This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
A typical system turns electrical energy into compressed-air energy, conditions the air, controls its path and converts it into motion.
Main components
- Compressor: generates compressed air.
- Receiver: stores air and helps smooth demand.
- Dryer and filtration: reduce water, oil and particles to the quality required.
- Distribution pipework: carries air around the site.
- Isolation and dump valve: allows a section to be made safe.
- FRL or air-preparation unit: filters and regulates local air; a lubricator is used only where required.
- Control valve: directs air to an actuator.
- Flow control: sets actuator speed.
- Cylinder or air motor: converts pressure and flow into movement.
Pressure and flow are different
Pressure provides the potential force. Flow determines how quickly the actuator can fill and move. A gauge may show acceptable static pressure while restrictive pipework, a blocked filter or an undersized valve causes the pressure to collapse during motion.
Air quality
Water, oil and particles can damage seals, stick valves and spoil a process. Define the required air quality at the point of use, then maintain drains, filters and dryers accordingly. Adding a local lubricator to a system not designed for it can wash out factory grease or contaminate downstream equipment.
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