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SECTION 15481 - COMPRESSED-AIR PIPING
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 SUMMARY
A. This Section includes piping and specialties for building compressed-air systems operating
at 1380 kPa and less.
B. Related Sections include the following:
1. Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods" for piping and
specialty labels.
2. Division 15 Section "Mechanical Identification" for piping and specialty labels.
3. Division 15 Section "Compressed-Air Equipment" for air compressors, dryers, and
accessories.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
A. Low-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping," for
piping operating at pressure of 860 kPa or less and at temperature of 93.3 deg. C or less.
B. Medium-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping," for piping
operating at pressure between 860 and 1380 kPa, or at temperature of more than
93.3 deg. C.
Working presssure for our system is 9 bar
C. High-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping," for piping
operating at pressure greater than 1380 kPa.
D. HDPE: High-density polyethylene.
E. PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Coordination Drawings: For compressed-air equipment and piping, including relationship
to other services that serve same work areas.
1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Provide listing/approval stamp, label, or other marking on equipment made to specified
standards.
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B. Listing and Labeling: Provide equipment and accessories specified in this Section that are
listed and labeled.
1. Terms "Listed" and "Labeled": As defined in NFPA 70, Article 100.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 PIPING, GENERAL
A. ASME Code Compliance: Provide compressed-air piping components complying with
ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping."
B. ASME Code Compliance: Provide compressed-air piping components complying with the
following:
1. Low-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping."
2. Medium-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping."
3. High-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping."
2.2 PIPES AND TUBES
A. Steel Pipe: ASTM A 53, Type E, Electric-Resistance Welded or Type S, Seamless,
Grade B, Schedule 40, hot dipped, zinc coated.
B. Light-Wall Steel Pipe: ASTM A 135, Schedule 5, with plain ends and zinc-plated finish.
C. Stainless-Steel Pipe: ASTM A 312M , Schedule 5, with plain ends.
D. Copper Tube: ASTM B 88M, Type B , Seamless, water tube, hard-drawn temper.
E. HDPE Plastic Pipe: Made of ASTM D 1248, HDPE resin to provide shatter-resistant pipe
for compressed-air service. Pipe is dark blue and includes standard dimensions that provide
approximately same OD as ASTM D 3035.
2.3 PIPE AND TUBE FITTINGS
A. Malleable-Iron Pipe Fittings: ASME B16.3, Class 150, threaded, plain or galvanized.
B. Malleable-Iron Pipe Unions: ASME B16.39, Class 150, threaded.
C. Cast-Iron Pipe Flanges: ASME B16.1, Classes 125 and 250.
D. Wrought-Steel Pipe Fittings: ASME B16.9, Schedule 40, butt welding.
E. Forged-Steel Pipe Fittings: ASME B16.11, socket type.
F. Steel Pipe Flanges: ASME B16.5, Classes 150 and 300, carbon steel.
G. Ferrous, Grooved-End Pipe Fittings: ASTM A 47M, malleable iron; ASTM A 106, steel; or
ASTM A 536, ductile-iron, galvanized fittings with grooves or shoulders designed to accept
grooved-end couplings.
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H. Steel, Press-Seal Fittings: With fluorocarbon-elastomer, O-ring end seals.
I. Stainless-Steel, Grooved-End Pipe Fittings: ASTM A 403M, Schedule 5 or 10, with
grooved ends.
J. Stainless-Steel, Press-Seal Fittings: With fluorocarbon-elastomer, O-ring end seals.
K. Copper-Tube Fittings: ASME B16.22, wrought-copper or copper-alloy, solder-joint,
pressure type.
L. Bronze-Tube Flanges: ASME B16.24, Classes 150 and 300.
M. Grooved-End, Copper-Tube Fittings: ASTM B 75M, seamless copper tube and
ASTM B 584 bronze castings.
N. Transition Fittings: Type, material, and end connections to match piping being joined.
O. HDPE Plastic Pipe Fittings: Made of ASTM D 1248, HDPE resin for compressed-air
service. Pipe fittings are dark blue and include standard dimensions that provide
approximately same OD as ASTM D 3035. Transition fittings have threaded end for
connection to metal piping.
2.4 JOINING MATERIALS
A. Refer to Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods" for joining
materials not in this Section.
B. Fusion-Welding Materials for HDPE Piping: Made or recommended by pipe and fitting
manufacturer for HDPE compressed-air service.
2.5 VALVES
A. General-Duty Valves: Refer to Division 15 Section "Valves" for compressed-air-service
valves not specified in this Section and for valves for other fluids.
