Air Compressor Plus

Can I use PVC pipe for air compressor lines?

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A compressor is a modality that increases the pressure of fluids in order to transport them from one point to another. In accordance with the use of the compressor for fluid pressure, along with multiple purposes.

For that PVC pipes are widely utilized in the construction of sewage pipes, water mains, and irrigation systems. PVC pipes are simple to set up, making them both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

So far, they are of much use but still it’s a confusion that can we use PVC pipe for air compressor lines or not? Said that, in this article we will talk about the use of PVC pipes for air compressor and further consequences meanwhile.

 

Can I use PVC pipe for air compressor lines?

Directly jumping on the questions, it’s a straight NO even though they are simple and straightforward but not the need of the air compressor. It is not advised by any of the various groups or manufacturers that we examined that you use PVC pipe for any application using compressed air as it is extremely hazardous.

Now, I can depict that you are still getting confused by all this system and mechanism, because overall it is beneficial for machines but in case of compressor it isn’t. The potential for explosion that is integral in PVC is the most important point that should be brought to your attention.

The problem is that the PVC will shatter when it bursts, leaving pieces of plastic everywhere. The use of PVC with compressed air ultimately poses a risk to one’s health and safety due to the fact that PVC is far more harsh and more durable than anything.

Getting into the depth, let me explore what it is actually? Pipes that are made up of polyvinyl chloride are frequently employed in a wide variety of contexts for the purpose of transporting liquids, most frequently water.

 

Problems associated with PVC pipes:

Because of the qualities of the material, PVC is susceptible to experiencing major loss as well as explosion. PVC pipe, unlike metal pipe, does not flex when subjected to pressure since it is not a ductile material.

It breaks apart quite easily. Explosions in PVC pipes can cause significant damage to property, as well as serious injuries and even fatalities.

With this, there are many other dangers and factors that can trigger or affect the functioning of PVC pipes with air compressors, that are given below:

 

Temperature of the PVC:

Talking about the first factor, the physical structure of PVC is damaged when it is exposed to temperatures below freezing, which makes it significantly more likely to crack or break. PVC damages when subjected to high temperatures, tensile strains, or UV light during processing, storage, and use.

In context to the temperature changes, dehydrochlorination is the process by which a polymer is degraded by serial removal of hydrogen chloride (HCl). For one thing, when it ages and the temperature drops, PVC becomes considerably more brittle, that’s a major downfall for it.

 

Sealing of the PVC:

Another major issue with PVC in general, but particularly when it comes to PVC pipes with compressed air, is that the piping can be difficult to seal properly, which can lead to a variety of issues.

A compressed air system that has been infiltrated is, at the very least, hazardous, and at worst, it could be entirely unusable. But if you have placed your compressor above the ground, it may be easier for you to fix these problems.

 

PVC Pressure Ratings: The Source of the Problem

  1. It’s also possible for pressure ratings to cause confusion. PVC pipes typically have a pressure rating of between 300 and 600 PSI. 100-125 PSI may seem like adequate pressure for a manufacturing compressed air system. This assumption, however, has a number of flaws that need to be addressed.
  2. When compressed air is passed through PVC, the joints frequently fail. This is a well-known problem. The fact that many of the polymers used for PVC piping are incompatible with the lubricants used in compressors means that failure is only a matter of time.
  3. Temperature has a significant impact on the ratings given for pressure. Plastic becomes brittle and easily breaks when it is exposed to cold temperatures.

There is also a decline in pressure ratings as temperatures rise; the pressure rating at 110 degrees Fahrenheit is approximately half of what it is for applications that are carried out at room temperature.

  1. The pressure ratings only apply to freshly manufactured material. PVC ages to the point that it gets more brittle. PVC pipe that has been in use for ten years is significantly more likely to rupture.

However, the most significant issue with tubing is the manner in which it breaks down. When a PVC pipe is over-pressurized or struck with a sharp object, it has the potential to burst, sending fragments made of plastic flying all over the place.

  1. If you are still utilizing PVC piping in your air compressor, you need to have it inspected and changed out as soon as you can. It is able to assist you with the selection of, installation of, and maintenance of your compressed air pipe.

 

Conclusion:

When a PVC pipe is used for a longer period of time, there is an increased risk of a potentially serious rupture or explosion, along with other factors that’s why experts don’t recommend using PVC pipes with air compressors for compressed air.

Although there are multiple other types of pipes on the market that you can use with your system.

Ivan Sanchez
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About Ivan Sanchez

Ivan Sanchez is a passionate blogger, traveler and certified Mechanic and moreover owns a Mechanic Shop in Norway too. He loves Painting Cars, Fixing them and a lot more. His father had a shop too where he used to sell Air Compressors, that's where Ivan learned about it and now reviewing some top-notch air compressors through this blog for you.