FRL is an acronym for Filter, Regulator and Lubricator, devices used to condition the compressed air from a compressor before it gets to your application be that through an air valve to air cylinders, powering air tools and so on.
When called in to troubleshoot a complaint from a client that their compressed air filter, regulator or lubricator wasnt working, the first response is to ask the symptoms. Common complaints are, the regulator is not working, and its leaking oil, or my air filter fills up too quickly. Have you ever had these problems?
The acronym FRL is placed in this order deliberately.
These air treatment units, whether they are an assembly (combination FR + L) or a number of single components – Filter + Regulator + Lubricator – installed in a row, must always be installed with the Filter first, the Regulator next, and the lubricator last.
The filter must ‘see’ the air coming from the compressed air supply line first, as its the defense against compressed air-borne water and particulates. If you think about it, you would want the filter to remove contaminants and free water from the compressed air before that air...