Air preparation units
Modular air preparation units for more performance and service life
The BIT miniature maintenance unit offers versatility and good value for money.
Small pre-set pressure regulator for pneumatic tools
Modular air preparation units for more performance and service life
Air preparation units are the heart of a compressed air system, because they efficiently and safely prepare the compressed air for various functions with different components. In most applications, air preparation units filter, regulate or lubricate or switch the compressed air supply on and off.
Just before the compressed air is consumed by machines and tools, air preparation units filter and lubricate the compressed air and regulate the medium pressure to the optimum and set value. The performance and service life of the connected tools is extended thanks to air preparation units, also called filter-regulator-oiler units or FRLs for short.
Depending on the connected consumer or in applications with varnishes or paints, however, lubricating the compressed air with oil in the process is undesirable. Some pneumatic cylinders or pneumatic valves do not need continuous lubrication at all. This is where two-part compressed air maintenance units are used, namely filter-regulator units without oilers.
The modularly designed air preparation units are available as individual components or pre-configured in various designs and for different areas of application. This means they can be expanded and adapted and are guaranteed to meet your individual requirements.
A compressed air preparation unit treats the compressed air immediately before it reaches the end-user. The focus is on filtration and pressure regulation: the filter removes particles and condensate, whilst the regulator maintains a constant working pressure. Lubrication via an oiler is optional and is now rarely used. TRI-MATIC stocks the BIT (miniature maintenance units) and Syntesi (modular maintenance units) ranges from Metal Work, which, depending on the range, can be supplemented with additional functions and tailored precisely to your system – in connection sizes from G 1/8″ to G 1″.
Clean, dry and correctly regulated compressed air significantly extends the service life of pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic valves and other pneumatic components. Without an air preparation unit, moisture and dirt particles enter the system, leading to increased wear, malfunctions and unplanned downtime. A decentralised treatment unit installed directly at the point of use ensures optimum air quality even over long pipe runs. TRI-MATIC supports you in selecting and specifying the appropriate compressed air treatment system.
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FAQ
A preparation unit treats the compressed air immediately before it reaches the consumer. It comprises two key components:
- Filter – removes particles, condensate and oil residues from the compressed air.
- Pressure regulator – reduces the supply pressure to the desired working pressure and maintains it at a constant level.
- Oiler (optional) – dispenses a metered amount of oil mist; this is rarely required nowadays, as modern pneumatic cylinders are usually permanently lubricated.
TRI-MATIC’s modular air preparation units can be configured as a two- or three-unit combination, depending on requirements.
Compressed air always contains contaminants: dust, moisture and oil residues from the compressor. Without suitable treatment by a compressed air preparation unit, these contaminants can lead to corrosion in pneumatic cylinders, increased seal wear and malfunctions in precision control components. Correct treatment reduces maintenance costs and prevents unplanned production downtime.
The sizing of an air preparation unit depends on two main factors: the required air flow rate (in standard litres per minute) and the connection size of the pneumatic line. A maintenance unit that is too small will cause an undesirable pressure drop, whilst an oversized unit will take up unnecessary space and exceed the budget. TRI-MATIC offers air preparation units in sizes ranging from G 1/8″ to G 1″ to meet different flow requirements.
The frequency of filter replacement depends on the degree of contamination in the compressed air and the number of operating hours. As a rule of thumb: check the filter cup regularly for condensate and deposits. Many air preparation units feature an automatic condensate drain which signals when maintenance is required. In heavily contaminated environments, a check interval of four to six weeks is recommended.
Pneumatics from TRI-MATIC
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