Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
(OP)
Am designing an aluminium docking structure to be used by mechanics during aircraft maintenance. As they use compressed air for their pneumatic drills, one of the design requirements is to install distribution piping on the structure, which can later be connected to the main pipes (from the compressor) at the time of use.
Can someone advise me on what is the best material to use for this pipe (PVC, Steel or any other), considering that weight has to be minimal as the dock has to be pushed around the aircraft manually.
Can someone advise me on what is the best material to use for this pipe (PVC, Steel or any other), considering that weight has to be minimal as the dock has to be pushed around the aircraft manually.





RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
My advice to you is to obtain a copy of ASME B31.1 Power Piping. Recognized materials, design formula and fabrication/inspection are all addressed. This is the best way to handle piping for compressed air. Compressed air contains stored energy that can harm personnel and equipment.
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
The main pipe from the compressor line has a diameter of approx 2". Compressed air is also used for filter cleaning among other purposes. Could rubber be feasible?
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
I also forgot to mention that the main line has about 200 psi
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
Thanks for your input so far.
The pipe length is about 100" vertical and about the same horizontally. I had not checked on the safety valve setting as i didnt think it was critical to the distribution pipe selection.
If am to go for stainless steel, I tend to think that I may have a problem threading the pipe for press-in-connectors.
What do you think?
RE: Pneumatic Pipe Material selection
Check the operating pressure and max CFM required. These are required for sizing things so they work properly.
Outfits like Parker or Swagelok make just about every kind of adapter you can imagine. Very easy to go to NPT and screw on quick connectors.