Do's and Don'ts of Compressed Air Piping
Although compressed air piping is a critical component of an air compressor system, many business owners tend to overlook it and focus solely on the compressor itself.
Just as an air conditioning system can be damaged due to congested condensate drain line pipes, air compressors can be damaged due to blocked compressed air piping. Poor compressed air piping can lead to excessive energy consumption leading to high operating costs and inefficiency.
In today’s blog, we will talk about how air compressor piping systems work, the different types of piping material for air compressors, and factors to consider for compressed air piping.
Let’s get started!
How Do Air Compressor Piping Systems Work?
The function of an air compressor piping system is to carry compressed air from the compressor to various points of use.
The compressed air piping design must ensure that compressed air is delivered with sufficient volume, quality, and pressure to carry out the heavy-duty industrial compressed air application work. A poor piping design can lead to increased energy costs, system inefficiencies, and even equipment failure.
What Type of Piping Material is Ideal for Air Compressors?
Since there are myriads of piping material available in the market, you may have confusion about what type of piping material is ideal for your air compressor system. Generally, most businesses prefer aluminum due to its light-weightiness and corrosion-resistance nature or plastic due to the low-cost factor. However, there are other types available as well. Let’s discuss them one by one to give you more clarification on each type.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice amongst businesses looking to select the best piping material for their air compressors.
It boasts several benefits, such as being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and not subject to degradation. Its smooth interior allows for reduced line losses, which leads to better system efficiency. Aluminum compressed air piping is also more cost-effective than other materials in the long run, making it a wise investment for businesses.
Additionally, the push-together connectors of Aluminum pipes make it easy to install, suspend and reconfigure the whole piping system is simple, in case the facility need to expand or relocate.
Stainless Steel
Like aluminum, there is no risk of corrosion or degradation on the interior or exterior of stainless-steel pipes. This makes it an excellent choice for industries with stringent requirements, such as pharmaceutical, hospital, research labs, clean rooms, and healthcare facilities, where stainless steel SS304L or SS316L is recommended.
Moreover, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has approved stainless steel for vacuum applications in healthcare facilities.
With its long-term durability and excellent corrosion resistance, stainless steel piping provides an ideal solution for businesses looking for a reliable and long-lasting compressed air piping system.
Galvanized
Galvanized steel pipes are commonly used in compressed air systems in the middle eastern market. The galvanizing coating provides protection against corrosion and increases the life of the pipes. However, it is not the most recommended option due to some disadvantages.
Over time, the galvanizing coating comes off in the form of flakes, which can cause blockages and damage when released into the compressed air stream. Galvanized steel pipes are challenging to manipulate, and maneuver. The pipes are also heavy, requiring more strength for suspension and fixing methods.
Galvanized steel piping is not highly recommended for compressed air systems. However, it can be considered as an option as it is generally less expensive than stainless steel or aluminum piping.
Copper
Copper piping is the mostly used in plumbing due to its corrosion resistance, ease of cutting and welding. Most plumbers are familiar with working with this material. It is also lightweight and easy to suspend, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for a flexible and durable piping material.
Copper's color and shine give it an attractive appearance, and its resistance to rust and corrosion when in contact with water means that the air delivered to tools through copper pipes is clean and free of debris.
However, the high cost of copper can be a significant disadvantage, which makes it less recommended for compressed air piping systems. Although copper offers many advantages, businesses must weigh the higher cost against the benefits when selecting a piping material for their air compressor systems.
Plastic
Plastic piping is a cheap and corrosion-resistant option for compressed air systems. However, PVC pipes should not be used due to their risk of explosion and shrapnel release that could harm or even kill someone in close proximity. PVC pipes deteriorate as they age, making it more likely to cause leaks and explosions. Also, using PVC pipes for compressed air transportation could result in hefty OSHA fines and business shutdowns.
Although plastic material is generally not recommended for compressed air systems, if you choose to use it, we suggest only PE, HDPE, and ABS, as they are OSHA-approved and oil-resistant, unlike PVC. These recommended types include special cements that holds well and withstands any potential leak or burst.
Factors to Consider for Compressed Air Piping
Airflow and pressure requirement
The type of piping used must be able to meet the required airflow and pressure requirements of the system. You need to ensure that your piping material doesn’t lead to unnecessary pressure drop and fluctuation.
Environmental factors
Consideration must be given to the environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, as well as the presence of any hazardous materials.
Noise
Piping material that can minimize noise during operation should be considered, especially in indoor settings.
Safety
Piping material should be safe for use in compressed air systems and meet relevant safety standards. For instance, if you are using plastic piping, make sure to only use OSHA-approved material to avoid any leaks, and explosions.
Moisture Content
Moist air in the compressed air can be detrimental to the piping and the equipment downstream. Piping material should be able to handle the moisture levels present.
Length Of Piping Material
The length of the piping must be considered, as longer lengths may require larger diameter piping to maintain proper airflow and pressure.
Keep Future In Mind
Plan for future needs and expansions while sizing your air compressor piping system. Consider future demands rather than modifying the installation down the road. It can save additional cost and effort later.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, we have discussed the importance of compressed air piping systems and the different types of piping material available. Stainless steel and aluminum are the most recommended piping options due to their durability, corrosion resistance and efficiency. We also about the essentiality to consider important factors such as Airflow and pressure requirement, Environmental factors, Noise, and more when deciding on compressed air piping.
Click here to download the "Do's and Don'ts of Compressed Air Piping" guide for further clarification and understanding. With this guide, you will be in a position to make a more confident and informed decision regarding your compressed air piping. You will also find our whitepaper on Proper Configuration of Compressed Air Piping Systems helpful and informative. Download it now.
