Problems steel compressed air pipelines create

Moisture is normal after compression. Inside steel pipe it promotes rust. Scale narrows effective bore, increases friction and sheds particles toward tools and valves. Joints that start airtight often weep after vibration and thermal cycles—small leaks that add up across a factory.

Maintenance teams then chase pressure complaints by raising compressor setpoints, which multiplies energy cost without fixing the distribution root cause.

What compressed air aluminium piping changes

Compressed air aluminium piping stays free of internal rust scale, keeps a smoother flow path and uses engineered mechanical fittings instead of plant-floor welding for most joints. That combination supports cleaner air, more stable pressure and quicker layout changes when machines move.

ITT’s ShiftAir range covers tube, fittings and accessories as one system so seals, clamps and drops stay compatible.

Aluminium vs steel: decision factors

• Air quality — aluminium avoids rust flake in the line.
• Energy — fewer leaks and lower pressure drop reduce wasted generation.
• Install time — modular joints cut hot-work and scaffolding compared with heavy steel.
• Lifecycle — less corrosion-driven replacement on the distribution side.
• Flexibility — add a drop without rebuilding an entire welded branch.

Migration path for existing plants

Full rip-and-replace is not always required. Many Delhi NCR sites start with a critical ring, a new hall, or the worst corroded branches, then expand aluminium as production allows. ITT plans isolation points, temporary feeds and test steps so production impact stays controlled.

Read the product overview: aluminium piping systems. Related guide: aluminium piping for compressed air.