PVC Piping is a Disaster Waiting to Happen for Compressed Air Systems
There are very good reasons:1. The maximum temperature of most PVC pipe and fittings is 140F, and even at 110F you derate the pressure rating in half (so a pipe rated for 150 psi is now only good for 75 psi). Most small piston compressors can have air coming out 200F or higher, especially in the summer.
2. PVC becomes brittle when exposed to the oil vapor in the compressed air and UV light.
3. A PVC pipe cracking or failing at 100 psi can easily kill or injure you or your employees.
Don’t just take our word for it – here is what the pipe manufacturers themselves have to say about it:
Charlotte Pipe: Testing with or use of compressed air or gas in PVC / ABS / CPVC pipe or fittings can result in explosive failures and cause severe injury or death.
GF Harvel: “GF Harvel’s PVC and CPVC piping products are “rigid” thermoplastic materials. As a result, GF Harvel does not recommend the use of PVC or CPVC piping products for the testing, transport, or storage of compressed air or gases.
Warning! The use of rigid thermoplastic plastic piping in compressed air or gas applications can result in severe bodily injury or death.”
Don’t let cheap and easy now cost you a lot later. Don’t use PVC pipe for compressed air, and if you have it, replace it immediately.
