On Mar 10, 2:57*pm, Richard J Kinch wrote:
rigger writes:
If you use copper or iron pipe you will find you can run your line
pressure up to 160# or above. *Even though you may not want
or need the high pressure at your nozzles (etc.) you will find
your compressor will be starting and stopping 1/2 as much or
less which will extend the life of your compressor motor and
starting/running gear.

This is an utter waste of power. *Use the minimum tank and line pressure
needed to achieve the pressure, volume, and regulation needed at the
tool(s).

Regulating 160 to 90 at the tool turns (160-90)/160 = 44 percent of the
compressor's power into waste heat.

The cost of a compressor is mostly in the electric power input, not the
capital cost of the unit, so this "extending the life" with higher tank and
line pressures is false economy.

Think of your air system as a battery. When it pumps up to (a charge)
of 160# and turns off nothing is lost.

When you use part of the charge for air motors, etc. you only use
the portion going through your device. Nothing is lost.

Perhaps you're thinking of a system that pumps to a reservior past
a pressure relief valve to a hydraulic tank; an air system doesn't
work this way.

dennis
in nca