Miniature Series Port Sizes 1/8" & 1/4"; Flow to 19 scfm (538 l/min)

Product Overview

The ROSS Controls Miniature Series is a complete Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) combination product line designed for inline mounting in space-constrained pneumatic systems. Available in port sizes 1/8" and 1/4", the Miniature Series delivers combined filtration, pressure regulation, and lubrication in a compact inline assembly with maximum flow capacity up to 19 scfm (538 l/min).

Each modular unit in the Miniature Series can be configured as a standalone filter, regulator, or lubricator, or assembled as a complete two-unit or three-unit FRL combination to provide all three air preparation functions in a single manifolded assembly. Individual components are offered for maximum configuration flexibility across applications with varying air quality and lubrication requirements.

The filter component is available with high-strength polycarbonate plastic bowls or aluminum bowls to suit different environmental conditions. For condensate management, users can select internal automatic drain or manual drain configurations. The regulator is available in piston-type or diaphragm-type construction, with self-relieving or non-relieving options to match circuit pressure management requirements. A pressure gauge is included for continuous output pressure monitoring.

The lubricator employs a wick-feed design that delivers a metered quantity of oil into the compressed air stream, providing continuous lubrication to downstream pneumatic actuators, cylinders, and tools. The wick-feed mechanism operates reliably at low flow rates, making the Miniature Series suitable for point-of-use lubrication on individual actuator supply lines.

The Miniature Series is the preferred FRL combination solution for compact machine-mounted air preparation, OEM equipment builds requiring small-footprint inline FRL assemblies, and panel-mounted point-of-use applications in 1/8" and 1/4" port size circuits.

Key Engineering Features

• Complete FRL Combination in Compact Inline Package - Combines a particulate filter, pressure regulator, and wick-feed lubricator in a single inline assembly, providing all three air preparation functions while minimizing installation space and plumbing connections.
• Individual Component Modularity - Each filter, regulator, and lubricator is available as an individual unit, allowing users to assemble only the air preparation stages required by their application without purchasing unnecessary components.
• Inline Mounting Design - Inline configuration allows the FRL assembly to be installed directly in compressed air supply lines to individual actuators without requiring a separate mounting panel or bracket.
• Polycarbonate Plastic or Aluminum Bowl Options - High-strength polycarbonate bowl provides visual monitoring of condensate accumulation level; aluminum bowl offers enhanced impact resistance and chemical compatibility for demanding environments.
• Internal Automatic or Manual Drain Filter - Internal automatic drain continuously expels accumulated condensate without operator intervention; manual drain provides operator-controlled drainage for lower condensate volume applications.
• Piston-Type or Diaphragm-Type Regulator - Piston-type regulator delivers stable regulated output pressure across flow rate variation; diaphragm-type regulator provides high sensitivity and fine control at low differential pressures.
• Self-Relieving or Non-Relieving Regulator - Self-relieving configuration vents excess downstream pressure to atmosphere when set point is reduced; non-relieving option retains downstream pressure for systems where venting is not permitted.
• Wick-Feed Lubricator - Wick-feed oil delivery mechanism provides consistent metered lubrication at low flow rates, ensuring downstream pneumatic actuators and tools receive adequate lubrication without over-oiling.
• Integral Pressure Gauge - Pressure gauge is included as standard on regulator units for continuous visual monitoring of regulated output pressure at the point of use.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Certifications & Compliance

Typical Applications & Industries

Point-of-Use Air Preparation on Automation Equipment

• Individual pneumatic actuator supply lines on assembly automation, pick-and-place systems, and handling equipment where a compact inline FRL at the point of use ensures proper air quality and consistent lubrication without requiring a centralized FRL station.
• Machine-mounted air preparation for small-bore cylinders and pneumatic grippers in 1/8" and 1/4" port size circuits where a compact FRL combination conserves panel space and simplifies plumbing.
• Dedicated FRL supply to pneumatic valve actuators and positioners requiring filtered, regulated, and lubricated air at the instrument connection point rather than relying on the main air header quality.

OEM Machine Builds and Panel-Mounted Applications

• OEM pneumatic machine designs where a miniature FRL combination is specified at the machine air inlet to provide all three air preparation stages in a single inline assembly that fits within the machine enclosure.
• Control panel-mounted air preparation for solenoid valve manifolds and pneumatic logic components where the 1/8" port size and inline configuration fit standard panel cutout arrangements.
• Compact machinery for medical device manufacturing, laboratory automation, and semiconductor handling where the miniature FRL footprint matches the space constraints of precision equipment.

