valves in air lines

[Dagny]

Is it ok to use plumbing ball valves in air lines they are rated 175 psi?

 

[Streetbu]

Yep, I have ball valves at the end of each line for a drain, also a main shutoff right off the tank before my flex hose to the pipe.

 

[astroracer]

Those are the "go to" valves in my book.
Mark

 

[pancho400cid]

They have to be rated for the pressure and be rated for "WOG" (water, oil, gas) service.

 

[icenfire01]

I have 3 in my line, no problems so far.

 

[38Chevy454]

Quarter turn ball valve is what I use to close off my compressor tank from the line going out.

 

[ford33]

I use ball valves on my air lines. No issues.

 

[kbs2244]

ponco has the right data

 

[ddawg16]

They have to be rated for the pressure and be rated for "WOG" (water, oil, gas) service.

Yep....and most ball valves 1" and smaller are going to be rated at least 300 PSI

 

[NUTTSGT]

That's what I used in my system.

 

[matt_i]

There is a "full port" ball valve which doesn't have a smaller diameter than the nominal pipe size like a normal one.

 

[djjsr]

....... and they're available in PVC !

 

[ddawg16]

....... and they're available in PVC !

You just had to do that, didn't you?

 

[jloehlein]

Like stated by others, WOG-rated ball valves are fine, and definitely look for full port valves. I ended up using Loctite 567 to seal the threaded connections after finding some leaks with Teflon tape.

 

[Fixnair]

Spent 55 years in the air compressor business and have piped many systems. Learned a few things along the way.
First, Teflon tape is a great thread lubricant but a poor choice for a sealant.
Second, ball valves, when opened quickly can cause damage from high velocity flows, especially when used on rotary compressors and desiccant dryers.
Thirdly, when you doubly pipe size you quadruple flow capacity.
Fourthly, using hydraulic hose for compressed air is a poor choice. The oxygen content of the air degrades the lining of the hose and bits of the hose break off and plug orfices.
Lastly, locktite pipe dope is the best for compressed air pipe fittings.