Practical Applications for Aluminium Pipe

Aluminium pipes has many advantages over other forms of piping. It outperforms copper and is a more cost-effective material than steel. Add to this that it is a material that does not corrode and you have some of the reasons why aluminium could be the ideal piping material for your business.

Features and benefits of aluminium pipe systems

Aluminium pipes are easy to install and require minimum tooling to create even complex piping systems. The metal can withstand extreme temperatures and carry a wide pressure range. Air Energy stocks and supply a number of leading brands, but the new Unipipe range outperforms all the others. 

These aluminium systems also do not require as much clipping compared to poly pipe. Because they are lightweight, they require less structural support and fewer materials overall than traditional galvanized steel.

Our range of aluminium piping systems can be used in several applications. Following are some examples:

Aluminium Pipes for Compressed Air Systems

Aluminium piping is a superior material to use for compressed air installations compared to other traditional piping systems. Since compressed air systems carry more risk due to the stored energy than pressurised fluids like water, pipe systems made of quality materials are of utmost importance.

Aluminium pipe systems are corrosion-resistant, providing optimal airflow, lower energy costs and improved air quality.  Fittings used with aluminium systems also provide a secure fit, eliminating the risk of leaks.

Aluminium pipes are easier to install and modify compared to their copper or steel counterpart, reducing costs and labour for installation and modification. Unlike steel piping systems, they do not require threading, welding or soldering.

While copper piping has been used as an option for compressed air systems, not all types of copper are suited for high air pressures. Copper pipes also tend to be more expensive and labour-intensive. Stainless steel, on the other hand, has been a widely used alternative. However, moisture trapped inside stainless steel pipe systems may tend to cause rusting from the inside out. Despite having a moisture trap, a small amount of moisture remains in the piping system, which will eventually lead to corrosion.

This makes aluminium piping the best option for compressed air systems.

Other Uses for Aluminium Pipe Systems

Aluminium is ideal for use in fire protection systems. Effective fire protection systems require corrosion resistance and robust materials to ensure that they perform at peak levels when needed.

Water distribution is another system that is ideal for aluminium piping. Water systems need to be reliable and well sized to prevent downtime. Since they operate at different pressures, aluminium piping systems can withstand varying temperatures and pressures.

Aluminium pipe systems can transport a wide range of gases and liquids. They can be used for the following applications:

• Nitrogen
• High-pressure oil lines
• Vacuum
• Industrial gases

Strong and durable pipe fittings from Air Energy

Air Energy is a trusted Australian supplier of pumps, compressed air equipment and industrial pipework. Our range includes high-pressure pipe fittings. We have recently completed a new installation in aluminium Unipipe for Nature Organics in both standard pressure and high pressure for their processes.

Contact us on (03) 9765 5600 for enquiries. 

Things To Consider When Choosing An Aluminium Grade

Aluminium is available in a variety of shapes and grades. The grade of aluminium in Unipipe is an aluminium alloy EN AW 6060-T5 according to EN 755-2/2028. The aluminium pipe fittings are made from Aluminium alloy EN AW 6061 T6. Selecting the Unipipe aluminium system gives an excellent and superior strength-to-weight ratio.

Pipe Sizing

Unipipe pipe sizing comes in a variety of thicknesses, which increase with diameter from 1.0 mm wall thickness on the 20mm up to 4.3mm on the 160 mm diameter tubing. The high-pressure range has a greater wall thickness from 2.0 mm on the 20mm to 6.0mm on the 63mm diameter. The standard range come in 6 metre lengths, the high pressure range are in 4 metre lengths.

Unipipe fittings

The heart of the Unipipe fittings is the advanced engineering in the stainless steel grip ring. This provides a revolution in high-pressure piping systems for rapid installation and exceptionally secure joints for the safe transport of fluids, both gaseous and liquid.

Machining or Cutting

Machining is the cutting technique that employs a cutting tool to remove small chips of material such as metal. If metal is capable of being machined, it requires little power to cut, can quickly achieve a good finish, and can be cut quickly. Most installers prefer the ease of simply using a hand operated tube cutter which is fast and burr free. These benefits are a deciding factor when selecting an aluminium pipe.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminium corrosion resistance refers to the ability of aluminium metal to withstand damage caused by chemical reactions or oxidation. As a result, when selecting an aluminium grade, this factor must be considered.

Heat Treating

Heat treatment is a process that uses extreme heating or cooling to achieve desired results, such as hardening or softening of a material. Heat-treating a metal increases its strength and makes it more flexible or malleable.

Strength

Strength is a term that describes the amount of stress that can be applied to a material before it permanently deforms or splits (yield strength) (tensile strength).

If the applied stress is less than the yield strength, the material returns to its original form when the pressure is removed. When the applied force exceeds the yield power, there is plastic or permanent deformation, and the material cannot return to its original shape once the load is removed.

Call us on (03) 9765 5600 to enquire about our aluminium pipes.