Specifications

Compressed Air Systems
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In designing a compressed air system for your Customers shop, there are several factors that must be considered.
Though cost is always a factor in most designs, it cannot be the final determining factor, especially in situations where
air quality, volume and pressure are critical.
Several factors that ensure a correct air system design are as follows:
* Use a full loop piping layout.
* Run the Compressor and distribution system at high pressure. Regulate the air pressure at the point of use.
* Use a suitable size of piping (based on Compressor CFM and length of piping) to keep the total pressure
drop in the system below 1 psi.
* Always take drops from the top of the main headers.
* Join pipe lengths with tees in order that additional drops can be added easily at a later date.
* Piping material must meet all applicable provincial/state and federal codes and regulations.
As noted, determining the correct size of piping in the Customers shop is based upon the Compressors output and the
length of piping. Incorrect sizing of the piping will adversely affect the pressure or volume of air at the point of use.
Note: The size and materials used in the piping system may be governed by local Codes or Regulations.
Please consult local authorities to ensure that your system design meets with all applicable criteria.
As with the correct sizing of the compressed air piping,
the material used must also be considered. Though cost
might be a concern, correct air flow, quality, safety, and
longevity are factors that will out-weigh the initial cost.
Many types of piping can and have been used in
compressed air systems. These include (but are not
limited to) PVC, iron, galvanized iron, and copper piping.
Experience has proven that copper pipe is the best
material available to date for a compressed air system.
Though copper may also be the most expensive initially
to purchase, it is relatively easy to work with, can
withstand pressures associated with compressed air,
and is impervious to corrosion.
Though there may be newer alternative designs of piping
available on the market, copper piping is to this point the
most commonly used
Unit
HorsePower
0’-100’ 100’-200’ 200’+
Length of Piping
1/3 HP
½ HP
¾ HP
1 HP
1-½ HP
2 HP
3 HP
5 HP
7-½ HP
10 HP
15 HP
25 HP
30 HP
1/4”
1/4”
1/2”
1/2”
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
1”
1”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1/4”
1/4”
1/2”
1/2”
3/4”
3/4”
1”
1”
1-1/4”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
1/4”
1/4”
1/2”
1/2”
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
3/4”
1”
1-1/4”
1-1/4”
1-1/2”
1-1/2”
Correct Pipe Sizing.
Piping Material.
On-Site Electrics
Is there a ‘rhyme or reason’ to a system design ?
Compressed Air Systems
Information Bulletin IFB-01
March ‘07
For Sales & Service contact:
CENTRAIR Air Systems & Supplies 705-722-5747 [e-mail] www.centrair.ca