Bantam Series Port Sizes 1/8" & 1/4"; Flow to 23 scfm (651 l/min)

Product Overview

The ROSS Controls Bantam Series is a compact Filter/Regulator and Lubricator combo that consolidates three critical air preparation functions - particulate filtration, downstream pressure regulation, and downstream component lubrication - into a single inline assembly. With port sizes of 1/8" and 1/4" and a maximum flow capacity of 23 scfm (651 l/min), the series is optimized for small-footprint pneumatic circuits where space constraints and system simplicity are primary design objectives.

The Bantam Series filter section is available with high-strength polycarbonate plastic bowls for visual condensate monitoring or with aluminum bowls for higher-temperature and higher-pressure environments. Condensate management is addressed through a choice of automatic drain, which continuously expels collected liquids without operator intervention, or manual drain for applications where controlled drainage is preferred.

The regulator section offers both piston-type and diaphragm-type designs, each available in self-relieving and non-relieving configurations. Piston regulators deliver stable output pressure with durability for long-cycle applications. Diaphragm regulators are suited to applications demanding low hysteresis and fine pressure control. A pressure gauge is included as standard, providing continuous visual indication of regulated downstream pressure.

The integrated wick-feed lubricator delivers a consistent oil mist to pneumatic actuators, cylinders, and tools downstream of the assembly, protecting components from wear and extending service life. The Bantam Series design allows OEM machine builders and maintenance engineers to standardize on a single compact SKU that replaces three separate inline components.

Key Engineering Features

• All-in-One FRL Integration - Combines filter, regulator, and lubricator into a single inline assembly to minimize installation space, reduce potential leak points, and simplify system plumbing.
• Wick-Feed Lubricator - Passive wick-feed design delivers a consistent oil mist into the downstream air stream without requiring a sight dome, supporting reliable lubrication of cylinders, actuators, and pneumatic tools.
• Piston-Type or Diaphragm-Type Regulator - Piston-type offers durable pressure control for high-cycle applications; diaphragm-type provides low hysteresis and precise regulation for sensitive instrumentation or control circuits.
• Self-Relieving or Non-Relieving Regulator - Self-relieving configuration vents excess downstream pressure when the set point is reduced; non-relieving is selected where exhausting to atmosphere is not permitted.
• High-Strength Polycarbonate or Aluminum Bowl - Polycarbonate bowl enables visual liquid level monitoring; aluminum bowl extends the operating pressure and temperature envelope for demanding industrial environments.
• Automatic or Manual Drain - Automatic drain continuously expels accumulated condensate for unattended operation; manual drain allows operator-controlled drainage during scheduled maintenance.
• Inline Mounting - Designed for direct in-line installation in compressed air supply lines, with flow direction indicated on the body for correct orientation.
• Integral Pressure Gauge - Standard pressure gauge provides immediate visual confirmation of regulated output pressure at the point of use.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Certifications & Compliance

Typical Applications & Industries

Machine Tool and Metalworking

• CNC machining center air preparation where a single compact FRL unit supplying regulated, filtered, and lubricated air to spindle brakes, tool changers, and workholding cylinders reduces installation complexity.
• Grinding and honing machine pneumatic circuits requiring consistent delivery of lubricant-laden air to reciprocating actuators and air bearings at 1/8" or 1/4" connection points.
• Drill press and tapping unit air supplies where the inline mounting of the series provides point-of-use air conditioning without consuming panel space.

Assembly Automation and Robotics

• Robotic end-of-arm tooling with compact pneumatic grippers, suction cups, or torque tools requiring clean, regulated, and lubricated air at minimal weight and envelope.
• Assembly fixture pneumatic circuits incorporating multiple small-bore cylinders and pneumatic valves where a single Bantam FRL conditions the supply at the machine module level.
• Collaborative robot (cobot) tool changers and auxiliary pneumatic circuits where space on the robot arm constrains component selection to the smallest viable FRL package.

Packaging and Material Handling

• Carton erecting, label application, and small-format packaging machine actuators requiring regulated, lubricated air at 1/8" or 1/4" port sizes with auto-drain to prevent moisture ingestion.
• Conveyor diverter cylinders and pneumatic sorter actuators in distribution centers where compact air preparation on individual machine modules reduces central air system contamination.
• Pick-and-place pneumatic systems in pharmaceutical and food packaging lines where the aluminum bowl option accommodates elevated ambient temperatures near heat-seal stations.

