In a compressed air, gas, or multi-fluid distribution system, the drop is where the rubber meets the road… or rather, where the air meets the application. Unipipe’s pre-assembled, easy-to-install drop-end assemblies make it fast and simple to add new drops or change your system configuration. With multiple end fitting styles to choose from, there is a drop-end assembly for every application.
What Is a Drop?
A “drop” in a compressed air distribution system (or other gas or fluid delivery system) refers to a connection point where compressed air is tapped from the main supply lines to deliver air to a specific tool, machine, or application. It typically consists of a vertical pipe extending from the main distribution loop to the point of use. Drops are designed to ensure easy access to compressed air while maintaining the system’s efficiency and safety.
Compressed Air Drop Types
There are three principal types of drops in a compressed air system:
- Direct drops to equipment: These drops connect directly to fixed machinery, such as CNC machines or other stationary equipment, providing a dedicated air supply.
- Drops to hose reels: These can be positioned at working height for easy access or mounted at higher levels (e.g., on ceilings) for overhead applications. Hose reels offer flexibility and keep workspaces organized.
- Drops with ball valves and quick-disconnect fittings: Designed for mobile tooling, these drops terminate in a ball valve with quick-disconnect fittings, allowing for fast and convenient connection of portable tools.
Parts of a Drop
A typical compressed air drop consists of the following parts:
- Branch connection: Connects the drop line to the main air supply.
- Drop line: A vertical pipe or hose that delivers air to the point of use.
- Shut-off valve: Allows the drop to be isolated for maintenance or when not in use.
- Drip leg: Captures moisture or condensate to prevent it from reaching tools.
- Support and mounting hardware: Secures the drop line to walls or Unistrut.
- Manifold: A component that allows multiple connections or outlets to be served from a single drop line.
- End-use ports/connectors: Provide the interface for attaching tools, hoses or accessories, such as quick-connect couplers.
Drop Installation Made Easy
Traditionally, assembling and installing drops has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Unipipe’s pre-assembled, easy-to-install drop-end assemblies change the game, making drop installation fast and hassle-free. Here’s how we’re different.
In a traditional drop system, all of the components — such as branch connections, drop lines, valves, drip legs, ports, and mounting kits — must be sourced, assembled, and installed on-site. This process requires precise measurements, careful alignment, and skilled labor to ensure the system is leak-free and properly configured. Even small errors in assembly can lead to costly rework, air leaks, or system inefficiencies.
With Unipipe’s pre-assembled wall-mounted drop-end assemblies, everything you need comes in a single, ready-to-install package. Each unit is professionally assembled with airtight connections, reducing the risk of leaks and eliminating the need for on-site assembly. Simply connect the drop to the header (using our fast and easy saddle branch connectors!), run the pipe, connect the drop end, and you’re ready to go — no fuss, no delays, and no extra labor.
What’s Included
The Unipipe wall-mounted drop-end assembly comes with:
- Ball valve for point of use
- Drip leg
- Optional backplate for mounting to Unistrut
- One or two NPT ports (can be pre-assembled with quick-disconnect fittings in various sizes)
Fitting Options for Drops
Unipipe drop ends are designed for versatility, offering different styles to accommodate direct drops, hose reels, quick connectors, or traditional manifolds. Drop end fitting options include:
- Threaded ball valve: Ideal for direct connection to equipment, providing a secure and easily controlled air supply.
- NPT adapter to hose fitting: A versatile option for attaching hoses, ensuring compatibility with standard air systems.
- Traditional manifold: Allows for multiple outlets, which can be fitted with any combination of hose connections, quick-disconnect fittings, or other accessories.
- Wall-mounted drop end: A complete assembly that includes a ball valve, drip leg, and quick-disconnect fittings, offering a plug-and-play solution for easy installation and efficient operation. Available in single or double port options.
Benefits of the Unipipe Pre-Assembled Drop End Assembly
By streamlining the installation process, Unipipe saves you time, reduces costs, and ensures a high-performing system every time.
- Time-saving installation: Pre-assembled units eliminate the need for complex on-site assembly, significantly reducing labor time and installation costs. Significantly faster than mounting a manifold with a separate ball valve and connecting hardware!
- Consistent quality: Every drop is professionally assembled to ensure airtight connections, minimizing the risk of leaks or performance issues.
- No special tools: Designed for easy integration, these assemblies allow you to quickly add or reconfigure drops without specialized tools or skilled labor. Connection to the main piping loop is fast and simple with our innovative saddle branch connectors.
- Versatility: Available in multiple styles to suit different applications, from fixed machinery connections to mobile tooling or overhead hose reels.
- Clean, professional appearance: Pre-assembled drop-ends are neatly constructed, giving your system a polished, professional look that also supports easier maintenance.
Ready to Learn More?
Unipipe’s drop-end assemblies are part of our state-of-the-art, modern aluminum piping system. Unipipe systems are lightweight, fast, and easy to install, and available in multiple sizes with pressure ratings up to 1015 PSI. Our unique fittings guarantee a leak-free connection and are installed with no threading, grooving, or crimping.
Talk to a Unipipe representative or order your demo kit today.
Installing Your Unipipe Drop: The Saddle Connection
With Unipipe, adding a new drop for your compressed air system is fast and simple, whether you are using our pre-assembled drop end assemblies or a traditional manifold assembly. Let’s explore the options and see how they work.