B. Special-Duty, Compressed-Air Valves: Include PTFE seats and comply with the following:
1. Ball Valves, 2-Inch NPS (DN50) and Smaller: MSS SP-110; 2-piece bronze body
with blowout-proof stem; regular or full port; chrome-plated, solid-brass or -bronze
ball; threaded ends; and 4140 kPa minimum water, oil, gas (WOG) pressure rating.
2. Butterfly Valves, DN65 and Larger: MSS SP-67; Type I (bubble tight); single-flange
(lug-type), cast-iron body with ductile-iron disc, and 1380-kPa minimum WOG
pressure rating.
3. Check Valves, DN50 and Smaller: MSS SP-80; Type 4 or nonstandard T-pattern,
swing check; Class 125, bronze body with composition-to-metal seat and threaded
ends.
4. Check Valves, DN65 and Larger: MSS SP-71, Type II full-waterway or Type IV
clear-waterway, cast-iron body with composition-to-metal seat and flanged ends.
5. Globe Valves, DN50 and Smaller: MSS SP-80, Class 125, Type 2, bronze body with
composition-to-metal seat and threaded ends.
6. Plastic Valves: Made of same material as plastic piping system and suitable for
compressed-air service. Comply with the following:
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a. HDPE Valves, DN80 and Smaller: Dark blue, ball valves with union, fusion-
welding-type ends; fusion-welding-type ends with separate unions; or flanged
ends and dark-blue color. Provide metal compressed-air-service valves,
instead of HDPE valves, for sizes larger than DN80.
2.6 SPECIALTIES
A. Safety Valves: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, "Pressure Vessels"
construction, National Board certified, labeled, and factory sealed; constructed of bronze
body with poppet safety valve for compressed-air service.
1. Pressure Settings: Higher than discharge pressure and same or lower than receiver
pressure rating.
B. Pressure Regulators: Bronze body, direct acting, spring loaded manual pressure-setting
adjustment, and rated for 1725 kPa inlet pressure, except where otherwise indicated.
1. Type: Diaphragm operated.
2. Type: Pilot operated.
C. Pressure Regulators: Aluminum alloy or plastic body, diaphragm operated, direct acting,
spring loaded, manual pressure-setting adjustment, and rated for 1725-kPa inlet pressure,
except where otherwise indicated.
D. Air-Line Lubricators: Sizes and capacities indicated; equip with drip chamber and sight
dome for observing oil drop entering air stream; with oil-feed adjustment screw and quick-
release collar for easy bowl removal.
1. Provide with automatic feed device for supplying oil to lubricator.
E. Filters: 2-stage, mechanical-separation type, air-line filters in sizes and ratings indicated.
Equip with deflector plates; resin-impregnated-ribbon-type filters with edge filtration, 40
micron thick; and drain cock.
F. Coalescing Filters: Capacities and types indicated. Equip with activated carbon capable of
removing water and oil aerosols, with color-change dye to indicate when carbon is saturated
and warning light to indicate when selected maximum pressure drop has been exceeded.
G. Automatic Drain Valves: Corrosion-resistant metal body and internal parts, rated for 1380-
kPa minimum working pressure, capable of automatic discharge of collected condensate.
H. Hose, Clamps, and Couplings: Provide compatible hose, hose clamps, and hose couplings,
suitable for compressed-air service, of nominal diameter, and rated for 2070 kPa minimum
working pressure, except where otherwise indicated.
1. Quick Connect/Disconnect Hose Couplings: One-way, automatic shutoff, brass
body, with O-ring or gasket seal, and stainless-steel or nickel-plated steel operating
parts. Select socket end with threaded inlet that is considered the fixed end and has
one-way valve.
a. Plug End: Flow-sensor bleeder, check-valve type, with serrated outlet for
hose.
b. Plug End: Straight-through type, with serrated outlet for hose.
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2. Quick Connect/Disconnect Hose Couplings: Straight through, brass body, with
stainless-steel or nickel-plated steel operating parts. Select socket end with O-ring or
gasket seal and without valve. Select socket and plug ends with serrated outlet for
hose.
3. Hose Couplings: 2-piece, threaded, brass or stainless steel, O-ring or gasket seal,
swivel coupling, with serrated ends, 2070 kPa minimum working pressure.
4. Hose Adapter Couplings: One-piece, brass or stainless-steel fitting, with serrated
ends.
5. Hose: Reinforced, single- or double-braid, neoprene-covered hose for compressed-air
service.
6. Hose Clamps: Stainless steel, clamps, bands, or wire.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 PIPING APPLICATIONS
A. ASME Code Compliance: Provide compressed-air piping components complying with
ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping".