Pneumatic Tool and Actuator Lubrication

• Pneumatic tool supply lines for small rotary tools, scribers, and precision air-powered instruments where the wick-feed lubricator delivers consistent lubrication without flooding the tool with excess oil.
• Individual cylinder supply to pneumatic actuators with internal seals requiring lubricated air, installed immediately upstream of the actuator to ensure lubrication reaches the cylinder rather than being absorbed by long supply lines.
• Conveyor and material handling systems with multiple small pneumatic actuators where individual point-of-use FRL units on each actuator branch provide independent regulation and lubrication at each device.

Packaging and Consumer Goods Manufacturing

• Packaging machinery including form-fill-seal equipment, labeling machines, and carton erectors with 1/8" and 1/4" pneumatic circuits requiring regulated and lubricated air at individual actuator stations.
• Food and beverage packaging lines where the miniature FRL combination provides filtered regulated air to pneumatic components in the machine while the compact inline design minimizes the FRL footprint in the production area.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging equipment where small-port FRL combinations serve individual valve actuators and pneumatic conveyors requiring clean, regulated, lubricated air.

General Manufacturing and Maintenance Applications

• Compressed air-powered maintenance tools and air-operated equipment where a portable inline FRL combination provides all three air treatment stages at the tool connection point.
• Small pneumatic circuits in welding fixtures, clamping systems, and workholding automation where 1/8" or 1/4" port circuits require point-of-use filtration, regulation, and lubrication.
• Retrofit installations on existing pneumatic equipment to add filtration, regulation, and lubrication to circuits that previously operated without air preparation, improving component life and reliability.

Electronics and Precision Assembly

• Printed circuit board assembly automation with small pneumatic actuators on component placement heads and test fixtures requiring clean, precisely regulated, and lubricated air at each device.
• Semiconductor fabrication support systems with miniature pneumatic components requiring high-purity filtered and regulated air where the compact Miniature Series FRL fits within tight equipment clearances.
• Precision machining centers with pneumatic tool changers, workpiece clamping, and air gauge circuits requiring stable regulated air pressure from an inline FRL combination at each pneumatic branch.

Ordering and Model Number Configuration

The Miniature Series FRL components are ordered individually as a filter, regulator, or lubricator, and can be assembled into two-unit or three-unit combinations using standard modular connection hardware. Specify port size, bowl material, drain type, regulator type, and regulator function when ordering. Contact ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 or visit rosscontrols.com to configure your FRL combination.

Port sizes available: 1/8" and 1/4" NPT.

Bowl material options: high-strength polycarbonate plastic, or aluminum. Select aluminum bowl for higher pressure ratings (200 psig) or elevated ambient temperature applications (up to 150 degrees F).

Filter drain options: internal automatic drain, or manual drain. Automatic drain is recommended for high condensate volume applications.

Regulator types: piston-type or diaphragm-type. Self-relieving or non-relieving function available for each regulator type.

Lubricator type: wick-feed. Available in standard flow and low-flow variants to match application flow rate.

For catalog part numbers, dimensional drawings, and complete ordering configurations, visit rosscontrols.com or contact ROSS Controls technical sales.

Accessories

Mounting Brackets and Wall Mount Hardware

Mounting brackets are available for panel or wall installation of the Miniature Series inline FRL assemblies where plumbing connection alone does not provide adequate mechanical support.

Pressure Gauges

Replacement and additional pressure gauges are available for the Miniature Series regulator units. Gauges are calibrated in psig and bar for universal readability.

Filter Elements

Replacement filter elements for the Miniature Series filter units are available in 5-micron and 40-micron particulate removal grades to match the filtration requirement of the application.

Related Products & Accessories

• 147 Mid-Size Series FRL Combination - Modular FRL combination for port sizes 1/4" to 1/2" with flow to 100 scfm (2832 l/min). https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/147-mid-size-series
• 105 Miniature Series Lubricator - Individual wick-feed lubricator for 1/8" and 1/4" port sizes, flow to 25 scfm (708 l/min), available as a standalone component. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/105-miniature-lubricator
• 64 Miniature Series Integrated Filter/Regulator - Compact integrated filter/regulator in inline configuration for 1/8" and 1/4" port sizes, flow to 24 scfm (680 l/min). https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/64-miniature-series
• MD3 Series FRL Combination - Higher flow modular FRL combination for port sizes 1/4" to 1/2" with flow to 110 scfm (3115 l/min). https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/148-md3-series
• Flow Controls - ROSS flow control valves for regulating pneumatic actuator speed downstream of FRL assemblies. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/261-flow-controls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the maximum flow capacity of the Miniature Series FRL?

A: The Miniature Series FRL combination delivers maximum flow of 19 scfm (538 l/min) at port sizes 1/8" and 1/4".

Q: What port sizes are available on the Miniature Series?

A: The Miniature Series is available in 1/8" and 1/4" NPT port sizes.

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

A: Piston-type regulators use a piston mechanism to maintain the regulated output pressure and are well-suited for applications with varying flow demands. Diaphragm-type regulators offer higher sensitivity and finer control at low differential pressures and lower flow rates, making them preferred in precision instrument air and low-flow applications.

