Combination Units

Filter, regulator, & lubricator (FRL) units are combination air preparation components. These are essential for pneumatic systems in a diverse range of commercial and industrial applications.

They play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of compressed air. Furthermore, they protect downstream equipment, and improve the efficiency and lifespan of your pneumatic system.

At Orange Coast Pneumatics, we offer an expansive collection of FRL units from the SMC Corporation of America. Find the best solution for your operations here; then, continue reading to learn more about the benefits of these essential pneumatic components.

What Does “FRL” Mean in Pneumatics?

In pneumatics, FRL stands for "Filter, Regulator, Lubricator." This three-in-one component combines the functions of filtering, regulating, and lubricating compressed air before it enters a pneumatic system.

What is the Function of a Pneumatic FRL?

The filter element of an FRL unit is designed to remove contaminants such as dirt, oil, and water from the compressed air. These contaminants may cause damage to downstream equipment and reduce the overall efficiency of the system.

The filter element is typically made of materials like sintered bronze, pleated paper, or synthetic media, depending on the level of filtration required. The regulator function of the FRL unit is responsible for controlling the pressure of the compressed air that enters the system.

This is crucial for ensuring that downstream equipment operates within the specified pressure range and isn’t damaged due to overpressure. The regulator typically consists of a diaphragm or piston that responds to changes in pressure and adjusts the output pressure accordingly.

The ‘L’ in “FRL”

Finally, the lubricator function of the FRL unit is responsible for injecting a small amount of oil mist into the compressed air. This lubricates downstream components such as valves, cylinders, and actuators.

Lubrication is vital for ensuring smooth operation of the system. Additionally, lubrication reduces the wear and tear on moving parts over extended periods of time.

Combination Units for Pneumatic Tools

SMC's air preparation line of products offers a wide variety of filter, regulator, and lubricator units. Higher air flow rates and eight size options ensure energy savings and optimum performance in any application.

Small Micron Filtration is standard, maximizing cleanliness in your environment, while simple assembly and maintenance reduces downtime.

Command complete control over your pneumatic supply by integrating electronic pressure switches, lock-out valves, and “soft starts.” In addition to a wide range of accessories, combination units include:

Air Filter Regulators
Air Filter Regulator Mist Separators
Ambient Dryers
Booster Regulators
Mist Separators
Precision Regulators

ACG

The modular style ACG series allows you to pick a combination of air preparation equipment that best suit your particular application. The selectable angle of the pressure gauge improves its' visibility, and the anti-revolving mechanism (PAT.PEND.) will not allow the pressure gauge to be revolved even after the handle is operated. Assembly and maintenance are easily performed resulting in reduced downtime and labor savings.

AC-A

SMC'S new AC-A series of modular type F.R.L. unit is available in five sizes and is interchangeable with the existing modular AC line. The pressure drop across the regulator has been reduced creating a more efficient unit with a maximum set pressure of 100 psi. The element and bowl on the AW and AF series is now one-piece, making element replacement easier. Required maintenance space has been reduced by as much as 46% on the AF series, depending on the body size. Bowls on the size 30 and 40 are now covered with a transparent bowl guard, completely protecting them from the environment, and making the interior contents visible from 360 degrees. The base color of the new AC-A series is urban white, maintaining a clean, modern look.

AC-B

SMC'S new AC-B series of modular type F.R.L. unit is available in six basic sizes and is interchangeable with the existing modular AC line. The AC-B series has a maximum set pressure of 125 psi and offers embedded gauge and pressure switch options not found in the AC-A. The element and bowl on the AF series is now one-piece, making element replacement easier. Required maintenance space has been reduced by as much as 46% on the AFseries, depending on the body size. Bowls on size 30 and up are now covered with a transparent bowl guard, completely protecting them from the environment, and making the interior contents visible from 360 degrees. The base color of the new AC-B is urban white, maintaining a clean, modern look.

AC-D

The AC-D series of modular F.R.L. brings a modern appearance to SMC's line of air preparation equipment while maintaining the high performance of our other series.  The maximum set pressure of the AC-D is 125 psi allowing use in a broad range of applications.  Most of the features of the AC-A and -B have been incorporated into the AC-D - transparent bowl guards for full visibility; embedded gauges and pressure switches; reduced maintenance space and simplified element change on AF-D series filters; urban white color.  The AC-D is currently available in three body sizes with more to come in the near future.

