Tech Tips

Minimize moisture in your air lines with metal piping

Click to Download & Print Metal Piping Diagram (PDF)

Let's talk shop ... piping that is. When we moved into our Canfield, Ohio plant, we had a shop full of air tools and needed to get set up quickly. We ran temporary rubber air hoses with 4-way crosses and quick connectors. Hoses, crosses and connectors were everywhere! Well, it wasn't long before we started having problems - air drills were failing, air rivet guns would not operate properly, and shears and other air-operated equipment were out of order more often than not. The reason for this is simple. By using long lengths of air hoses, moisture stayed in a vapor form, which passed through our water separators. It didn't matter how many water separators we had installed; moisture worked its way into our air tools, causing premature failure.

We needed to make a change fast, so we equipped our entire shop with metal piping. The result was no more burned out air tools, no more clogged air filters and fittings, and our air tools lasted for years! Moral of the story: install a proper metal piping system and you will eliminate 95% of all moisture problems for smoother-running, longer-lasting air-operated tools and equipment. Even a small shop should have metal piping installed. With our affordable "piping kits", you can install the correct piping system in your shop at a reasonable cost. Using our Metal Piping Diagram above and components available in our catalog and on our web site, you can easily handle the installation yourself!

Metal piping is the answer to moisture problems and will last for many years. Choose 1/2" or 3/4" metal pipe sizes - 1/2" pipe for up to 75 feet of horizontal pipe runs from your compressor, and 3/4" pipe for horizontal runs over 75 feet. Mount piping along the walls of your shop. Not only does the metal piping act as an "air reservoir", it also enables the moisture-laden air to cool, so the water separators can do their job. The most important feature is the use of "risers", which allow the system to draw dry air from the piping, with the water separators removing most of the remaining moisture. (Moisture condenses in the cold metal pipes and can be easily removed by the water separators.)

Use Black Iron Pipe only. We do not recommend galvanized metal pipe, as galvanization can come off the inside of the pipe, clogging separators and regulators. Do not use PVC pipe, as PVC will not help cool the air; and glued joints often separate. Avoid copper tubing, as it is easily damaged; and soldered joints can come loose under pressure (Safety Hazard).

Tip Plus Corp. makes no representation or warranty that the method of construction suggested by this drawing is suited to the particular purpose you may intend. You should, in any event, rely upon the advice of your own plumber. Tip Plus Corp., its employees, and agents disclaim any and all liability for improper installation and/or reliance upon this drawing; and Tip Plus Corp. advises that it has not held itself out as an expert in such matters.

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