Finished copper air lines...

[Jason280]

...do I need to add anything else?

I recently picked up a deal on 110' of 1/2" copper air lines, and decided to use it to run the air lines with in my latest shop build. I ended up using all 110' of the copper, and added in 3x water drops at the tank and 2x more at the sandblast cabinet. I have a desiccant filter setup at the tank, but due to a crack in the desiccant bowl, I'll have to swap it out.

The tank and cabinet are both mounted outside of the shop inside of a 32x36' 3-bay barn, and the copper is run through the wall to 2x different hose reels inside the shop. I also have a 3rd hose reel inside the barn, so I should have plenty of air access.

Anything obvious that I need to add? My goal is to have the driest air possible, primarily for the blast cabinet and my plasma torch, but there may also be some painting in the future.

 

[Jason280]

Pics...

 

[38Chevy454]

Will there be enough temp drop next to the compressor to have much water actually condense out? Might need some fan cooling to get it cool enough. I think the blast cabinet will work for condensation since it is farther out.

 

[Jason280]

I was actually curious about that, but wasn't sure how "far" it needed to be from the compressor. The sand blast cabinet is around 24' away, and there is at least 30-35' of additional air line run for it, so I would guess it will be fine.

 

[ed007]

nice i did the same for my shop compressor outside sure makes it a quiet place

 

[Jason280]

Yeah, you can't hear it run with the radio playing, and can barely hear it otherwise.

 

[kbs2244]

Just remember, for water removal, you cannot have too much cooling between the compressor and the plumbing.

 

[Mr. T]

Just remember, for water removal, you cannot have too much cooling between the compressor and the plumbing.

^^^This is true.^^^

Also, how dry is dry enough for you?

A refrigerated air dryer and coalescing filter are going to give you some clean dry air.

 

[raferguson]

As far as whether or not you have enough cooling, let me suggest the following: Run a high usage tool for an extended period, such that the compressor is running almost 100% of the time. I am going to guess half an hour or so. Put your hand on the pipe. If the pipe is cool near the tool, you are good to go. If the pipe is warm near the tool, there will be more moisture in the air. If the pipe is hot, you definitely do not have enough cooling. The cooler the air, the more water will condense out.

Another way to look at this is whether you see evidence of moisture coming out of the tool.

I live in a dry climate, so have not felt the need for a refrigerated air drier. I use a fancy filter with my plasma cutter and my spray gun.

 

[EVOLVO]

Jason280, I can't concentrate on any of your posts because of that avatar. Did you take that pic?

 

[Blt2Lst]

Jason280, I can't concentrate on any of your posts because of that avatar.

Me too, whatta pair.

 

[bzinsky]

ditto, i have no idea what this thread is about

I usually don't pay much attention to avatars, for some reason that's all I focus on in this thread

 

[Kielpo]

That is a pic OF Jason

 

[colt zantop]

Lol too funny. I had to reread your post 3 times because I just kept wandering to the left hahaha.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have not tried but I am curious about the HF refrigerated dryer for $400 and kitty litter desiccant.

https://www.harborfreight.com/compressed-air-dryer-40211.html

Charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, and polypropylene oil sorbent pads are supposed to be good for trapping oil mist. I haven't tried that either.

 

[AP514]

you can make your own dryer like i did for about $100....

www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131919&page=6
Post # 108 (pic's)and #109...also posted some pic's in my albums.

only thing i would change is instead of the T fitting at bottom I would just use a cap..that way 5Lbs will fit in the unit.(i had to use a bit more than 5lbs)

 

[Jason280]

Jason280, I can't concentrate on any of your posts because of that avatar. Did you take that pic?

Yes....