ACG-B

The ACG series incorporates the gauge-in-handle regulator or filter-regulator into an air preparation combo. The integrated gauge creates a reduced profile and good visibility of the gauge even when mounted in low or high positions. Size 30 and 40 units now incorporate the transparent bowl guard, protecting them from the environment and providing 360 degrees visibility of the interior. The base color of the new ACG-B is white, maintaining a clean, modern look.

AW-A

SMC'S series AW-A is a combination filter/regulator, minimizing space and piping by integrating two units into one. The pressure drop across the regulator section has been reduced creating a more efficient unit with a maximum set pressure of 100 psi. The element and bowl on the AW-A series is now one-piece, making element replacement easier. Bowls on the size 30 and 40 are covered with a transparent bowl guard, completely protecting them from the environment and making the interior contents visible from 360 degrees. This series is part of the family of modular air preparation units and can be combined with other similar sized products. The new AW-A is available in four body sizes with piping from M5 to 3/4" in Rc, NPT, and G thread types.

AW-B

SMC'S series AW-B is a combination filter/regulator, minimizing space and piping by integrating two units into one. The AW-B series has a maximum set pressure of 125 psi and offers embedded gauge and pressure switch options not found in the AW-A while maintaining panel mounting interchangeability with the previous AW models. Bowls on the size 30 and up are covered with a transparent bowl guard, completely protecting them from the environment and making the interior contents visible from 360 degrees. This series is part of the family of SMC modular air preparation units and can be combined with other similar sized product. The new AW-B is available in four body sizes with piping from 1/8" to 1" in Rc, NPT and G thread types.

AW-D

The AW-D series of modular filter-regulators brings a modern appearance to SMC's line of filters while maintaining the high performance of our other series.  This combination of functions is ideal for installations with limited space to accommodate air preparation.  Its 125 psi maximum set pressure and range of standard features make it ideal for most applications.  The transparent bowl guard on the size 30 and larger provides improved environmental protection as well as full view of the bowl contents.  The AW-D is currently available in threee body sizes with more to come in the near future.

AWG

A built-in pressure gauge, mountable at any angle, depending on the piping direction ensures good visibility of the pressure gauge, even when the AWG is mounted at an overhead or underfoot location. Equipped with a special mechanism, the pressure gauge will not be revolved even after the handle is operated. Due to the unique design, substantial space reduction is achieved when the AWG is panel mounted.   "Note that the AWG-B has been released as a replacement for the AWG.  While the AWG is still supported with inventory and no obsolescence date has been announced, we strongly encourage the use of the AWG-B for new applications"

AWD

For applications requiring micro-mist separation up to .01µm with adjustable pressure regulation, the AWD offers these features built into one unit. This combination of products saves space and mounting hardware. Available with ports from 1/8 to 1/2 with NPT, Rc and G (PF) threads as standard. The many options available such as auto-drain, gauge, variety of bowl choices and regulation set pressures make this series easy to configure to your application.

AWM

Combining a mist separator and regulator into one unit simplifies piping and installation. This combination controls the filtration to 0.3µm, for applications that require cleaner air than regular filtration, such as air blow off. As part of the family of modular air preparation units, the AWM can be combined with other similar sized products. This series is available with port sizes from 1/8 to 1/2 with NPT, Rc or G threads. Many standard options can also be ordered such as auto-drain, gauges, etc.

AMR

Series AMR is a combination regulator with mist separator. The series offers high filtration (0.3µm) and a space savings, easy piping design. Options include auto drain and pressure switch.

IW

Filter regulator series IW prevents moisture and dust in the compressed air line while maintaining pressure at a stable level, in spite of variations of both air consumption and air source pressure.

AW - Special Environment

This combination Filter/ Regulator minimizes space and piping by integrating the 2 units into one. Standard features include a relieving regulator, which can be quickly locked by pushing down on the adjustment knob. There are many options, which include gauges, auto-drain, metal bowl and covers, different set pressures, etc. The AW is part of the family of modular air preparation units and can be combined with other similar sized products. This series is available in four body sizes with piping from M5 to 3/4 in Rc, NPT or G thread types.

AC - Special Environment

The cost effective and clean looking AC series allows you to pick a combination of modular style air preparation equipment that best suits your needs. The series, available in 8 size options to ensure optimum performance, offers energy savings, with higher flow rates. Simple assembly and maintenance reduces downtime.