I was sold on PVC lines and drop collectors on the air lines in my last shop.. until... the temperature changed ... My mechanics were diving for cover when one of the 6" drop tanks blew off the line from the joint ... shattered in a million pieces across the hanger.. we went back with black iron pipe.... the regulated line pressure was 80 psi w schedule 80 PVC... just saying..
I probably should have added this was in Houston where the temp drop barely gets below freezing. Do not know the regulated pressure but do agree iron pipe removes this concern.
i have pretty much dismissed using pvc, though a number of guys i know have done it. i talked to the schultz factory today and their compressor is cast iron as well.
so for airlines, the choices in front of me are.....1. pvc (dismissed) 2. black iron (to heavy, i dont have a threader and it isnt that cheap anymore) 3. copper (easiet for me other than slip fit stuff), 4. blue aluminum (nice but really pricey) 5. rapid airs plastic tubing.
since i have a while, it is fun to research. there are a lot of threads on garagejournal and air lines about it.
tom
Tom, how about an automatic water discharge device like we have in the Newell?
there are different kinds. the automatic, a timer based one and the old fashioned valve.
moisture is not a huge problem here though
except for last nite
tom
While I have a 2 stage 175 psi 7.5hp vertical unit capable of something like 24cfm at 130psi, I think it's probably real over kill. While I will never wear it out, I've also already had to replace the starting capacitor due to lack of use. I'll admit, it probably only gets run once every other month or so on average and that- like our coaches- is hard on it!
Tom be sure you use a flexible line from the compressor to your air line system.. Lot of shaking going on....