4.05
Installation
TI008G0001
Dimensions of compressed air distribution pipings
We mention that the main causes for wastes are pipings with unsuitable diameter and losses
due to an improper setting up of the equipment or deteriorated materials.
The pipe diameter must be duly selected so as to minimize the pressure drop between the
compressor or the storage receiver and the point of use, based on the machine features, like
air delivery and working pressure.
The pressure drop is proportional to the pipe length and most losses occur during the change
of direction (curves, elbows) and in the valves.
With a pipe having the same diameter as the compressor outlet, the length should not exceed
50 m.
To make a check of one’s own equipment, “Table 1” gives the load losses, over 100 metres
straight piping, according to nominal diameters usually employed and at different air delivery
and working pressure conditions.
A perfect air distribution system should limit the pressure drop from compressor to the point of
use within few tenths of bar.
Table 1 – Load losses (bar) over 100 m straight piping
Pipe
Free Air Delivery
PRESSURE
Diameter
[m
3
/min]
[bar]
6
7
8
9
10
1”
1
0,087
0,076
0,068
0,061
0,056
2
0,315
0,275
0,245
0,220
0,200
3
0,666
0,583
0,518
0,467
0,424
4
1,134
0,993
0,883
0,795
0,722
2”
4
0,038
0,033
0,030
0,027
0,024
8
0,138
0,120
0,107
0,096
0,088
16
0,496
0,434
0,386
0,347
0,316
24
1,050
0,919
0,817
0,735
0,669
3”
8
0,019
0,017
0,015
0,013
0,011
16
0,069
0,060
0,054
0,048
0,044
32
0,248
0,217
0,193
0,174
0,158
64
0,894
0,783
0,696
0,626
0,570
4”
16
0,018
0,015
0,014
0,012
0,011
32
0,064
0,056
0,050
0,045
0,041
64
0,230
0,201
0,179
0,161
0,146
128
0,829
0,725
0,645
0,580
0,528
