Air Compressor After Cooler

[plumkrazee70]

I ordered B&M oil cooler 70266 to add to my compressor. All the write and pics I have seen are copper, can I use black pipe instead?

Here is the thread on Garage Journal. Compressor after cooler - Page 2 - The Garage Journal Board

 

[MoparLeo]

Copper sheds heat quicker and is more resistant to vibrations which can cause cracks.

 

[plumkrazee70]

Copper sheds heat quicker and is more resistant to vibrations which can cause cracks.

Oh ok. Those are flared, right? I wonder if I can get some made up.

 

[93ragtop]

Hard for me to tell looking at those fittings, but I believe they are compression fittings. That is what I would use if it was me.

 

[mopardude318]

You can use flare, or you can use AN, which are much easier for me. (AN)

 

[plumkrazee70]

I did,some,more research and they are compression fittings at the pump, tank and cooler. Ill just have to solder the tees and 90's.

 

[93ragtop]

Why? you can get those in compression or pipe fittings.

 

[plumkrazee70]

Why? you can get those in compression or pipe fittings.

Its mainly the cost. The compression fittings are expensive. The cooler should be here tomorrow, so this weekend I'll map it out and compare the actual cost.

It shouldn't be terrible. It will be pump-> inlet of cooler. Then outlet of cooler->tee ->tank->drip leg.

 

[93ragtop]

One thing to keep in mind. Copper is measured 2 different ways. Plumbing is inside dia. (ID) Refrigeration is outside dia. (OD) So its usually 1/8 difference. Example would be , 1/2 plumbing copper is actually 5/8 OD. Just keep this in mind when buying fittings.
Also, be careful of different metals. Use brass between copper and steel. Steel to copper will cause electrolysis.
Good luck, and I look forward to seeing your results! May try the same myself.

 

[plumkrazee70]

One thing to keep in mind. Copper is measured 2 different ways. Plumbing is inside dia. (ID) Refrigeration is outside dia. (OD) So its usually 1/8 difference. Example would be , 1/2 plumbing copper is actually 5/8 OD. Just keep this in mind when buying fittings.
Also, be careful of different metals. Use brass between copper and steel. Steel to copper will cause electrolysis.
Good luck, and I look forward to seeing your results! May try the same myself.

Great tips. Also there is a "L" and "M" in copper referring to tube thickness. I believe "L" is thicker. I will for sure post a before and after temp diff.