Air compressors lightens the burden of many industries from automotives to manufacturing plants by powering machinery and tools which make everyday tasks easy and efficient. However everything requires care to maximise its potential. Using Air compressor machines can pose severe safety risks if it’s not well taken care of. To reduce industry incidents use Filter regulator lubricators(FRL). Compressed air leaving the air compressor is dirty so it should be cleaned and lubricated before it leaves the compressor. FRL combines Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator into a single component. This article was written by VSpneumatics to provide you a guide on maintenance of pneumatic compressors and how to choose the best FRL.

What is an FRL system?

FRL system is made of three main components with each one working its role in increasing the longevity of an Air compressor system. It ensures this by keeping air supply clean, regulating pressure and adding lubricant to the moving components. Airline Filter: This filter removes dirt, dust particles and moisture from the compressed air. Which helps in keeping the system clean. Pressure regulator: As the name suggests pressure regulators control and reduce the Air pressure in the compressor which decreases the stress on the air compressor. Air compressor Lubricator: Lubricators are used to effectively coat the moving components of compressors with tool oil. This affects the working of the compressor.

Importance of FRL system in preventing air compressor damage

• Contamination and clogging: Sometimes airlines get clogged with solid particles and moisture. This increases the temperature of air compressors above working temperatures. If these particles get in air compressors they can clog operating valves and make a need for costly repair. An FRL system helps with cleaning and filtering compressed air which prevents particles from reaching to sensitive parts of air compressors.
• Inconsistent air pressure: This issue can arise from poor handling of the air compressor, or low air in the compressor. Pressure deficiency can restrict the main working or Air compressor and high pressure can wear out the components faster or cause catastrophic incidents. The FRL system provided air regulation features which help in easy handling of the machine.
• Excessive friction: Every machine requires lubrication to work properly. Lack of lubrication can lead to many things like wear and tear of components, heating issues, sounds cranky,etc. Using the FRL system is suggested as it helps with proper lubrication of each component which leads to longer life of the machine and less spending on maintenance costs.

How does Each component of an FRL system works

Air Compressed Filter: The compressed air filter works by filtering compressed Air in the system. Its work is to remove all types of contaminants whether liquid or solid. With removing dust,dirt,rust it prolongs the life of pneumatic equipment by a large difference. These come in various grades with finer filters capturing even the smallest of fragments. Benefits of using air compressed filter

• Dirt and debris will not be able to clog valves and hinder performance.
• Reduces corrosion by moisture in the machine
• It improves air quality which can be used in sensitive industries like medicine,etc.

Air pressure Regulator:A pneumatic filter regulator helps with controlling the air pressure of a compressor. This provides a steady flow of air pressure. It consists of a pressure adjustment knob with which you can set proper air pressure. Properly regulated air pressure ensures that air pneumatic tools get steady pressure to work on which prevents unnecessary wear and tear.  Benefits of using Air pressure regulator

• This prevents damage to the machine from over pressure
• Help in reducing chances of any pneumatic incident
• Ensure a consistent performance by pneumatic tools
• Reduce energy usage by controlling and monitoring air pressure

Air compressor lubricator: This applies a good coat of oil on the working and moving components of the Air compressor. This uses drip feed mechanism to slowly and properly distribute tool oil to every corner of pneumatic compressors. Benefits of using Air compressor lubricators

• Reduces friction of moving components which decrease wear and tear of them
• Prevents rust and corrosion Inside pneumatic tools
• Drastically improves the efficiency of pneumatic equipment
• Helps by increasing longevity of the tool and lessening maintenance cost.

How should you maintain an FRL system?

Anything can be worn down if not maintained properly. If you want to maximise lifespan and work efficiency of your FRL system then you should do regular maintenance. These are few common practices: Check and replace filters regularly: Regularly check and clean air filters. Clogged air filters can reduce air flow. Adjust pressure settings: Before using an Air compressor check the pressure settings and adjust it accordingly.  Inspect for leaks and damages: Inspect for any kind of leaks or damages in the system within regular intervals. They can affect the performance Refill the lubricator: Always refill the lubricator with manufacturer suggested oil and regularly check if the lubricator has oil.

Conclusion

Compressors provide safe and efficient pneumatic services to a number of industries. They will ask for regular maintenance if not cared for properly. FRL or Filter regulator lubricator which consist of three components help with increasing efficiency and longevity of These pneumatic tools. If you want your compressors to work efficiently it is suggested to do regular maintenance of the FRL system too.