Traditional Methods of Piping
Iron Pipe
Iron pipe is one of the most commonly used and traditional methods of piping for compressed air systems. In fact, it’s been around for decades. Available in raw black or galvanized form, the iron pipe can be installed by any plumber, and fittings are readily available in your local hardware store, meaning it’s easily accessible. However, an iron pipe does have a few challenges. First and foremost, iron pipe (and other similar types) cannot be easily adapted. Most altercations in the piping system need to be subcontracted to a plumbing contractor rather than done in-house. Additionally, there’s the issue of corrosion. Regardless of whether your system has drying equipment, water will still enter the pipe network at some point (either because you don’t have any equipment or because your existing equipment needs replacing or repairing). Once water touches the iron piping, it begins to corrode. This can cause pressure drop due to pipe obstructions and can also lead to debris in your compressed air system, which is not only harmful to your equipment, but also to system users as it may blow into their eyes.Other Piping
If you’re looking for piping that causes less, if any debris, thereby enabling cleaner delivery from your compressed air piping system, you could use copper, stainless steel, or ABS plastic for your application. Please note that PVC should never be used in compressed air applications, per OSHA recommendations. However, similar to iron piping, these materials are not very adaptable, easy to modify, or even to install. These systems require special tools, experience and, in some circumstances, a hot work permit to install and modify. Additionally, some materials, such as stainless steel, are costly to purchase. So, is there a material that meets all of your needs?A Material Above the Rest
In the past 10 to 15 years, modular aluminium compressed air piping systems have been showing up in the market. Using modular aluminium pipes in compressed air piping systems offers many benefits, including zero corrosion, leak resistance, lightweight handling and, in some instances, in-house installation. Unlike traditional piping systems, aluminium piping is corrosion-resistant, thus eliminating the need for point-of-use filtration in most applicants.If you need more information on compressed air system piping, do not hesitate to contact All Air Compressors today!
source: fluidairedynamics