{"product_id":"champion-big-lock-series-aluminum-compressed-air-pipe","title":"Champion Big-Lock Series Aluminum Compressed Air Pipe (73mm-273mm \/ 2.5-10 in)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChampion Big-Lock\u003c\/strong\u003e is the large-diameter half of Champion's aluminum compressed air piping range, covering \u003cstrong\u003e73mm (2-1\/2 in) through 273mm (10 in)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Where Quick-Lock joins tube with a push-and-tighten brass compression fitting, Big-Lock uses the \u003cstrong\u003egrooved mechanical coupling\u003c\/strong\u003e that mechanical contractors already know from fire protection and process piping: roll a groove in each tube end, wrap a gasket, close a two-piece ductile housing over it, and tighten two bolts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result is a main that goes up quickly, comes apart just as quickly, and never rusts shut. This listing is the \u003cstrong\u003etubing\u003c\/strong\u003e; couplings, flanges, elbows, tees, valves and the grooving tools are ordered separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose your size and color from the dropdowns above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eColor Codes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eService\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompressed air\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrogen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrey\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVacuum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInert gas\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlue is also offered \u003cstrong\u003ewith custom ink\u003c\/strong\u003e, Champion's factory-printed legend on the tube. Specify the text when ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eModel Selection Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNominal\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAvailability\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e73mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-1\/2 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue stocked; grey, black and green are non-stock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue stocked; grey, black and green are non-stock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e115mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue stocked; grey, black and green are non-stock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e168mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue stocked; grey, black and green are non-stock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue stocked; grey, black and green are non-stock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e273mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue only on this listing; see the note below\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003e273mm (10 in) Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChampion prices \u003cstrong\u003e273mm in blue only\u003c\/strong\u003e. The grey, black and green 273mm tubes are listed in the current price book as \u003cstrong\u003econsult factory\u003c\/strong\u003e, with no published price, and we will not invent one. If you need 273mm in a color other than blue, call or email us and we will get a firm quote and lead time from the factory. The same applies to several 273mm fittings, including the 273mm 90 degree and 45 degree union elbows, the 273mm junction tee and the 273mm bracket hanger.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustom ink is not offered on 273mm at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShared Technical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNon-corrosive marine-grade extruded aluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSize Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e73mm to 273mm (2-1\/2 in to 10 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJoining Method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrooved mechanical coupling, two-piece housing, gasket, bolt and nut\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmooth, full diameter maintained for the life of the system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlso Available\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlange adapters and flange kits for connection to flanged equipment and valves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGasket Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard and high-temperature gaskets in every size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eValves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eButterfly valves in 73mm, 90mm, 115mm, 168mm and 220mm, standard and high temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Media\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompressed air, vacuum, nitrogen, inert gases\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChampion Lifetime Warranty on Quick-Lock and Big-Lock pipe and fittings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot published by Champion for Big-Lock. Call for a freight quote.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Grooved Aluminum for a Large Main\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny mechanical contractor can install it.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grooved coupling technology is the most widely accepted mechanical joining method in the trades. There is no learning curve and no specialty crew.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo hot work on a 10 inch main.\u003c\/strong\u003e Welding large steel pipe inside a working plant means permits, fire watch and downtime. Big-Lock needs a grooving tool and a wrench.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne-tenth the weight of the same diameter steel\u003c\/strong\u003e, while remaining structurally comparable to carbon steel. That changes the hanger design, the lift equipment and the crew size on a large overhead main.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero corrosion.