Unipipe FAQs

Contact us via the web form, by phone at 866-935-1698, or by email at support@unipipesolutions.com. Someone will get right back to you!

You can find resources such as submittal and technical information, STEP files, and pricing can be found on our resources page. 

The Unipipe aluminum piping system is manufactured in Spain, a U.S. trade ally. It is not an American-made product under the criteria of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). 

Unipipe is available in light blue, dark blue, green, brown and grey to align with the ANSI color-coding system for pipe identification. (Learn more: What Do the Colors Mean?) Color coding is not mandated, and manufacturers are free to choose pipe in any color they like, provided that it meets the specs (e.g., pressure rating) for their application. However, following the ANSI color coding schemes is recommended for easy visual pipe identification. Unipipe standard colors include:

• Light Blue: UnipipeAIR (standard compressed air, up to 232 PSI)
• Dark Blue: UnipipeHP (high-pressure air and fluids, up to 1015 PSI)
• Green: UnipipeNITRO (nitrogen and inert gases up to 232 PSI)
• Brown: UnipipeOIL (oils and high-pressure fluids up to 1015 PSI)
• Grey: UnipipeVAC (vacuum applications to -29 inHG/-0.87 bar)
  
  

Yes, UNIPIPE can come in any color you would like! A minimum purchase (by weight quantity) is required for custom color pipe. You can also paint Unipipe on your own. As long as it is a quality paint and a smooth finish, there should be no sealing issues. Contact us with questions about custom colors. 

The best way to learn about Unipipe is to see it for yourself! Our demo kit includes pipe lengths, sample fittings, a video brochure, and a product manual. Request your demo kit online or talk to your Unipipe representative. 

Yes, Unipipe is available in Canada! We have all the required CRN numbers for all providences in Canada. 

Unipipe provides aluminum distribution piping for compressed air, nitrogen, oil and other gases and fluids. We do not sell air compressors or other compressed air equipment. We can connect you with one of our industry partners for compressed air equipment and system design services. 

We can help you design a modern, efficient aluminum distribution system for compressed air or other gases and fluids. Our team uses CAD software to design your system, including detailed installation instructions and a complete Bill of Materials (BOM). This ensures that you will have the right materials for the job and your system will fit as intended into your space. We do not offer design and engineering services for the total compressed air system, but we can connect you with an industry partner who can. 

Yes, every piece of pipe, no matter what material it is, that is coming under pressure should have a pressure rating. A pressure rating specifies the maximum pressure that a piping material can safely handle under specified conditions (like temperature). Every piece of pipe—regardless of the material—used in pressurized systems must have a pressure rating. The rating is usually given in PSI (pounds per square inch) or Bar. Many materials have pressure ratings that change based on diameter and temperature, with plastic having the largest variance. 

Working pressure (or maximum allowable working pressure – MAWP) refers to the maximum pressure a pipe or fitting can handle during normal operation without risk of failure. This takes into account both internal pressure and the temperature at which the pipe operates. Working pressure is generally much lower than the tested burst pressure, or the pressure at which the pipe or vessel will fail or rupture. This creates a safety margin to prevent failure during normal use. You should never operate at pressures above the pipe's rated working pressure. 

We recommend testing the system at 1.5 times the designed operating pressure or working pressure. Burst pressure for Unipipe exceeds four times the operating pressure, so there should be no concern of failure. 

Unipipe excels in this area, with the widest temperature range of any aluminum piping system on the market today. Temperature ratings for the standard Unipipe system are -22°F to 266°F.  

The limiting factor for the temperature rating is the O-ring. If lower or higher temperatures are needed, it may be possible to change the O-ring, depending on the materials going through the pipe. Some O-ring materials are rated for temperatures as low as -40°F, and silicon is rated for temperatures as high as 350°F. 

The Unipipe standard system is rated for temperatures up to 266°F, the maximum safe working temperature for our standard O-rings. Depending on the material you are conveying, it may be possible to substitute a silicon O-ring, which is rated for up to 350°F. 

