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Author Topic: Pex for central compressor system?  (Read 24172 times)

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Offline Carquest

  • Posts: 35
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #30 on: September 01, 2016, 02:07 PM »
Where did you buy the transair from? Curious at how much it is per lenght
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Online Cheese

  • Posts: 9648
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #31 on: September 01, 2016, 03:51 PM »
Quote from: Carquest on September 01, 2016, 02:07 PM
Where did you buy the transair from? Curious at how much it is per lenght

Transair is really nice, and for a commercial business it makes sense because it's fast to hang & assemble. We hung some 7/8" tubing in an Engineering Model Shop and it worked out well. The cost was about $6 per foot for the 7/8" tubing and the fittings were in the $20-$30 range each. It's not cheap but it is quick.
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Offline SouthRider

  • Posts: 215
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #32 on: September 01, 2016, 09:13 PM »
I installed about 150' of 3/4 rapidair maxline in my shop last year and loved it. Bought 2  kits instead of ala carte and saved quite a bit (they helped me design the layout for my shop and encouraged me to save money buying from Amazon).

Was about the same cost as buying black pipe, and a whole lot easier - plus it DOES NOT LEAK DOWN.

No gluing, soldering, or threading. Uses split ring stainless ferrules that are re-usable. Has a ball valve water release for every drop.

In my research everything that I read says that pvc can (and has been) deadly for compressed air. When Iprice black & galvanized pipe it was high, and copper has to be higher when you factor in fittings.

And if you really don't want the system to leak you need these fittings:

https://www.amazon.com/Prevost-PRVISC061201-Coupler-Safety-Style/dp/B0051XBZTQ/ref=sr_1_14?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1472778715&sr=1-14&refinements=p_4%3APrevost

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"We, the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, that we are now qualified to do almost anything, with nothing at all."

Offline neilc

  • Posts: 3072
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #33 on: September 01, 2016, 09:40 PM »
Check out RapidAirproducts.com - They offer a pex-type product that comes in rolls with plastic exterior and aluminum interior.  Easy to install and relatively inexpensive versus the alternatives. 

I just did a 50x75 farm shop using all copper around the entire perimeter, but did use the drops and air manifolds from RapidAir Products and was really impressed with their product and service.
« Last Edit: September 01, 2016, 09:58 PM by neilc »
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Offline Carquest

  • Posts: 35
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #34 on: September 02, 2016, 11:39 AM »
wow, rapid air seems to be exactly what I'm looking for, and quite a bit cheaper than trans-air. Thanks for the heads up. Many people on reviews complain about trying to get the coiled line to straighten out, did you guys have any problems? If so, any tips?
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Offline leakyroof

  • Posts: 2382
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #35 on: September 02, 2016, 02:51 PM »
I'm like Darcy, I prefer Black Iron Pipe. However, I have had Chinese made fittings shatter on me like a grenade, so even iron and steel can go wrong on you.
 Plus 1 on never using PVC as a piping method for Compressed Air. I've seen the Shrapnel pictures of blown systems afterwards, right through drywall... [eek] [eek]
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Offline Carquest

  • Posts: 35
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #36 on: September 02, 2016, 02:57 PM »
Well, I did mine in pvc about fifteen years ago, because that was the easiest and cheapest way. Many of my customers have done this also, with no issues that I am aware of, but now I would like to re-do mine the right way, so I won't have any issues from here on out.
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Offline Bill Waters

  • Posts: 10
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #37 on: November 25, 2016, 08:26 PM »
Hi, Jeff 2413;

I guess I'm late in responding to this.  I use PEX in my 4 shops (woodworking, blacksmithing, auto/metal fab and general purpose/barn shop.  I have had great results running PEX at reasonable pressures (<120 psi).  I use brass and copper connections.

The reason I felt comfortable using PEX is that, unlike hard PVC, it does not shatter.  In tests done with it in water applications, it tends to fail in a progressive fashion and in a tearing, rather than fracturing manner.  I have not seen tests done on the copper and brass connectors, but know that their failure pressures are quite high.

I use many pneumatic hose reels and, in that application, the PEX provides the flexibility of a lead-in hose. 

It's inexpensive and seems to last indefinitely.  It's also easy to install and configure.

I have found no downside; what's not to like?  This is, of course, only my personal view and experience.

Bill
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Offline Jeff2413

  • Posts: 72
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #38 on: November 26, 2016, 07:15 AM »
Bill I'm with you.  I know several people that have used it with great results.  I'm not one to get hung up on specs and technical findings rather more interested in "does it work safely?"  I haven't done anything yet to centralize my air but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna use PEX when I do.  For now I have made an iron leg with 4 valves outlets which run my wide belt sander, 2 air assisted sprayers and one blow hose that can also be used for the cup gun. 

Thanks for your input and hope you are enjoying this holiday season!
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Offline Vartz04

  • Posts: 22
Re: Pex for central compressor system?
« Reply #39 on: November 26, 2016, 01:11 PM »
I used Pex in our old warehouse at work. Just 3 drops. Held up fine for the 4 years we were there.
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