\u003c\/strong\u003e No scale entering production equipment, no shrinking bore, no rust-driven pressure drop, and none of the maintenance cost that comes with a corroding main.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe joint is serviceable.\u003c\/strong\u003e Two bolts open a coupling. Adding a branch to a large main later is a scheduled hour, not a shutdown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIdeal Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant-wide compressed air mains in manufacturing and fabrication, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical and clean production, automotive assembly, large distribution and logistics centers, foundries and metal finishing, pulp and paper, and any facility replacing a corroded large-diameter steel header. Big-Lock is also the right answer for the trunk of a system whose branches run in Quick-Lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBig-Lock and Quick-Lock Together\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two systems are designed as one range and share a lifetime warranty. The usual architecture is a \u003cstrong\u003eBig-Lock main loop\u003c\/strong\u003e around the building with \u003cstrong\u003eQuick-Lock branches and drops\u003c\/strong\u003e at the machines, joined through Big-Lock outlet saddle clamps and reducing fittings. If your mains are 2-1\/2 in and under, you want \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/aircompressorstore.com\/products\/champion-quick-lock-series-aluminum-compressed-air-pipe\"\u003eChampion Quick-Lock aluminum pipe, 14mm to 63mm (1\/2 in to 2-1\/2 in)\u003c\/a\u003e instead, which is the push-and-tighten system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNote that 73mm Big-Lock and 63mm Quick-Lock are both called 2-1\/2 in nominal. They are not interchangeable: 73mm is a grooved tube and 63mm is a compression tube. Choose the system first, then the size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Else the Job Needs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBesides tube, a Big-Lock installation takes \u003cstrong\u003eseal couplings, straight unions, 90 and 45 degree elbows, equal and reducing tees, outlet saddle clamps, reducers and adapters, flange kits and gaskets, butterfly valves, hanging brackets, lubricant and replacement seals\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus the \u003cstrong\u003eroll grooving tool\u003c\/strong\u003e for the sizes on the job. Champion catalogs the whole range. Send us the layout and we will quote the complete bill of material including the tooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrdering Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll Big-Lock products and accessories are NO CANCEL \/ NO RETURN.\u003c\/strong\u003e Champion states this in capitals in the current price list. Confirm sizes and quantities before the order goes in; we will gladly check the take-off with you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-stock colors.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grey, black and green are built to order in every size. Allow additional lead time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreight:\u003c\/strong\u003e all Big-Lock shipments are freight collect from Huntersville, NC 28078 or Las Vegas, NV 89113. These are 16 ft lengths in diameters up to 10 in, so freight is quoted per order. Champion does not publish Big-Lock shipping weights, so call us before you budget the freight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Air Compressor Store\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAir Compressor Store is an authorized Champion Pneumatic distributor. Large-diameter mains are not a cart-and-checkout purchase, and we do not treat them that way. Send us your floor plan and demand figures and our compressed air engineers will size the main, lay out the loop, specify the couplings, flanges, valves and hangers, and tell you which grooving tool the installer needs. Every length carries Champion's Lifetime Warranty on pipe and fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between Big-Lock and Quick-Lock?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe joining method and the size range. Quick-Lock covers 14mm to 63mm and joins with a nickel-plated brass compression fitting you tighten by hand tools. Big-Lock covers 73mm to 273mm and joins with a grooved mechanical coupling, which needs the tube ends grooved first. Both are marine-grade aluminum, both carry the lifetime warranty, and they interconnect.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a special tool?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, a roll grooving tool sized to the pipe. Champion catalogs the grooving tools and the aluminum roll sets for them. Many mechanical contractors already own grooving equipment from fire protection or process work. We can quote the tooling with the pipe or advise on renting it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat pressure is Big-Lock rated for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChampion publishes the detailed pressure data by size and gasket in the Big-Lock installation documentation rather than in the price list, and the rating varies with the coupling and gasket selected. Tell us your system pressure and temperature when you ask for a quote and we will confirm the correct coupling and gasket specification in writing before you order. Do not assume a figure from the Quick-Lock range applies here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I connect it to flanged equipment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Champion makes flange adapters and flange kits with couplings in every Big-Lock size, plus standard and high-temperature flange gaskets, so the main can land directly on a flanged valve, dryer, receiver or compressor connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy is 273mm available in blue only?