Hydraulic circuit components

• Pressure regulator

  • Reduces pressure in-line to be suitable for tool or equipment
  • lower pressure air uses less air and is safer
• Pressure regulator

  • Consists of a diaphragm and valve held up on an adjustable spring
  • As the line pressures enters the regulator, it forces the diaphragm down against the spring, forcing the valve to close
  • The spring then adjusts, opening the valve to allow only the required pressure of air through
  • The regulator now automatically adjusts to give a constant output pressure
• Lubricator

  • When compressed air is used in systems with rotary or moving parts, the high pressure forces out any oil or grease in these parts
  • This leads to rapid wear unless the oil is continuously replaced
  • This oil is replaced by a micro-fog lubricator which adds a fine oil mist to the air passing through
• Lubricator

  • The air enters the left of the lubricator and splits
  • Part of the air pressurises the bowl while the rest passes through a venturi
  • This causes a reduction in pressure at the nozzle, allowing oil to be drawn up the syphon tube
  • As the oil drips into the air flow, it is atomised, which produces a smoke-like oil fog
  • This oil fog is then carried through the outlet on the right of the lubricator and continues to the air tool
• Lubricator

  • It is common for a filter, regulator, and lubricator to be fitted at each outlet point in a system where air tools are likely to be used
  • Modern designs commonly have all 3 components fitted in 1 unit and contain a pressure gauge
  • These units require little maintenance, only to ensure there is an adequate supply of oil