The Unipipe standard system is rated for temperatures as low as -22°F, the minimum safe working temperature for our standard O-rings. Depending on the material you are conveying, it may be possible to substitute a different type of O-ring with a minimum temperature rating as low as -40°F. This is low enough for all but the very coldest climates and working conditions. 

Temperature has an impact on working pressure ratings for all piping materials, including aluminum. In general, as temperatures rise, materials become less able to handle pressure. However, Unipipe's working temperature ratings were designed with these limitations in mind. Operating at the upper end of the working temperature rating will not have a significant impact on working pressure. Since burst pressure is at least 4x operating pressure for Unipipe, it is still safe to operate near the maximum working pressure at the high end of the temperature range.

Higher temperatures also cause thermal expansion in aluminum. As the temperature rises, the pipe expands, which can impact joint seals, fittings and alignment. This thermal expansion may need to be considered in design, especially for systems that undergo frequent temperature fluctuations. Our recommendations will depend on the installation. 

• A free-hanging system that is not locked into fixed mounting brackets with other piping can generally accommodate thermal expansion without any design changes. This is the way most of our systems are designed. 
• In the rare system design that will need to accommodate some expansion and contraction, we can create an expansion joint in a straight run using two 90° elbow fittings connected via a flexible hose.

This is rarely a concern. The amount that aluminum contracts over 100 feet of pipe with a 50°F temperature change is minimal. A system design that allows for movement (e.g., a free-hanging system) goes a long way in minimizing thermal expansion issues. If needed, expansion joints can be added with hoses. 

Yes, absolutely! UnipipeHP is rated at 70 bar or 1,015 PSI, and some of the valves and accessories are rated at 40 bar or 580 PSI.

The 232 PSI rating for UnipipeAIR is for continuous duty, meaning the pipe is designed to handle this pressure consistently during normal operations without risk of failure. The burst pressure of UnipipeAIR significantly exceeds the required 4:1 safety factor applied in pressure testing, ensuring a strong safety margin. Additionally, all UnipipeAIR pipes are manufactured to comply with ASME standards, including ASME B31.1 for power piping, ASME B31.3 for process piping, and ASME B31.9 for low-pressure building services piping. The pipes also meet ASTM B241 standards for aluminum-alloy seamless pipe and extruded tubes. 

A flow calculator is a tool used to determine the flow rate of a fluid—such as air, gas or a liquid—through a system. It helps in calculating key parameters like velocity, volume and pressure drop in a piping network. Our simple online flow calculator is designed to help in estimating your pipe size requirements based on the desired flow rate (CMF) and pipe run length. The online tool is meant for estimating only; our piping system design specialists will work with you to determine the correct pipe sizing based on the exact project specifications. For help with pipe sizing and distribution system design, contact us at support@unipipesolutions.com. 

Yes, we do! You can find the sizing chart in our product manual.

Wall thickness for Unipipe depends on the pressure rating of the specific product and the diameter of the pipe; the larger the pipe, the thicker the wall. Our product manual shows the pipe OD and wall thickness for all of our piping products. 

An aluminum piping system is fast and easy to install, making it ideal for complex and large-scale projects. As with any piping system, it is important to get pipe sizing and design right, but this is not specific to aluminum. In fact, aluminum offers several advantages that make installation easier, especially for larger projects: 

• Aluminum piping is lightweight, making it easier to handle and maneuver on the job site. 
• Its modular design and push-to-connect fittings mean that assembly is quick and straightforward, even in complex systems. 
• Unlike traditional steel piping, aluminum doesn't require welding, threading, or other intensive joining methods.

Depending on the complexity and size of the project, you may want to consider material lead time. If assistance is needed, we have a team dedicated to supporting with design and sizing requirements. Just email us at support@unipipesolutions.com. 

The tools and techniques for cutting and deburring aluminum piping depend on the pipe size and project scale. 

