Compressed air preparation blocks
Ready-to-install two-element, three-element and five-element blocks for compressed air preparation.
View preparation blocksWe manufacture compressed air preparation units, compressed air preparation blocks and their core components: filters, pressure regulators, lubricators and filtration and reduction units. We supply configurations for machines, production lines, automation workstations, maintenance systems and pneumatic tools.
Our range includes the MINI, CLASSIC, NOVA, MAXI and FORTIS series. Individual versions differ in connection thread, nominal flow, outlet pressure range, micron rating and condensate drainage method. We help select a unit for the actual air demand - not merely for the existing connection thread.
A compressed air preparation unit is installed upstream of a machine, pneumatic cylinder, valve or tool. It removes solid particles and condensate from the air, sets the required outlet pressure and, in applications that require lubrication, can also meter an oil mist into the airflow. Its most common components are a compressed air filter, reducing valve and optional lubricator.
The CPP PREMA catalogue uses compressed air preparation units as the name of the complete product group. Assembled configurations are described as two-element, three-element or five-element compressed air preparation blocks. Individual catalogue components include filters, pressure regulators, lubricators and filtration and reduction units.
A local air preparation unit does not replace a central air dryer or a correctly designed compressed air installation. It is the final stage of local air treatment and protects downstream equipment against contamination, condensate and incorrect outlet pressure.
CPP PREMA has designed, manufactured and supplied industrial pneumatic components since 1976. Our compressed air preparation range includes both complete compressed air preparation blocks and individual components for building or upgrading a local air preparation station.
Customers have access to technical documentation, flow characteristics, mounting dimensions, ordering codes, fasteners and repair kits. This is particularly important for plants that want to maintain a consistent equipment standard and reduce the time required to identify replacement and service parts.
The CPP PREMA quality management system covers the design, manufacture and sale of pneumatic components, including compressed air preparation units. The company operates in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and AQAP 2110:2016 requirements.
A complete block is not always the only suitable solution. A new machine may use a ready-to-install compressed air preparation block, whereas an existing system may only require replacement of the filter, pressure regulator or filtration and reduction unit. The groups below link directly to the corresponding categories in the CPP PREMA online shop.
Ready-to-install two-element, three-element and five-element blocks for compressed air preparation.
View preparation blocksCompact units combining compressed air filtration, condensate drainage and outlet pressure adjustment.
View filtration and reduction unitsFilters for separating condensate and solid particles, available with different micron ratings.
View filtersRegulators that maintain the outlet pressure selected for the operating requirements of the downstream equipment.
View pressure regulatorsCompressed air lubricators that meter oil mist into the airflow for downstream equipment requiring pneumatic lubrication.
View lubricatorsCut-off and SOFT START valves, distribution valves, pressure gauges, fasteners and repair kits.
View the full categoryThe series differ in more than housing size. Available connection threads, nominal flow values, condensate drain versions and possible block configurations also vary. Select the series using its flow characteristics and the lowest expected supply pressure.
Compact systems and low-flow applications
Industrial standard
Modular system expansion
High flow rates and main air lines
Wide size range within one product family
| Series | Connection thread range | Available compressed air preparation blocks | Primary application |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINI | G1/8-G1/4 | two-element block | small machines, workstations and individual consumers |
| CLASSIC | G3/8-G3/4 | two-element or three-element block | standard machines and industrial systems |
| NOVA | G3/8-G1/2 | two-element, three-element or five-element block | systems requiring modular expansion |
| MAXI | G1-G2 depending on the component | two-element or three-element block | high flow demand |
| FORTIS | G1/4-G1 | two-element block | different sizes within one product family |
The ranges shown reflect the options described in section 9 of the catalogue. Available pressure, nominal flow, connection thread and equipment depend on the specific component and ordering code. Always use the current product data sheet for final selection.
Directs the airflow to assist condensate separation and retains particles larger than the filter cartridge's micron rating. Depending on the version, CPP PREMA catalogue series are available with 5, 10 and 40 µm filter cartridges.
Reduces the supply pressure to the value required by the downstream equipment and helps maintain the set outlet pressure. A pressure gauge allows the regulated pressure to be monitored.
Introduces a controlled quantity of oil into the airflow. It should only be used when downstream equipment requires oil-mist lubrication. Once this type of operation begins, continuous lubrication must be maintained in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
Air from the installation first enters the filter. Inside the filter, changes in flow direction and velocity help separate heavier condensate droplets, which collect in the tank. The air then passes through the filter cartridge. Contaminants larger than the cartridge's micron rating remain in the filter, while the cleaned airflow continues to the next element.
