Aluminium Pipes and Fittings for Compressed Air Systems
If you’re looking for a piping system specifically designed for the use of compressed air, then be sure to check out the aluminium compressed air pipe range from Air Energy, your trusted air pipe supplier.
Light and strong, making for a highly appealing installation, our aluminium powder coated blue pipework delivers high performance no matter what the application.
Installation of our aluminium pipework is fast, secure, and easy, with special aluminium pipes and fittings that are replacing the need for traditional welding. The tubes are internally coated with polymer corrosion protection which helps to enhance the system’s performance. Air Energy stocks top brands of aluminium compressed air pipes and pipe fittings – Vastair, Airnet, Transair and Unipipe.
Why Choose Aluminium Pipe for Compressed Air?
Compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in any factory. Even small leaks and pressure drops can drive up energy costs.
That’s where aluminium pipe stands out.
Key Benefits of Aluminium Pipe
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Fast installation without welding
• Corrosion-resistant inside and out
• Smooth internal surface reduces pressure drop
• Leak-tight aluminium pipe fittings
• Powder-coated for easy identification
• Simple to expand or reconfigure later
• Long service life with minimal maintenance
Because aluminium does not rust, your compressed air stays clean and free from scale and contamination.
Why Aluminium Pipe Is Better Than PVC
PVC should never be used for compressed air systems.
Under pressure, heat, and exposure to compressor oil, PVC can become brittle and fail catastrophically. If a PVC pipe ruptures, it can send sharp plastic fragments across the workspace.
Aluminium pipe is purpose-built for compressed air applications. It offers:
• Superior strength
• Corrosion resistance
• Safer installation
• Long-term durability
• Better airflow efficiency
If you're replacing PVC, upgrading to aluminium pipe fittings is one of the best investments you can make for safety and performance.
How Aluminium Pipe Reduces Energy Costs
A well-designed compressed air system can save thousands of dollars each year.
Aluminium pipe helps by:
• Minimising pressure drop
• Eliminating rust and scale build-up
• Reducing air leaks
• Maintaining consistent airflow
When your compressor doesn’t need to work as hard, you use less electricity and reduce maintenance costs.
Aluminium Pipe Fittings for Fast Installation
Traditional piping often requires threading, welding, or soldering.
Aluminium pipe fittings eliminate those time-consuming steps.
Depending on the brand, fittings use compression, push-fit, or clamp technology to create secure, leak-free connections in minutes.
Installation Benefits
• No welding or hot works permits
• Minimal downtime
• Clean and tidy installation
• Easy to disassemble and reuse
• Fast future expansions
Many facilities see installation times reduced by up to 40%.
Brands of Aluminium Pipes and Fittings We Supply
At Air Energy, we look to quality when it comes to providing you with the best aluminium pipes and fittings in the market. We only sell and install world-renowned brands that guarantee a long service life and provide your facility with an energy-efficient system.
Unipipe
Unipipe’s aluminium pipe press fittings are designed for fast and easy installation and have a high level of durability. When used for high or low compressed air applications, the Unipipe system is capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -20°C to 100°C. Besides compressed air processes, the pipe system is also suitable for fire protection, industrial gases, and high-pressure oil and water lines.
Explore Unipipe Technical Guides
- UnipipeAIR Compressed Air Technical Guide
- UnipipeHP High-Pressure System Handbook
- Unipipe Installation Guide
View the full product range: Unipipe Aluminium Piping Systems.
Vastair
The brand’s compressed air pipe systems are quick to install and ready for immediate pressurisation. This gives you significant savings on installation, maintenance and operating costs. The inner pipe surface of the Vastair aluminium pipe delivers clean compressed air, which ensures that the pipe is resistant to corrosion. The sealing characteristics, low friction coefficient and the design of the Vastair components ensure the constant flow of clean air.
AIRnet
AIRnet is Atlas Copco’s lightweight, versatile, corrosion-resistant aluminium system. This premium quality pipe system is suitable for compressed air, vacuum and inert gases. The inner portion of the AIRnet pipe is coated for enhanced corrosion protection and lower friction loss. Painting the pipe is not necessary as the system comes pre-painted blue to comply with Australian regulations. The Airnet aluminium system also comes in green for inert gases.
Transair
Transair compressed air pipe system is incredibly easy to install and also has a high level of resistance to corrosive substances, mechanical shocks and drastic changes in temperature. The Transair compressed air pipe system is cost-effective, which enables you to minimise plant energy costs by eliminating air leaks, lowering the number of pressure drops and improving the efficiency of the air pipe system.
Discover why you should always opt for aluminium over PVC piping systems.