Tying the Drop into the Loop: Tee vs. Saddle Connection
When connecting drops to a compressed air or multi-fluid system, the method you choose can significantly impact installation time, flexibility, and downtime. Traditional piping systems use a Tee connection to tie the drop into the main distribution loop. Unipipe’s saddle connector makes the process significantly faster and easier, with no special tools, threading, crimping, grooving or hot work required. Here’s the difference.
How a Traditional Tee Connection Works
A Tee connection involves cutting into the main loop or header pipe to install a T-shaped fitting that branches off to a drop line. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Position determination: The exact position for the Tee must be planned during the initial construction of the piping system or determined later if adding new drops.
- Pipe cutting: The header pipe is cut at the chosen point, interrupting the system and requiring downtime.
- Fitting installation: The Tee fitting is inserted between the two cut ends of the pipe and secured using threading, welding, or other attachment methods.
- Reconnection and testing: After securing the Tee, the pipe is reconnected, sealed, and tested to ensure it is leak-free.
- Drop line installation: The drop line is attached to the Tee’s side port, completing the connection.
A traditional Tee connection installation has significant downsides:
- Requires downtime: Cutting into the header pipe disrupts operations and takes the system offline.
- Rigid planning: The position of the Tee must be finalized early in the construction process. Changes or adjustments later are time-consuming and costly.
- Labor-intensive: Cutting, sealing, and reconnecting the pipe requires skilled labor, precise alignment, and significant time. Depending on the type of piping material, installing the connection may require grooving, crimping, threading, and/or hot work.
- Risk of leaks: Multiple connection points increase the potential for leaks if not assembled perfectly.
How the Unipipe Saddle Branch Connector Works
The saddle eliminates the need to cut into the header pipe, offering a simpler and more flexible solution. Here’s how it works.
- Remove the bolt and slide the clamp half to one side until it is free. Check to make sure the seal is in place in the saddle branch body.
- Place the saddle branch body on the pipe in its approximate position and slide the clamp half into the body. Check the final position and then insert the bolt and tighten.
- Drill a hole in the pipe using a hole saw matched for clearance fit in the diameter of the inner hole. Carefully deburr edges of hole and remove all metal shavings.
The Unipipe saddle branch connector offers several key advantages.
- No pipe cutting: Installation doesn’t require cutting into the header pipe, preserving its integrity and reducing complexity.
- Minimal downtime: The system can remain operational while the saddle is installed, saving time and money using the ‘hot-tap’ process.
- Flexible placement: Drops can be added after machinery is installed or as needs change.
- Reduced labor costs: The saddle’s clamp-on design simplifies installation, requiring no specialized tools or skilled labor.
- Leak-free reliability: High-quality gaskets ensure an airtight seal, reducing the risk of leaks compared to manually assembled Tee fittings.
Choosing a Drop Style: Manifold vs. Pre-Assembled Drop-End
When deciding how to configure your drop, Unipipe offers two versatile options: a traditional manifold assembly or a pre-assembled drop-end. Each style has its own strengths, depending on your specific application needs.
Traditional Manifold Assembly
Manifolds are a tried-and-true option for compressed air systems, providing a central hub for multiple connections. They are best for applications where multiple hoses, tools, or equipment need to share a single drop. A traditional manifold assembly offers:
- Customizable configurations: Manifolds allow you to attach multiple quick-connect fittings or hose connections.
- Centralized control: Manage multiple connections from a single location.
Manifold assemblies require on-site assembly, adding time and labor to the installation process. Precision is key to ensuring a leak-free setup. However, in the Unipipe system, a manifold can be added to one of our drop-ends for simplified installation using our saddle branch connectors.
Pre-Assembled Drop-End Assemblies
Unipipe’s pre-assembled drop-end assemblies take the guesswork and labor out of the equation, offering a fast, plug-and-play solution. They offer simple, single-point connections or situations where installation speed and ease are priorities.
- Ready to install: Each drop comes fully assembled with airtight connections, reducing the need for skilled labor.
- Integrated components: Includes a ball valve, drip leg, mounting hardware for simple wall or Unistrut installation, and a single or double port with optional quick-disconnect fittings.
- Time-saving: No on-site assembly means significantly faster installation compared to traditional manifolds.
Unipipe’s drop-end assemblies come in single or double port options and a variety of drop-end styles, including:
- Threaded ball valve drops: Ideal for direct connections to stationary equipment, offering precise control and secure operation.
- Quick-disconnect fitting drops: Perfect for mobile or portable tools, these drops make tool changes fast and hassle-free.
- NPT adapter hose reel drops: Designed for overhead or workspace-level applications, providing clean, organized access to air supply.
Which Drop Style Is Right for You?
Your choice depends on the specific needs of your system.
- Use a manifold assembly if you need to connect multiple tools or hoses from a single drop and value centralized control.
- Choose a pre-assembled drop-end if speed, simplicity, and a clean, professional installation are your top priorities.
Ready to Learn More?
Unipipe makes installing drops for your compressed air system faster, easier, and more efficient than ever. Whether you need the flexibility of a manifold assembly or the speed and simplicity of a pre-assembled drop end, Unipipe has a solution tailored to your needs. With innovative saddle connectors and versatile drop styles, you can create a system that adapts to your operations with minimal downtime and maximum reliability.
Talk to a Unipipe representative or order your demo kit today.
