Aluminum Compressed Air Piping


Aluminum Piping: SmartPipe Compressed Air Piping System

Kaeser's SmartPipe™ is a modular pipe for compressed air installations. SmartPipe offers both lower installation costs and lower long-term operating costs. From small shops to large industrial systems, SmartPipe is great for all facilities and is available in sizes up to 8" pipe diameter in aluminum, and available in stainless steel in 10" pipe diameter.

Air line pipe with optimum flow and air quality

SmartPipe's smooth calibrated construction has a low friction coefficient to provide the best possible laminar flow. Full bore fittings minimize pressure drop for optimum flow and energy efficiency. Leak-free connectors prevent air loss and wasted energy.

SmartPipe is ideal for installations that require the highest quality air. The material will not rust or corrode. There are no rough surfaces or interior restrictions that accumulate contaminants. The smooth interior with full bore design allows contaminants to flow to the dryers and filters for efficient removal.


Benefits of SmartPipe compressed air piping:

  • Installs faster than other common piping
  • No specialized trades needed
  • No threading, welding, or brazing pipe
  • Simple mounting and connecting hardware
  • Can connect to existing systems with other pipe types
  • Easy to add on to or disassemble for your changing needs
  • Compression style valves and fittings 2 1/2" and below
  • Bolt-on style fittings 3" and above
  • 10-year warranty
 
SmartPipe Scope of Supply

SmartPipe Scope of Supply

nested pipes, compressed air piping

SmartPipe is available in ten sizes from 3/4" to 10" and is perfect for use as headers, branch lines, and drops to point of use. The SmartPipe line includes all the accessories you need for a top quality installation: 

  • straight unions 
  • elbows and tees 
  • cross connectors 
  • reducing fittings 
  • gooseneck drops 
  • ball valves 
  • quick assembly brackets and hangers 
  • snap-shut pipe clips 
  • expansion and flex hoses 
  • variety of ISO 4414/EN983 compliant safety couplers
Easy installation

Easy installation

SmartPipe fittings, compressed air piping

Fast to install and easy to modify, Kaeser SmartPipe is the most versatile compressed air distribution system available. Our combination of lightweight materials and connectors dramatically reduce labor and installation time, especially in overhead installations.

Other features include:

  • Installs faster than other common piping
  • No specialized trades needed
  • No threading, welding, or brazing pipe
  • Simple mounting and connecting hardware
  • Can connect to existing systems with other pipe types
  • Easy to add on to or disassemble for your changing needs
Common piping materials: advantages and disadvantages

Piping selection directly affects the three key elements of every compressed air system: flow, pressure and air quality. Choices in piping also directly impact installation costs. The table below outlines some of the main advantages and disadvantages of each of the most common options.

Material Advantages Disadvantages
Black Iron
  • Moderate material costs
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Labor intensive installation
  • May rust and leak
  • Rough inside promotes contaminant build-up and creates pressure drop
Galvanized Iron
  • Moderate material costs
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Some rust protection
  • Often only exterior is coated
  • Labor intensive installation
  • Rough inside promotes contaminant build-up and creates pressure drop
  • May rust at joints and leak
Copper
  • No rust; good air quality
  • Smooth interior — low pressure drop
  • Requires quality brazing to prevent leaks
  • Susceptible to thermal cycling
  • Installation requires open flame
Stainless Steel
  • No rust, good air quality
  • Smooth interior - low pressure drop
  • Labor intensive installation
  • Expensive materials
PVC
  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive
  • Safety (not recommended for compressed air)
Aluminum
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install
  • Lower cost of ownership
  • Limited pressure ratings
  • Material costs
 
ASPG E-book - Air system piping guide
E-book: Air System Piping Guide

Whether installing a new system or are considering upgrades, this e-book will assist you in identifying the best piping materials for your application, and also give you installation and maintenance tips to give you the best performance possible.

Download our free e-book.