Breather keeps moisture at bay

2nd Quarter 2009 Other technologies

Water means trouble in bulk storage tanks, hydraulic and lubrication circuits.

Problems caused by water include:

Corrosion.

* Loss of lubricant film strength.

* Oxidation.

* Accelerated additive depletion.

* Reduced lubricant fatigue life.

* Microbial growth.

* Gel formation.

Minimising water contamination in fuel, hydraulic and lube oil systems reduces downtime, increases productivity and extends machine life.

Humid environments and poor air breather systems are a common cause of moisture ingress.

Breather technology

Using patented technology, Donaldson has developed a method for preventing the ingress of humid air into bulk fuel and oil containers. It is based on the utilisation of an additive, a thin film of water-absorbing chemicals, and the fact that warm air leaving a reservoir (exhalation) has lower relative humidity than cool air entering a reservoir (inhalation).

The T.R.A.P. (thermally reactive advanced protection) Breather traps water before it gets in, yet does not restrict air flow. It removes moisture at relative humidity levels as low as 15% and its filtration technology blocks moisture. Donaldson claims that this is the only breather that strips moisture vapour from intake air and exhales the moisture back into the atmosphere on the outflow cycle. It continuously regenerates its water-holding capacity and lasts longer because it exhales the moisture back out, preventing water saturation.

Construction

This breather is manufactured by coating the walls of a porous network with a thin film of water-absorbing chemicals. The resulting high surface area of absorbent provides rapid removal of water vapour from air whilst maintaining size and weight. The open porous structure presents minimal air flow restriction; so flow into and out of the container is not impeded. In addition, the proprietary absorbents are not sensitive to oil mists entrained in the air leaving the reservoir.

The unit includes a pleated 3 μm filter to protect against the ingress of hard abrasive contaminant particles that would contribute to the wear of mechanical components. It is manufactured from materials that can be safely disposed of or recycled.

Preventing, not just reducing, water ingress in an oil or fuel container is the best cure for contamination. The T.R.A.P. Breather effectively maintains the water concentration well below the saturation level of the oil or fuel. It is small, lightweight and does not harm the oil or fuel.

Operating principle

The T.R.A.P. Breather is either absorbing or releasing moisture, depending upon the humidity in the air. This difference in relative humidity – high during inhalation and low during exhalation – is the force that drives the process.

During inhalation, cold humid air entering the system is drawn over the large absorbent surface area inside the breather. The high humidity drives water into the absorbent and the majority of water vapour is removed. This dry air maintains the water concentration below 30% saturation. Once inside the system, the air contacts the warm fluid and metal surfaces which increase air temperature and further reduce the air’s relative humidity.

For more information contact Mariette Venter, Donaldson Filtration Systems, +27 (0)11 997 6000, [email protected], www.donaldson.co.za

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