Never Use Pvc
The problem with PVC is not the pressure rating, the drama stems from 4 factors:
1) It is does not expand and contract evenly, creating weak spots. This is where the risk of explosion comes in.
2) It is not UV resistant. It breaks down over time.
3) Compressor oils react with the PVC creating weak spots.
4) It is brittle. A small impact could cause an explosion.
Pressure ratings don't mean squat when you have a compressor that is blowing oil thru the PVC lines or something hits the PVC pipe and it bursts.
While it is a pain in the neck to use black iron pipe, good compressor habits eliminate the issues and should be followed using BIP, Copper or aluminum.
1) Clean dry air is the basis for any compressed air systems. Running proper filters and regulators is a must on ANY type of CA system, whether plumbed with copper, aluminum or BIP.
2) BIP will scale, and point of use filters should be used if running a sensitive piece of equipment or automation type machines. Your impact wrench or sander will not care if there is a little scale in the lines. (you do oil them before use, correct?) A point of use filter should be used if painting (regardless of how the system is plumbed)
3) Proper compressor maintenance and a properly plumbed air system goes a long way in reducing water/scale in an air system. Draining the compressor after use and having a proper Filter Regulator will make whole system work better.
Darren
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