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Breather filters – why they are important for your systems
Moisture, dust, and particles can compromise oil, hydraulic systems, and tanks, leading to degradation, corrosion, and costly maintenance. By selecting the right breather filter, you not only protect your equipment but also gain insight into what is happening inside your system. Proper breather filtration can extend equipment life, reduce downtime, and save significant costs.
What is a breather filter?
A breather filter (also called a desiccant breather) combines:
- Filtration of airborne particles such as dust and debris
- Drying of incoming air using a desiccant, for example silica gel
There are also simpler “standard filters” that only remove particles and do not actively control moisture. The difference can be critical in humid environments or in systems where the cleanliness of oil and fluids is essential.
Did you know?
Breather filters also serve as a simple diagnostic tool. By monitoring color changes, you can detect early signs of internal leaks, high humidity, or system malfunctions—long before they become costly problems.
Difference between standard breather filters and silica gel breathers
| Specification | Standard Breather Filter | Silica Gel Breather (Desiccant) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Removes particles from incoming air | Removes particles and actively absorbs moisture |
| Indicator | Often no color change (no moisture indication) | Changes color when the desiccant is saturated (commonly blue → pink) |
| Applications | Systems where moisture is not a primary concern | Tanks, hydraulic systems, oil, and environments with high humidity |
| Risk | Moisture can condense, cause corrosion, damage oil, or filter may not be replaced on time | If the desiccant saturates unnoticed, moisture can enter—but quality models provide a visual alert |
Why does a breather filter change color – and what does it mean?
A breather filter containing silica gel not only acts as a barrier against moisture and particles but also serves as an effective diagnostic tool. As the silica gel absorbs moisture, it gradually changes color. This visual indication makes it easy to see when the filter is approaching saturation and needs to be replaced.
The color change can also provide important information about the source of moisture:
- Top-to-bottom color change: Suggests the moisture originates inside the system. This may indicate leaks in a water cooler, condensation from temperature fluctuations, humid oil, or worn seals.
- Bottom-to-top color change: Indicates that moisture is coming from the outside. This often occurs in environments with high humidity, frequent washing, or exposure to rain and sea spray.
This feature makes the breather filter more than just a protective product – it provides early warning of potential issues that may otherwise be difficult to detect. By interpreting the color change correctly, you can take timely action, reduce the risk of damage, and extend the life of both oil and machinery.
Silica Gel Breather Filters for Oil Systems
Silica gel breather filters from DesCase provide an effective and cost-efficient solution to protect oil systems from moisture and particles. They use advanced technology that combines particle filtration with moisture absorption to ensure cleaner, l
Did you know?
VentGuard models can significantly reduce unnecessary air intake by only allowing breathing when the system requires it, extending the lifespan of both the filter and the desiccant.
Standard Series Desiccant Breathers
Simple, robust, and reliable protection against moisture and particles.Approximately five times more effective than standard breathers without desiccant.
Specifications for standard models (example):
- Filtration efficiency: 3 µm absolute (β₃ ≥ 200)
- Adequate desiccant capacity (silica gel) and airflow for smaller hydraulic circuits, small tanks, etc.
- Connection: “Multi-fit” threads (NPT, BSPP, BSPT, etc.) for easy retrofitting
- Suitable for: small tanks, hydraulic systems, storage tanks, transformers, and similar applications
Extended® Series Desiccant Breathers
An enhanced version of the Standard Series offering additional benefits:
- Check valves prevent moisture and air from entering when not needed
- Oil mist reduction feature – internal honeycomb structure captures oil mist and returns it to the tank, preventing the desiccant from becoming saturated with oil
- Increased desiccant capacity – some models feature double desiccant for higher capacity and longer service life
- Ideal for: large tanks, field tanks, and systems with high air exchange rates
- Available models and capacities: EX-1 to EX-4, with varying sizes, airflow rates, and desiccant quantities
VentGuard™ Series Desiccant Breathers
Specifically designed for low-flow applications with intermittent operation, such as systems that do not “breathe” continuously.
- Check valves prevent unintended air intake and premature desiccant saturation. The system only breathes when needed.
- Retains many robust features from the Standard Series, including silica gel with visual indicator and field-friendly housing design.
- Ideal for: gearboxes, hydraulic units, systems with periodic operation, and applications where maintenance and breather replacement need to be minimized.
Des-Case Product Lines and Series
Here we present three main series – Standard, Extended®, and VentGuard™ – along with their features and applications. This overview helps you choose the right variant to suit your specific needs.
Which Series is Right for Your Application?
|
Scenario / Requirement |
Recommended Series | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Low complexity, small systems, normal operation | Standard Series | Cost-effective, provides sufficient protection, easy to install |
| Large tanks, high air exchange, oil mist / challenging environments | Extended Series | ncreased desiccant capacity, oil mist reduction, higher overall performance |
| Intermittent operation, low flow, aim to extend service life and reduce maintenance | VentGuard™ Series | Check valves, only breathes when necessary, limits unnecessary exposure and premature desiccant saturation |
Did you know?
The Extended Series can contain more than double the amount of desiccant compared to the Standard Series of the same size, providing higher absorption capacity and longer intervals between replacements.
Practical Information on Installation and Flexibility
- Connections: Des-Case breather filters feature “multi-fit” threads (NPT, BSPP, BSPT) that allow use with existing openings. Adapters are usually sufficient if the threads do not match perfectly.
- Retrofitting: If a tank already has a breather or fill opening, adapters and transitions are available to easily upgrade to a more effective breather filter.
- Size selection: Choose based on capacity (tank/fluid volume), airflow, how often the system “breathes,” environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and whether the system operates intermittently.
Summary: Benefits of Choosing the Right Des-Case Series
- Extended filter and desiccant life, especially with the Extended and VentGuard Series
- Enhanced protection against moisture and airborne contaminants, reducing the risk of condensation, oxidation, and wear
- Reduced maintenance and fewer unplanned shutdowns, particularly in systems that do not require continuous air exposure
- Visual indication and diagnostic capability, allowing timely replacement and preventing over-saturation and potential damage
Contact Us
Not sure which series is best for your system?Our experts are ready to assist you with: