10
Noise Considerations
Check the State Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and/or Local Council regulations regarding acceptable noise
levels. To reduce excessive noise, use vibration isolators, relocate the compressor or construct an enclosure or baffle
walls.
Discharge Piping
All piping, fittings, air receiver tanks, and so on connected to the compressor discharge must be certified safe for the
unit’s discharge pressure and temperature. Do not use PVC plastic in the compressed air discharge line. Use pipe
thread sealant on all threads and assemble joints tightly to prevent air leaks and energy wastage.
Mainline piping used to convey air throughout a system should be sized to accommodate the maximum flow rate of the
compressor (also referred to as it’s free air delivery) in accordance with Table 1. Branch piping should be sized in a
similar manner, but the design flow rate should instead be based on the total air consumption of the tools or appliances
running off that branch. To allow for vibration and to prevent piping stresses being transmitted to the
compressor, the connection between the unit’s discharge valve and the mainline piping system should be made using a
flexible air hose or coupling.
Table 1
RECOMMENDED PIPE SIZES FOR COMPRESSED AIR LINES
LENGTH OF PIPLINE (METRES)
FLOW
L/MIN
7.5m
15m
22.5m
30m
45m
60m
75m
90m
142
½”
½”
½”
½”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
283
½”
½”
½”
¾”
¾’
¾”
¾”
¾”
425
½”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
566
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
708
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
1”
1”
1”
849
¾”
¾”
¾”
¾”
1”
1”
1”
1”
991
¾”
¾”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1132
¾”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1670
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
1”
2236
1”
1”
1”
1”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
2830
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
Air hose should be sized in accordance with Table 2, and again with consideration as to whether the hose is a
distribution line or a branch line.
Table 2
RECOMMENDED HOSE SIZES FOR COMPRESSED AIR LINES
LENGTH OF HOSE (METRES)
FLOW
L/MIN
7.5m
15m
60m
566
3/8”
3/8”
½”
849
3/8”
½”
½”
1698
½”
¾”
¾”
