Bantam Series Port Sizes 1/8" & 1/4"; Flow to 24 scfm (680 l/min)

Product Overview

The ROSS Controls Bantam Series is a family of compact, modular integrated filter/regulators engineered for port sizes 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch (NPT, G/BSPP, or quick-connect tube fittings up to 10 mm diameter) with flow capacity to 30 scfm (850 l/min). Designed for installations where space is at a premium, the Bantam Series consolidates particulate filtration and pressure regulation into a single, compact assembly that delivers consistent downstream air quality without requiring separate filter and regulator bodies.

The Bantam Series is available in both particulate filter and coalescing filter configurations. Particulate filters are rated at 5 microns (standard polyethylene element) with 20-micron and 40-micron sintered bronze elements available as options. Coalescing filter variants provide 0.3-micron filtration (standard borosilicate glass fiber element) or 0.01-micron for oil aerosol removal to levels below 0.01 mg/m3. All configurations are modular-mount, allowing assembly into multi-unit FRL stations on common manifold or port kit hardware.

The Bantam Series supports polycarbonate or aluminum bowl materials, automatic or manual drain types, and threaded port or quick-connect tube fitting port styles. The modular construction enables field expansion by adding adjacent regulator, lubricator, or lockout valve modules without additional plumbing. A pressure gauge is included on filter/regulator units to provide continuous downstream pressure monitoring at the point of use.

For design engineers requiring clean, regulated compressed air in compact machine tool, instrumentation, laboratory, or light industrial pneumatic circuits, the Bantam Series provides a fully configurable, catalog-standard solution with broad model availability and established replacement element part numbers.

Key Engineering Features

• Filter and Regulator in a Single Assembly - Combines particulate filtration and precision pressure regulation in one compact unit, reducing installation footprint and eliminating inter-component plumbing in space-constrained applications.
• Modular Assembly and Mounting - Mounts in modular station configurations using common port kits, enabling scalable FRL assemblies that share a single inlet and outlet connection without individual pipe fittings.
• Threaded Port or Quick-Connect Fitting Options - Available with NPT/BSPP threaded ports (1/8 and 1/4) or quick-connect tube fittings for tubing diameters from 1/4 inch through 10 mm, providing installation flexibility for both traditional plumbing and push-in tube systems.
• High-Strength Polycarbonate or Metal Bowl - Polycarbonate bowl provides visual liquid level monitoring for drain management. Aluminum metal bowl option extends temperature range to 150 deg F (66 deg C) and pressure rating to 200 psig (14 bar) for more demanding environments.
• Automatic or Manual Drain - Automatic drain continuously purges collected liquids without operator intervention, reducing maintenance requirements in production environments. Manual drain option suits applications requiring controlled drain events.
• 5-Micron, 20-Micron, and 40-Micron Filtration Options - Standard 5-micron polyethylene element removes fine particulates and condensate. Optional 20-micron and 40-micron sintered bronze elements are available for coarser prefiltration or higher-flow-capacity applications.
• Coalescing Filter Variants (0.3 and 0.01 Micron) - Borosilicate glass fiber coalescing elements aggregate oil aerosols and submicron particulates. The 0.01-micron element reduces oil carryover to below 0.01 mg/m3 for sensitive downstream equipment.
• Piston-Type Regulator with Self-Relieving Function - Piston-type regulators deliver stable outlet pressure under varying flow conditions. Self-relieving function vents downstream pressure when inlet pressure drops below setpoint, preventing over-pressurization of downstream components.
• Non-Relieving Regulator Option - Non-relieving variant available for applications where downstream venting is not permitted, such as systems using oxygen or other specialty gases.
• Integrated Pressure Gauge - Pressure gauge is standard on filter/regulator units, providing immediate visual confirmation of downstream regulated pressure without separate gauge installation.
• BSPP Thread Option - To order metric G (BSPP) threads, add a C prefix to the model number (e.g., C5B02B0100), enabling direct installation in international machine designs without adapter fittings.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Temperature Ratings

Temperature ratings depend on bowl material. Polycarbonate bowls have a lower operating temperature ceiling than metal (aluminum) bowls.