• For smaller projects (2-1/2" to 4" pipe), we offer a hand-operated tool for OD deburring. A simple hand file would also work. 
• For larger projects, you may want to use an angle grinder or a router to speed things up. 
• For 6" and larger pipes, we have a simple plastic piece that inserts into the end of the pipe after it is cut. We still recommend that you knock off the sharp edge quickly with a file before installing the plastic insert. The plastic insert simulates the beveled edge, saving a lot of time on large-diameter pipes. 

When sizing storage tanks for compressed air, we recommend aiming for 2 to 4 gallons of storage per CFM (cubic feet per minute) of demand. Systems with more variable demand or frequent short-term peaks should lean toward the higher end, at least 4 gallons per CFM, to ensure stability during surges. In contrast, systems with a more steady and consistent demand can operate efficiently with closer to 2 gallons per CFM.

The appropriate storage capacity also depends on the supply side, including the type of compressor controls and the number of compressors in use. Compressor control strategies can influence the ideal amount of storage, as systems with advanced controls may manage with less storage, while more basic setups might require additional capacity to maintain efficiency. Sticking to the 2 to 4 gallons per CFM guideline will ensure reliable performance in the vast majority of cases.

Yes, aluminum piping can be buried, but there are important considerations to ensure its durability and longevity. If Unipipe is being buried, we recommend that it is installed in a sleeve to protect it from moisture, acidic soils, and other corrosive elements. Aluminum and concrete should not be in direct contact, as the interaction can lead to corrosion of the aluminum. Additionally, the pipe needs enough space to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

In compressed air piping systems, drainage locations aren't significantly affected by the choice of piping material—whether aluminum, steel, or black iron. It's never a bad idea to install dedicated drainage points, but it might not always be necessary. Pipe size and air velocity will have a bigger impact on the drainage strategy than pipe material.

• With standard pipe sizing, air velocity may be 30 feet per second or more. At these speeds, moisture moves with the airflow rather than settling at low points. Dedicated drainage points may not be necessary or effective in this scenario. 
• In systems with oversized pipes or intermittent usage, lower air speeds provide more opportunity for moisture to fall out of the air and settle in the pipes. In this case, it's a good idea to install drainage, just as you would with an iron or steel piping system. 

To manage moisture, avoid taking drops from the top of the main headers, which can carry water downstream. Instead, position drops from the bottom or side of the headers. Air drying equipment like dryers and filters can further minimize moisture issues in the distribution piping. 

Yes, aluminum piping is commonly used for retrofit jobs, including replacements for carbon steel pipes. Aluminum can be easily integrated with existing steel systems, such as steel tanks, compressors with steel tanks or connection points, and steel filter housings. Unipipe offers a wide range of NPT threaded adapters and ANSI flange adapters, making it simple to connect to almost anything. 

Most aluminum systems are compatible with each other, but not all. Unipipe is compatible with most major brands of aluminum piping systems. To see compatibility with specific brands, visit our resources page. Click on the tile for "Sales Resources and Pricing," and then you will see another tab for "Competitor Compatibility," which should give you all you need. You can also see our compatibility with other blue-pipe systems in this overview table. 

Yes, aluminum piping can be integrated with existing compressed air systems made from different materials if proper precautions are taken. Use appropriate adapters like NPT or flange fittings to connect different materials and prevent galvanic corrosion by using dielectric unions or insulating gaskets. Ensure the pressure ratings of all components are compatible, and plan for thermal expansion with flexible joints if needed. Unipipe offers a wide range of NPT threaded adapters and ANSI flange adapters for easy connection to other piping systems and materials. 

All aluminum piping systems are measured on the outer diameter (OD) in metric, typically in millimeters (mm). This differs from some traditional piping systems, like black iron or steel, which are often sized based on nominal pipe size (NPS) or inner diameter (ID). Measuring aluminum pipes by OD allows for consistent sizing across different systems and ensures accurate compatibility with fittings and connectors. Our product manual provides conversions from mm to inches, but the mm measurement should be considered the exact size. 

The largest size we support for UnipipeHP is 63mm or 2.5". It can be connected to other materials with threaded adapters. So, although you may need to do your large header piping in something like welded stainless steel, your drops to point-of-use could be done in UnipipeHP. 

While PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is primarily designed for plumbing and radiant heating applications, it can sometimes be used for low-pressure compressed air systems in certain circumstances. However, it is generally not recommended for compressed air use due to potential safety and performance concerns. 

PEX is not specifically rated for compressed air, but it may be used for very low-pressure, non-critical applications (e.g., small DIY home garage setups) if the pressure does not exceed 60 PSI. It should be closely monitored for signs of wear or leaks. Because it is available in a limited number of smaller sizes, it would typically not be seen installed in compressed air systems over 15 HP.

PEX is not advised for larger industrial compressed air systems operating at pressures of 100 PSI and up. Compressed air can cause plastic fatigue in PEX, leading to cracking or failure over time. Unlike plumbing applications where water pressure is constant, compressed air systems experience pulsations that can weaken PEX and increase the risk of splits or tears. However, it does not typically shatter or produce dangerous shards like PVC. 

Black iron is a poor choice for compressed air systems because it is prone to corrosion, which leads to rust and scale buildup inside the pipes and contaminates the air supply. This contamination can damage equipment, clog tools and increase maintenance needs. Depending on the application, this may put facilities out of compliance with air quality standards. Additionally, black iron's rough interior surface creates friction, causing pressure drops that make the system less efficient. Black iron pipe is also prone to leaks, reducing overall system efficiency. A corrosion- and leak-resistant aluminum piping system improves efficiency, reduces maintenance and ensures air quality. 

Unfortunately, we still see black iron every day, including in new installations. It is often specified on jobs by architects and engineers. More awareness is needed in the industry. 

Galvanized piping in compressed air systems can lead to issues with zinc flaking, where the galvanized coating deteriorates over time, releasing small particles into the compressed air. These flakes can clog valves, regulators and filters and contaminate sensitive equipment or processes. Additionally, the internal roughness of galvanized pipes can increase pressure drops, requiring more energy to maintain airflow. For clean and efficient compressed air, aluminum is a better choice.

We have not observed any negative effects from using stainless steel rings with aluminum piping in outdoor installations. The presence of moisture, even in outdoor environments, does not appear to be significant or consistent enough to cause electrolysis or corrosion issues. Both stainless steel and aluminum are relatively resistant to corrosion, and when properly installed, the risk of galvanic corrosion is minimal. To further reduce any potential risk, you can use protective coatings or ensure that the stainless steel and aluminum components are not in direct electrical contact. Overall, this combination has proven to be reliable and durable in outdoor settings.

No, we have not seen any issue with connecting stainless steel and aluminum. Both materials are very stable and will not contaminate or react with each other. The Unipipe system uses a stainless steel gripping ring in its aluminum fittings, so the two different metals are already in direct contact with each other. 

Not at all: Unipipe is compatible with all oils. In fact, UnipipeOIL (which is the same product as UnipipeHP in a different color) is actually used to transport oils and other fluids in many industries. In the automotive industry, we move mineral and synthetic motor oils, transmission fluid, DEF, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid.

Aluminum piping generally interacts well with other materials commonly used in compressed air systems, but there are a few compatibility concerns to be aware of:

• Galvanic Corrosion: When aluminum is in direct contact with more conductive metals like steel or copper, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion, especially in the presence of moisture. To prevent this, use dielectric unions, insulating gaskets, or non-conductive sealants to separate the metals and reduce the risk.
• Pressure Compatibility: Ensure that the pressure ratings for aluminum match those of the other materials in the system. Using components with different pressure tolerances can create weak points that may fail under high-pressure conditions.
• Thermal Expansion: Aluminum expands and contracts more with temperature changes than materials like steel. If the system is exposed to varying temperatures, install flexible joints or expansion loops to accommodate this difference.

No, long-radius elbows are not currently available for the Unipipe system. Therefore, Unipipe is not suitable for material transfer systems or vacuum systems that carry dust or other material. 

Aluminum is very clean and corrosion-resistant. To maintain a clean air supply, you'll want to ensure that other components have these same properties. That means looking for valves, accessories and fittings made of materials like brass, stainless steel, aluminum or epoxy.  

