John Guest Aluminium Compressed Air Pipe
Technical Specification
- Material: Powder-coated aluminium
- Application medium: Compressed air only, not suitable for water
- Manufacturer: John Guest
- Available sizes: 15mm to 28mm
- Standard lengths: 3 metre straight lengths
- Maximum working pressure: Up to 20 bar, temperature dependent
- Temperature range: -20°C to +65°C
- Manufacturing standard: BS EN 755-1
- Installation support spacing: Every 800mm
- System type: Air ring main and industrial pneumatic distribution systems
Description
Designed for high performance compressed air distribution, this aluminium pipe is ideal for air ring main installations in demanding industrial environments. It offers higher pressure capability than nylon alternatives, operating between 16 and 20 bar depending on temperature, making it suitable for applications with greater air demand or longer pipe runs.
The powder-coated aluminium construction provides excellent strength, durability and corrosion resistance while maintaining a lightweight profile that simplifies handling and installation. When combined with John Guest push-fit fittings, the system allows fast, clean assembly without welding, threading or specialist tools.
Thermal expansion is an important consideration with aluminium pipework, and installations should allow for movement using appropriate spacing, clips and expansion bends. Due to the bespoke and technical nature of this product, all applications and sizes should be carefully confirmed before ordering, as cut pipe lengths are non-returnable.
Key Features & Benefits
- High pressure capability: Operates up to 20 bar depending on temperature, ideal for demanding air systems
- Powder-coated aluminium body: Strong, durable and corrosion resistant for long service life
- Designed for air ring mains: Optimised for efficient compressed air distribution
- Push-fit compatibility: Works seamlessly with John Guest fittings for fast installation and system changes
- Lightweight construction: Easier to handle and install than traditional steel pipework
- Manufactured to BS EN 755-1: Consistent quality and dimensional accuracy
Working Temperatures & Pressures
| SKU | John Guest Code | Diameter (mm) | Length(m) | -20 °C (bar) | 20 °C (bar) | 65 °C (bar) |
| 382489 | AL-RM1513-3M-20B | 15 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| 382490 | AL-RM1816-3M-20B | 18 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| 382491 | AL-RM2220-3M-20B | 22 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| 382492 | AL-RM2826-3M-10B | 28 | 3 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
Pipe Flow Rates
| Working Pressure kPa | Working Pressure (bar) | 15mm | 18mm | 22mm | 28mm |
| 20 | 0.2 | 0.9 l/s | 1.7 l/s | 2.2 l/s | 4.0 l/s |
| 40 | 0.4 | 1.4 l/s | 2.6 l/s | 3.5 l/s | 6.2 l/s |
| 63 | 0.63 | 1.9 l/s | 3.5 l/s | 4.6 l/s | 8.3 l/s |
| 80 | 0.8 | 2.2 l/s | 4.1 l/s | 5.5 l/s | 10.1 l/s |
| 100 | 1 | 2.6 l/s | 4.9 l/s | 6.5 l/s | 11.8 l/s |
| 125 | 1.25 | 3.1 l/s | 5.8 l/s | 7.7 l/s | 13.5 l/s |
| 160 | 1.6 | 3.8 l/s | 7.0 l/s | 9.0 l/s | 16.7 l/s |
| 200 | 2 | 4.5 l/s | 8.4 l/s | 11.5 l/s | 20.3 l/s |
| 250 | 2.5 | 5.5 l/s | 10.0 l/s | 13.3 l/s | 24.3 l/s |
| 315 | 3.15 | 6.7 l/s | 12.0 l/s | 16.7 l/s | 29.7 l/s |
| 400 | 4 | 8.3 l/s | 15.0 l/s | 20.3 l/s | 36.3 l/s |
| 500 | 5 | 10.0 l/s | 19.0 l/s | 25.0 l/s | 44.7 l/s |
| 630 | 6.3 | 13.0 l/s | 23.0 l/s | 31.0 l/s | 55.7 l/s |
| 800 | 8 | 16.0 l/s | 29.0 l/s | 39.0 l/s | 69.3 l/s |
| 1000 | 10 | 19.0 l/s | 36.0 l/s | 48.0 l/s | 84.7 l/s |
Note: The flow rates are based on 10% pressure drops for 10 and 15mm pipe sizes and 5% for 22, 28mm pipe sizes.
Installation Instructions
- Preparation and Mounting: Aluminium pipes require specific installation techniques to accommodate expansion. Avoid constraining pipes at both ends to prevent stress and buckling. Start by attaching horizontal pipe clips, then vertical ones after slight pressure application.
- Spacing Requirements: Maintain about 10cm distance from walls and columns, and at least 400mm between pipe fittings and clips.
- Expansion Management: Utilize expansion bends for long runs to handle thermal expansion.
- Air Quality Control: Use filters and John Guest Water Trap Tees to ensure clean, dry air in the system, improving equipment life and performance.
- Pipe Sizing: Choose pipe size based on the flow rate and pressure drop requirements. Consult the flow rates for both nylon and aluminium pipes to make an informed decision.
Downloads


