All of these look to be the same manufacture http://www.rapidairproducts.com/rapidair.asp http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200367525_200367525 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_...pressors?keyword=rapidair&sLevel=0&sLevel=0|2 This one looks to be the same but in a generic box http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66747 Anyone had any experience with this stuff. I looks to be 1/2 inch OD which would be about 1/4 ID. Rapid air makes an all aluminum runner and also a hybrid aluminum/nylon hose that comes in bigger sizes for more pressure and CFM. Any thoughts. Robert
Robert, I've looked at them before but never compared each one. As soon as I get my compressor hooked up I'm going to try it myself. The rapid air one shows 1 compressor manifold and 1 compressed air outlet. The HF one shows 1 compressor manifold and 2 compressed air outlets.
It is against OSHA regulations to use compressed air in PVC pipe because it will explode like a bomb without warning. PVC can be used if it is properly encased in steel, cement, or some other approved material. http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html
that's wild...i have seen PVC used in 100's of shops/garages... the plant i worked at had a...clear plastic tubing...like that blue stuff...after about 3 years it was busting every day somewhere. i was just thinking the other day about installing PVC air lines in my shop... i wonder if CPVC would be better, it;s for...hot water. ......
I have 3/4 PVC in the upper garage and yes....if something falls and hits the hose fitting it shoots around the garage...found out one day from what I can see all of these I listed are the same. now a days in new construction they use PEX tubing to run water. I helped a friend about 10 years ago use PEX in his place and it is still there doing the job. My only concern is will this stuff give enough air flow(CFM). using one tool at a time shouldn't be an issue since that is about the size of the air hose laying on the floor. Robert
According to the link I posted only one type of plastic pipe has been approved for use with compressed air is Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), its marked on the pipe as approved for compressed air supply. Compressed liquids do not stored energy like compressed air. I too see PVC in a lot of shops...but never in the industrial world
I was wondering about CPVC as well. Maybe it wouldn't be as good as ABS, but would it be better than PVC.
CPVC would be better than PVC. PVC is mostly used for drain applications not pressure. Not sure how either would hold up to constant pressure. I never thought about using these but may give it a try.
I've seen PVC used in a few places, and wouldn't recommend it. It's also against OSHA as stated before, but who's going to check your personal house/shop?
I'm not a scientist nor do I hold a PhD...I'm just a country boy down in Georgia. But I do know CPVC is still a plastic pipe. I am using Type L 1/2" copper pipe on my system. Using metal piping will help in controlling moisture in the lines
With three full time employees, and one part time (me), OSHA doesn't come around much. But the pipe has been in there since the late 90's, and they've never had a single problem out of it. I could see why it wouldn't be a good idea in a large scale factory that OSHA would be conerned with (all the air lines are steel at Kubota), but on a small scale it works just fine. I wouldn't think twice about using it in my garage.
if you are going to put plastic pipe for compressed air cpvc is no better than pvc. as a plumber we regularly tested plastic lines with 120 lbs pressure and it held for the test length. the problem with plastic is it gets brittle in the heat and cold therefore causing blowouts. if i were to use any plastic pipe i would use schedule 80 pvc or plastic fire sprinkler pipe. these are 2x thicker and rated for pressures above 120lbs. it is FAR safer to use a metal pipe or one specifically formulated to run air. don't scrimp on safety. i've seen injuries caused by plastic pipes exploding at 120lbs due to pipe or fitting failures.
