As in a steam pipe line, elbows should be avoided in an air pipe line but unlike a steam pipe it should be larger.
A mistake is sometimes made in purchasing a compressor built for a low altitude and trying to run it in a higher elevation; the machine then experiences the same trouble that some people do, in not being able to get breath enough under the changed conditions.
The use of cheap oils, especially in an air cylinder is a most serious mistake, as the least tendency to gum will prevent the valves from properly seating, and even with the best of oils, it is well to use a small amount of mineral oil at times.
In localities where the water is bad, the water jacket will require extra attention, as it gets as badly scaled like steam boilers, principally due to a very slow or retarded circulation, which allows the sediment to settle, and should the water supply be shut off, even for a few minutes, the cylinder heat will bake it so hard as to give considerable trouble. It is a good plan to put a good boiler compound in the water jacket, and run the machine for some time without any circulation.
Fig. 364. (See page [71].)
In this case good judgment must be used not to run too long or too fast, as the cylinder will heat very quickly and is liable to be damaged.
There are many emergency ways of stopping small pipe leaks; any good sticky substance, such as tar, wax, tallow candles, or even chewing gum, melted and applied on narrow strips of cloth and wound as a bandage, will be found handy.
It should be remembered that leaks in an air pipe line are as bad as in a steam pipe line, and should receive as much care.