compressed air lines

[mark_mc]

can i use MDPE or hep on a compressed air line.
Have priced to use galvo steel pipe and was wondering is there any cheaper and quicker options

have looked at same quick push fit air line stuff but very expensive for fittings, hep and mdpe fittings are cheaper but dont know if they are up for the job

any experiences and answers would be great guys thanks

 

[mjt]

i doubt it but check with the manufacturers direct - thats your best bet or failing that john guest do air line fittings not sure on prioces though

 

[stevetheplumber]

i was told the proper airline plastic is different to water stuff in that it doesnt shatter when it explodes evidently exploding hep is like a grenade going of not sure if its the pipe or the fittings as ive seen it pumped up to huge preasures cant see why there cant be a saftey blow of fitted

 

[mark_mc]

i looked up the john guest stuff there and its quite expensive.
as any one installed any other materials for doing an air line and any idea of expense

 

[nicro3]

Only use the correct pipe and fittings for compressed air, I believe BSS do a range of the correct spec

 

[Bartdude]

You should only use the correct materials for air lines. Compressed air has much more stored energy than water and it can be released instantly,which can cause dangerous situations. Even air testing pipework for water services is potentially dangerous if a fitting fails.

You might be able to cut costs by using cheaper materials but if something goes wrong at any time in the future you would be held responsible.Not worth the risk imho.

 

[fagsanbooz]

only ever used galv steel, in industrial installations the pipework is more prone to damage, chemicals, accidents etc. fitted a few in garages long time ago, insurance company (it had to be certified as safe) insisted on galv steel. plastic push-fit for water uses the water pressure to 'seal' the o ring so could fail if just air.

 

[nicro3]

Compressed air is potentially more dangerous than gas do'not I repeat do'not use fittings or pipe or fittings that are not specified for ca as compressed air behaves in a completely different way to water or natural gas -cheers

 

[mark_mc]

just finished the job there now.
used galv steel pipe.
used 2" galvo as there was 10 drops in 1/2" so sized it up.
couple of drains, all drops looped from the top of the pipe and valved on each drop.
used ptfe gas tape

works brillant and is safe as chips.

i always wanted to use galv as its the best job fella just wanted to safe a few pound. as someone says you have to use galv for insurance.