Picking Out Piping: Prevost or Other Brands
You should have compressed air piping in place if you run a compressed air operation. If you do not, there may be a more significant issue. Compressed air piping is necessary to transport compressed air from the compressor to the point of use. The pipe keeps the air under pressure as it moves from point A to point B. Pressure loss will reduce the energy being carried by the compressed air, reducing the efficiency of your operation.
Not only does piping maintain air pressure, but it also allows for the safe and clean transportation of compressed air. The pipe protects the air from external materials re-entering the airstream. Pipes protect from external particles, which is a massive benefit, but using older-style compressed air piping might introduce internal particulates into the air stream.
Different materials have their own downsides to being installed and used within a system. The most common types of compressed air piping are:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Black Iron Pipe
- Copper
Of these materials, our preferred option is aluminum piping. It is compact, lightweight, and durable, especially compared to stainless steel or copper piping. Copper and Black Iron are touted for their long-lasting nature, and they stand the test of time from external forces. Moisture being present in your air can destroy this material from the inside. When build-up occurs, rust and corrosion can ruin your piping from the inside out. It is not unheard of for black pipe to completely explode after enough wear.
If you ask us, aluminum is the ONLY material you should use in your compressed air system.
Material Aside, What Brand is Best?
When deciding on compressed air piping, there are a few brands you have to choose from. Different brands specialize in different materials and systems. It’s important to know all of your options before you make a decision.
Some of the most common compressed air piping brands are:
- AirNet Piping
- RapidAir Piping
- Unipipe Piping
- AIRpipe USA
- SimplAir Fusion
- Transair Piping
- SmartPipe
- TruLink Pipe
Most, if not all, of these brands carry pipes made of different materials, but their primary piping is made of aluminum. Aluminum air piping is quickly becoming the standard for compressed air operations nationwide.
Aluminum provides variability and customization that other materials cannot match. It is durable and malleable, meaning it can be cut down and chamfered to whatever size is needed. Expansions and updates to your system have never been easier. You can add a new connection or a drop wherever you need it.
Variability allows the users to customize their system to meet their needs. Drops can be added right where the air is necessary, something that can’t be said for “sturdier” types of pipe. No welding or complete deconstruction of your piping system is needed for small changes. The systems allow for modular and scalable construction that can grow as your company does.
A significant downside to non-aluminum piping is the permanent feel that installation provides. Welding connections and securing the pipe can be a hassle, and updating your system requires you to do it repeatedly. Avoid having to rebuild the whole system with aluminum pipe.
Our Suggestion For Aluminum Pipe Brands
Ultimately, the decision is yours regarding what type of aluminum pipe you will install. Most people prefer to stick with the brand they have been using; there is comfort in using the products you know. Rather than just take our word for it, here’s a few reasons as to why you should consider Prevost.
Prevost Piping System (PPS)
Prevost and its family of products are the leaders in aluminum air piping. Many options are available to build your system precisely as needed instead of figuring out how to fit it in.
Compact and Lightweight
Consisting of 100% aluminum, the PPS range of piping is compact, lightweight, and durable.
Aluminum alloy is the key to high durability at lower weights. It does not sacrifice durability at the cost of weight. Other pipe materials require higher quantities of material to achieve the same level of durability.
High-Tech, Modern Material
Aluminum alloy is the primary material used in aluminum piping. This alloy is treated both internally and externally for protection from oxidation and corrosion. Externally, the pipe is coated in an electrostatic paint, and the internal side of the pipe is treated for increased durability.
Treating the aluminum allows you to continue to use compressor lubricants in your system without risking the integrity of your piping and seals.
100% Customizable
With a wide selection of connections, fittings, and pipe sizes, the PPS allows you to customize your system to fit your operation.
When your operation expands, add to your existing one rather than completely rebuilding your piping system. Swap parts out as needed. PPS systems are built to grow and change with your operation.
Quick and Easy Assembly
Setting up your piping system is as easy as plug-and-play. Simply insert the pipe into the PPS fitting and then tighten the nut. As long as you correctly chamfered your pipe, it should pop right in and need to be tightened down with a spanning wrench.
