ML
an initial solid particle filter, a container of
silica gel and then another solid particle filter.
Typically, this desiccant material has a limited
lifespan — once it becomes saturated or spent,
either the desiccant or the entire breather will
need to be replaced.
ere are many different types of desiccant
breathers, ensuring that the headspace will be
protected no matter the application. e most
basic of these breathers is set up so that both
incoming and outgoing air from the machine
will go through the desiccant material. If this
type of unit is set in a high-moisture area,
it will become spent very
quickly because it constantly
pulls moisture from both the
machine and the atmosphere.
Very humid environments,
like those found in Louisiana
and South Texas, can be detri-
mental to this specific type of
breather unless the proper
add-ons are implemented.
Other types of desiccant
breathers, like those with
check valves that only allow air to flow through
the desiccant when the machine is inhaling or
exhaling, are better suited for humid or wet
environments. A few add-ons, depending on the
environmental conditions, are wash-down caps,
isolation check valves, high-capacity air filters
and even manual indicator vacuum gauges.
Summary
Particle breathers will suffice for a short
amount of time in perfect conditions, but
we're here to inform you of best practices
while assuming the worst conditions. Simply
put, particle breathers can't do half of what
desiccant breathers can. In the end, it all comes
down to dollars and cents. You can be proac-
tive and protect your equipment by paying to
install and utilize desiccants, or you can be
reactive and spend thousands of dollars and
many man-hours replacing components and
lubricants. In comparison to particle breathers,
desiccant breathers are the most efficient way
of proactively keeping your oil clean and dry,
and a proactive step is a step towards lubrica-
tion excellence.
About the Author
Travis R ichardson is
a technical consultant for
Noria Corporation. He
holds a Level II Machine Lubrication Tech-
nician (MLT) certification and a Level III
Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) certi-
fication through the International Council
for Machinery Lubrication (ICML). Contact
Travis at trichardson@noria.com.
PARTICLE
BREATHERS
DESICCANT
BREATHERS
1 oz. - Multiple
Pounds
WEIGHT:
1 oz. - Multiple
Pounds
Generally 3"-12"
HEIGHT:
4" to 40" Based on
Application
Generally Around
40 Micron
REACH:
3 Micron Particles
www.machinerylubrication.com | July - August 2021 | 23
