[TheForge] PVC for compressed air (A little OT -- a mini-scale saber saw?)

[Larry Ruebush]

There is a type of PVC pipe that is made for use with compressed air. I 
forget what it is called, but I believe it is green colored. A couple of 
years ago, the local Pioneer Seed Plant did some remodeling and used it. 
Pioneer is a division of DuPont  and is a very safety nut. I am sure if it 
wasn't very safe to use, they won't. I asked them about it when they 
installed it and was told that  that type was safe.
Larry Ruebush
west central IL
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul N" <crosspein at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 7:33 AM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] PVC for compressed air (A little OT -- a mini-scale 
saber saw?)


> I'd be cautious about using PVC for compressed air. For years, there
> have been debates about the danger, and I pretty much disregarded them.
> Then about 10 years ago, I gave in and decided to replace it with type
> "L" copper. Type L is what is recommended for compressed air. Many of
> the big box stores carry it, in addition to the cheaper Type "M", which
> is what is used for the most common plumbing.
>
> The danger of PVC is similar to what is currently in the news for the
> Boeing 737's. The constant flexing from the pressurization and
> depressurization work hardens it over timee and makes it brittle. Then
> it cracks and fails catastrophically, often sending plastic shrapnel in
> all directions.
>