Textile and Printing

• Textile loom pneumatic shuttle and reed drives requiring precisely regulated air with reliable lubrication to prevent accelerated wear of high-cycle actuating mechanisms.
• Offset and digital printing press pneumatic clamping, plate-changing, and paper-feed systems where compact point-of-use FRL conditioning protects valves and cylinders from contaminated supply air.

Pneumatic Tools and Maintenance

• Air-powered impact wrenches, drills, and grinders connected to plant air systems requiring filtration and lubrication at the point of use to extend tool life and prevent corrosion.
• Maintenance air drops in manufacturing facilities where a quick-to-install inline FRL unit protects both the tool and the facility air system from cross-contamination.

OEM and Panel-Mounted Installations

• Control panel air preparation for small pneumatic actuators, positioners, and pilot valve supplies where the Bantam Series footprint fits within compact panel enclosures.
• Original equipment manufacturer installations on specialty machines requiring a fully configured, tested FRL assembly available as a single order line item.

Ordering and Model Number Configuration

The ROSS Bantam Series FRL combo is configured by specifying port size, bowl material, drain type, regulator type, and regulator function. Contact ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 or visit rosscontrols.com to use the online product configurator and generate a complete model number.

Specify port size (1/8" or 1/4"), bowl material (polycarbonate or aluminum), drain type (automatic or manual), regulator type (piston or diaphragm), and regulator function (self-relieving or non-relieving) when ordering.

NPT thread is standard. G (BSPP) thread versions may be available; confirm with ROSS Controls at time of order.

For applications requiring only filtration and regulation without lubrication, refer to ROSS Controls Bantam Series 62 integrated filter/regulator.

Accessories

Mounting Brackets

Panel and pipe mounting brackets are available for the Bantam Series FRL to facilitate secure inline mounting to machine frames, panels, and standard pipe stands. Contact ROSS Controls for compatible bracket model numbers.

Replacement Filter Elements

Replacement filter bowl elements are available in 5-micron and 40-micron grades for the Bantam Series filter section. Regular element replacement maintains rated filtration efficiency and protects downstream components.

Replacement Bowls

Replacement polycarbonate and aluminum bowls with seals are available as service parts to restore the assembly to full rated capacity after damage or excessive wear.

Related Products & Accessories

• 62 Bantam Series Integrated Filter/Regulator - Standalone filter/regulator in the Bantam platform for applications requiring filtration and regulation without downstream lubrication. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/62-bantam-series
• 104 Bantam Series Lubricator - Standalone modular wick-feed lubricator for the Bantam Series platform, for use where a separate lubricator is required. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/104-bantam-series
• 140 Miniature Series FRL Combo - Miniature Series Filter/Regulator and Lubricator combo, offering similar features at the same port sizes with alternate body design options. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/140-miniature-series
• 141 Mid-Size Series FRL Combo - Mid-Size FRL combo for port sizes 1/4" to 1/2" and flow to 100 scfm, with modular mounting and sight-feed lubricator. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/141-mid-size-series
• 145 Bantam Series Modular FRL - Bantam Series modular individual Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator units for applications requiring separate component selection and modular stacking. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/145-bantam-series

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What functions does the Bantam Series FRL combo perform?

A: The Bantam Series combines a particulate filter, a pressure regulator, and a wick-feed lubricator in a single inline assembly. It removes particulate contamination from the compressed air supply, reduces and regulates pressure to the set downstream value, and delivers a metered oil mist to protect pneumatic actuators and tools.

Q: What port sizes are available?

A: The Bantam Series is available in 1/8" and 1/4" port sizes, suitable for compact pneumatic circuits with low to moderate flow requirements.

Q: What is the maximum flow capacity?

A: The Bantam Series handles flow up to 23 scfm (651 l/min) at rated conditions.

Q: What is the difference between the polycarbonate bowl and the aluminum bowl?

A: The polycarbonate bowl is rated to 150 psig (10 bar) and 125 degrees F (52 degrees C) and provides visual condensate level monitoring. The aluminum bowl extends ratings to 200 psig (14 bar) and 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) for higher-temperature or higher-pressure installations.

Q: Which drain type should I select?

A: Select the automatic drain for unattended systems or high condensate environments where continuous drainage prevents liquid carryover into downstream components. Select the manual drain for systems with low condensate generation or where an operator performs regular maintenance checks.

Q: What is the difference between a piston-type and a diaphragm-type regulator?

