Compressed air systems are indispensable in various industrial sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, electronics, textiles, woodworking, and more. Among the many components in a compressed air system, piping plays a critical role in overall performance, safety, and system lifespan.
Selecting the right steel pipe for compressed air systems is not just about diameter or wall thickness. It requires understanding technical requirements, working environment, pressure levels, and safety standards.
In this article, Sunjin Metals Vina (SJM Vina) – a leading supplier of industrial piping materials in Vietnam – shares key technical considerations to help you choose the most suitable steel pipe for your compressed air system.

1. Working Pressure and Pipe Strength
Compressed air systems typically operate at pressures between 6 – 12 bar, and in some specialized industries (e.g., metallurgy or plastics), the pressure may exceed 20 bar.
Therefore, the pipe must have adequate pressure resistance. Common options include black steel pipes per ASTM A106 Gr.B or ASTM A53 Gr.B, with SCH40 or SCH80 wall thickness. For higher pressures, SCH160 or seamless pipes may be necessary.
2. Pipe Type: Seamless vs. Welded
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Welded (ERW) pipes: Cost-effective, suitable for low to medium pressure applications.
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Seamless pipes: No weld seam, higher strength, ideal for high-pressure or critical systems.
SJM Vina recommends ASTM A106 or DIN 17175 seamless pipes for key zones such as compressors, air receivers, and main distribution lines.
3. Corrosion Resistance and System Durability
Compressed air usually contains moisture. Without proper surface treatment or material selection, internal corrosion may occur, leading to:
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Pressure drop
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Air contamination (particularly critical for food or electronics industries)
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Reduced system life span
Solutions include using galvanized steel pipes or epoxy-coated interiors. In highly corrosive environments, consider stainless steel pipes (304/316).
4. Pipe Size and Air Flow
Pipe sizing should be based not only on pressure but also on required air flow volume. Undersized pipes cause pressure drops, while oversized pipes increase installation costs unnecessarily.
SJM Vina often recommends DN25 to DN150 pipe sizes depending on compressor capacity and pipe run length.
5. Connections and Fittings
Steel pipes must be connected with matching flanges, elbows, tees, and valves. These accessories must comply with the same technical standards and materials to ensure tightness and safety.
SJM Vina provides a full range of fittings:
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Flanges: ASTM A105, JIS 10K, DIN PN16
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Ball valves, check valves (steel or stainless body)
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Butt-weld elbows, tees, sockets
Practical Example from SJM Vina
A high-tech electronics manufacturer in Binh Duong, Vietnam, required a central compressed air system for 500HP capacity. After site inspection, SJM Vina proposed:
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Seamless pipes ASTM A106 SCH80 DN80 – DN150 for main pipelines
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Galvanized pipes DN25 – DN50 for branch lines
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All accessories conformed to JIS 10K standards
This ensured stable airflow, no leakage, minimal pressure drop, and extended equipment lifespan.
Why Choose SJM Vina for Your Compressed Air Piping Needs?
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Over 30 years of experience in industrial piping systems
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Wide inventory of steel pipes, stainless steel, flanges, and fittings from Korea, Japan, China
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Verified CO-CQ documentation and traceable origins
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On-site technical consultation and customized solutions
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Competitive pricing, fast delivery, and excellent support in Vietnam
Contact Information
SUNJIN METALS VINA CO., LTD (SJM VINA)
Address: 628 Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 10, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 33 4233 127
Email: sjmvina@sunjinmetal.com
Website: www.sjmvina.com.vn
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