air compressor

[puckman31]

whats the best way to supply compressed air to air actuators ? Piping = black iron, stainless , aluminum , pvc ? what do i have to do to keep the acuators clean and clear of water dirt etc ? gages, filters ?
Thanks for any help .

 

[pmover]

depends upon the quantity of air needed (i.e. cfm). some installations use seamless pipe with SST tubing/fittings (swagelok) connected to the actuator. air quality is addressed with type of air compressor (lubricated or oil-less), air driers (dessicant or refrigerated), filters, etc. depends upon the air demand. suggest that piping and tubing used for supplying instrument air to actuators be cleaned prior to installation or at least have air blown through the piping/tubing from air receiver to end connection at actuators to ensure debris is removed prior to commissioning. depending upon installation and design, gauges should be placed at air receiver (air supply) and likely at end connections (at actuators). this is up to the operator/end user. some installations have small capacity final filters at actuator to further ensure air quality.

hope this helps!
-pmover

 

[dcasto]

most places settle on galvanized pipe for the mainheader for the distribution of air. Then run the last few feet with tubing. Stainless tubing preferred. Though I've seen soft cooper used as it can be less costly to install. The use of copper versus stainless is a corrosive atmosphere question. The air should be dried and as mentioned above, the use of a filter and regulator at the end use point is most common.