put in the lines?

3. When your lines are sloped, does that mean all the filters are also going to be sloped? It kinda seems weird that the filters would be at an angle, but maybe this is normal or I'm missing something??

4.Should unions be used with copper? I know they are used with black iron pipe.

5. In the tptools.com diagram that is always posted, there are two 8" risers BEFORE you get to any filtration system. Are two risers really needed or is one sufficient?

Thanks for the help.
Josh

 

[ghnl]

1) I think so.

2) Slight. Mainly avoid dips that could collect water. I'd guess that 1/8" - 1/4" per foot is sufficient.

3) You can put the filters, etc level.

4) A few unions will make it easier/possible to re-arrange the layout if so desired. But it is not hard to cut the copper lines to re-arrange, too. I use unions where there might be any need for maintenance - like where the compressor connects to the system. (also use a flexible hose there)

5) Why not? The risers minimize getting any condensed water out the end of the piping.

FWIW, I attached a quick connect to a regulator/filter and move that around to where I am working. (male fitting on the regulator and female fitting at each outlet) That way I don't need to buy so many regulators. (I'm cheap...)

 

[jlaird]

3) You can put the filters, etc level.

Thanks for the reply. How would you put the filters level if its connected to rigid tubing that is sloped?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Keep the filters level. From there, the copper will "sag" if you allow it to provide for drainage. Hard copper can be slightly bent it you ask it nicely...

 

[rickairmedic]

Your main runs will be sloped however if you make a riser at each drop ( go up from the main run 90* over and then 90* down for your drop you will be bale to make your drops go straight down ) . Thats the way I am running mine so that each drop will go straight down the wall and there is less chance of moisture getting down into the drops although I will have 1/4 turn ball valves at the botttom of every drop just to insure theres no moisture buildup .



Rick

 

[jlaird]

So basically you are just forcing the parts you want to be perpendicular against the sloped lines? From the sounds of it, there well be enough "play" in the lines to make this happen?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

If you are going 10-0 with a stick, it's not much of a problem to have the pipe sag 3/8" to 1/2" or so. You will never notice it until you get out 30-0 to 40-0.

 

[jlaird]

what does 10-0 mean?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

10-0 = 10 feet, 0 inches. If you are buying copper from from Lowe's or Home Depot, they usually come in 10-0 lengths. 3 sticks of these put together give you 30-0 (30 feet, 0 inches)

 

[Torque1st]

what does 10-0 mean?

Normally stated as: 10'-0"

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Torque1st,

You are correct. I happen to be a steel detailer and our software uses that convention on fractions. After more than 20 years, it is habit now. Sorry for the confusion.