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3 Reasons to Use an FRL

FRLs – Filters, Regulators and Lubricators – guarantee the efficiency and durability of pneumatic tools. Including an FRL in your air system is vital to running an efficient air line set-up and key to achieving a good return on investment. Adding an FRL in close proximity to the power tool will ensure the required airflow pressure, as well as good air quality by reducing the risk of moisture and dust in the air line. The FRL also helps maintain your air line by providing lubrication.

How to achieve ultimate pneumatic tool performance by optimizing air line installation



An FRL system combines 3 main functions in one system: filtration, regulation and lubrication.

1. Air filtration: The filter cleans compressed air and traps solid particles (dust, dirt, rust).

Dust in an engine could block the air flow and reduce the power of the tool leading to increased maintenance costs as well as high air consumption. Any dirt and rust could also damage the engine resulting in power loss and early wear. This increases tool repair costs and the risk of incident during production.

2. Air regulation: The regulator ensures the consistency of the dynamic working pressure at 90 psi/6.3 bar.

This is important because if the pressure is lower than the one recommended by the manufacturer, the tool can’t reach its performance level and the profitability is decreasing. If the pressure is too high, the tool wears out early. It could also breakdown leading to operator injury and a risk of damage to the application.

3. Air lubrication: The lubricator adds controlled quantities of oil into a compressed air system.

Without lubrication a tool wears out and will stop reaching its maximum level of performance. This in turn leads to a loss of productivity and increased maintenance costs. The graphics below illustrate the durability and the service life of the tool’s air motor with and without lubrication maintenance:

Achieve optimum performance of your tool’s air motor with good lubrication:




Estimated figures based on laboratory tests carried out on pneumatic motors.
(1) Tool’s motor power output
(2) Oil quantity
(3) Tool manufacturer recommendations (available in operator/product manual)


Achieve optimum service life of your tool’s air motor with good air lubrication:


Estimated figures based on laboratory tests carried out on pneumatic motors. 
(1) Tool’s motor power output 
(2) Oil quantity 
(3) Tool manufacturer recommendations (available in operator/product manual)


4 things to consider to select the appropriate FRL unit

There are many different types of FRLs, and so when specifying an FRL there are 4 key considerations:

  1. Environment 
  2. Type of FRL 
  3. Thread size
  4. Tool’s air flow requirements

Important: Make sure you always check manufacturer recommendations.


How to install FRLs



Most pneumatic tool users do not achieve the best performance from their tools because of the air line setup.

To maximize the benefits of using FRLs there are 4 rules to bear in mind:

  1. Always use one FRL unit per tool to ensure the best performance. If more than one tool in use is connected to the same FRL unit, the air pressure and lubrication will be diluted between the different air tools, and you will not benefit from the regulator function.
  2. Mount the FRL units as close as possible to the tool – where the tool hose is connected to the system – to ensure that the oil reaches the tool and to avoid losing pressure.
  3. Always make sure that the lubricator is topped up with oil before using the tool since lubrication maximizes the life of your tool. Read more about oil quantity in our Technical guide “Is your air tool installation right?”
  4. Make sure you maintain the inlet filters regularly: they should be free from moisture and dirt.


Safety Tips

Pneumatic tools are designed and specified to work at 90 PSI (6.3 bar) dynamic air pressure and with lubrication (find all information in the tools’ operator manuals available in the Chicago Pneumatic website). A higher pressure could affect the tools lifespan, and operator safety (excessive vibration, or abrasive over-speed and burst risk). We recommend using a gauge equipped FRL with every tool to adjust pressure.



Links

Air Filters

Air Accessories - Filters, Regulators & Lubricators in our Online Shop



Who we are and how we can help!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.

We look after all things compressed air for your business!

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.

Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

Extensive Product Line

We offer a broad array of products, from world class compressor brands, including a full range of rotary and reciprocating air compressors from ½ to 200 horsepower. We serve the compressed air needs of many industries such as the following:

Solutions

In our effort to prioritise the needs of our customers, we work hard to provide solutions. We continually introduce innovative products here at Ash Air to our Kiwi customers, so our end users can rely on us to meet evolving compressed air needs.

Support

We offer an extensive array of air compressor parts and services through our direct locations throughout New Zealand. Continued growth means our operations continue to operate on a national level.

In our effort to provide the best possible support, we offer the following remote monitoring, preventative maintenance, vacuum pump services and overhaul, compressor and pipework installations, hire fleet and leasing solutions, leak detection's and energy audits, and breakdown recovery and emergency air.

When considering new energy-efficient air compressors or an upgrade to more energy-efficient machinery, Ash Air can help you make the right choices for your business.


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