MAINTENANCE /
REP
AIR
TROUBLESHOOTING
OPERA
TION
ASSEMBL
Y /
INST
ALLA
TION
SAFETY /
SPECIFICA
TIONS
GETTING ST
AR
TED
9
Piping
Never use plastic (PVC) pipe for compressed air. Serious injury or death could result.
Any tube, pipe or hose connected to the unit must be able to withstand the temperature generated and
retain the pressure. All pressurized components of the air system must have a pressure rating of 200 PSI or
higher. Minimum recommended pipe size is 3/4 in. Larger diameter pipe is always better. Incorrect selection
and installation of any tube, pipe or hose could result in bursting and injury. Connect piping system to tank
using the same size fitting as the discharge port.
Minimum Pipe Size For Compressed Air Line
CFM
LENGTH OF PIPING SYSTEM
25 FEET
50 FEET
100 FEET
250 FEET
10
1/2 inch
1/2 inch
3/4 inch
3/4 inch
20
3/4 inch
3/4 inch
3/4 inch
1 inch
40
3/4 inch
1 inch
1 inch
1 inch
60
3/4 inch
1 inch
1 inch
1 inch
100
1 inch
1 inch
1 inch
1-1/4 inch
Chart 1
Installing A Shut-Off Valve
A shut-off valve should be installed on the discharge port of the
tank to control the air flow out of the tank. The valve should be
located between the tank and the piping system.
Never install a shut-off valve between the compressor pump and the tank. Personal injury and/or
equipment damage may occur. Never use reducers in discharge piping.
When creating a permanently installed system to distribute compressed air, find the total length of the
system and select pipe size from Chart 1
.
Bury underground lines below the frost line and avoid pockets
where condensation can gather and freeze.
Apply air pressure to the piping installation and make sure all joints are free from leaks BEFORE
underground lines are covered. Before putting the compressor into service, find and repair all leaks in the
piping, fittings and connections.
Figure 5
