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.