Important: Do not use polycarbonate bowls in environments containing solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or other chemicals incompatible with polycarbonate. Use metal bowl option when operating near chemical exposure or above 125 F ambient.

Flow Performance Data

Flow performance for particulate filter variant (5-micron element) at 100 psig inlet pressure. Coalescing filter models have lower maximum flow.

Certifications & Compliance

Typical Applications & Industries

Machine Tools and Precision Machining

• Inline air preparation for CNC machining centers, turning centers, and grinding machines where compact 1/4-inch port filter/regulators protect air chucks, pneumatic workholding, and spindle air purge circuits from contamination.
• Tool changer pneumatic circuits on machining centers requiring clean, regulated air at 60 to 100 psig for actuator reliability and tool retention repeatability.
• Pneumatic gaging and air-gauging measurement systems where particulate-free air at stable regulated pressure is critical to measurement accuracy.
• Lubrication systems and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) pneumatic supply lines where contamination-free air prevents clogging of fine-bore lubrication nozzles.

Laboratory, Instrumentation, and Test Equipment

• Compressed air supply conditioning for analytical instruments, spectrometers, and gas chromatographs requiring clean, dry, oil-free air at precisely regulated pressures below 100 psig.
• Pneumatic actuator supply in laboratory automation and liquid handling robots where compact footprint and clean air are equally important design constraints.
• Leak test fixtures and pressure decay testers where the coalescing (0.01-micron) Bantam filter removes oil contamination that would otherwise coat test parts and produce false leak indications.
• Electronics manufacturing test fixtures requiring particulate-free air for pneumatic board handlers, vacuum pick-and-place, and pneumatic pin probers.

Light Industrial Automation and Assembly

• Small pneumatic cylinder and actuator circuits on assembly machines where 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch port sizes align with actuator port specifications and machine air supply manifold designs.
• Pneumatic screwdrivers, nut runners, and torque tools in light assembly operations where consistent regulated air pressure maintains torque output and quality.
• Packaging machinery for small-format product handling including blister pack, pouch sealing, and cartoning machines with 1/4-inch pneumatic circuits.
• Air knife and blow-off systems in electronics assembly where clean filtered air prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage from particulate-laden air streams.
• Pneumatic press fit, insertion, and riveting tools in consumer electronics and appliance assembly lines requiring reliable regulated air at compact port sizes.
• Specialty gas and clean room air distribution systems where modular construction allows centralized air preparation panels to serve multiple downstream stations.

Food and Beverage Processing (Non-Contact)

• Air preparation for pneumatic actuators on packaging machinery in food processing environments where compact modular FRL assemblies minimize dead legs and facilitate cleaning.
• Blow molding machine air preparation for preform handling pneumatics at 1/4-inch port size where space within machine frames is limited.
• Coalescing filter application (0.3 or 0.01 micron) ahead of air-operated filling valves in food packaging to meet food-grade air purity requirements.

Ordering and Model Number Configuration

The ROSS Bantam Series uses a structured model number system. Polycarbonate bowl modular models with threaded ports follow the pattern 5BxxBxxxx; prefix C for BSPP/G threads (e.g., C5B02B0100). Quick-connect fitting models use separate port size codes.

For G (BSPP) threads, add the prefix C to the model number (e.g., C5B02B0100 for 1/4 G auto drain polycarbonate).

Coalescing filter models use separate model number series; consult ROSS Controls for coalescing model number selection.

Quick-connect tube fitting models are available for 1/4", 3/8", 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm outside-diameter tubing.

Replacement filter elements should be changed when differential pressure across the filter element reaches 10 psig (0.7 bar) or at scheduled maintenance intervals.

