Arvid Jedlicka wrote:
> they had large copper lines running from the head
> of the compressor to the tank, or from the head to
> the intercooler and then into the tank.
> Given the number of "don't use copper lines for
> your air distribution system" threads I've seen,
> I'm wondering how this can be a good idea. It is
> in the worst possible place - the hottest air at
> the highest pressures in the system.
Copper can be used if you use the proper copper. I've seen two types of
copper piping at the local Home Depot type stores - Type M, the typical
household copper tubing is probably not the right stuff,
you would want to use Type L (the thicker type). For air compressor
lines.
The really "don't use" for "air distribution system" is PVC piping - the
stuff will explode when it breaks. The preferred air line piping is
black pipe for it's strength, but copper is gaining in acceptance for
it's corrosion resistance and ease of installation.
As for the compressor to tank lines - well, that would seem to depend on
the diameter of the lines. I would suspect that they are rather small,
and most likely very under stressed. They may also be copper/nickel
alloy tubing (like the brake lines), and able to withstand very high
pressures...
Tim Mullen
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