Be careful, people. Compressed air is dangerous.

Folks, I just read an article that some industrial types were leak testing a pipeline with compressed air, and managed to blow up the pipe, damaged the building, actually moved a nearby car, and were fortunate that they didn’t kill themselves.

Using compressed air to pressure test a system for leaks is common. You need to use a precision regulator on the feed line into the pipe or vessel being tested, put a ball valve into a Tee, and then into the connection to the item being tested.

On the extra port on the Tee, install a precision gauge. Make sure the regulator is set very low, preferably 2-3 PSI at most, and flow air into the system through the ball valve until the precision gauge shows the test pressure. Close the ball valve to trap the air in the system. Over time, if there are no leaks, the gauge reading should be constant.

Force equals pressure times area. If the inside surface of your pipe or vessel, for example, has 1000 square inches of surface area, your 3 PSI of compresses air is trying to escape with a combined force of 3,000 lbs.!

Be careful.

Compressed air “blow off” is expensive!

One of the most expensive uses of compressed air is air drying or debris cleaning. Traditionally an air knife connected to a solenoid valve will provide this service.

Paxton offers an air knife system that they claim will significantly reduce energy costs, in some cases up to 80% less than if using compressed air for the same application. I write about it here. And here’s their web site.