What is the standard design pressure for instrument air?

The standard design pressure for instrument air systems is typically set at 200 psi. This value is established to ensure that the air supplied to various instrumentation and controls within an industrial setting is delivered at a consistent and reliable pressure level. Instrument air must be clean and dry, meeting certain quality standards, and the design pressure must be sufficient to account for pressure drops in piping, fittings, and components within the system.

Using a standard design pressure of 200 psi strikes a balance between providing adequate pressure for most applications while also aligning with industry practices and safety standards, thus making it a widely accepted choice in both process and manufacturing environments. The other values listed are higher than the typical standard used, which is why they do not represent the most common design practice for instrument air systems.