SB-6-132-G Page 7
5 First air drop should be at least 25' from the compressor, al-
though 50' is optimum. This allows the compressed air to cool
so any condensation can occur before it gets to the air filter.
6 Shut-off valves are installed before the point of use filter. This
allows air to be shut off for filter maintenance.
7 Point-of-use filter - Strongly recommended for eliminating
any remaining contaminates. The DeVilbiss CleanAir
type air control units are most effective in providing a truly
contaminant-free air supply.
8 Drain valve - The daily draining of the system at each outlet
disposes of the contaminants that build up in the air supply.
9 Drain the compressor trap daily if equipped with a manual
drain.
Proper maintenance of the air compressor can reduce airborne con-
taminants such as particles and oils, and reduce heat and operating
cost. Check air filters, oil level and perform regular maintenance
per operators manuals.
CLEANAIR™ AIR PIPING RECOMMENDATIONS
The plumbing of your shop air lines is very important. Correct
installation is necessary for the proper performance of your equip-
ment – for an uncontaminated air supply and for sufficient pressure
to your breathing apparatus and spray gun.
Correct air line piping is so important that this one factor alone
can reduce contaminates in your air supply up to 75%. Reducing
contaminates to the filter also reduces the frequency of filter replace-
ment, maintenance, and of course reduces the risk of contaminates
to the painter and paint supply.
Even the size of the pipe is critical. Using pipe that is too small in
diameter can cause a pressure drop.
Example: If an air compressor delivers 100 psi through a 100'
pipe 1/2" in diameter, there's greater pressure drop than if a 3/4"
diameter pipe were used. The chart on the back page provides
recommended piping sizes.
AIR LINE PIPING GUIDE
1 After leaving the air compressor, the air line should go straight
up as high as possible. This helps prevent any water from
leaving the compressor and travelling through the pipe.
2 Horizontal pipes should slope back towards the compressor at
least 4" per 50'. As warm air leaves the compressor, it cools
and thereby water vapor condenses as it travels through the
pipe. This water, a problem in itself, also can cause scaling
and rust inside the piping. The backward sloping of the pipe
helps drain these contaminates back toward the compressor
drain which should be drained daily.
3 A take off should come from the top of the main air supply
line at each air drop. This reduces the risk of water and other
contaminates from traveling down the drop into the water
separator.
4 Pipe diameter must be of sufficient size for the volume of air
being passed as well as the length of pipe used. This will
minimize pressure drop. See chart.
MINIMUM PIPE SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS CHART
Compressor
Compressor
Main
Min. Pipe
Size
Capacity
Air Line
Diameter
1-1/2 & 2 HP
6 to 9 CFM
Over 50 ft.
3/4"
3 & 5 HP
12 to 20 CFM
Up to 200 ft.
3/4"
Over 200 ft.
1"
5 to 10 HP
20 to 40 CFM
Up to 100 ft.
3/4"
100 to 200 ft.
1"
Over 200 ft.
1-1/4"
10 to 15 HP
40 to 60 CFM
Up to 100 ft.
1"
100 to 200 ft.
1-1/4"
Over 200 ft.
1-1/2"
1
6
3
5
8
3
2
7
7
6
9
8
For normal
compressed
air systems
having average
amounts of
airborne con-
taminants.
Add final
drain leg for
extremely
wet/dirty air.
Add drain leg with
blow down valve at
each station when
compressed air is
extremely wet/dirty.
Figure 13 – CleanAir™ Piping
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