IAMU Informer
Follow IAMU!
  • Informer News Feed
  • IAMU Website

Toolbox Talk - Compressed Air Systems Piping

8/31/2015

1 Comment

 
Compressed air is versatile and adaptable; it easily flows through pipes and valves, quickly filling a space. It can be compressed to higher pressures, stored as energy, and used to perform many types of work processes. Compressed air is considered a power source like gas, electricity and water, and is often referred to as the fourth utility. 12% of all industrial electricity consumption is to produce compressed air.

Pressurized air in piping, though safe and useful, can be dangerous if your system is not designed with approved components.

Thermoplastics, such as PVC, are not recommended for use in compressed air applications due to its highly crystalline structure. Under pressure, air will compress, generating a high potential energy.  Both the ANSI/CAGI B19.1, Safety Standard for Air Compressor Systems and the Compressed Air and Gas Institute’s reference book, the Compressed Air and Gas Handbook, are the recognized industry safety standards and prohibit the use of PVC piping for compressed air. OSHA has also published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) that restates the prohibition of using this material in pressurized systems.

OSHA requires that the nozzle pressure of an air gun used for cleaning purposes remain below 30 psi for all static conditions. This type of nozzle is called a pressure-reducing  safety nozzle. Ensure that ‘water hose’ clamps are never used in place of quick disconnect air couplings.
 

Picture
· Pressurized piping should be located away from passageways were vehicles or forklifts could come in contact with it but still be accessible for maintenance.

· Don’t forget to install pressure relief valves between the compressor and shut-off valves to prevent  over pressurization.

· Regard with caution and do not use unless properly trained.

Always wear the appropriate eye and hearing protection when working compressed air. Never use compressed air to clean your clothes or body.

1 Comment
Alex Trodder link
3/18/2016 02:46:33 pm

Thanks for the tip about how air guns used for cleaning purposes need to be below 30 PSI for compress air systems. I have a small wood shop in my garage, and I would love to have a compressed piping system for cleaning and some of my tools. I'll have to keep your tips in mind to make sure that it will be safe when I install it in the future.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

      Subscribe To The Informer

      You can subscribe to The Informer by adding the RSS feed to your feed reader. Or, to request to be added to our weekly email blast, provide your information below.  NOTE-you must be an IAMU member (utility, affiliate, or associate) to receive the email blast.
    Submit

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    RSS Feed

Picture

Copyright 2018 Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities