Air Compressor Piping Problem

Are you talking about the air hose? If so, it may have degraded from sunlight. Try using regular compressor hose, but wrap it with some of of that black, foam rubber pipe insulation. I don't think compressor hose is necessarily UV resistant.

If you truly used hydraulic hose, that could be part of the problem too, as it is designed to carry hydraulic fluid, not air.

If you have an industrial hose place near you, they could probably make you a custom air hose for your purpose in about 15 minutes, for less than $30.

Thanks. Truly did use hydraulic hose, but is all in a shed. Will try to find a hose place, or may go to all metal pipe.

Metal piping, copper would do fine. Use a stainless braided hose as a flex coupler to absorb vibrational stresses. Does not need to be more that a foot or so in length.

There are many different types of hydraulic hose. Was yours new or had it been used in another application before being put in compressed air service? I personally have used many feet of hydraulic hose as compressed air hose in the largest commercial greenhouse in NJ with no problems. Only problem I had was with the owner who wanted to use ordinary water hose instead to reduce costs. Water hose wouldn't take the oil vapors, the temperature and would break frequently. We used Hydraulic hose because it could take the temperature, the oil vapors and the fittings were very strong and easy to install. Never had to replace one of them.

I would suggest that you invest in some neoprene rubber hose with an internal weave to handle the compressed air. It isn't costly and will accept all the things you are throwing at it. The best method would be to use a teflon insert hose with a braided metal reinforcement of appropriate size. These are similar to the newer washing machine supply hoses that are advertised as "burst proof". Not expensive in the size and length you are looking for.

Good Luck, Old Salt

If the air is regulated @ 30 PSI replace it with a copper Cheap and connections can be done with a flairing tool.

The problem may lay elsewhere? Are you using the air to a capacitance tank on the well?

The air is used to bring water out of the well into a holding tank. Not regulated pressure, but that goes up to about 65 PSI until water starts flowing from this 340' well with 4" casing, 3/4" air pipe 320' deep, then settles to about 30 PSI and pumps steadily for 3-4 hours at a time (5000 gal storage).Of course, the 3/4" galv. pipe going into the well-head gets hot, but we have 10' at the well-head of galv, then 3/4 PVC on down. Cold water flowing over the 10' piece cools that pipe, and it has worked this way for several years. But when I moved the compressor a few feet in the shed , I then used the hyd hose, new one, and it is within 1 foot of the comp as a connection for any vibration. I have had copper to break, and tho't had this fixed for all time!! . I guess we will try to locate the braided stainless type. Thanks to all for your input.

Big John Mac-

The braided stainless steel hoses are available through industrial hose suppliers who usually make them custom to your specs (size, length, matl of construction, end fittings, etc.) They are also available through McMaster-Carr and Grainger. Start your search first with the local hydraulic hose dealer-fabricator, they may have the materials in stock for them to make them. If not they should know who is the closest supplier.

Good Luck, Old Salt