Installations - Piping

Challenge: How to assure, through a proper installation, that the compressed air system delivers enough air, of good quality, at the right pressure, to the right locations.

Myth: There is only one way to install an air compressor piping system and that’s copper pipe.

Learn from us: It's well understood that compressed air is costly to manufacture. If an air compressor system is designed and installed poorly the result can be increased energy costs, equipment failure, reduced productivity and increased maintenance requirements. Money is well spent on a proper installation to combat these challenges. Of great importance, as well, is the selection of the proper material to meet the system’s requirements. No one process is right for all installations.

Hope Air Systems responds: Hope Air Systems has been overseeing the design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of compressed air systems for more than 40 years. Often, these systems have been installed in challenging environments, some of them in remote parts of the globe. But, even local auto shops or factories benefit from the commitment and experience of Hope Air System’s engineers, technicians and sales specialists when it comes to installing an air compressor system and its accessories.

Installation is easier
with quick disconnects

Aluminum piping offers
flexible layouts

Aluminum piping ideal
for industrial uses

Let's install an air compressor: Hope Air Systems will install your compressed air system giving careful consideration to the following:

air flow
pressure
air quality

With proper consideration of these requirements, the design work can begin. Proper material selection is next. Choices include:

black iron
galvanized iron
copper
stainless steel
aluminum

Hope Air System’s sales specialists, engineers and technicians have great experience in helping system operators make the right choice for their particular installation. Also, of great importance, is consideration of future expansion and what additional challenges might lay ahead.

Select the Right Piping Material
Lightweight aluminum piping systems solve a lot of the problems that compressor installers have faced over the years. Compared to black iron, stainless steel or the ever-popular copper piping, aluminum is the preferred material for modern air compressor system installations.

Another important new trend for air compressor installations is the advent of the “quick connect” systems now available. These various systems avoid the need for welding, gluing or threading. That translates into speedier installations and less cost for labor.

The various material choices represent advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration when establishing a piping solution. For example, black galvanized pipe is a traditional material for piping installations. However, it requires a threaded or welded connection performed by experienced fitters. It also tends to rust with the corrosion affecting the quality of the compressed air.

Some installers continue to recommend glued plastic pipe (PVC) because it’s lightweight and clean. However, it’s not something that Hope Air Systems recommends due to safety considerations.

Pressed or welded stainless steel is another alternative. It has the advantage of being clean, but its heavy weight and requirement of experienced fitters is a drawback.

Today, the advantages of lightweight, high-strength aluminum piping with the added benefit of quick disconnect capability is hard to beat. The product is clean, versatile, and cost-effective when overall installation planning costs are included.

Hope Air Systems has been a leader in introducing alternative piping installation systems for its customers. Whether its compressed air, vacuum or inert gases such as nitrogen, SmartPipe from Kaeser is designed to meet special performance and installation requirements. Customers have come to expect innovation from Hope Air Systems and Kaeser, so when they are offered a piping system with the performance characteristics of steel piping at the cost of plastic systems, they listen.

Advantages of Aluminum Quick Disconnect Piping
Hope Air Systems often recommends aluminum quick disconnect piping systems for its air compressor, vacuum and nitrogen generator systems. Hope Air Systems has successfully installed piping in applications including aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, electronics, engineering, food and beverage, packaging, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

Quick-connect systems are typically solid brass with a nickel-plated finish. This makes the system easy to use and install. Powder-coated aluminum pipes are light and easily handled during installation by one person. Unlike plastic piping systems (which Hope Air Systems strongly discourages) aluminum piping systems have proven reliable and durable. Some typical features include:

Fittings can be disconnected and reconnected for reuse
Leak-free connectors provide an immediate, unbreakable seal
Lightweight piping remains unaffected by contaminants

Tanks Provide Adequate Storage
While it is often overlooked, a proper tank and receiver system can contribute to improved reliability and efficiency. It is recommended that a wet tank be installed to provide a first stage of moisture separation and a dry tank downstream for true storage. Single tank systems should allow for three to five gallons of storage for every one cfm in air capacity. Wet tanks and multi-purpose tanks should include an automatic drain trap. Allowing water to build up in the tank can cause delivery and reliability problems.

Drain Traps Remove Moisture
It’s important to remove moisture but not at the expense of wasting precious compressed air. A proper drain trap will remove accumulated moisture from clean air treatment components, which contributes to efficient and reliable performance. Drain traps should be included on dryers, moisture removal filters and tanks. Capacitance-sensor actuated drains provide excellent value for the money. They open only when needed to release compressed air condensate but not valuable compressed air. In most communities it is not possible or desirable to for the moisture collected in these traps to be disposed of in municipal waste systems. Cartridge based condensate management systems provide an easy and economical solution to this problem.

Call Hope Air Systems today to get help with your SmartPipe installation or upgrade of your compressed air system.

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