Polyethene pipe for Compressor air

[Movin/on]

I've got a couple of hundred feet of new water service pipe, but it has no markings for pressure.
It's PE and has a 1/8" wall. 1-1/8 OD and 7/8 ID. I'm building another 36X40 shop and would like to use it for 90# distribution lines.
MY compressor is set at #150 but I immediately reduce it to 90#.
Will this maintain integrity in 100 F max?
Richard

 

[loganb]

There are likely markings on it indicating mfg part number, conforms to standard ASTM D..... Etc. cross reference those to determine what pressure it is rated for as it varies and can be above 200 psi.

Then you can figure out what the fittings to go from that to standard 3/4 or 1/2" NPT will cost and you'll have a better idea of is it financially cheaper vs buying a ready to go kit from MaxAir or doing old fashioned black pipe or copper

 

[MoonRise]

No markings on the PE piping?

Then it is NOT usable for a compressed air system.

Also, PE (or pretty much any plastic piping or tubing) is NOT sunlight or UV resistant unless it is specifically marked as being UV resistant.

In addition to UV considerations, plastic piping may be susceptible to physical damage, solvent damage (external or internal, such as shop cleaning solvents or oil vapor from an oil lube air compressor), sagging, temperature degradation and derating factors (hot and cold), and other factors.

Unmarked, unknown PE plastic piping would NOT be considered safely usable for compressed air service.

IMNSHO, and per the plastic piping industrial trade organizations and manufacturers. Look it up if you want more details.

 

[Movin/on]

Checked more of the pipe and found the markings (about every 10 ft. I only had 6ft in the shop).
Markings are somewhat unreadable, but from what I see.
4170 1" CTS SDR 9 250 PSI NSF @PU-6ASTM D2737 PE 4710 ending with Made in USA 4330.
Guess I'll have to search plastic pipe specs. Thanks for the advice.
It is not going to be exposed to sunlight. When I worked for a Natural Gas Distribution company only Plastic HDPE was stored outside because it was black from Carbon infusion
Richard >>> Movin/on

 

[tarbellb]

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[pcmeiners]

Cheapest poly is usually 100 psi, poly rarely goes over 160 psi for most uses. After that you pay a premium, like 200psi which cost roughly double what 160psi grade goes for. if you go poly there is NPT (national pipe thread) size and CTS (copper tube size) size, you want NPT.

 

[Bert_]

You got the good 250psi stuff. Using it for air piping is a pretty good idea, I wouldn't be afraid to use it. I would stick to brass fittings.

 

[MoonRise]

OK, you found markings.

Although that PE pipe is marked, and it is marked as rated 250 psi for WATER, it is still NOT rated for use with compressed air.

Euro spec PE using PE100 resin is rated for use with compressed air, but still subject to temperature and pressure and environmental derating factors.

Thermoplastic Pipes for Compressed Air - There is a Safe Option

www.asahi-america.com

And PE4710 pipe is actually a lower pressure rated resin and constructed piping, with a listed marginal nominal pressure safety factor of 1.45 (versus 2.0 minimum for other plastic piping) for WATER usage.

Remember to add up the flow and pressure ratings and cost for all the fittings to look at the total system pressure and flow and cost, not just the pipe only.