HDI-03-W
Mar ‘15
- 16 -
Compressed Air System Design (cont’d)
Compressed Air Piping.
A good compressed air system not only includes the items as noted on the previous page, but it also deals with
the design of the compressed air piping system in the building. Several factors that ensure a correct air system
design are as follows:
Use a full loop piping layout whenever possible. This limits pressure losses.
Run the Compressor and distribution system at high pressure. Regulate the air pressure at the point of
use.
Use a suitable size of piping (based on Compressor CFM and length of piping) to keep the total pressure
drop in the system below 1 psi.
Always take drops from the top of the main headers.
Join pipe lengths with tees in order that additional drops can be added easily at a later date.
Piping material must meet all applicable provincial/state and federal codes and regulations.
Correct Piping Size.
As noted above, determining the correct size of
piping is based on a) the size of the Compressor and
b) the length of piping. Incorrectly sizing the piping
will adversely affect the pressure or volume of air at
the point of use.
Unit
HP
Length of Piping
0’ – 100’
100’ – 200’
200’ +
½
½”
½”
½”
1
½”
½”
½”
1-½
¾”
¾”
¾”
2
¾”
¾”
¾”
3
¾”
¾”
1”
5
¾”
¾”
1”
7-½
¾”
1”
1-¼”
10
1”
1-¼”
1-½”
15
1”
1-¼”
1-½”
25
1-¼”
1-½”
1-½”
30
1-¼”
1-½”
1-½”
Piping Material.
As with the correct sizing of the compressed air
piping, the material used must also be considered.
Though cost might be a concern, correct air flow,
quality, safety, and longevity are factors that will out-
weigh the initial cost.
Many types of piping can and have been used in
compressed air systems. These include (but are not
limited to) PVC, iron, galvanized iron, and copper
piping.
Until recently, copper pipe has proven to be the best
material available to date for a compressed air
system. There are now available piping systems
which include the piping and all necessary fittings.
These have become relatively easy to install, cost
affective, and will last for many years.
Contact your DV Systems Distributor, as DV Systems
offers Transair piping systems.
The size and materials used in the piping system may be
governed by local Codes or Regulations. Please consult local
authorities to ensure that your system design meets with all
applicable criteria.
