Expert advice

The company says that, for such environments an FRL with a metallic housing is best suited, whereas in smaller less hostile environments a composite version may be used. Often the choice would be FRL units with 2 or 3-stage; both deliver the same functions (Regulation, Filtering, Lubrication). The main differences between them are aesthetics and compactness.

In some cases, where higher dynamic pressure is needed, a 3-stage unit would be recommended. The Air Fuse is a safety item that Chicago Pneumatic recommends be fitted directly after the FRL. This simple, compact unit can be fitted quickly and easily. Its purpose is to shut off the air flow with immediate effect in the event of a poorly fitted hose disconnecting from its coupling or becoming damaged in any way. Without the fuse such a hose (whilst fully charged with compressed air ) would present a serious hose whip hazard within the work area. This would only cease once the airline was manually turned off and that is unlikely to be with immediate effect.

To read more about this, visit: http://www.cp.co.uk and click on 'Expert Corner'.