B. ASME Code Compliance: Provide compressed-air piping components complying with the
following:
1. Low-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping".
2. Medium-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping".
3. High-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping: ASME B31.1, "Power Piping".
C. Install flanges, unions, transition and special fittings, and valves with pressure ratings same
or higher than system pressure rating used in applications below, except where otherwise
specified.
D. Use metal compressed-air piping between air compressors and air receivers. Using plastic
piping for this application is prohibited.
E. Low-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping between Compressors and Receivers: Use the
following:
1. DN50 and Smaller: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
2. DN50 and Smaller: Stainless-steel pipe; stainless-steel, grooved-end fittings;
stainless-steel couplings; and coupled joints.
3. DN50 and Smaller: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, bronze-tube flanges and
brazed joints.
4. DN65 to DN100: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
5. DN65 to DN100: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, bronze-tube flanges, and brazed
joints.
6. DN125 to DN300: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
7. DN125 to DN200: Copper tube with rolled-grooved ends; grooved-end tube fittings;
mechanical couplings for grooved-end copper tube; and coupled joints.
F. Medium-Pressure, Compressed-Air Piping between Compressors and Receivers: Use the
following:
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1. DN40 and Smaller: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
2. DN40 and Smaller: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, Class 300 bronze-tube flanges,
and brazed and flanged joints.
3. DN50 to DN100: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
4. DN50 to DN100: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, Class 300 bronze-tube flanges,
and brazed and flanged joints.
5. DN125 and Larger: Galvanized steel pipe with grooved ends; grooved-end pipe
fittings; mechanical couplings for grooved-end steel pipe; and coupled joints.
G. Low-Pressure, Compressed-Air, Distribution Piping: Use the following:
1. DN50 and Smaller: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
2. DN50 and Smaller: Light-wall steel pipe; steel press-seal fittings; and press-sealed
joints.
3. DN50 and Smaller: Stainless-steel pipe; stainless-steel, press-seal fittings; and press-
sealed joints.
4. DN50 and Smaller: Stainless-steel pipe; stainless-steel, grooved-end fittings;
stainless-steel couplings; and coupled joints.
5. DN50 and Smaller: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, bronze-tube flanges, and
soldered joints.
6. DN50 and Smaller: HDPE pipe; HDPE pipe fittings; and fusion joints.
7. DN65 to DN100: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
8. DN65 to DN100: Galvanized steel pipe with grooved ends; grooved-end pipe
fittings; mechanical couplings for grooved-end steel pipe; and mechanical joints.
9. DN65 to DN100: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, bronze-tube flanges, and brazed
joints.
10. DN65 to DN100: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, bronze-tube flanges, and
soldered joints.
11. DN65 to DN100: Copper tube; grooved-end, copper-tube fittings; ferrous couplings
for copper tube; and coupled joints.
12. DN65 to DN100: Copper tube with rolled-grooved ends; grooved-end tube fittings;
mechanical couplings for grooved-end copper tube; and mechanical joints.
13. DN65 to DN100: HDPE pipe; HDPE pipe fittings; and fusion joints.
14. DN125 to DN200: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
15. DN125 to DN200: Galvanized steel pipe with grooved ends; grooved-end pipe
fittings; mechanical couplings for grooved-end steel pipe; and mechanical joints.
16. DN125 to DN200: Copper tube; grooved-end, copper-tube fittings; ferrous couplings
for copper tube; and coupled joints.
17. DN250 and DN300: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
18. DN250 and Larger: Galvanized steel pipe with grooved ends; grooved-end pipe
fittings; mechanical couplings for grooved-end steel pipe; and mechanical joints.
H. Medium-Pressure, Compressed-Air, Distribution Piping: Use the following:
1. DN40 and Smaller: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
2. DN40 and Smaller: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, Class 300 bronze-tube flanges,
and brazed and flanged joints.
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3. DN50 to DN100: Galvanized steel pipe; galvanized, threaded, malleable-iron
fittings; and threaded joints.
4. DN50 to DN100: Copper tube, copper-tube fittings, Class 300 bronze-tube flanges,
and brazed and flanged joints.
3.2 VALVE APPLICATIONS
A. Drawings indicate valve types to be used. Where specific valve types are not indicated, the
following requirements apply:
1. Shutoff Duty: Use ball or butterfly valves.
2. Throttling Duty: Use globe valves.
3. Compressed-Air Supply to Equipment: Locking-handle, safety-exhaust ball valves.
4. Do not use check valves in piping between reciprocating air compressors and air
receivers.
B. Grooved-end butterfly valves in sizes available may be used with grooved-end piping.
C. Plastic ball or butterfly valves in sizes available may be used with plastic piping.
3.3 PIPING INSTALLATION, GENERAL
A. Refer to Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods" for basic piping
installation.
