Do you want proper preparation of compressed air for technological applications? Not sure which elements should form the core of your system? Check our offer of filters, regulators and lubricators for compressed air.
The reducer with a filter and lubricator (filter-reducer with lubricator) is a compressed air preparation unit that filters the air to remove contaminants (dust, oil, water), the pressure reducer lowers it to the required level, and the lubricator introduces an oil mist for lubricating pneumatic components. The construction includes a body with a cyclone separator and a filter element, a pressure reducing valve with a spring and diaphragm, and a glass for oil for the lubricator, which allows for stable and clean operation of pneumatic devices.
Construction and principle of operation
- Filter:
- Construction: It consists of a body in which the air swirls in a cyclone, separating heavier particles (water, oil, dust) at the bottom in the form of sediment. The air then flows through the filter element (insert), which retains finer contaminants.
- Operation: The incoming compressed air is directed through a special rotor that causes the air to spin. The centrifugal force causes heavier contaminants and condensate to precipitate, settling at the bottom of the glass or collecting bowl. The purified air then passes through a fine filter insert that captures the remaining particles.
- Pressure reducer:
- Construction: It contains a regulating valve, a poppet (closing element), a push rod, and a spring with an adjustment knob.
- Operation: Air passing through the filter enters the chamber under the diaphragm. Depending on the strength of the spring, which is adjusted by the knob, the poppet opens or closes the airflow. When the pressure at the outlet rises above the set value, the diaphragm lifts, and the poppet closes the flow, reducing the pressure to the desired level.
- Lubricator:
- Construction: It has a separate glass for oil and an internal pipe through which the oil is drawn.
- Operation: A vacuum is created in the air flowing through the lubricator body. This vacuum draws oil droplets from the dosing tube into the air stream. In this way, the air is enriched with an oil mist, which is transferred to the receivers, lubricating the moving parts of pneumatic tools, protecting them from corrosion and wear.
How to choose an air preparation unit?
There are several important criteria you need to consider to obtain an optimal air preparation set:
- Working environment: has a significant impact on the choice of the set. It is essential that the individual components are made of appropriate materials and construction. First, will the installation be indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, consider the operating temperature range.
- What is the supply air pressure in your installation? Most sets are designed to handle pressures up to 10 bar in standard sizes and configurations.
- Lubrication: does your compressed air receiver require a lubricator? If the pneumatic system does not require lubrication, it is recommended to use particulate and coalescing filters. The coalescing filter helps remove contaminants that would wash out the lubricant.
- Proper airflow: the airflow rate is an important factor when choosing a set.
- The airflow rate depends on the inlet pressure and pressure drop. An increase in flow rate is directly proportional to an increase in inlet pressure and/or pressure drop. The flow rate must be adjusted to peak demand, not to average demand.
