FRL Air Treatment Units

An FRL unit, that is, a filter, regulator and lubricator, is fitted upstream of pneumatic tools and installations. The filter retains water and particles, the regulator brings the pressure to the correct value and the lubricator, if present, introduces oil into the air. The unit must be fitted with the arrow in the direction of flow, as close as possible to the tool. Check that the connection is compatible with the piping.

The filter regulator with a 3/8 inch connection is chosen according to the air flow required by the tool, which must stay within the limits of the unit. The simple model has only a filter and regulator, while the version with a lubricator introduces oil for tools that require it. Check the type of threaded connection and the maximum pressure marked on the body. The pressure gauge lets you read the set pressure.

WS water separators separate condensate from compressed air, downstream of the tank or the dryer. They are chosen according to the maximum flow rate in litres per minute, such as 168, 414, 984 or 3534 L/min, and the G threaded connection, for example G1/4, G1/2 or G3/4. The separator must be sized on the real flow rate of the system. The condensate must be drained regularly, because a full separator no longer works.

The three types of filter are fitted in sequence, with increasing filtration grade. The FP pre-filter first retains coarse particles and droplets. The FG standard filter completes filtration for common use, while the FC fine filter is the last stage for cleaner air. Air quality is described by the classes of the ISO 8573-1 standard. The size of each filter is chosen according to the flow rate.

The pressure reducer lowers the pressure of the line to that required by the tool, and is also available with a pressure gauge to read the value. The item 31/I and item 31/A5 models are reducers for compressors, to be chosen according to the connection and the outlet pressure. The Breaker regulator is suitable for simpler installations. The pressure gauge should be chosen with a full-scale range suited to the working pressure.

The SAG Breaker cyclone condensate separator for sandblasters removes water and impurities from the air before it reaches the sandblaster. Damp sand clumps together and blocks the flow, which is why the condensate must be separated beforehand. It is chosen according to the flow rate of the sandblaster and the connection. The separator must be drained at the end of the shift, as indicated by the manufacturer.

The filter regulator unit with a 1/4 inch lubricator is suitable for pneumatic tools that need oil to work, such as wrenches and hammers. If the tool must not be lubricated, the version without a lubricator is used. The oil must be adjusted to one drop per minute and must be the one indicated by the tool manufacturer. Check that the regulator keeps the pressure constant when the tool is working.