In the regulator, air passes through a regulating element controlled by a diaphragm and adjusting spring. Turning the knob changes the spring force and therefore the outlet pressure. A regulator does not increase pressure. It can only reduce inlet pressure and stabilise the value supplied to downstream equipment within the device's operating characteristics.
As air consumption increases, pressure losses occur across the filter, regulator, tubing and fittings. The pressure shown on the gauge while the machine is idle may therefore be higher than the pressure available when several cylinders move at the same time. The flow characteristic shows how a specific component behaves under increasing load.
If the system includes a lubricator, the airflow draws in a controlled quantity of oil. The resulting oil mist is carried to the downstream equipment. This process only begins after the minimum flow rate specified for the particular version has been reached. An oversized lubricator may therefore fail to meter oil correctly in a system with low air consumption.
Selecting a unit by connection thread alone is insufficient. Two units with the same connection may have different nominal flow values and pressure drops. Calculations should use the simultaneous demand of all consumers and the conditions occurring during the most demanding part of the machine cycle.
Add the consumption of all consumers operating simultaneously and include a reserve for system dynamics.
Use the lowest pressure available while the system is operating, not only the compressor setpoint.
Select an adjustment range that does not place the required value at the limit of the regulator's range.
The connection thread should be based on the required nominal flow and permissible pressure drop.
Choose a 5, 10 or 40 µm filter cartridge according to the equipment requirements and air quality in the installation.
An automatic version reduces servicing at points where condensate accumulates frequently.
Add a lubricator only when it is required by the pneumatic tool or other downstream equipment.
Provide access to the condensate drain, filter cartridge, pressure gauge, reducing valve adjustment and lubricator filling hole.
Nominal flow, maximum inlet pressure, outlet pressure range, connection thread, micron rating, operating temperature range, condensate drain, lubrication and quantity.
A local air preparation unit is installed upstream of a machine, workstation or group of consumers. It allows parameters to be set for a specific application independently of the pressure in the plant's main compressed air network.
Service frequency depends on air quality, operating hours, condensate volume and downstream equipment requirements. Do not use one universal filter replacement interval for every installation. Inspect a new system more frequently at first, then set the service interval according to actual contamination and pressure drop.
Do not clean tanks or plastic components with substances that may damage the material. If a tank is cracked, cloudy, deformed or leaking, remove it from service and select the correct replacement part. An ordering code from the documentation or a clear photograph of the component will help identify the appropriate repair kit.
Provide the required nominal flow or the type and number of consumers, maximum inlet pressure, required outlet pressure, connection thread, micron rating and whether lubrication is required. If you are upgrading an existing machine, attach a photograph of the nameplate or provide the ordering code of the component currently in use.
The basic configuration consists of a compressed air filter, reducing valve and optional compressed air lubricator. It can be expanded with a cut-off valve, air distribution valve, SOFT START valve, pressure gauge and fasteners.
FRL stands for Filter, Regulator and Lubricator. In the CPP PREMA catalogue, complete assembled configurations are described as two-element, three-element or five-element compressed air preparation blocks.
A filtration and reduction unit combines compressed air filtration, condensate drainage and outlet pressure adjustment. A complete block may additionally contain a lubricator, cut-off valve or distribution valve, depending on the configuration.
No. Many modern cylinders and valves operate without additional lubrication. Fit a lubricator only when it is required by the downstream equipment documentation or when the system has been specifically designed for lubricated operation.
The micron rating depends on downstream equipment requirements and the air quality in the network. A finer filter cartridge is not automatically better because it may cause a higher pressure drop. Filtration and nominal flow requirements should be assessed together.
Install the unit as close as practical to the supplied machine or group of consumers, in a location accessible for adjustment and servicing. Elements with tanks must operate vertically, with the tanks down.
Select the connection thread using the required nominal flow, maximum inlet pressure and permissible pressure drop. The tube size or existing connection thread alone is not sufficient for correct selection.
An automatic drain is useful where condensate volumes are high, operation is continuous or filter access is difficult. A manual drain may be sufficient at points that are inspected regularly.
The series differ in dimensions, connection thread range, nominal flow, maximum inlet pressure and available block configurations. MINI is compact, MAXI supports high nominal flow values, and NOVA includes two-element, three-element and five-element compressed air preparation blocks.
Yes. The catalogue includes fasteners and repair kits for selected compressed air filters, reducing valves, filtration and reduction units, compressed air lubricators and cut-off valves.
Compare the available series and versions or send us your parameters for technical selection.