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DIY Series ~ Tools: Air-compressor & Piping Installation

 
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Sanctifier
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 1794
Location: Good question!

PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 9:44 am    Post subject: DIY Series ~ Tools: Air-compressor & Piping Installation Reply with quote

DIY Series ~ Tools: Air-compressor & Piping Installation:
As the title says this is an ongoing thread with Tips, diagrams and pix of Air-compressors,
Air-piping systems, Compressor accessories and Installation issues...
For those who use air-tools, let's see pix of your compressors... DIY home-built units especially welcome!
Sanctifier wrote:
Sophistacated, EXPENSIVE air-compressors are NOT needed for smaller budgets...
Portable single-stage units with reasonable flow (cfm) are fine for single-tool, "Do It Yourself" use...

Here's a great DIY Project to get DRY air from a PORTABLE Air-compressor...
Quote:
Link--> Intercooled air compressor

When your air-supply requirements go beyond portable units, here are some things to keep in mind...
Link--> Air Compressor Piping Diagrams and Tips.
Keith Dickson - OLDSmobility.com wrote:
Air Compressor Piping Rules Of Thumb:

After leaving the air compressor, air line pipe goes straight up the shop wall as high as possible.
This helps minimize any water from leaving the compressor and traveling through the pipe.

Slope main lines at least four inches (10 cm) per 50 feet (12.7 m) of pipe away from air compressor so
that condensate travels with the flow of air and away from the compressor.
As warm air leaves the compressor, it cools and thereby condenses as it travels through the pipe.

This water vapor, a problem in itself, can also cause scaling and rusting inside the piping.
Install drop legs for condensate removal.

The first air drop should be at least 25 ft. (6.4 m) from the compressor although 50 feet (12.7 m) is optimum.
This allows the compressed air to cool to room temperature so any condensation can occur before it gets
into the water separator.

Take-off comes from the top of the main air supply line at each air drop.
This reduces the risk of water and other contaminants from traveling down the drop into the water separator.

Use carbon steel pipe as discharge pipe material. Never use PVC or ABS. (PVC is easy to work
with, but will not allow the hot air to cool quickly enough to condense the water in the compressed air.
Also, in case of a compressor regulator failure, if the PSI inside the line were to go above the rated
safety capacity, the plastic pipe won't just split, but will actually explode, producing razor-sharp projectiles
which are sure to damage property and person.)

Consider using Schedule 40 black iron, galvanized, copper, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum.

Size the pipe for maximum CFM required. This will equal full load production plus future expansion plans.
(See chart below)

Choosing the correct size of air-pipe:

Air-piping Installation Tips:


This is a straightforward "Stage 1" system for a DIY Home Workshop that anyone can install...


Here's a "Stage 2" Air-system for the more developed DIY Workshop...


A more developed "Stage 3" air system for the advanced DIY Workshop:


Now let's see your air-compressor pix and hear your comments please...

My $0.02�
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Sanctifier
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 1794
Location: Good question!

PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here are a few SAFETY TIPS from Garage-Pak.
Garage-Pak wrote:
While compressed air is quite handy in a work area, it can be dangerous if not used properly.

COMPRESSED AIR PIPING PRECAUTIONS:
Quote:
1. A blast of air under 40 psi from 4 inches away can rupture an eardrum or cause brain damage.
2. As little as 12 p.s.i can pop an eyeball from its socket.
3. Air can enter the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and inflate and rupture the intestines.
4. Directed at the mouth, compressed air can rupture the lungs.

AIR-SUPPLY SAFETY GUIDELINES:
Quote:
The following guidelines will reduce the risk of injury when using compressed air piping systems:
1. Examine all hoses and connections to see that they are in good condition before turning the pressure on.
2. Never point the air hose nozzle at any part of your body or at any other person.
3. Never look into the end of a compressed air device.
4. NO HORSEPLAY WITH AIR HOSE.
5. Never kink the hose to stop airflow - turn it off at the control valve.
6. When using air for cleaning, make sure the pressure is no higher than 30 p.s.i.
7. Always wear eye protection when using compressed air.

Link--> Compressed Air Piping System Precautions.

Their $0.10�
Sanctifier wrote:
REMEMBER: It's a TOOL... not a TOY, damn it!
Don't fool around with it and hurt yourself... or someone else!

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