Pvc pipe for air ??

[hoppercar]

Was wondering if using pvc pipe for a storage tank, for brake system air is a good idea?...I recently bought a brake system, that uses pvc as the storage tank for air, but was considering using something else for the tank ?

[ChuckHackett-844]

All 9 of my passenger cars have PVC (1.5" ?) reservoirs. No problems.

[Steggy]

Was wondering if using pvc pipe for a storage tank, for brake system air is a good idea?...I recently bought a brake system, that uses pvc as the storage tank for air, but was considering using something else for the tank ?

As long as you understand the limitations of PVC under pressure you will be okay. PVC pipe will quickly lose strength if subjected to elevated temperatures. When PVC pipe bursts shrapnel will be hurled outward with sufficient force to cause serious injury. There is another topic around here about use of PVC pipe for shop air. You might want to search for it.

[Bill Shields]

it is a bad idea.

[curtis cutter]

I just last night completed the removal of all of the PVC pipe I had used for air. Steel pipe now with drops from the ceiling and a reel mounted on the vehicle lift.

[10KPete]

IIRC, brake pipe pressures seldom exceed 40 psi...??? If so, I would think PVC would be just fine...

Pete

[Harold_V]

PVC pipe offers the possibility of failing catastrophically (at ANY pressure). There are plastics on the market that do not. Doesn't mean it *will* fail----just that it can do so with consequences.

H

[hoppercar]

I think I am going to take the safe route, and replace this pvc air reservoir... I know this supplier has sold quite a few brake kits like this, but it seems like a disaster waiting to happen to me with a pvc reservoir

[duckman903]

copper tubing with end caps.

[hoppercar]

Thanks for all the input...seems the majority is not In favor of it !!....gonna junk that pvc reservoir, and go with copper pipe and end caps !!!

[rkcarguy]

I get it that it's easy to work with and use, but it grows brittle over time and can blow apart violently even at moderate pressures.
I think it was "Steamin10"? That posted about removing the pin from *empty* propane tanks, the camping stove type, and that they can be drilled and tapped 1/8"npt and make a good tank?

[Greg_Lewis]

...
it grows brittle over time and can blow apart violently even at moderate pressures.
...

At one time I spoke with an engineer at a PVC manufacturer and he said they do not recommend it for air.

Personal story: I had PVC air lines in my shop for quite a few years. After a remodel I replaced them with copper. In the process I dropped a piece of the old PVC on the floor and it shattered into many pieces.