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MG6-OLVERT-3B Rev. 2 6/27/00
Piping
Plastic or PVC pipe is not designed for use with
compressed air. Regardless of its indicated pressure
rating, plastic pipe can burst from air pressure. Use
only metal pipe for air distribution lines.
Note
Where a remote air intake is used, enlarge the size of the
air intake piping by one pipe size for each 10 feet of
length.
A typical compressed air distribution system as shown on this
page should be of sufficient pipe size to keep the pressure drop
between the supply and point of use to a minimum. All pipes and
fittings used must be certified safe for the pressures involved.
Pipe thread lubricant must be used on all male pipe threads, and
all joints are to be made up tight, since small leaks in the piping
system are the largest single cause of high operating costs.
All piping should be sloped to an accessible drain point and all
outlets should be taken from the top of the main distribution air
line so that moisture cannot enter the outlet.
The main distribution air line should not be smaller than the air
compressor discharge valve outlet. A smaller line will restrict the
flow of air. If piping is over 100 feet long, or if required air flow
will exceed 15 SCFM, use 3/4" piping.
INSTALLATION (cont'd)
Note
For underground installation, bury air lines below
the frost line and avoid pockets where condensation
can gather and freeze. Apply pressure before
underground lines are covered to make sure all pipe
joints are free from leaks.
It is recommended that a flexible coupling be installed between
the air discharge valve outlet and main air distribution line to
allow for vibration.
To remove dirt, oil, and water, install a separator in the main
distribution line. Install separator 5 to 6 feet from air compressor
to allow the air to cool to room temperature before passing
through the separator. Additional separators or filters may be
used depending on the application.
Liquid water occurs naturally in air lines as a result of compression.
Moisture vapor in ambient air is concentrated when pressurized
and condenses when cooled in downstream air piping.
Compressed air dryers reduce the water vapor concentration
and prevent liquid water formation in compressed air lines.
Dryers are a necessary companion to filters, aftercoolers, and
automatic drains for improving the productivity of compressed
air systems.
Water and water vapor removal increases the efficiency of air
operated equipment, reduces contamination and rusting,
increases the service life of pneumatic equipment and tools,
prevents air line freeze-ups, and reduces product rejects. The
use of dryers, aftercoolers, and filters are recommended when
these moisture related problems are reported to our factory or
distributor service department.
Typical Compressed Air Distribution System