A: A piston-type regulator provides robust, stable pressure control with good flow capacity and long service life in high-cycle applications. A diaphragm-type regulator delivers lower hysteresis and finer pressure sensitivity, making it preferable for sensitive instrumentation or precision pressure control applications.

Q: What does self-relieving vs. non-relieving mean for the regulator?

A: A self-relieving regulator automatically vents excess downstream pressure to atmosphere through the exhaust port when the set point is lowered, allowing immediate pressure reduction without downstream bleed. A non-relieving regulator does not vent downstream pressure; downstream pressure can only decrease through consumption. Non-relieving is required in applications where exhausting air to atmosphere is not permitted.

Q: What type of lubricant does the wick-feed lubricator use?

A: The wick-feed lubricator is designed for petroleum-based oils with ISO 32 viscosity or lighter. Do not use synthetic ester-based or phosphate-ester lubricants, as these are incompatible with the standard nitrile seal materials used in the FRL assembly.

Q: How do I set the regulated output pressure?

A: Pull the regulator adjustment knob upward to unlock it, then rotate clockwise to increase output pressure and counterclockwise to decrease it. Once the desired pressure is shown on the gauge, push the knob back down to lock the setting and prevent accidental adjustment.

Q: Can the series be used for modular or gang mounting?

A: The Bantam Series is designed primarily for inline mounting. For applications requiring modular gang-mounting of FRL components, refer to the ROSS Controls 145 Bantam Series modular FRL lineup, which provides individual modular filter, regulator, and lubricator units that interconnect directly without external pipe connections.

Q: Is the wick-feed lubricator adjustable?

A: Yes. Oil delivery rate is set via an external adjustment control. The wick-feed design does not require a sight dome and delivers oil passively once the flow rate is configured.

Q: What filtration grade does the filter section provide?

A: The Bantam Series filter section provides general particulate filtration to protect downstream components from particulate contamination in compressed air systems. Contact ROSS Controls to confirm the micron rating of the element available for the series.

Q: What maintenance is required?

A: Drain the filter bowl regularly based on condensate volume. Replace the filter element when differential pressure across the filter increases or on a scheduled interval. Refill the lubricator bowl before the oil level drops below the minimum mark. Inspect all sealing surfaces and gauge function during routine maintenance.

Q: Where can I obtain technical documentation and catalogs?

A: Catalogs, installation instructions, and technical data sheets for the Bantam Series are available on the ROSS Controls website at rosscontrols.com. Contact ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 for configuration assistance and distributor referral.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

• Install with the bowl assembly oriented downward so that condensate collects at the bottom and drains correctly through the drain valve.
• Orient the unit so that the flow direction arrow on the body aligns with the compressed air supply flow direction.
• Mount in a location that provides unobstructed access to the filter bowl drain, the lubricator fill port, the pressure gauge, and the regulator adjustment knob.
• Apply thread sealant to all pipe thread connections and tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque. Do not overtighten polycarbonate bowl connections.
• Do not exceed the rated inlet pressure for the bowl material selected: 150 psig for polycarbonate, 200 psig for aluminum.
• Supply air temperature must remain within the bowl material rating: 40 to 125 degrees F for polycarbonate; 40 to 150 degrees F for aluminum.
• Fill the lubricator bowl with petroleum-based ISO 32 or lighter oil before placing the assembly in service. Do not use synthetic ester or phosphate-ester lubricants.
• After installation, pressurize slowly and check all connections, bowl seal, and drain valve for leaks using a soapy water solution or approved leak detector.
• Set the regulator output pressure: pull the knob up to unlock, rotate to the desired pressure reading, then push the knob down to lock.
• Inspect and drain the filter bowl regularly. In high-humidity environments, confirm that the automatic drain is functioning on each maintenance inspection.
• Replace the filter element on a scheduled interval or when increased differential pressure is observed, indicating that the element is loaded with particulate contamination.
• Verify lubricator oil level at each maintenance check. Refill before the level drops to the minimum indication to prevent dry running of downstream pneumatic components.

Warranty & Global Support

ROSS Controls provides a one-year warranty on all products covering defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase.

Technical support is available through ROSS Controls USA at (800) 438-7677 or by visiting rosscontrols.com.

Global support is available through ROSS offices in the USA (Ferndale, Michigan headquarters), Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, United Kingdom, India, China, and Japan.

For product configuration assistance, replacement parts, and distributor referral, contact ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 or email through the contact form at rosscontrols.com.

Download Catalog: https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/documents