staff There are many reasons why you need Filter Regulator Lubricators (FRLs). They remove condensate and coarse dirt from the compressed air, eliminate odors, and prevent damage to air tools and machines.
Downstream equipment flow and pressure requirements determine the appropriate regulator and lubricator combination. Manufacturers offer flow characteristics charts on their products.
Removing Condensate and Coarse Debris
Filter regulator lubricator Charlotte, NC combines an air line filter to remove particles above 40 microns and water. A pressure regulator controls the system’s fluid pressure, and a lubricator introduces a precisely dosed quantity of pneumatic lubricating oil into the compressed air supply. Often referred to as a box set, this combination reduces installation times and labor costs compared to purchasing each part separately.
Water separators are either centrifugal or coalescing in nature and cause rotary motion in the air to accelerate particles radially outward. Without maintenance, they remove all water droplets and dust/dirt particles larger than 50 um from the system. They also separate condensate from the compressed air lines. In addition, they can be used to remove odors. They can be connected to the system using fittings or tubing. For more complex applications, they can be installed as a module. The modularity of the FRL allows it to be combined with all standard condensate drain systems.
Eliminating Odors
Using an FRL in your compressed air system is an excellent way to eliminate odors caused by condensate, coarse dirt, and other particles. These devices feature three major components – a filter to remove particulates and water, a regulator to control pressure, and a lubricator to provide a controlled amount of oil into the air stream. They are often paired with an air shut-off valve and can be mounted inline in one assembly to save installation time and labor costs.
Preventing Damage
When you have a compressed air system, several components must be in place to ensure the safety and durability of your equipment. This includes the use of filter regulator lubricators or FRLs.
A Filter Regulator Lubricator consists of three main parts: a filter, a pressure regulator, and a lubricator. These work together to condition the air to the right quality so it does not damage your pneumatic tools, machines, or cylinders.
The first part is the filter, which removes any dirt or contaminants from the compressed air. They can come in various forms, such as oil removal, liquid/vapor, and general-purpose filters.
The second part is the regulator, which controls the pressure of the air. They are necessary because the plant air pressure can change occasionally and affect the cylinders or actuators handling your machinery. They are spring held and can react quickly to maintain the correct working pressure.
Preventing Damage to Air Tools and Machines
Filter Regulator Lubricators help prevent damage to air tools and machines by reducing the amount of water, oil, dirt, and rust that can enter the line. This will extend the life of your equipment and minimize downtime caused by poor performance or failure.
FRLs (filters, regulators, and lubricators) provide a point-of-use supply of clean, lubricated compressed air at the proper pressure to optimize energy use and increase productivity. Every 2-psig increase in operating pressure adds 1% to the consolidated air energy cost, so it’s essential to maintain proper pressure settings at all times to ensure efficiency and performance.
Most pneumatic system components and almost all air tools perform better with a cool oil mist injected into the air stream, which powers them. Locating a lubricator properly in the pipeline will ensure the correct amount of oil is introduced into each component’s air supply.
