<VV> Air compressor distribution lines

[JVHRoberts at aol.com]

The silver solder I am talking about is sold in HVAC stores. Not  
particularly high melting point, but FAR stronger than ANY plumbing solder. Make  sure 
you use the right flux. That's what I used, and my system is plumbed with  7/8" 
refrigeration tubing and fittings. Light, easy to run, flexible, perfect.  And 
given that the head pressure on a heat pump can hit 300 PSI, I am not  
worried about anything coming apart. 
 
 
In a message dated 10/31/2005 5:55:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
Rt66Vairs at aol.com writes:

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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