Compressed-Air Pipework & Piping Systems
Compressed-air plastic piping systems are designed for the safe and efficient distribution of compressed air in industrial, commercial and service installations.
They provide a modern alternative to traditional metallic pipework, combining low weight, corrosion resistance, smooth internal surfaces and practical installation methods to support reliable long-term performance.
Traditional metal compressed-air systems can corrode or scale over time. This may contaminate the air supply, reduce flow and increase the energy needed to maintain pressure. Correctly specified plastic compressed-air systems can help reduce these issues by providing clean, corrosion-resistant pipework with efficient flow characteristics.
At IPS, we supply compressed-air pipework systems including pipe, fittings, valves, adaptors, installation accessories and supporting components. Systems are available in selected thermoplastic materials, with jointing methods chosen to suit the product range, site conditions and application requirements.
Compressed-air systems should always be specified using the relevant technical data for the selected product range. Pressure rating, temperature, pipe size, layout, jointing method, support spacing, air quality requirements and installation environment all affect final system performance.
Explore our compressed-air pipework range
Our compressed-air pipework range includes selected plastic pipework systems designed for clean, efficient and corrosion-resistant air distribution. Depending on the product range, systems may include pipe, fittings, valves, adaptors, solvent-welded components, fusion-welded components and installation accessories.
Key features of compressed-air piping systems
Corrosion-resistant performance
Corrosion is one of the main problems associated with traditional metal compressed-air pipework. Rust and scale can contaminate the air supply, reduce flow and affect long-term system efficiency. Plastic compressed-air systems do not corrode in the same way as metal pipework, helping to support cleaner air distribution and more reliable performance over time.
Cleaner air distribution
Compressed air is often used around production lines, tools, equipment and sensitive process areas, so air quality matters. Corrosion-resistant plastic pipework can help reduce contamination from the pipe material itself. This can be particularly useful in industrial, food, pharmaceutical and other environments where clean air distribution is important. Application requirements should always be reviewed carefully, especially where compressed air quality is linked to the process or end product.
Smooth internal bore
A smooth internal bore helps compressed air move through the system with less resistance. This can help reduce pressure losses and support more efficient air distribution.
Correct pipe sizing, network layout, branch design and drainage points are also important. Efficient compressed-air performance depends on the full system design, not just the pipe material.
Lightweight and easy to install
Plastic compressed-air systems are lighter than many traditional metal systems, making them easier to handle and install on site. Depending on the selected product range, jointing methods may include solvent welding, socket fusion, butt fusion, electrofusion or other approved installation methods. Some systems can also avoid hot works, supporting quicker and more practical installation in suitable environments.
Complete system availability
Compressed-air pipework should be specified as a complete system rather than as pipe alone. Pipe, fittings, valves, adaptors, brackets, installation tools and accessories all need to work together. IPS can help customers review the full system requirement and select compatible components for the intended pressure, temperature, air quality and installation conditions.
Suitable for industrial and service environments
Plastic compressed-air systems are used across factories, workshops, production areas, plant rooms and building-services installations. Selected systems may also be suitable for related service duties such as non-combustible neutral gas or centralised vacuum networks, where the selected product range is approved for that use.
Pressure and temperature performance
Pressure capability and temperature limits vary by material, product range and system design. Selected compressed-air systems may support pressures up to 16 bar, while other systems may be rated differently depending on temperature and service conditions. Final selection should always be based on the specific technical data for the intended application.
Common applications
Compressed-air piping systems are commonly used for:
- Factory compressed-air distribution
- Industrial process air systems
- Workshops and maintenance areas
- Production line air supply
- Plant-room compressed-air networks
- Building-services compressed-air systems
- Food and pharmaceutical production areas where suitable
- General service air distribution
- Non-combustible neutral gas duties where approved
- Centralised vacuum networks where approved
- Extensions or upgrades to existing compressed-air systems
Suitability should always be confirmed against the application, pressure, temperature, pipe size, air quality requirement, jointing method, approvals and installation environment.
Why choose IPS for compressed-air pipework?
IPS supports customers who need more than a pipe supplier. Our team can help with product selection, material compatibility, pressure ratings, temperature limits, pipe sizing, air quality requirements, jointing methods, installation considerations and supporting documentation.
For compressed-air systems, correct design and specification are essential. IPS can help customers assess the complete system, including pipe, fittings, valves, adaptors, jointing method, support spacing, pressure rating and installation environment.
Whether you are replacing an existing system, extending a compressed-air network, working from a drawing or specifying a new installation, IPS can help match the right products to the application.
Compressed-air technical resources
Correct specification and installation are essential for long-term compressed-air system performance. Our technical resources support engineers, specifiers, installers and maintenance teams with product selection and installation guidance.
About compressed air
Learn more about compressed-air pipework, material options, system selection, pressure ratings, temperature limits and installation considerations.
Compressed-air handbook
Access the compressed-air section of the IPS technical handbook, including product information, dimensional data, pressure guidance, jointing methods and installation details.
Ready to specify a compressed-air piping system?
Get support with compressed-air pipework, product selection, technical resources, jointing methods and installation guidance before your project moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are compressed-air piping systems used for?
Compressed-air piping systems are used to distribute compressed air around factories, workshops, production areas, plant rooms, service installations and industrial sites. Selected systems may also be suitable for related service duties where approved.
Why use plastic pipework for compressed air?
Plastic compressed-air pipework can offer low weight, corrosion resistance, smooth internal surfaces and practical installation methods. This can help reduce rust and scale contamination, support efficient air flow and simplify installation compared with many traditional metal systems.
What should I consider when choosing compressed-air pipework?
Key factors include working pressure, operating temperature, pipe size, system layout, air demand, allowable pressure loss, jointing method, support spacing, air quality requirement and installation environment.
How is compressed-air pipework joined?
Joining methods depend on the selected product range. Options may include solvent welding, socket fusion, butt fusion, electrofusion or other approved methods. Installation should always follow the relevant manufacturer’s guidance.
What pressure can compressed-air pipework handle?
Pressure capability varies by material, product range, pipe size and operating temperature. Selected systems may support pressures up to 16 bar, while others may have different ratings. The correct pressure rating should always be checked against the intended service conditions.
Can compressed-air pipework be used outdoors?
Outdoor installation depends on the selected system and exposure conditions. UV exposure, temperature movement, support spacing, pressure rating, mechanical protection and installation environment should all be reviewed before specification.
Can compressed-air pipework be used in food or pharmaceutical environments?
Selected compressed-air systems may be suitable for environments where clean air distribution is important, including food or pharmaceutical production areas. Suitability should always be checked against air quality requirements, approvals, material compatibility and the full system design.
Can compressed-air pipework be used for medical air?
Medical air applications are system-dependent and should be reviewed carefully before selection. The material, pressure, temperature, jointing method, air quality requirements, approvals and compliance obligations must all be checked for the specific duty.
Can new plastic pipework be connected to an existing compressed-air network?
Connections to an existing compressed-air network may be possible, but materials, pressure rating, pipe size, jointing method, adaptors and system compatibility must be reviewed first. The new section must be suitable for the existing duty and installed using the correct method.
Does compressed-air pipework require maintenance?
Plastic compressed-air systems avoid rust and scale issues associated with many metal systems, but they should still be inspected as part of normal site maintenance. Checks should include support condition, leaks, joint integrity, valve operation, signs of stress and protection from damage.