Leak Free and Minimal Pressure Loss
The “PPS Grip Concept” creates a secure, leak-free connection. The smooth internal surface generates a laminar flow, a low friction coefficient, and a maximum flow diameter, all reducing pressure loss.
Secure connections and reduced pressure loss yield higher-quality compressed air. Small changes in connections can make a big difference in the life of your system.
Tough And Tested
Being made of aluminum guarantees long-term performance due to mechanical strength, pressure resistance, and shock absorbance from the treatment stages of production.
Their weight may be deceiving, but their durability stands up. Unlike other piping materials, aluminum does not sacrifice durability to be lightweight. This combination gives you the highest durability at the lowest weight possible; no other options even come close.
Installation Tutorials
Alongside its wide range of products, Prevost has a digital library filled with installation guides and visual explanations of its products. Whether you are adding a new drop or need help making sure your coupler is connecting properly, Prevost has you covered.
The completely customizable system can be daunting, but that’s precisely why Prevost has this resource available to everyone. Feel free to check out their resources page here.
These videos not only guide you through the installation process but also give you an understanding of how these products work. Form an understanding of the products before you buy them. With a plethora of knowledge available anytime, you cannot beat the whole Prevost package.
Additional Considerations for Aluminum Air Pipe
You need to be aware of a few things when determining what type of pipe works for your system. Your industry might have requirements or specifications that influence your decision. Typically these requirements do not affect the type of pipe needed, but exceptions do occur.
Alongside requirements, shipping charges for pipes can deter some customers. The longer variations can take up the entire length of a truck in the shipping process. It might come as a surprise to people who have never shipped pipe before, but if you have before, this won’t come as a surprise. In general, shipping pipe is a hassle.
Industry Requirements
Your system’s requirements can vary depending on your industry. Industries that need the highest-quality air will have different requirements than systems that operate with lower-quality air. Keep these in mind when selecting your compressed air equipment.
Industries like pharmaceuticals require the highest level of filtration and the cleanest air possible for their processes. If your industry involves air of this quality, you will need piping to maintain this quality level. Copper and Black Iron are the last materials you want to use in these applications. Wear and tear can result in particulate matter being introduced downstream after filtration.
Shipping Pipe
In general, the cost of shipping compressed air pipe is outrageous. Shipping costs are exacerbated due to the pipe being transported by truck. One stick may not weigh much, but packaging and the necessary space to protect the piping will sneak up on you.
Unfortunately, whether you are shipping two sticks or twenty, the pallet will take up the same amount of space. Although they are durable in application, heavier equipment can still crush or damage aluminum pipes during the shipping process. As a result, Compressed Air Piping is a non-stackable freight item.
With the pipe’s cylindrical shape and the length they require, there is little space left for other equipment or packages. The space is included in the package and is reflected in the pricing. If you need pipe shipped to you, getting more than just a couple of sticks is the most cost-effective strategy.
Get Your Prevost Aluminum Air Pipe
When you are deciding on aluminum air piping for your compressed air system, go with the best. Plenty of options are available, but some are better than others.
Prevost offers complete system solutions, with everything from pipe to couplers and fittings. Your typical compressed air piping network consists of pipes, fittings, and point-of-use accessories designed to deliver an uninterrupted compressed air supply.
Alongside their full range of products, Prevost systems have an unbeatable library of instructions. They have video guides available for the entire system, which show how the equipment will work together. Alongside the overview, there are plenty of options related to different aspects of the system.
If you thought it couldn’t get any better, Prevost offers extremely competitive shipping rates. Shipping just two sticks of pipe can cost up to $2000, but with Prevost’s dedicated shipping relationships, this isn’t something you will need to worry about. Alongside dedicated shipping options, Prevost offers pipe sticks that are 6 feet in length that can be shipped via UPS, massively cutting down cost.
With the full package that Prevost offers, it is nearly impossible to find a better piping option.