#068 Points on Compressed Air System Distribution Plumbing Designs - 1 : Distribution Plumbing Design
On factory floors, compressed air is often perceived as free, therefore, compressed air plumbing design may be somewhat neglected. However, the quality of plumbing designs largely affects the air quality and air pressure losses, causing machine operation instabilities. Here, compressed air distribution plumbing designs will be explained in two parts.
(1) Distribution Plumbing Design
(1) Factory Floor Distribution Plumbing Basics
For general factory floor level plumbing, the Loop Method shown in [Fig.1] below is used.
Features of Loop Method Distribution Line
![]() | 1. | Able to supply uniform pressure air throughout the entire factory, even with small DIA. tubing. |
![]() | 2. | The auxiliary tank assists in maintaining the maximum system pressure during momentary large air consumption periods, avoiding negative effects on surrounding air devices. |
(2) Plumbing Methods of Main and Branch Lines
(a) Causes of Compressed Air System Plumbing Troubles
The air supplied from the compressor becomes likely to contain water condensation due to air expansion. The water condensation and lubrication oil from the compressor are mixed and the resultant emulsified fluid would flow in the distribution pipes with air. This emulsified fluid causes degradations of valves and air cylinders.
(b) Points on Plumbing Designs
The key is to design where the emulsions do not enter the branch lines from the main lines (see [Fig.2]).
Emulsion entering the air equipments can be prevented by following the below guidelines.
![]() | 1. | Provide main line incline in the direction of the air flow (Approx. 1cm per 1m incline) |
![]() | 2. | Point the branching tees upward. |
![]() | 3. | Mount water drain utilities on low points and end points. |
(c) Points on Branch Line Connections to Air Equipment
The compressed air in the distribution plumbing contains rust, mold, and other impurities in addition to the emulsions. Air filters and lubricators should be installed to reduce friction variations and to prevent corrosions of air equipment slide components. Below are the points on air filter and lubricator connections.
![]() | 1. | Place air filters and lubricators within 5m. |
![]() | 2. | Separately anchor the air equipment from the branch pipes to isolate unexpected air pressure related movements of branch lines. |
![]() | 3. | For installations where distribution plumbing vibrations are expected, avoid use of solid steel or copper pipes and use flexible rubber and nylon tubes instead to prevent damages to air equipment. |
![]() | 4. | Reduce the number of connections to improve system overall reliability. |

- Positioning technology
- Designing and processing
- Sensor Technology
- Automation elements technology
- Clean room technology
- Design hints
- Design tips
- Designing and Machining
- Drive mechanism design
- Hints on designing
- Linear Motion Components
- Locating Technology
- Manufacturing technology
- Motion mechanism design
- Pneumatic Drives
- Production Technology
- Technology Outlook
- General description
- Low-cost automation and materials
- Transfer LCA

- #333 Know-how on automation: Pressurized heating technology - 5: Multilayer pressurized heating process technique
- #332 Know-how on automation: Pressurized heating technology - 4: Points to remember when designing mechanism of pneumatic pressurization method
- #331 Know-how on automation: Pressurized heating technology - 3: Pneumatic pressurization method and pressure profile
- #330 Know-how on automation: Pressurized heating technology - 2: Pressurization method and pressure profile
- #329 Know-how on automation: Pressurized heating technology

