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Material Information
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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.
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Black Iron Material Advantages
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- Moderate material costs
- Available in multiple sizes
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Black Iron Material Disadvantages
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- Labor intensive installation
- May rust and leak
- Rough inside promotes contaminant build-up and creates pressure drop
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Galvanized Iron Material Advantages
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- Moderate material costs
- Available in multiple sizes
- Some rust protection
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Galvanized Iron Material Disadvantages
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- Often only exterior is coated
- Labor intensive installation
- Rough inside promotes contaminant build-up and creates pressure drop
- May rust at joints and leak
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Copper Material Advantages
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- No rust; good air quality
- Smooth interior - low pressure drop
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Copper Material Disadvantages
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- Requires quality brazing to prevent leaks
- Susceptible to thermal cycling
- Installation requires open flame
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Stainless Steel Material Advantages
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- No rust, good air quality
- Smooth interior - low pressure drop
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Stainless Steel Material Disadvantages
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- Labor intensive installation
- Expensive materials
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Material Advantages
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Material Disadvantages
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- Lower safety
- In certain areas, not compliant with some codes
- Carries static charge
- Subject to bursting
- Adhesives not compatible with compressor oils
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Aluminum Material Advantages
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- Corrosion resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Lower cost of ownership
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Aluminum Material Disadvantages
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- Limited pressure ratings
- Material costs
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