Posted on September 26 2023
Moisture contamination in lubricants and machinery is a persistent challenge for maintenance and reliability professionals. While conventional filtration methods can combat particle contamination, moisture is a stealthy adversary that often goes unnoticed until it wreaks havoc within your equipment. This article explores how East Coast Filter, Inc.'s Power Breather Filters can be a game-changer in moisture control, helping you cut costs and boost reliability.
Understanding the Menace of Moisture
Moisture infiltration in lubricating oils is a chemical contaminant with the potential to inflict severe damage. When water enters your machinery or lubricants, it can cause irreversible harm. Unlike particle contamination, moisture can be elusive and challenging to manage. Preventing its entry is a strategic move that can mitigate downtime, reduce labor expenses, and prevent costly oil replacements and component damage.
The Role of Desiccant Breathers
Desiccant breathers are a frontline defense against moisture contamination. Choosing the right breather for your application is a critical maintenance decision. While many original equipment manufacturers now include desiccant breathers as standard, it's important to note that not all breathers are created equal. OEM recommendations are valuable but may not be tailor-made for your specific application and environmental conditions.
Collaborating with a breather supplier who understands your unique needs can make a significant difference in moisture control. Every industry has its contamination challenges, and desiccant breathers excel in environments with high dust and humidity levels. Preventing contaminants from entering your machinery costs roughly 10% of what it takes to remove them once they've already infiltrated your equipment and lubricants.
The States of Water in Oil
Understanding the different states of water in oil is crucial. Water can exist as dissolved, emulsified, or free in oil. Even "new" lubricating oil can contain dissolved water, with levels ranging from 200 ppm to 600 ppm. The older the oil gets, the more water it can hold. Once saturation occurs, water molecules start to coalesce, forming microdroplets and a cloudy appearance. This process, known as hydrolysis, accelerates the oil's aging rate and results in various issues, including varnish, sludge, and viscosity changes. Just a 1% contamination level can reduce bearing life by up to 90%.
Breathing Easier with Power Breather Filters
East Coast Filter, Inc.'s Power Breather Filters are a significant advancement over standard Dust Caps and OEM Breathers. These innovative breathers provide comprehensive protection against moisture and solid particle contamination. When contaminated air enters the breather, it first passes through a layer of filter media, effectively preventing solid particles from entering the oil reservoir and causing wear on equipment surfaces.
Filtered air then proceeds through a bed of Silica Gel, a hygroscopic agent that removes harmful moisture from the air. Moreover, these Silica Beads also attract moisture from inside the equipment reservoir during service or shutdown, ensuring your equipment stays dry.
But the benefits don't stop there. In head-to-head tests with leading competitors, East Coast Filter's Silica Gel has demonstrated nearly 20% more moisture-holding capacity than other brands. Additionally, the increased body length of the Power Breather allows for 10% more volume of Silica Gel, further enhancing moisture control.
These Power Breather Filters efficiently prevent moisture and particulate contaminants from entering fluid reservoirs, making them an indispensable component of an effective preventive maintenance program. They not only protect industrial and commercial equipment but also contribute to cleaner work environments by capturing oil mist.
Selecting the Right Power Breather
Choosing the right Power Breather for your specific application is essential. Factors such as airflow capacity, operating environment, and hardware options should all be considered. A knowledgeable supplier can guide you in selecting the optimal breather size, adapters, and housing material (steel or plastic) based on your unique requirements.
Applications for Power Breather Filters
Power Breather Filters find their place in a variety of applications, including:
- Hydraulic systems
- Gearboxes
- Turbines
- Lubricant storage drums and containers
- Compressors
- Transformers
- Storage Tanks
- Industrial Pumps
- Automotive and Transportation
A Holistic Approach to Contamination Control
While Power Breather Filters are a powerful tool in contamination control, they are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive maintenance strategy. Proper sampling techniques, system filters, seals, and lubricant storage and disposal systems all play crucial roles in preserving machinery and lubricant life while minimizing expenses.
East Coast Filter, Inc. stands as an industry leader and subject matter expert in moisture and contamination control. Our Power Breather Filters are a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance equipment performance and reliability. By proactively addressing moisture contamination with Power Breather Filters, you can breathe easier, knowing your equipment is protected from this silent threat.
