Journal Artical - BAD IDEA!

[Richard Brekne]

Thanks Robert

I might suggest you forwarding this to the editor Bob Hohf.  It should 
be printed.

Cheers

RicB


Rob Goodale wrote:

> Journal Article - BAD IDEA!
>  
> I was reading an article in he latest PTG Journal, (March, 2004), when 
> I identified a _major_ hazardous no-no.  The article is on page 25, 
> "Finishing Pianos:  _The Jewels of the Furniture World, Part 6._
>  
> In the article it recommends using PVC pipe for plumbing your shop 
> with compressed air to a stationary compressor.  This is a subject 
> that I had already been exploring, as I am intending on plumbing my 
> shop for compressed air with multiple tap points throughout the shop.
>  
> Here is the problem:  PVC is designed for transporting non-flammable 
> liquids, i.e. water, NOT compressed air or gasses.  Under pressure PVC 
> becomes very rigid and non-flexible.  PVC plastic does not expand, it 
> explodes!  In such an event it shatters like glass sending flying 
> shards in every direction.  There have been mulitiple reports of 
> serious injury resulting from exploding PVC line being used for 
> compressed air, including the relatively low, (55-130 PSI) pressures 
> generated by common shop compressors.  It is tempting to use PVC 
> because of it's cheapness, easy installation, and high resistance to 
> corrosion.  Unfortunately it is not a wise solution.  Use copper or 
> steel pipe only, _not_ PVC!!!
>  
> The following links will take you to credible data on why not to do 
> this, (including OSHA data which forbids PVC for compressed air).
>  
> http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/LocalMirror/hib19880520.mht
> http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/KeepSafe/HazAlerts/902.ahttp://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/LocalMirror/hib19880520.mhtsp
> http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/airpiping.shtml
>  
> Rob Goodale, RPT
> Las Vegas, NV