Panel mounting requires a 1-3/16 inch (30 mm) hole.

Accessories

Replacement Filter Elements

ROSS replacement filter elements for Bantam Series are available in polyethylene and sintered bronze for particulate filtration, and borosilicate glass fiber for coalescing applications.

Port Kits and Manifold Hardware

Port kits enable modular assembly of Bantam Series filter/regulators with adjacent lubricator or additional filter modules into compact FRL stations with a single inlet and outlet connection. Consult ROSS Controls for specific port kit model numbers for the required number of stations and port size.

Related Products & Accessories

• Bantam Series Modular Filters (Stand-Alone) - Particulate-only filter units in the Bantam Series for prefiltration ahead of Bantam Series filter/regulators. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/62-bantam-series
• Miniature Series Integrated Filter/Regulators - Inline-mount filter/regulator for 1/8 and 1/4 port sizes with aluminum body construction, suitable for inline (non-modular) installations. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/64-miniature-series
• Mid-Size Series Air Preparation Filters - Modular filters for 1/4 to 1/2 port sizes with flow to 75 scfm for larger actuator circuits. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/76-mid-size-series
• MD3 Series Air Preparation Filters - High-performance modular filters for 1/4 to 1/2 port sizes with flow to 92 scfm and diaphragm-type regulator options. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/72-md3-series
• FRL Pressure Regulators (Bantam Series) - Stand-alone Bantam Series pressure regulators for use as separate regulation stage in modular FRL assemblies. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/62-bantam-series
• L-O-X Lockout Valves - Pneumatic lockout valves for OSHA-compliant energy isolation. MD3 and MD4 series filters can integrate L-O-X lockout valves in a combined assembly. https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/1287-lockout-valves-15-series

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between the Bantam Series and the Miniature Series?

A: The Bantam Series is designed for modular mounting, allowing multiple FRL components to be assembled side by side on a common port kit or manifold with a single inlet and outlet. The Miniature Series is configured for inline mounting as individual units in a pipeline. Both cover 1/8 and 1/4 port sizes with similar flow capacity (30 vs. 23 scfm), but the Bantam is the preferred choice when a modular station approach is required.

Q: Can the Bantam Series be used with G (BSPP) metric thread ports?

A: Yes. To order with G (BSPP) threads for international machine designs, add a C prefix to the standard model number. For example, C5B02B0100 is the 1/4-inch G thread, polycarbonate bowl, manual drain version of the standard 5B02B0100.

Q: What filtration levels are available in the Bantam Series?

A: Particulate filter models are available with 5-micron polyethylene (standard), 20-micron sintered bronze, or 40-micron sintered bronze elements. Coalescing filter variants provide 0.3-micron borosilicate glass fiber (standard) or 0.01-micron for high-efficiency oil removal. The 0.01-micron coalescing filter reduces oil content to below 0.01 mg/m3, which satisfies ISO 8573-1 Class 1 oil content requirements.

Q: What is the maximum inlet pressure for Bantam Series units?

A: With polycarbonate bowls, maximum inlet pressure is 150 psig (10 bar). Metal (aluminum) bowl models are rated to 200 psig (14 bar). Manual drain metal bowl models are also rated to 200 psig. Automatic drain polycarbonate bowl units require a minimum of 30 psig for drain function.

Q: What outlet pressure range can the regulator be set to?

A: The integrated regulator in Bantam Series filter/regulator units is adjustable from near zero to a maximum of 100 psig (7 bar). The regulator is piston-type with a self-relieving design as standard, and a non-relieving option is available for systems where downstream venting is not permitted.

Q: What are the operating temperature limits?

A: Polycarbonate bowl units operate from 40 to 125 F (4 to 52 C). Metal (aluminum) bowl units extend the upper range to 150 F (66 C). These temperature ratings apply to both ambient and media (compressed air) conditions.

