In a message dated 22/03/04 11:48:14 PM, cmpiano@comcast.net writes: << but my caution is that each clamp along the wall or ceiling will create a loop allowing moisture to collect. >> This is in regard to 'air hose' runs..............In theory this is correct but as usual theory and reality don't needfully always conincide. :-) A well designed air system has at least two moisture traps....one placed close to the compessor and one placed at the working end termination. These traps will sufficiently remove any moisture which is trapped in the supply line. As with any material used for air line 'air hose' should be installed such that a drain direction is well established...taking any "loops" into account of course. << The rigid copper tubing should be installed with about 1/4 inch per foot drop. Each low spot can be fitted with a drain. Moisture then will be expelled. A compressor running continuously will heat the air and hot air will carry moisture through the traps. >> Unfortunately copper tubing creates its own moisture/condensation droplets as the air entrained/moving heats up and cools down and thus a copper system requires more in the way of moisture traps than any other piping system that I am aware of. Copper is a terrific conducter of heat/cold and thus is always either heating or cooling the air as it passes through the line. Of course you could insulate the lines but that just raises the cost higher. A well designed copper system is great ..........but the cost of such is the highest of any of the options. In my opinion the best air system has black pipe for the runs....second best, plain galvanized pipe......third best, copper well insulated.......last choice would be air hose. That being said my air system is constructed of air hose. :-) I have two runs of aprox 30 feet each with a rise from the compessor of aprox three feet to a system of two regulators and moisture trap....I have a regulator and a moisture trap at the working end that is used for spraying. This sytem has worked f aithfully, and without moisture problems, for many years. With any system attention paid to draining air tanks and moisture traps on a regular basis is a must. PVC......... With PVC there is a possibility, as has been mentioned, of "catastrophic failure" and this is true but.........failure of PVC can be addressed at its most common cause....that being sunlight caused brittleness. PVC installed should be painted ,completely, to stop this UV caused deterioration. PVC has another very undesirable cahracteristic and that would be the creation of 'static electricity' caused by air movement within the lines. This can be very dangerous. This can be ameliorated by a good grounding system completely sepearate from any electrical circuit grounding system. That being said the PVC air supply system would be my very 'last' choice and only used as a matter of short term neccessity. I know that there are advocates of the PVC sytems but due to the brittling and static problems I choose not to use the stuff.............. My thoughts. JIm Bryant (FL)
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC