MLC Pipe for Compressed Air – Unipro PneuAir Composite Pipeline
- Introduction
- Dealership Certification
- Products
- Our Installation
- Video Gallery
- Catalogues
- Leak-Proof Line
- Request Survey
- Why MLC Wins
- Unipro PneuAir
- How We Install
- Product Portfolio
- Key Features
- Technical Specs
- Why Unipro PneuAir
- Why Ahuja Group
- FAQ's
- Automation Stack
- Plant Heads
- EPC Contractors
- MLC vs Others
- Buy From Ahuja
What Is MLC Pipe and Can It Be Used for Compressed Air?
MLC pipe — Multilayer Composite pipe, also known as PE-AL-PE — is a three-layer industrial pipe consisting of a polyethylene inner bore, an aluminium core barrier, and a polyethylene outer skin bonded together with adhesive layers. The aluminium core gives MLC pipe the structural rigidity and low thermal expansion of metal; the polyethylene layers give it the corrosion-free, chemically inert inner surface of plastic. The result is a pipe that neither rusts nor scales internally, requires no welding or threading for installation, and maintains stable performance across a wide temperature range.
MLC pipe is rated and certified for compressed air distribution. The aluminium barrier prevents permeation of oil vapour and gas — a critical requirement for compressed air networks. Compression fittings with double O-ring seals create leak-tight joints without heat tools, solvent cement, or specialist labour. MLC pipe certified to ISO 17484 (like Unipro PneuAir) is specifically engineered for compressed air, vacuum, inert gas, and utility fluid distribution — not adapted from water pipe.
Dealership Certification
Unipro – Pioneers in Aluminium Composite Piping
We are an authorised dealer of Unipro’s aluminium composite pipes, known for their high durability, zero-leakage joints, and quick installation. This enables us to deliver long-lasting, corrosion-resistant compressed air systems to factories across India.
Products
Brasstite Equal Elbow
Brasstite Equal Elbow
Brasstite Equal Tee
Brasstite Equal Tee
Brasstite Equal Union
Brasstite Equal Union
Brasstite Female Elbow
Brasstite Female Elbow
Brasstite Female Tee
Brasstite Female Tee
Brasstite Female Union
Brasstite Female Union
Brasstite Male Union
Brasstite Male Union
Brasstite Unequal Tee
Brasstite Unequal Tee
Brasstite Unequal Union
Brasstite Unequal Union
Brasstite Wall Mounted Female Elbow
Brasstite Wall Mounted Female Elbow
Griptite Equal Elbow
Griptite Equal Elbow
Griptite Equal Tee
Griptite Equal Tee
Griptite Equal Union
Griptite Equal Union
Griptite Female Elbow
Griptite Female Elbow
Griptite Female Union
Griptite Female Union
Griptite Male Union
Griptite Male Union
Griptite Unequal Tee
Griptite Unequal Tee
Unipro PneuAir Composite Pipe
Unipro PneuAir Composite Pipe
Unipro PneuAir Composite Pipe - 5 Layers - Labelled
Unipro PneuAir Composite Pipe - 5 Layers - Labelled
Our Installation
Explore Our Video Gallery
Catalogues
| Image | Title | Type | Size | Counter | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pdf | 4 MB | 24 |
Ready for a lighter, leak‑proof compressed‑air line?
Call ☎ +91 70235 40310 or email ✉ [email protected]
to schedule a free PneuAir demo and cost‑saving comparison.
Request an MLC Pipeline Survey
Why MLC Pipe Outperforms GI and PPR for Industrial Compressed Air Systems
Galvanised iron pipe corrodes from the inside. As compressed air passes through corroded GI pipe, it picks up rust particles and iron oxide scale. These particles damage pneumatic valves, cylinders, and instruments at the point of use — accelerating seal wear and causing premature component failure. Energy costs also rise: internal corrosion reduces bore diameter progressively, increasing pressure drop across the system and forcing compressors to work harder to maintain the same delivery pressure.
PPR pipe rated for compressed air requires fusion welding — every joint demands a heat tool, a trained operator, a cooling period, and a precision-controlled process. On a large plant, this means weeks of installation time and a certified team on site throughout. Any joint made incorrectly is a potential failure point under cyclic pressure loading. PPR pipe is excellent for hot and cold water — it is not designed to be the fastest or cheapest option for compressed air distribution.
MLC compressed air pipe solves both problems. The PE inner bore cannot rust or scale — compressed air arrives clean at every point of use. Compression fittings are hand-assembled with basic tools in minutes; no heat, no cement, no specialist training required for the joint itself. The aluminium core prevents gas permeation through the pipe wall — a requirement that standard water-grade MLC pipe does not meet. For industrial compressed air networks where uptime, installation speed, and air quality matter, MLC pipe designed to ISO 17484 is the technically correct and operationally practical choice.
Unipro PneuAir — The MLC Pipe System Engineered for Compressed Air
Unipro PneuAir is the compressed air-specific MLC pipe system supplied and installed by Ahuja Group. It is a 5-layer aluminium-polyethylene composite pipeline — PE inner bore, adhesive bond layer, aluminium barrier core, adhesive bond layer, UV-stabilised PE outer skin — built to ISO 17484 for industrial compressed air and utility gas applications up to 16 bar at 23°C.
The Griptite and Brasstite compression fitting ranges connect to PneuAir pipe without welding, solvent, or thread cutting. Griptite fittings are engineered-plastic with PA6-GF30 construction and double O-ring seals — designed for standard industrial environments. Brasstite fittings are IS 319 forged brass with nickel-plated nuts — used where higher chemical resistance, UV exposure, or outdoor installation is required. Both fitting types share the same pipe connection method, allowing mixed use across a single compressed air system.
PneuAir pipe is available in coil lengths up to 200 m — eliminating up to 95% of elbows and reducing joint count across long straight runs. Coil delivery allows the pipe to follow the building structure without prefabrication. Manual bend radius of 5× diameter keeps routing flexible without fittings.
Ahuja Group is an authorised Unipro dealer and installer in Rajasthan — supplying PneuAir pipe, Griptite fittings, Brasstite fittings, and installation tools, with site survey, design, installation, and commissioning from one source.
How Ahuja Group Installs MLC Compressed Air Pipeline Systems
Site survey and design
Ahuja Group carries out a free compressed air site survey before any material is ordered. We map all usage points, measure required flows and pressures, calculate pipe diameter for each branch to maintain velocity within 6 m/s, and design the ring main or radial layout for your facility.
Pressure drop calculation
We size the pipeline to keep total pressure drop between the compressor outlet and the furthest usage point within 0.1 bar at full flow. Undersized compressed air pipework is the most common cause of production quality problems in Indian manufacturing plants — Ahuja Group provides the calculation before installation, not after.
Material supply
We supply Unipro PneuAir pipe in the correct diameter and coil length, together with all Griptite or Brasstite fittings, wall brackets, end caps, and installation tools. All material is Unipro-authorised — essential for warranty validity.
Installation
Our trained installation team assembles the system using compression fittings — no welding, no solvent, no specialist tools. Pipe is run in coil from the ring main header to usage point drops, following the designed layout. Each joint is checked for correct insertion depth and ring seating before tightening.
Testing and commissioning
We pressure test the completed network to 1.5× working pressure, confirm zero pressure drop at all joints, and commission the system with documentation. Ahuja Group's installation qualifies for Unipro's 10-year warranty.
Contact us at [email protected] | +91-70235-40310 to arrange a site survey.
Product Portfolio (industrial range)
PneuAir Composite Pipe
16 – 50 mm
16 bar @23 °C • 12 bar @60 °C
Coils 200 m (16‑20 mm) · 100 m (25‑32 mm) · 50 m (40‑50 mm)
Griptite Engineered‑Plastic Fittings
PA6‑GF30 compression, double O‑ring
16 mm – 40 mm
16 bar
Safe‑Seal & Dual‑Grip technology
Brasstite Brass Compression Fittings
IS 319 forged brass body
16 mm – 40 mm
16 bar
Nickel‑plated nuts, double O‑ring
Installation Tools
Pipe cutters, internal/external bending springs, chamfer & rounding tool, torque spanners
—
—
Essential for warranty‑valid install
Key Features & Benefits
- ≥ 50‑year service life (ISO 21003 durability).
- Manual bend radius ≤ 5 × D; eliminates up to 95 % elbows & couplers.
- Double O‑ring compression fittings = zero‑leak joints.
- Metal core acts as permeation barrier against oil vapour & gases.
- Thermal expansion 9× lower than PE pipes; similar to metal piping.
- Lightweight – 1/10 th weight of steel; easy overhead routing.
- UV‑stabilised outer layer for outdoor exposure.
- Smooth inner surface (Ra < 0.2 µm) → minimal pressure drop
- Corrosion‑proof; no rust particle contamination
- 10‑year manufacturer warranty when installed with Unipro fittings & tools.
Industrial Applications
Compressed air ring mains & drops (up to 16 bar)
Vacuum lines for pick‑and‑place & conveying
Nitrogen / inert‑gas manifolds in food & pharma
Chilled‑water loops for mould cooling
Industrial water & glycol supply
Technical Specifications — System‑Wide
Parameter
Typical Value
Material Composition
Thermoplastic inner & outer layers • Aluminium core • Adhesive bond layers
Colour Coding
Outer Blue · Inner Natural
Operating Pressure
232 psi (16 bar) @23 °C • 175 psi (12 bar) @60 °C
Operating Temperature
–20 °C to +60 °C
Size Range
16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm OD
Aluminium Layer Thickness
0.21 – 0.50 mm (size dependent)
Standards
ISO 21003 • ASTM F1282
Warranty
10 years against manufacturing defects (pipes + fittings)
Why Choose Unipro PneuAir?
Aluminium layer up to 33 % thicker than competing brands → higher burst pressure
Safe‑Seal & Dual‑Grip fitting design doubles joint security under vibration.
Coil lengths up to 200 m reduce joints, labour and leak points
No welding, solvent cement or thread cutting—clean, fast install with basic tools
Full range of engineered‑plastic and brass fittings from 16 mm to 40 mm.
Why Buy from Ahuja Group?
Authorised Unipro distributor & warranty centre.
Stock of pipes, Griptite/Brasstite fittings & installation tools in Jaipur
Site‑specific airflow & pressure‑drop calculations
Trained installers; fusion‑free assembly completed 40 % faster than GI
Free leak audit & ultrasonic flow check within first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLC pipe?
MLC stands for Multilayer Composite — a three-layer pipe consisting of a polyethylene inner bore, an aluminium core barrier, and a polyethylene outer skin. Also known as PE-AL-PE pipe, MLC pipe combines the corrosion resistance of plastic with the structural rigidity and low thermal expansion of metal. For compressed air, the aluminium barrier prevents gas permeation through the pipe wall — making MLC pipe a technically correct choice for industrial compressed air distribution.
Can MLC pipe be used for compressed air?
Yes. MLC pipe certified to ISO 17484 is specifically rated for compressed air distribution. Unipro PneuAir — the MLC pipe system supplied by Ahuja Group — is ISO 17484 certified and rated for industrial compressed air, vacuum, inert gas, and utility fluid networks up to 16 bar at 23°C. Standard water-grade MLC pipe is not rated for compressed air.
How is MLC pipe different from aluminium compressed air pipe?
MLC pipe (PE-AL-PE) has a polyethylene inner bore and aluminium core, connected with compression fittings using hand tools. Aluminium compressed air pipe (like Quick Air) has an aluminium bore and uses push-fit or press-fit connectors. Both are corrosion-free. MLC pipe has a slightly lower maximum pressure rating but is often preferred for fixed industrial installations where installation cost is the primary driver. Aluminium push-fit pipe is preferred where frequent system modification or expansion is anticipated. Ahuja Group supplies and installs both systems.
What sizes is Unipro PneuAir MLC pipe available in?
Unipro PneuAir composite pipe is available in 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm OD. Ahuja Group stocks all six sizes at our Jaipur facility for immediate supply.
What is the maximum pressure for Unipro PneuAir MLC pipe?
Unipro PneuAir MLC pipe is rated at 16 bar working pressure at 23°C and 12 bar at 60°C. For compressed air systems operating at standard industrial pressures (6–10 bar), PneuAir pipe carries a comfortable safety margin.
Can PneuAir handle lubricated compressed air?
Yes — the aluminium barrier prevents oil permeation through the pipe wall.
Does Ahuja Group install Unipro PneuAir compressed air systems?
Yes. Ahuja Group is an authorised Unipro dealer and installer in Rajasthan. We supply PneuAir pipe and fittings, carry out site survey and system design, install the pipeline using trained technicians, pressure test the completed network, and provide commissioning documentation. Installations by Ahuja Group qualify for Unipro’s 10-year warranty.
What is the warranty on Unipro PneuAir pipe and fittings?
Unipro provides a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects on PneuAir pipe and fittings. The warranty is valid for installations using genuine Unipro material installed by an authorised Unipro partner. Ahuja Group’s installations meet both conditions.
Complete Your Automation Stack
Air Compressors & Vacuum Pumps
Anest Iwata
Reliable oil-free and lubricated air compressors and vacuum pumps designed for clean, efficient, and continuous industrial performance
Aluminium Air Pipeline
QuickAir
Aluminium compressed air pipelines offer corrosion-resistant, leak-proof solutions ensuring efficient, safe, and long-lasting air distribution in industries.
PPR Water Pipeline
KPT
Turnkey PPR pipeline solutions for chilled water and process water applications in industrial facilities
Material Handling Equipment
Stackeasy
Innovative lifting, shifting, and storage equipment to streamline factory and warehouse material flow
Pneumatic Automation
FESTO
Advanced pneumatic and electric automation solutions for industrial control and motion applications
For Plant Heads & Maintenance Managers
The compressed air network is the utility most manufacturing plants treat as maintenance-free until it fails. GI compressed air pipe corrodes from the inside — rust and scale particles reach pneumatic valves, cylinders, and end tools, accelerating wear. Energy consumption rises as internal corrosion reduces bore diameter and increases the pressure drop the compressor must overcome. By year 10–15, many GI compressed air networks have 20–30% higher running costs than day one and require full replacement.
MLC pipe for compressed air removes this failure mode. The PE inner bore cannot corrode — air quality at the point of use is unchanged across the system's lifetime. The aluminium core prevents permeation — no gas escapes through the pipe wall. Compression joints require no maintenance — there are no gaskets to replace, no threads to recut, no flanges to retighten. Once commissioned, a correctly installed MLC compressed air system requires zero planned maintenance for its service life.
For EPC Contractors & Project Consultants
For EPC projects specifying industrial compressed air distribution, the practical case for MLC pipe over GI comes down to installation speed and air quality compliance. MLC compression fittings are assembled without heat, solvent, or thread dies — a two-person team can install 200 m of ring main in one day versus two to three days for equivalent GI pipework. On a greenfield plant where compressed air installation runs in parallel with electrical and mechanical packages, MLC pipe's faster completion reduces schedule risk.
For air quality compliance: GI compressed air pipe does not meet ISO 8573 Class 1 particulate requirements without downstream filtration. As GI corrodes, particulate class worsens progressively. MLC pipe with PE inner bore meets Class 1 particulate at the pipe without supplementary filtration — relevant for pharmaceutical, food, and electronics manufacturing specifications where air purity is a project deliverable.
For procurement through Ahuja Group: we supply Unipro PneuAir pipe and fittings against project BOMs, confirm part numbers, schedule delivery to match installation sequencing, and provide installation and commissioning documentation for project handover. Ahuja Group's installation qualifies for Unipro's 10-year warranty — the documentation required for project sign-off in many greenfield specifications.
MLC Pipe vs Aluminium Pipe vs GI Pipe vs PPR — For Compressed Air
| Parameter | MLC Pipe — Unipro PneuAir | Aluminium Pipe — Quick Air | GI Pipe | PPR Pipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Fully corrosion-free — PE inner bore | Fully corrosion-free — aluminium bore | Corrodes internally — rust and scale | Corrosion-free — PPR bore |
| Connection method | Compression fittings — tool-free | Push-fit / press-fit — tool-free | Threaded / flanged — tools + labour | Fusion welding — heat tools + trained operator |
| Installation speed | Fast — hand tools only | Very fast — modular push-fit | Slow — threading, flanging | Moderate — fusion weld time + cooling |
| Future modification | Moderate — new sections cut and fitted | Very easy — push-fit allows quick changes | Difficult — threading new sections | Difficult — every change requires fusion welding |
| Working pressure | Up to 16 bar | Up to 16 bar (system dependent) | High — standard pipe pressure | Up to 20 bar (PN20 grade, temperature-dependent) |
| Application specificity | Certified for compressed air — ISO 17484 | Designed for compressed air | General piping — not compressed-air specific | PPR-C certified for compressed air — KPT Pneumato |
| Bore smoothness | Mirror-smooth PE — Ra 0.1 micron | Smooth aluminium — low friction | Rough after corrosion — increasing friction | Smooth — PP inner bore |
| 20-year total cost | Low — no maintenance, no replacement | Low — no maintenance, no replacement | High — maintenance + eventual replacement | Low if correctly installed — zero maintenance |
| Best for | Fixed industrial air networks — permanent installation with low-cost hand tool fitting | Plants requiring frequent expansion, modification, or reconfiguration | Not recommended for new compressed air installations | Fixed high-pressure networks — pharmaceutical/industrial |
| Ahuja Group supply | ✓ Authorised dealer & installer | ✓ Authorised dealer & installer | — | ✓ Authorised dealer & installer (KPT Pneumato) |
Why Buy Unipro MLC Pipe from Ahuja Group?
Authorised dealer — genuine product, full warranty. Ahuja Group is an authorised Unipro dealer and warranty centre in Rajasthan. Unipro's 10-year warranty applies only to installations using genuine Unipro pipe and fittings, installed by an authorised partner. Buying MLC pipe from an unauthorised source — or having it installed by a contractor not trained on Unipro compression fitting assembly — voids the warranty from day one.
Ready stock in Jaipur. Ahuja Group maintains stock of Unipro PneuAir pipe in all six diameters (16–50 mm), Griptite and Brasstite fittings across all configurations, and the installation tool set. No lead time wait for standard projects.
Engineered for your specific layout. Ahuja Group provides site-specific airflow and pressure-drop calculations before installation — not generic rule-of-thumb sizing. We design the ring main diameter and drop leg sizes for your actual usage points, compressor capacity, and pressure delivery requirement.
Fast installation. Our trained installation team completes fusion-free MLC assembly at 40% higher speed than equivalent GI pipework — relevant when compressed air commissioning is on the critical path for a new plant startup or shutdown window.
Post-installation assurance.