B. Install air and drain piping with one percent slope downward in direction of airflow.
C. Install eccentric reducers where pipe is reduced in size in direction of airflow, with bottoms
of both pipes and reducer flush.
D. Connect branch air piping to mains from top of main. Provide drain leg and drain trap at
end of each main, branch, and low point in piping.
E. Install supports and anchors according to Division 15 Section "Hangers and Supports". Do
not exceed the following spacing between pipe hangers:
1. Steel Pipe: 3.6 m horizontal and 4.5 m vertical.
2. Copper Tube: For the following sizes:
a. DN32 and Smaller: 1800 mm horizontal and 3 m vertical.
b. DN40 and Larger: 3 m horizontal and 3 m vertical.
3. HDPE Plastic Pipe: 1200 mm horizontal and 1200 mm vertical, but not greater than
manufacturer's written instructions.
F. Install valves according to Division 15 Section "Valves".
G. Install plastic valves according to manufacturer's written instructions.
H. Install expansion joints and anchors according to Division 15 Section "Pipe Expansion
Fittings and Loops".
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I. Install thermometers and pressure gages according to Division 15 Section "Meters and
Gages".
J. Install plumbing specialties according to Division 15 Section "Plumbing Specialties".
3.4 JOINT CONSTRUCTION
A. Refer to Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods" for basic piping
joint construction.
B. Grooved-End, Mechanical-Coupling Joints: Follow grooved-end mechanical coupling
manufacturer's written instructions.
C. Press-Sealed Joints: Follow press-seal fitting manufacturer's written instructions.
D. Dissimilar Material Piping Joints: Make joints using adapters compatible with both piping
materials.
3.5 CONNECTIONS
A. Install piping next to equipment and accessories to allow service and maintenance.
B. Connect air piping to equipment and accessories with unions and shutoff valves. Install
with strainers where indicated.
1. Install thermometers on compressor discharge piping, on receiver tanks, and where
indicated.
2. Install pressure gages on compressor discharge piping, on receiver tanks, and where
indicated.
C. Connect water piping to air-compressor water jacket, intercooler, and aftercooler units with
union and reduced-pressure-zone-type backflow-preventer assembly having strainer, gate
valves, and air gap fitting for indirect waste. Connect each unit with separate drain with
union and shutoff valve, and discharge over closest floor drain.
D. Install safety valves in receiver tanks, in quantity and size to relieve capacity not less than
that of connected compressor.
E. Install automatic drain valves on intercoolers, aftercoolers, separators, receivers, dryers, and
other locations indicated. Discharge condensate over nearest floor drain.
F. Install specialties as indicated.
3.6 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Manufacturer's Field Service: Engage a factory-authorized service representative to
supervise the field assembly of components and piping, and to report results in writing.
B. Test and adjust piping safety controls. Replace damaged and malfunctioning controls.
C. Piping System Tests: Test new and modified parts of existing piping. Cap and fill
compressed-air piping with oil-free, dry air, or gaseous nitrogen to pressure of 345 kPa
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above system operating pressure, but not less than 1035 kPa. Isolate test source and let
stand for 4 hours to equalize temperature. Refill system, if required, to test pressure and
hold pressure for 2 hours with no drop in pressure.
1. Repair leaks and defects with new materials and retest system until satisfactory
results are obtained.
3.7 COMMISSIONING
A. Engage a factory-authorized service representative to perform startup service.
B. Perform the following final checks before startup:
1. Verify that specified tests of piping are completed.
2. Check that direct potable-water supply connections to equipment have correct type
backflow preventer in water supply.
3. Check water supply to water-cooled equipment.
4. Check water supply to liquid-ring air compressors.
5. Check for piping connection leaks.
6. Check for lubricating oil in lubricated-type equipment.
7. Check V belts for proper tension.
8. Check that compressor inlet filters and piping are clear.
9. Check for equipment vibration-control supports and flexible pipe connectors and that
equipment is properly attached to substrate.
10. Check safety valves for correct settings. Ensure settings are greater than air-
compressor discharge pressure, but not greater than rating of system components.
11. Check for proper seismic restraints.
12. Test operation of equipment safety controls and devices.
13. Drain receiver tanks.
14. Check for adequate room ventilation.
C. Starting Procedures: Follow manufacturer's written instructions. If no instructions are
prescribed by the manufacturer, proceed as follows:
1. Energize circuits.
2. Start and run equipment through complete sequence of operations.
3. Check for excessive vibration and noise. Correct problems.
4. Check air pressures.
5. Manually operate safety valves.
6. Adjust operating controls, including pressure settings.
D. Operate and adjust operating and safety controls. Replace damaged and malfunctioning
controls and equipment discovered by the service representative.
END OF SECTION 15481
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