I'm glad I brought that up. There has been some good information posted by
several contributors.
I learned of a product called "Duratec" that seems to be an excellent
solution to the compressed air distribution problem.
I have already installed copper but will certainly keep this web site handy:

http://www.ipexinc.com/Content/EN_CA..._2_Duratec.asp

Max

Max wrote:
I'm glad I brought that up. There has been some good information posted by
several contributors.

Excellent information indeed.

I have discovered one of the errors of mine and that
is the air plumbing in the old shop is in fact ABS. My apologies.
I also read the other links that kind Wreckers have posted. I would
never even think of PVC in an industrial application. Service air
systems in my history have been driven by 100 HP rotary vane
compressors at pressures of 300 PSIG and higher. 4" lines are not
uncommon in power generation.
To be blowing craters of the dimensions stated in some of the reports,
one needs a whole lot more than a basic wood-workers' compressor.
Therefore the parallels are ridiculous.

Even though, in one of the reports it states "Gas Transmission and
Distribution Piping Systems Standard, limit the operating pressure of
plastic piping distribution systems to 100 pounds per inch (psi)",
which makes me think that PVC isn't as fragile as some think it is, it
obviously isn't worth taking a chance on PVC. I hereby retract my
careless endorsement of PVC and suggest we stick to copper, ABS or
other stuff I have never heard of before.

Lesson learned, ABS isn't PVC and you can't get anything past this
alert crew of wreckers.

Thanks for the corrections.

r

Robatoy wrote:

Even though, in one of the reports it states "Gas Transmission and
Distribution Piping Systems Standard, limit the operating pressure of
plastic piping distribution systems to 100 pounds per inch (psi)",

I believe you're also supposed to surround the plastic piping with an
enclosure of sufficient strength to withstand potential explosions.

Chris

Robatoy wrote:

I have discovered one of the errors of mine and that
is the air plumbing in the old shop is in fact ABS. My apologies.

ABS is rated for waste water service, not pressure service.

It is not affected by UV as white PVC is, but is is not solid walled
material either.

Lew

Max wrote:
....
I learned of a product called "Duratec" that seems to be an excellent
solution to the compressed air distribution problem.
....

I'll wager that is some pretty pricey stuff for the average rec'er...

(To see the pricing guide required creating a user account which I
didn't take time/effort to do, so that's only an opinion based on
observation of what the product is, of course...)

Also, from their product description I noted with interest the
following (emphasis added): "Duratec's unique composite structure
incorporates a _rigid yet flexible_ aluminum core, ..."

I'm wondering how something is rigid, yet flexible.

Max wrote:
I'm glad I brought that up. There has been some good information posted by
several contributors.
I learned of a product called "Duratec" that seems to be an excellent
solution to the compressed air distribution problem.
I have already installed copper but will certainly keep this web site handy:

http://www.ipexinc.com/Content/EN_CA..._2_Duratec.asp

Max


I had to look, Duratec is also a machinable ceramic I use at work!