Air tools benefits - and dangers!

[WingAdmin]

Here's a new video I just posted talking all about the benefits of air tools - and dangers!



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[pfatt225]

I just finished watching the video on the advantages and dangers of using air-powered tools. Although I agree with the video in that air-powered tools can provide the advantages discussed in the video, my concern is with the discussion of PVC pipe as a material for a permanent pipe distribution system. Towards the end of the video the use of PVC piping as a permanent air line is shown. The PVC piping as shown is white indicating that it was a Type 1, Grade 1, Schedule 40 PVC conforming to the requirements of ATSM D1784 which is the common type of PVC piping you find in home improvement and hardware stores (Type 1, Grade 1, Schedule 80 PVC pipe and fittings are gray). Please note, the use of this type of PVC pipe and fittings is not acceptable for compressed air, even if the heavier schedule 80 pipe and fittings are used. If you check the manufacturers' data you will find almost all manufacturer's specifically state that the type of PVC shown in the video is NOT suitable for compressed air piping systems and should not be used because of the inherent danger of using this type of PVC piping for compressed air line. The reasoning is not only the brittleness as you mention but also, especially in compressors that are oil-lubricated, the oils can chemically attack the PVC or the glue used to join the pipe and fittings and cause catastrophic failure. Also, while the PVC pipe may be adequate for higher pressure, the maximum pressure for a PVC pipe and fitting "system" is usually 100 psi at 70 deg F. At higher temperatures, the pressure limit quickly decreases. Compressing air is an adiabatic process and results in the air gaining a considerable amount of heat and unless there is an aftercooler or the compressed air is allowed to remain in the air receiver tank to "cool" to ambient temperatures, the piping system can be subjected to temperatures in excess of the temperature limit.

Several manufacturers have developed and market a type of PVC pipe, fittings, and solvent cements that have been specifically formulated for compressed air service. It is usually molded in a green color to differentiate it from the more common PVC pipe and fittings typically found in residential use and sold in retail stores.

[pfatt225]

Update: It appears that the PVC pipe and fittings for compressed air service that I mention in my previous post are no longer available. My guess is that the manufacturers who previously manufactured and marketed this class of PVC piping have stopped production as OSHA does not allow the use of PVC for air service in exposed locations.

[WingAdmin]

I just finished watching the video on the advantages and dangers of using air-powered tools. Although I agree with the video in that air-powered tools can provide the advantages discussed in the video, my concern is with the discussion of PVC pipe as a material for a permanent pipe distribution system. Towards the end of the video the use of PVC piping as a permanent air line is shown. The PVC piping as shown is white indicating that it was a Type 1, Grade 1, Schedule 40 PVC conforming to the requirements of ATSM D1784 which is the common type of PVC piping you find in home improvement and hardware stores (Type 1, Grade 1, Schedule 80 PVC pipe and fittings are gray). Please note, the use of this type of PVC pipe and fittings is not acceptable for compressed air, even if the heavier schedule 80 pipe and fittings are used. If you check the manufacturers' data you will find almost all manufacturer's specifically state that the type of PVC shown in the video is NOT suitable for compressed air piping systems and should not be used because of the inherent danger of using this type of PVC piping for compressed air line. The reasoning is not only the brittleness as you mention but also, especially in compressors that are oil-lubricated, the oils can chemically attack the PVC or the glue used to join the pipe and fittings and cause catastrophic failure. Also, while the PVC pipe may be adequate for higher pressure, the maximum pressure for a PVC pipe and fitting "system" is usually 100 psi at 70 deg F. At higher temperatures, the pressure limit quickly decreases. Compressing air is an adiabatic process and results in the air gaining a considerable amount of heat and unless there is an aftercooler or the compressed air is allowed to remain in the air receiver tank to "cool" to ambient temperatures, the piping system can be subjected to temperatures in excess of the temperature limit.

Several manufacturers have developed and market a type of PVC pipe, fittings, and solvent cements that have been specifically formulated for compressed air service. It is usually molded in a green color to differentiate it from the more common PVC pipe and fittings typically found in residential use and sold in retail stores.

Excellent comments. I don't know if it came across in the video well, but I was not endorsing the use of PVC for air delivery, but rather mentioning some of the dangers about it. It's not something I would use myself, but I have seen it used in many shops before. I always thought the use of PVC was dangerous for this.