Are Metal Pipes Good for Your Air Compressor System?

In the last article we were talking about what types of pipes should you use for your air compressor system and as promised, this week we are going to discuss about kinds of metal pipes you can use for your compressed air piping system.

There are many kinds of metal materials that you can use, and each offers certain pros and cons when used to pipe air compressor systems:

Black steel is the traditional material used in compressed air systems and is also the material that many recommend the most. It is readily available, durable, and strong, and it can be installed by many fitters. Keep in mind, however, that, as black steel is uncoated, rust contamination is known to cause damage to pneumatic tools. While you can control the moisture to some extent with a dryer or after-cooler, you will not be able to completely eliminate it.

Suspended pipes need strong anchoring due to how heavy they are. Black steel pipes can also be difficult to cut and join, so installation will take a considerable amount of time. In addition, threaded connectors can slide and leak. Although the pipe itself is unlikely to leak, welded joints often fail.

Galvanized steel pipes, which are often used in general plumbing and distribution of water, are also widely used in compressed air systems. Galvanized steel is less likely to corrode, but the galvanizing coating will eventually disintegrate. These loose flakes may cause blockages and may cause harm when released into the compressed air stream. Debris released can cause serious damage to pneumatic tools, cylinders, and other components. When it comes out of a blowgun, this debris can also cause major bodily harm.

Galvanized steel pipes are also difficult to handle, and welded or threaded joints tend to fail. They are also heavy, requiring higher suspension and fixing strength. For all of the above reasons, many do not recommend galvanized steel pipes for compressed air systems.

Stainless steel can be welded or pressed. Like galvanized and black steel, welded or threaded connections tend to fail. Stainless steel will not degrade or corrode, but it is difficult to install due to its weight. Another drawback is the strength requirements if you suspend it from supporting structures. Stainless steel is less common in real-world compressed air applications due to its high cost.

Aluminum will not degrade or corrode like stainless steel. However, it weighs much less than stainless, making it easy to transport, install and suspend. Aluminum requires similar skills when installing steel pipes, but push-together connectors make it even easier to fit. It can be considered expensive, however.

Copper pipes are also corrosion-resistant and lightweight. They’re easy to cut, weld, and suspend. Because copper pipes are often used in plumbing, many types of fittings are available and many technicians know how to install them. Color and brilliance also make for an esthetically pleasing look and, as the combination of water and copper does not lead to rusting or corrosion, the air supplied to the tools through copper pipes is clean and free of debris. However, as with aluminum and stainless steel, copper tends to cost more.

Avoid the material for this pipe. While it was, along with copper, once a compressed-air material, black iron is guaranteed to corrode—both inside and outside. Corrosion inside the pipe is particularly bad for the quality of your compressed air and the lowering of your pressure.

Some moisture is inevitable in compressed air systems, so newer aluminum, copper, and stainless steel pipes have become more common than black or galvanized steel pipes. However, these older types are still used in a number of new installations. They are cheaper, and many installation technicians recommend the materials they are most familiar with.

Many new customers of compressed air systems are unaware of high-pressure stainless steel, aluminum, and copper pipes. This is often simply because companies installing pressurized air systems prefer other options.

At All Air Compressors, we will help you and guide you through the whole process of choosing the right air pipe and its installation.

All Air Compressors is your trusted technicians who specialize in compressed air servicing and repair, air piping installation, and line filter installation.