<VV> Air compressor distribution lines

[Garth Stapon]

Tim:

Great post!

Just one small addition.

Purging the pipe with nitrogen during brazing and soldering goes a LONG way by improving joint integrity.

Regards, Garth

-----Original Message-----
From: Rt66Vairs at aol.com
Sent: Oct 31, 2005 2:54 PM
To: kentsu at corvairkid.com, virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> Air compressor distribution lines

I've only been fitting pipe for 35 years or so. So my opinions on this may  
not be valid.
 
First choice for air lines... Type K Copper... You can use 95-5 solder for  
most applications.
 
Always use 95-5 solder for threaded adapters.
 
Silver Solder or SilPhos is better but don't use it on treaded adapters.  The 
additional heat 
will soften them enough that getting a good seal and it being permanent may  
be a problem. 
The copper fitting can become anealed by the additional heat  required.
 
Second choice... Type L Copper... Install in the same way as type K.
 
Third choice.... Schedule 40 iron... The copper isn't actually that much  
better but it's much 
easier to install.
 
If water in the air is a BIG problem invest in a refrigerated air dryer if  
you are doing a lot of
painting. It will make you life much easier.
 
If you are using an oil lubed compressor install oil traps and a coalescing  
filter BEFORE the
air dryer.
 
If you are only operating pneumatic tools install air drains and watch them  
and use them. You
can install timed solenoid valves that will blow these down for you  
regularly and take you're
forgetter out of the "cause of failure" loop.
 
Finally... Distribute the air at tank pressure and install regulators at  the 
points of use. A 
moisture trap at that point can be a good idea. But if have thoroughly  dried 
the air after the
tank they may not be needed.
 
Trust me on one thing... Water in our air systems is NOT our friend.
 
Don't ask me how I know this.
 
Tim Abney
IECC
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