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChampion prices 273mm blue tube in the current price list and shows the grey, black and green 273mm tubes as consult factory, along with several 273mm fittings. That is a factory build-to-order situation, not a discontinuation. We can get you a firm quote; we just will not publish a price we cannot stand behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs it strong enough to hang overhead?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eChampion rates the system as structurally comparable to carbon steel while weighing about one-tenth as much. Use the Big-Lock hanging brackets and follow the published support spacing for the size. The lighter pipe generally simplifies the hanger design rather than complicating it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I mix Big-Lock and Quick-Lock on one system?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat is the intended design. A Big-Lock trunk with Quick-Lock branches is the most common layout in a plant of any size, and Champion makes the reducing and outlet fittings to join them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get a price on a consult-factory item?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCall or email us with the part number or the description. We will take it to the factory and come back with a firm list price and lead time, usually within a business day or two.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champion","offers":[{"title":"73mm \/ 2.5 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687667475,"sku":"XCBL-TB-73-AIR-BL","price":214.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"90mm \/ 3 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687700243,"sku":"XCBL-TB-90-AIR-BL","price":290.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"115mm \/ 4 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687733011,"sku":"XCBL-TB-115-AIR-BL","price":365.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168mm \/ 6 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687765779,"sku":"XCBL-TB-168-AIR-BL","price":764.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"220mm \/ 8 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687798547,"sku":"XCBL-TB-220-AIR-BL","price":1189.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"273mm \/ 10 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air","offer_id":67572687831315,"sku":"XCBL-TB-273-AIR-BL","price":2644.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"73mm \/ 2.5 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air, Custom Ink","offer_id":67572687864083,"sku":"XCBL-TB-73-A-B-IN","price":245.43,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"90mm \/ 3 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air, Custom Ink","offer_id":67572687896851,"sku":"XCBL-TB-90-A-B-IN","price":332.91,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"115mm \/ 4 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air, Custom Ink","offer_id":67572687929619,"sku":"XCBL-TB-115-A-B-IN","price":417.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168mm \/ 6 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air, Custom Ink","offer_id":67572687962387,"sku":"XCBL-TB-168-A-B-IN","price":876.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"220mm \/ 8 in - 16 ft Length \/ Blue - Compressed Air, Custom Ink","offer_id":67572687995155,"sku":"XCBL-TB-220-A-B-IN","price":1361.61,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"73mm \/ 2.5 in - 16 ft Length \/ Grey - Vacuum","offer_id":67572688027923,"sku":"XCBL-TB-73-VAC-GR","price":214.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"90mm \/ 3 in - 16 ft Length \/ Grey - Vacuum","offer_id":67572688060691,"sku":"XCBL-TB-90-VAC-GR","price":290.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"115mm \/ 4 in - 16 ft Length \/ Grey - Vacuum","offer_id":67572688093459,"sku":"XCBL-TB-115-VAC-GR","price":365.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168mm \/ 6 in - 16 ft Length \/ Grey - Vacuum","offer_id":67572688126227,"sku":"XCBL-TB-168-VAC-GR","price":764.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"220mm \/ 8 in - 16 ft Length \/ Grey - Vacuum","offer_id":67572688158995,"sku":"XCBL-TB-220-VAC-GR","price":1189.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"73mm \/ 2.5 in - 16 ft Length \/ Black - Inert Gas","offer_id":67572688191763,"sku":"XCBL-TB-73-GAS-BLK","price":214.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"90mm \/ 3 in - 16 ft Length \/ Black - Inert Gas","offer_id":67572688224531,"sku":"XCBL-TB-90-GAS-BLK","price":290.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"115mm \/ 4 in - 16 ft Length \/ Black - Inert Gas","offer_id":67572688257299,"sku":"XCBL-TB-115-GAS-BK","price":365.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168mm \/ 6 in - 16 ft Length \/ Black - Inert Gas","offer_id":67572688290067,"sku":"XCBL-TB-168-GAS-BK","price":764.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"220mm \/ 8 in - 16 ft Length \/ Black - Inert Gas","offer_id":67572688322835,"sku":"XCBL-TB-220-GAS-BK","price":1189.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"73mm \/ 2.5 in - 16 ft Length \/ Green - Nitrogen","offer_id":67572688355603,"sku":"XCBL-TB-73-NIT-GR","price":290.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"90mm \/ 3 in - 16 ft Length \/ Green - Nitrogen","offer_id":67572688388371,"sku":"XCBL-TB-90-NIT-GR","price":290.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"115mm \/ 4 in - 16 ft Length \/ Green - Nitrogen","offer_id":67572688421139,"sku":"XCBL-TB-115-NIT-GR","price":365.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"168mm \/ 6 in - 16 ft Length \/ Green - Nitrogen","offer_id":67572688453907,"sku":"XCBL-TB-168-NIT-GR","price":764.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"220mm \/ 8 in - 16 ft Length \/ Green - Nitrogen","offer_id":67572688486675,"sku":"XCBL-TB-220-NIT-GR","price":1189.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0825\/3141\/8387\/files\/champion-big-lock-grooved-coupling-cutaway.png?v=1790854655","url":"https:\/\/aircompressorstore.com\/products\/champion-big-lock-series-aluminum-compressed-air-pipe","provider":"Warthog Air Compressor Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}