There are many advantages to installing an aluminium compressed air pipe system over a steel or PVC system. In fact, although it is a reliable material for many applications, PVC should never be used for compressed air. The compressed air causes it to degrade and become brittle, and PVC could explode in a hail of jagged plastic shrapnel. In systems channelling large volumes of compressed air, the added presence of compressor oils, heat and high pressure can turn PVC into a significant OSHA risk. If ruptured, PVC pipes may fail catastrophically and can injure workers and damage equipment.
Aluminium is less prone to high pressure system leaks. An aluminium compressed air pipe system does not require the parts to be threaded in order for the pipes to be connected, which means that it takes far less time – and therefore less cost – to install. Most importantly, it is corrosion resistant which means it won’t rust and therefore pollute clean air travelling through the pipes. The system will also minimise air pressure drop, which saves on power costs as air won’t be forced to work harder due to loose scale deposits that build up over time in galvanised or even copper pipes during the corrosion process.
If you would like to speak to an experienced professional about installing an aluminium compressed air pipe system on your worksite or would like someone to examine your existing system, contact us and give us a call today at 1300 99 55 26.
Industries Using Aluminium Pipe System
Aluminium Pipes are used in various applications and for a variety of purposes. Here are some popular industries and fields where aluminium pipes have proved to be material-of-choice.
Pharmaceutical
Using aluminium pipework with the Unipipe compression fittings, you can maintain the quality and safety of your pharmaceutical products. The aluminium pipe has a clear polymer coating on the inside, ensuring that the air is clean and unpolluted.
Industries
The Unipipe system is superior due to its exceptionally secure joints. The precision machined nut and interior of the anodised body with the patented SS grip ring means there is no way to separate the joint. Tested to the point of failure, the pipe was split at over 200 bar without any failure of the fittings.
Food And Beverages
The aluminium pipe system is not only corrosion-resistant but also easy to clean. The coloured polyester surface coating is excellent for identification when there may be multiple pipelines side by side in a plant. Ideal for compressed air, Nitrogen, Vacuum, High pressure blow mould packaging and beverages etc.
Automotive
Automotive industries require a powerful air-compressed system at every stage of production. All sections need a robust system, from assembling all the materials to painting the automobile. Aluminium pipes are robust and take a good range of temperatures from -20 degrees to 100 degrees continuous working pressure and are widely preferred in this sector.
Chemical And Petrochemical
Chemicals and petrochemical industries need a constant supply of gas and air. Aluminium pipe fittings are corrosion resistant, can handle a good amount of heat, and are very strong. They are designed for a range of -0.87 to 70 bar, which is the reason why these pipes are used in the production and maintenance of chemicals.
Aluminium Pipe Technical Performance
Typical aluminium compressed air systems offer:
• Operating pressures up to 70 bar
• Vacuum capability to -0.87 bar
• Temperature range from -20°C to 100°C
• Excellent resistance to corrosion and impact
Specifications vary by manufacturer and pipe size.
Why Choose Air Energy for Aluminium Pipe Fittings?
Since 1993, Air Energy has helped Australian manufacturers improve their compressed air systems.
When you work with Air Energy, you get:
• Expert system design and advice
• Premium global brands
• Professional installation
• Ongoing technical support
• Solutions focused on reducing energy costs
We’ve supplied and installed compressed air systems for more than 2,000 Australian businesses.
Need Help Choosing the Right Aluminium Pipe?
Every compressed air system is different.
If you're unsure which aluminium pipe fittings are best for your application, our team can assess your requirements and recommend the right solution.
Call us on 1300 99 55 26 or contact us for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aluminium pipe used for?
Is aluminium pipe good for compressed air?
Yes. Aluminium pipe is one of the best materials for compressed air because it is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and maintains clean airflow with minimal pressure loss.
Why is aluminium pipe better than steel?
Aluminium does not rust, is easier to install, and is lighter to handle. This helps maintain air quality and reduces labour costs.
Can aluminium pipe be used for vacuum and nitrogen?
Yes. Many systems, including AIRnet and Unipipe, are suitable for vacuum, nitrogen, and inert gas applications.
How long do aluminium compressed air systems last?
With proper installation and maintenance, aluminium pipe systems can provide decades of reliable service.
Is PVC safe for compressed air?
No. PVC is not recommended for compressed air because it can become brittle and fail under pressure, creating a serious safety hazard.
Which aluminium pipe brand is best?
The best brand depends on your application, pressure requirements, and budget. Air Energy supplies trusted systems including Unipipe, AIRnet, Transair, and VastAir.
Can aluminium pipe systems be expanded later?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of aluminium pipe fittings is how easy they are to modify or expand as your facility changes.
