When your company relies on compressed air to operate its machinery, you want a system that will function properly throughout the years. To accomplish your goal, you need to know more about the different piping options and layout choices that can affect the overall performance of your new system.

Pipe Material

One important aspect of a compressed air system is the pipes you decide to use. You will find several material options, many of which have their own benefits.

Steel is among the oldest material options you can use when creating a new system. The steel is durable and it can withstand higher amounts of pressure. To connect two steel pipes, you can choose to thread the ends so they screw together or you can weld them to create one solid pipe.

Another material choice is hardened plastic or PVC pipes. This material is lighter than steel and it will not corrode due to condensation that may buildup on the outside of the pipes. In most cases, the plastic piping is glued together when creating your new system.

If you prefer metal, but you do not want steel, you can choose aluminum, which is put together the same way as steel. Additionally, this option is lightweight and it is has an external coating that makes it resistant to corrosion. However, aluminum is best suited for lower air pressures, which can be a problem if your equipment requires a higher amount of air for them to work.

Layout

Aside from the pipes you need, the layout is just as important when designing a new air compressed system. You want to minimize the number of bends in the lines to create a smooth channel for the air to travel. When the layout has several lines, it will reduce the air pressure and affect how well your equipment works.

You can also run into a problem when you have several smaller lines that branch off from the main trunk line. The main trunk line is the pipe that originally receives and then sends out the compressed air to your equipment. If this pipe is too small or you have too many pipes branching out to other items, then the pressure drops and your tools become ineffective.

By creating a layout that incorporates straight lines and the right pipes, you can create a highly useful compressed air system. It is best to consult with a company that designs these systems, so they can help you understand all of your options. Once you have this information, you can then start the process of creating and installing your new air compressed system.