Compressed Air Piping Systems

A compressed air system is only as good as its piping. While it’s easy to focus only on the capabilities of the compressor itself, that machine is useless without a mechanism to allow the air to travel to where it needs to be in any given facility. That is where a good compressed air piping system comes into play.

Air piping is commonly made from materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and plastic. Galvanized steel is the most widely used type of air piping due to its durability and low cost. However, the initial cost savings can be diminished by the expenses associated with hiring qualified technicians and welders to install the piping system.

Stainless steel is another option, known for its ability to withstand high pressure and its minimal risk of corrosion. It is essential for applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospitals, laboratories, and clean rooms, where maintaining air purity is critical.

Aluminum air piping offers similar durability to galvanized steel but at a lower cost. This material is non-reactive with condensation, thus preventing corrosion, and its flexibility allows technicians to bend the pipes on-site for quicker installation.

Copper is a corrosion-resistant material that is effective for medical applications where air purity is crucial. However, it is considerably more expensive and requires longer installation time compared to aluminum systems.

Plastic piping is easy to install, resistant to corrosion, and much cheaper than the other materials. However, it poses significant risks. PVC piping is discouraged due to the risk of explosion at high pressures, which can endanger both workers and equipment. Consequently, OSHA has banned the use of PVC pipes in most above-ground piping applications.