What type of Compressed Air Pipework is right for your set up?

Galvanized steel pipe:

Galvanized steel is commonly used for transporting compressed air because its galvanized coating extends the pipe’s lifespan and protects it from rust. Galvanized pipe is suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications due to its anti-rusting properties. The zinc coating slows down the corrosion process, making the pipe almost maintenance-free and capable of lasting for decades in the appropriate environment. However, some installers choose not to use this type of piping due to certain drawbacks:

1. Qualified installers with expertise in cutting, threading, and machinery usage are required to handle it. If welding is necessary, it must be performed by an experienced welder. Our team are very experienced in all aspects of galvanised steel pipe installations, and have been installing for over 30 years.
2. Maneuvering galvanized pipe is challenging, and threaded or welded joints are prone to failure. Due to its heavy nature, it requires strong suspension and fixing methods to support it effectively. Our team are able to make amendments and with our expertise, making us an ideal choice for a revamp of your system.

Stainless steel pipe:

Stainless steel offers a significant advantage as it is resistant to corrosion and degradation, both internally and externally. Certain industries have stringent requirements for this type of pipe, especially in the pharmaceutical, hospital, research laboratory, clean room, and healthcare facility settings. Furthermore, stainless steel has been approved by the NFPA for vacuum applications in healthcare facilities.

Aluminium pipe

Aluminum is lightweight, anti-corrosive, and easy to handle. Other advantages of this pipe include:

1. Reduced pressure losses due to its smooth interior and corrosion resistance, resulting in higher efficiency and durability compared to other options. As a result, the overall cost of ownership is lower than that of other materials.
2. Easy reconfiguration of the piping system if the facility grows in size or needs to be relocated.

Nylon pipe:

Nylon tubing is favored for air and pneumatic installations because of its lightweight nature, high strength, and resistance to chemicals. It is also capable of enduring a broad spectrum of temperatures and pressures, which makes it a preferred option for various applications.

Our natural nylon tubing is not only lightweight and flexible but also made from superior grade nylon materials combined with contemporary polymer additives. These additives help extend the tubing’s lifespan and offer outstanding resistance to abrasion. Additionally, the tubing’s resistance to moisture absorption makes it perfect for push-in fittings and uses like air brakes, fuel lines, lubrication, instrumentation, and secondary air systems.

Copper pipe:

This metal is corrosion-resistant, easy to cut, and weld. It is lightweight and has a wide range of accessories available, making it commonly used in plumbing.

Disadvantages:

1. Both compression and solder joint systems in copper take more time and cost to install than aluminum systems.
2. It has a coefficient of expansion almost double that of aluminum, requiring more material in large installations to solve this problem.

Copper air pipes are mainly used in medical applications due to their microorganism-inhibiting properties and in small diameters because of their installation cost.

Plastic pipe:

Plastic air pipes are affordable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to install. However, there are specific reasons why they may not be suitable for compressed air distribution:

Polyamide pipes are typically used in smaller workshops with multiple pneumatic tools.

What type of compressed air pipework is recommended?

To get the most out of your compressed air pipework, it is important to follow the manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations on how to install the system. Be sure to comply with all listed specifications and limitations for pressures and temperatures.

Would you like to learn more?

We would be thrilled to talk more.