Where should an air lubricator be installed in a pneumatic system?

The ideal location for an air lubricator in a pneumatic system is after the regulator. This placement is critical because the regulator reduces the pressure of the incoming compressed air to a controlled level suitable for the system. If the lubricator were placed before the regulator, the lubrication oil could behave differently under higher pressure, potentially leading to inconsistent lubrication as the oil may not atomize properly at different pressures.

When installed after the regulator, the air flow has already been adjusted to the required operational pressure, allowing for a more effective and consistent distribution of lubrication downstream to the components that need it. This ensures proper function and minimizes the risk of damage from improper oil droplet sizes or insufficient lubrication, which can lead to wear or failure of pneumatic components.