Q: When should I select an automatic drain over a manual drain?

A: Automatic drains are recommended in production environments where routine drain management cannot be guaranteed, in vertical mounting orientations that favor gravity drainage, and where bowl liquid accumulation is significant. Manual drains provide lower unit cost and are appropriate where maintenance access is reliable and scheduled, or where drain events must be controlled.

Q: Are quick-connect tube fitting port models available?

A: Yes. In addition to 1/8 and 1/4 NPT/BSPP threaded models, the Bantam Series is available with quick-connect tube fitting ports for outside diameters of 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. These models use the same bowl, element, and drain configurations as the threaded variants.

Q: What is the replacement filter element model number for standard Bantam Series filters?

A: The standard 5-micron polyethylene replacement element is model 933K77. Optional sintered bronze elements are R-KA130-27E5 (5 micron), R-KA130-27E4 (20 micron), and R-KA130-27E3 (40 micron). Coalescing replacement elements are 945K77 (0.3 micron) and R-A-10F-16E8 (0.01 micron).

Q: How often should the filter element be replaced?

A: Replace the filter element when the differential pressure across the element reaches 10 psig (0.7 bar), which indicates significant particulate loading. In clean supply air environments, elements may last several months. In high-particulate or high-humidity environments, more frequent replacement is required. Visual inspection of the element at scheduled preventive maintenance intervals is recommended.

Q: Can the Bantam Series be panel-mounted?

A: Yes. Panel mounting is supported and requires a 1-3/16 inch (30 mm) diameter hole. The filter/regulator assembly includes the hardware for panel mounting. This allows installation on control panel doors or machine guards where the adjustment knob and gauge face are accessible from the front.

Q: Is the regulator adjustment knob lockable to prevent tampering?

A: The adjusting knob is removable, providing tamper resistance in settings where unauthorized pressure adjustments must be prevented. For full tamper-proof operation, remove the knob after setting pressure and store separately. Reinstall the knob only when pressure adjustment is required.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

• Mount the Bantam Series filter/regulator in any orientation, with vertical mounting (bowl down) preferred to optimize automatic drain function and condensate collection.
• Install a shutoff valve upstream of the filter/regulator to facilitate element replacement and maintenance without depressurizing the entire supply line.
• Position the unit as close to the point of use as practical to minimize the volume of downstream air that must be re-pressurized after pressure decay events.
• Ensure compressed air supply is clean and dry at the inlet. A coarse upstream strainer or separator is recommended upstream of the Bantam Series in applications with high condensate or pipe scale contamination.
• When assembling modular stations, ensure all module-to-module port kit seals are properly seated and hardware is torqued to manufacturer specifications to prevent inter-module leaks.
• For quick-connect tube fitting models, ensure tubing is cut square and fully inserted to the tube stop before applying supply pressure. Verify retention by pulling back on the tube after pressurization.
• Set regulator outlet pressure before connecting downstream equipment. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to increase pressure and counterclockwise to decrease. The self-relieving design will vent downstream pressure if setpoint is reduced.
• Change the filter element when differential pressure across the filter reaches 10 psig (0.7 bar), or at scheduled maintenance intervals, whichever occurs first.
• Drain condensate from manual drain models at regular intervals. Do not allow condensate level to rise above the filter element, as liquid carryover will degrade downstream equipment.
• Do not exceed maximum inlet pressure ratings: 150 psig for polycarbonate bowl, 200 psig for metal bowl. Over-pressurization can fracture polycarbonate bowls.

Warranty & Global Support

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

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

Contact ROSS Controls USA at (800) 438-7677 or visit rosscontrols.com for product configuration assistance, technical support, and distributor locator services.

For complete dimensional drawings, flow curves, and catalog data, visit the ROSS Controls Bantam Series product page at rosscontrols.com or download the ROSS FRL catalog.

Download Catalog: https://www.rosscontrols.com/en/series/62-bantam-series