• Valves should be made of items like brass, with Teflon seals and stainless steel internals. Larger valves may have a cast iron body that is epoxy coated, with rubber seals and brass discs. 
• Instruments like gauges, flow meters, transducers, and dewpoint monitors are typically all made from either brass or stainless steel components. 
• Filters are typically aluminum up to at least 3" in connection size, and after that, they are steel. Some filters are available with epoxy linings. 
• Receiver tanks and/or pressure vessels are usually also made of steel. Tanks typically do not add contamination to the air supply because air moves through the tank slowly, allowing any excess moisture or contamination to fall to the bottom. If contamination is a concern, tanks with epoxy linings are available.

Yes, Unipipe can connect to any other traditional piping system with a threaded adapter or flange connection. Unipipe has many different threaded adapter options (male, female, straight, elbow tees, etc.). See our fittings and accessories page for more.  

We have a direct tap-type saddle. By installing a ball valve and a hot tap tool to this saddle, a hot tap is possible. We do not offer the hot tap tool for sale, but generic ones that connect to NPT threads will work. We have successfully used them for this purpose. 

You can use any type of valve that you want, as long as it connects to NPT threads or an ANSI flange connection. We also offer our own valves (such as this ball valve) that connect directly to the pipe and fittings to eliminate threaded connections, which have the potential for leaks. You can see all our available valves on our fittings and accessories page. You can also find information in our product manual. 

Plant air, or compressed air used for general manufacturing applications, usually does not have specific air quality requirements. In other words, it does not have minimum requirements for dewpoint, particle size, lubricant content (oil carryover) or general contamination. Instrument air has minimum requirements for each of these four key areas. Instrument systems require clean, dry and oil-free air to prevent damage, corrosion and operational failures in sensitive instruments. Instrument air is typically filtered and dried to a high standard. ANSI/ISA – 7.0.0 – 1996 is a globally recognized standard for instrument air. 

In many plants, general plant air meets or exceeds the basic requirements for instrument air systems—at least when it comes out of the compressor. However, if that air then runs through dirty, corroded pipes (such as black iron or galvanized piping), it will become contaminated again before reaching its point of use. Additional filtration may be needed in this case. The simpler solution is to use a clean, corrosion-free aluminum piping system that keeps air clean during distribution. 

Yes, aluminum piping is well-suited for applications requiring high-purity air, provided it is properly installed and maintained. The ISO 8573-1 standard sets purity classes from 0 (ultra-pure) to 9 (dirtier). Aluminum piping is used at every purity level, right down to class 0. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion and has a very smooth interior surface, which minimizes the opportunity for moisture or microbial contaminants to accumulate. That means it will not introduce new impurities into dried and filtered air, ensuring that air quality at the point of use matches the quality coming out of the air treatment systems. 

Aluminum piping systems are commonly used in food-grade applications where washdown is not a concern. However, aluminum is not ideal for food-grade applications that require washdown with caustic cleaners. Although aluminum pipe has a tough powder-coated finish, some of the fittings are only anodized. These fittings will be more susceptible to damage and corrosion when exposed to caustic chemicals. For this reason, stainless steel may be a better choice for applications requiring frequent washdown with harsh chemicals. 

This being said, we often see a mix of aluminum and stainless steel used together. The main header piping can be done using aluminum for its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation and modification, while the drops to the point of use can be stainless steel. A brass isolation ball valve can be used at the transition. This is a win-win situation, lowering the overall costs for the installation while meeting industry standards for cleaning at the point of use. 

Unipipe is not currently NFPA 99 certified, which means it does not meet the requirements for medical gas applications at this time and would not pass inspection for these uses. Stay tuned for updates as we progress toward certification.

Unipipe is not suitable for domestic tap water because aluminum is not compatible with the chlorine commonly used to stabilize tap water, which can cause corrosion over time. Additionally, deionized (DI) water can be even more corrosive to aluminum because it lacks the natural ions and minerals that typically provide a stabilizing effect on water's chemical behavior. For these reasons, aluminum piping, including Unipipe, is not recommended for domestic tap water or DI water. 

