Choosing proper regulator/filter for air system

by Jaime Larson
(Anderson, Ca, USA)

If just finished installing a pipe manifold system for my air compressor. My compressor puts out 28 cfm at 100 psi. I went with 3/4" galvanized pipe for the manifold (about 100 ft in length) and have five air stations. I would like to install a pressure regulator between the compressor and manifold. The majority of such regulators are 1/2" inlet and outlet. Since the valve on my air tank is 3/4" and my piping is all 3/4" it seems like a waste to put a restrictive 1/2" regulator in the system. Is it possible to find 3/4" regulators? I would also like to install regulator/filters at a couple of my air stations reserved for painting. Is it worth while to have them also be 3/4" inlet? As for outlet diameter, I haven't decided on whether to use 3/8" couplers or 1/4" couplers-any suggestions? My desire has been to keep my system with as little restriction as possible. With that in mind, could you offer suggestions as how to best set up my system? This includes regulators, couplers (size) and style of plugs (i.e automotive vs. industrial etc). I know my question is very involved--I would like to thank you in advance for any information you would share. Thank you. Jaime Larson.

__________________________
Bill says...

Hello Jaime. If you read the pages on plumbing, the pages on regulators, the pages on fittings, the pages of Filters you will find answers to all of your questions.

The information answering your questions already exists on the pages of this site, and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to re-write those pages in response to your questions.

If you read the pages on hose and plumbing, you'll see why I'm not a proponent of using galvanized pipe for compressed air.

You can certainly get filters and regulators bigger than 1/2" NPT. Do you need larger? How much air does your air compressor put out, and what's the flow capacity of the unit(s) you want to install?

Cheers,

Bill