1
Compressed-Air Filter
Removes specified particles, liquid water or oil aerosol according to the filter type and grade. Install the appropriate filtration upstream of the regulator.
Usually required
Point-of-Use Air Preparation
Choose a Standalone Regulator or Complete FRL Assembly
Match the equipment's peak airflow, required pressure, connection size, contaminant sensitivity and lubrication instructions to the correct air-preparation configuration. Complete AIRpipe FRL combinations and standalone regulators are available online.
Filter → Regulator → Conditional Lubricator
Each Component Solves a Different Air-Quality Problem
An FRL is a point-of-use assembly. It supports—but does not replace—proper compressor-room drying, bulk-liquid separation and mainline filtration.
2
Pressure Regulator
Reduces supply pressure to a stable downstream working pressure. Select it for the tool's peak flow, pressure range, port size and allowable pressure drop.
Application specific
3
Airline Lubricator
Adds a metered oil mist for equipment specifically designed to receive it. Do not add one to oil-free, paint, breathing-air, instrumentation or other oil-sensitive branches.
Only when specified
Component Selection
Match the Component to the Job It Actually Performs
| Component | Primary job | Select using | Typical location | It does not replace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particulate filter | Captures solid particles and specified contaminants. | Micron grade, peak CFM, pressure, port size and pressure drop. | Upstream of regulator and sensitive equipment. | Dryer or bulk-liquid separator. |
| Coalescing filter | Targets fine liquid aerosols, including oil and water aerosols. | Required outlet quality, upstream prefiltration, peak CFM and pressure drop. | After bulk-liquid removal; often downstream of a dryer as application requires. | Oil-water separator for discharged condensate. |
| Pressure regulator | Maintains the selected downstream pressure. | Required PSI, peak CFM, inlet pressure, port size and droop. | Near the point of use, after filtration. | Pressure-relief or safety devices. |
| Airline lubricator | Adds a controlled oil mist to approved equipment. | Equipment instructions, lubricant specification, flow range and port size. | Last in the assembly, close to equipment. | Compressor lubricant or preventive maintenance. |
Important: The products in the compressor-lubricants category are intended for compressor maintenance. Do not use compressor oil in a pneumatic airline lubricator unless the equipment and lubricant manufacturers explicitly approve that exact use.
Interactive Selection Guide
Build a Starting Air-Preparation Configuration
This tool identifies the components to evaluate and routes available connection sizes to the closest online product. Confirm rated flow, pressure drop and equipment requirements before purchasing.
Filter + regulator
Start with filtration and regulated pressure.
- Select a filter rated at or above the equipment's peak CFM.
- Select a regulator that maintains the required PSI at that flow.
- Do not add a lubricator unless the equipment instructions require one.
Available Online
Shop Complete FRLs and Standalone AIRpipe Regulators
Choose a complete filter-regulator-lubricator assembly only when the downstream equipment requires airline lubrication. Otherwise, pair the correct compressed-air filter with a standalone regulator sized for the branch and operating demand.
Complete AIRpipe FRL assemblies
Complete assembly
AIRpipe 1/4 in. NPT FRL Combination
Filter, regulator, lubricator and pressure gauge combined for smaller approved point-of-use applications.
Complete assembly
AIRpipe 3/4 in. NPT FRL Combination
Complete FRL and gauge for higher-capacity approved branches using a 3/4-inch NPT connection.
Standalone AIRpipe regulators with gauges
Compressed-Air Filters
Browse particulate, coalescing and available specialty filters.
Dryers & Filters
Plan upstream moisture removal and filtration together.
Compressed-Air Accessories
Browse additional system and condensate-management accessories.
Avoid a Common Design Error
Do not lubricate the entire plant to serve one tool.
If one approved tool requires oil while another process must remain oil-free, split the branches. Place the lubricator only on the dedicated approved branch and label it so future equipment is not connected by mistake.
Continue through the treatment system
Frequently Asked Questions
Filter, Regulator and Lubricator FAQs
What does an FRL unit do?
An FRL combines filtration, regulated pressure and—when required—metered airline lubrication near the point of use. Each element must be selected for the equipment's airflow, pressure, air-quality and lubrication requirements.
What is the correct order for a filter, regulator and lubricator?
The normal order is filter, then regulator, then lubricator. The lubricator belongs last and as close as practical to equipment that is specifically designed to receive oil mist.
What AIRpipe FRL and regulator sizes are available online?
AirCompressors.com currently lists complete AIRpipe FRL combinations in 1/4-inch and 3/4-inch NPT sizes. Standalone AIRpipe regulators with gauges are listed in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, 1-1/2-inch and 2-inch NPT sizes. Confirm flow and operating requirements rather than selecting by connection size alone.
Does every air tool need a lubricator?
No. Many tools and pneumatic components are factory lubricated, designed for oil-free operation or used in oil-sensitive processes. Follow the downstream equipment manufacturer's instructions rather than adding a lubricator by default.
How do I size a compressed-air filter and regulator?
Use the maximum simultaneous airflow, required downstream pressure, inlet pressure, connection size, contaminant-removal requirement and allowable pressure drop. Choose units whose published performance meets the demand at the actual operating conditions.
Can compressor lubricant be used in an airline lubricator?
Do not assume it can. Compressor lubricants and pneumatic airline lubricants serve different equipment. Use only the lubricant type and viscosity specified by the tool, component and lubricator manufacturers.
Where should an FRL be installed?
Install point-of-use air preparation near the equipment it serves, with safe access for pressure adjustment, bowl inspection and filter service. Keep a required lubricator close to its approved equipment to reduce oil carry through unrelated piping.
Does an FRL replace an air dryer?
No. A dryer reduces water vapor across the compressed-air system. A point-of-use filter can capture specified particles, aerosols or liquid carryover, but it does not replace correct upstream drying and bulk-liquid management.
Need Help Matching Flow, Pressure and Filtration?
Share the equipment type, peak CFM, required PSI, connection size and air-quality requirement. A compressed-air specialist can help narrow the configuration.