Q: What is the difference between self-relieving and non-relieving regulators?

A: A self-relieving regulator vents excess downstream pressure to atmosphere through the exhaust port when the regulator set point is reduced below the current downstream pressure. A non-relieving regulator does not vent downstream pressure, retaining it until the pressure is consumed by the system. Non-relieving is specified when exhausting compressed air is not permitted.

Q: Can the Miniature Series be ordered as individual components rather than a complete FRL set?

A: Yes. The filter, regulator, and lubricator are each available as individual units. They can be purchased separately and assembled into two-unit (filter/regulator, or filter/lubricator) or three-unit (filter, regulator, lubricator) combinations using modular connection hardware.

Q: What bowl material should I select?

A: Select the polycarbonate bowl for applications requiring visual monitoring of condensate level at operating conditions within 150 psig and 125 degrees F. Select the aluminum bowl for higher operating pressure (up to 200 psig), elevated ambient temperatures (up to 150 degrees F), or environments where impact resistance is a priority.

Q: How does the wick-feed lubricator deliver oil to the air stream?

A: The wick-feed lubricator uses an absorbent wick element saturated with oil. As compressed air flows through the lubricator, the airflow draws oil vapor off the wick surface and carries it downstream as a fine mist. The wick-feed mechanism operates reliably at the low flow rates typical of 1/8" and 1/4" port size circuits.

Q: What type of oil should be used in the wick-feed lubricator?

A: Use petroleum-based oil with an ISO viscosity grade of 32 or lighter. Do not use synthetic oils, phosphate ester-based fluids, or oils with additives that are incompatible with the seal materials. Consult the ROSS Controls installation instructions for the specific oil grade recommendations for the Miniature Series lubricator.

Q: What is the maximum operating pressure of the Miniature Series?

A: Maximum operating pressure is 150 psig (10 bar) for units with polycarbonate bowls, and 200 psig (14 bar) for units with aluminum bowls.

Q: What temperature range is the Miniature Series rated for?

A: Units with polycarbonate bowls are rated for 40 to 125 degrees F (4 to 52 degrees C) operating temperature. Units with aluminum bowls are rated for 40 to 150 degrees F (4 to 66 degrees C).

Q: How should the Miniature Series FRL be mounted?

A: Mount with the bowl in the downward (vertical) orientation to ensure proper condensate collection at the bowl drain. The inline configuration allows the unit to be installed directly in the compressed air line without a separate mounting panel.

Q: How often should the filter element be replaced?

A: Replace the filter element when the differential pressure across the filter reaches the threshold specified in the ROSS Controls catalog or installation instructions for the Miniature Series. In high-contamination environments, inspect the element more frequently. A differential pressure indicator or gauge across the filter provides condition-based maintenance monitoring.

Q: Are catalog and installation instructions available?

A: Yes. Catalogs, installation instructions, and technical data are available at rosscontrols.com. Contact ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 for product configuration assistance.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

• Mount the Miniature Series FRL assembly with the bowls in the downward (vertical) position to allow condensate to collect at the drain and be expelled properly.
• Verify that the flow direction arrow on each unit body is aligned with the compressed air flow direction before making port connections.
• Install the FRL combination in the sequence: filter (inlet) - regulator (middle) - lubricator (outlet) to ensure air is filtered before pressure regulation and lubricated after regulation.
• Apply appropriate thread sealant to all NPT threaded port connections and tighten to the torque specified in the installation instructions. Do not overtighten.
• After completing all connections, pressurize the system gradually and inspect all port connections and bowl seals for air leakage using an approved leak detection solution.
• To set regulated output pressure on the regulator, pull or turn the adjustment knob to unlock, rotate clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease pressure while monitoring the gauge, then lock the knob at the desired set point.
• Fill the lubricator bowl with the recommended petroleum-based oil (ISO 32 or lighter) to the maximum fill level marked on the bowl. Do not overfill.
• Adjust the lubricator oil delivery rate per the instructions; in most applications, approximately one drop of oil per minute per actuator is the starting adjustment point.
• For automatic drain models, verify that the drain operates correctly after installation by observing condensate expulsion during system operation.
• For manual drain models, establish a regular draining schedule based on the condensate volume in the system to prevent the bowl from overfilling.
• Do not exceed the maximum inlet pressure rating for the bowl material selected. Verify supply pressure against the unit pressure rating before connecting to the compressed air system.
• Replace filter elements at the differential pressure threshold specified in the product catalog, or at the scheduled maintenance interval established for the application.

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 and product configuration assistance is available through ROSS Controls at (800) 438-7677 or 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 complete technical data, dimensional drawings, and ordering information for the Miniature Series FRL combination, visit rosscontrols.com or contact ROSS Controls technical sales.