[Shop-talk] Air Hose Reel Rec

[Scott]

I'm torn on this subject. On the one hand, yes, why would you ever use 
PVC when you could use anything else, and I've heard of PVC grenade-ing 
with awful results.

On the other, I've had a compressed air PVC line explode literally right 
above my head, and aside from the noise, it was no big deal.

I'd never recommend PVC lines, but I've spent a lot of time around them. 
The one time one blew, it didn't spray the room with lethal shards.

Scott

On 2/18/2015 5:01 PM, David Hillman wrote:
> On Wed, 18 Feb 2015, Brian Kennedy wrote:
>> I have a friend resto moding a '57 Ford in his first class 
>> restoration garage
>> nee dairy barn. Much to my surprise, he uses the white plastic pipe 
>> to run air
>> from his industrial sized compressor all over the place. He said it's 
>> been in
>> place for about 25 years and he's had only one leak. Next time I'm 
>> by, I'll
>> look at how he does retractable hoses if he does.
>
>    You might want to tell him to rip that pipe out, while you are 
> there. It is lethal when it blows, which it will do, eventually. I'd 
> wear a helmet when I visit, if I were you.
>
> "Dear Mr. Cannova:
>
> In response to your recent inquiry concerning our regulatory position 
> on the use of plastic pipe for compressed air systems, I trust this 
> letter will clear up any confusion over the issue.
>
> It is our position that PVC pipe shall not be used as a means of 
> transporting compressed air. This position follows the manufacturer's 
> own statements that PVC is unsuitable for compressed air systems. We 
> do allow the use of certain ABS materials that are specifically 
> designed for compressed air systems. One such product is "Duraplus" 
> air line piping system ABS pipe. However, as in any such system, the 
> manufacturer's specifications on acceptable pressure and temperature 
> considerations must be followed.
>
> In closing, misapplication of a product, such as using PVC for 
> compressed air systems, may result in citations and penalties being 
> issued dependent upon the specific conditions."
> - https://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19880520.html