Shop Air Line Systems Question

[gpcubboy]

I am getting ready to set up a shop air line system from scratch with a puma 6HP 60 gallon air compressor puts out around 12CFM. I am wanting to lines with at least 3 air drops. Running up about 12 feet up then across garage door top down about 10ft to a drop. In the center section above door putting in T to run about 40ft across shop ceiling then down about 10 for another air drop. Wondering what you guys have done for filters, dessicant dryers, lubricators, and drains. Thinking about 1/2 line or 3/4 haven't made my mind up. I will also have air drop next compressor as well. Looking to run sandblaster, plasma cutter, occasional air tools, possibly some painting, air hose for tires and blower etc. In suggestions for location of filters, dryers, lubricators, and drains. I am looking at a eastwood 2 stage filter and dessicant dryer but very pricey. Want dry air for plasma cutter and occasional painting. I am also looking at rapid air kits or max line. I looking for suggestions on any these items or what you are using for a fixed air line system in your shops. Things you would do different what you would recommend. How you insure dry air to eliminate moisture for plasma cutters, painting, and air tools. Long post sorry.

Thanks,

Chris

[Bill V in Md]

Chris,
As you know moisture in the air supply can really have an impact on sandblasting. One thing that really improved my system was the addition of a small, bowl type desiccant dryer. Prior to that I was using filter type dryers with a couple of moisture traps in the piping runs, but the air line near the nozzle plugged frequently. I picked up one from McMaster-Carr. Another thing I like about it is the desiccant can be removed, dried in an oven and re-used.

[Eugene]

Used two moisture traps. One trap on the compressor output, then plumbing through out shop and the second trap on the bench were most of the air tools would connect to. Set up works well because for a lot of uses, compressed air doesn't have to be that dry.

Desiccant dryer is currently mounted on the side of the plasma cutter cart. My thought is to keep the desiccant dryer close to the proposed use.

[Rob in NH]

check out garage journal.com. there are lots of idea's for setting up your air lines.

[Mr E]

I followed this recommendation in my shop. Went with 3/4" pipe. Well satisfied. Put a water trap where air enters shop. Also put traps at blast cabinet. The 3/4 pipe provides a bit of extra air storage.

https://www.tptools.com/tech-metal-piping.dlp

[danovercash]

I like Roy's link. We had a 60 + gallon compressor serving maintenance shop and four classrooms upstairs. Horizontal tank would collect 5+ gallons of water a week when humidity was high. Located in boiler room. Moisture would work its way back from upstairs and collect in tank, even with dryer/filter. Shocking to be under equipment with air gun and get a face full of water when you squeeze the trigger. Personal thoughts, slope pipeing back to tank. Put legs and drains on all low points. Drain everything regularly.

[outdoors4evr]

Sloping your lines and creating a "low point" is very helpful. You don't want the low point to be at your air line connector. (it can freeze up in cold weather)
Since my compressor is in the ceiling rafters, I created a low point 1/2 way down the length of the pipe. All pipes flow downhill to this point. Here I put a Tee and a conveniently placed hose & a blow gun/nozzle. Condensation ends up here and is blown out with the nozzle.

It is very important to empty all of the condensation from the tank and lines prior to winter's freezing temperatures. Water separators are also nice, but must be able to handle the volume of air you are planning to consume. Sometimes it is nice to put a bypass pipe around the water separator with a valve for high CFM (volume) tools.

For painting, the importance of dry air cannot be understated. Put a water separator after your hard line and before your soft hose. Use another small filter attached to your spray gun as well.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Follow the TP tools recommendation. Keep the water separators/ desiccants as far from the compressor, as possible. Air needs to cool, for the water vapor to separate. Drain drops frequently. Filters, close to final use points.
Ed

[Dusty B]

Ran my airlines w/Pex tubing - quick & easy! Put drain leg @ each outlet! Sharktooth fittings a snap to connect. Dusty B

[ricky racer]

Whattt!!!! No pictures??????