Compressed Air Piping

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/gas-air-systems-t_22.html

If you are designing a system for the distribution of air though out a plant I would over size the pipe though out. The volume of air the pipe will hold can be used as part of the reciever tank on your compresser.

Guest,

A good starting place would be to obtain the volumetric flow rate of your required compressed air. Then calculate the velocity of the air running through your header using V = Q/A with A being the cross-sectional area of your pipe.

Note: Ensure your Q value simulates what is running through your header and is not the Free Air Delivery (FAD) flow rating of your compressor.

The British Compressed Air Society recommends 6 m/s for compressed air flow. Anything between 6 - 9 m/s should be ok.

Oversizing of piping is good practice as previously mentioned. Depending on the quality of your air, galvanised tube is a good choice.

I hope this information is of use to you.

Farnsy