Unipipe does not offer titanium pipe or other materials designed for corrosive environments. Depending on the application and specific chemicals involved, it is possible that UnipipeHP could be applied. However, in general, materials such as stainless steel and titanium are preferred for highly corrosive environments. Contact us at support@unipipesolutions.com for specific questions. 

Unipipe is not certified for fire sprinkler applications for two primary reasons. First, aluminum is not compatible with chlorinated tap water, which is commonly used in fire sprinkler systems, as chlorine can cause corrosion over time. Second, the rubber seals in Unipipe fittings may not withstand the extreme temperatures encountered during a fire, potentially compromising the integrity of the system during a "hot event."

Using aluminum piping positively impacts the environmental footprint of a project in several ways. 

• Its smooth bore design results in lower pressure drops compared to traditional piping systems, reducing energy consumption over the system's lifespan. 
• Aluminum is guaranteed to be leak-free for 20 years, which minimizes energy waste associated with leaks. 
• Its lightweight nature reduces the resources required for transportation and installation, further lowering carbon emissions. 

At the end of its life, aluminum is 100% recyclable, ensuring that the material can be reused without degradation, contributing to a more sustainable project lifecycle.

Yes, there are, and UNIPIPE conforms to all of them. There are several common standards that cover the design requirements and pressure/service ratings for aluminum piping, ensuring safety, reliability, and consistency in various applications. These include: 

• ASME B31.3 - Process Piping: Covers design and safety requirements for aluminum piping in industrial and chemical plants.
• ASME B31.1 - Power Piping: Provides guidelines for aluminum piping in industrial air and gas systems, including pressure ratings.
• ASTM B241: Specifies dimensions and pressure capabilities for seamless aluminum-alloy pipes.
• ASTM B345/B345M: Defines standards for extruded aluminum-alloy pipes, including properties and tolerances.

Please refer to the technical specifications section of our resources page to find more information. 

This depends on your local region or city. Areas that are more earthquake-prone would have different requirements than a place like our hometown of Chicago.  You can find recommendations in the technical specifications section of our resources page.

Yes, all Unipipe aluminum piping is manufactured to comply with ASME B31.1 (Power Piping), as well as ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) and ASME B31.9 (Low-Pressure Building Services Piping). Additionally, the piping meets the requirements of ASTM B241 for aluminum-alloy pipes.

We are very transparent with our pricing, and it is all available on our website. You can download the complete workbook on our resources page or find pricing for individual components in our product catalog. Contact us at support@unipipesolutions.com for project or larger volume pricing. 

Unipipe saves considerable money compared to copper in terms of both material costs and installation costs. In a pricing comparison with a 2" pipe loop and ten 3/4" pipe drops, as close as possible to an "apples to apples" setup, the Unipipe aluminum piping system is about 40% less installed. Please visit The Unipipe Advantage to see a pricing comparison chart that shows aluminum compared to copper, iron, and stainless steel. 

Aluminum piping systems have relatively low maintenance requirements, which positively impact the overall lifecycle cost. With proper installation and minimal care, Unipipe can remain leak-free for 20 years and remain serviceable for many years longer, making it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for compressed air and other gas and fluid applications. Thanks to its natural corrosion resistance and durability, aluminum pipes do not require nearly as much maintenance as black iron, galvanized or copper piping. We recommend that you inspect pipes annually for any signs of corrosion and leaks (especially as pipes age) and take care of any emerging problems promptly to extend the longevity of the system. 

The O-rings in the Unipipe system can last for 10-15 years or longer if the system is properly installed and not exposed to excessive temperatures. Once installed, O-rings should not experience wear from pipe movement or damage from UV light exposure—two of the common causes of O-ring failure. Operating at extreme temperatures (below -22°F or above 266°F) or frequent temperature fluctuations may shorten O-ring life. Our O-rings are not damaged by oils and lubricants, but exposure to caustic chemicals and solvents may reduce their longevity. If an O-ring becomes damaged, it is easily replaced.