Breathers & Precleaners
Lubricant contamination is one of the leading causes for machine failure, and contamination can begin before the lubricant ever enters the machine. Gearboxes, pumps and reservoirs have to “breathe” when the air expands and contracts, as well as when incoming fluid displaces air, or when air is drawn in when hydraulic components activate. Each time a unit breathes in, it brings with it all sorts of small debris and moisture, depending on the operating environment. Over time, the effects of this contamination can be damaging to the lubricant and to the equipment.
Water-contaminated oil can lead to additive stripping, and eventually the water can cause corrosion and rust. Small particulates no larger than three microns (the diameter of a single human hair is 40 microns) can cause unwanted machine abrasion. All of these problems accelerate wear and lead to costly repairs. The simple solution to these problems is the use of desiccant breathers, which can stop water and particulates from contaminating the lubricant in the first place. From the time oil enters your facility to the end of its useful life, protecting it with desiccant breathers will extend the life of the oil and the equipment, decrease downtime, and save you money.
As a manufacturer’s representative of Lubrication Engineers, Inc. our company Lubrication Technologies, Inc. provides LE’s Des-Case Corporation brand products, one of the best breather manufacturers in the industry. With this partnership, we can offer the entire Xclude® product line as well as provide on-site installation and support. Call our consultants at Lubrication Technologies (413) 788-5823 for more information on LE Products.
Xclude® Standard disposable breathers work in a variety of industries and applications. Ideal for operation in totes, transformers, storage tanks and hydraulics. The breather has an integrated nylon standpipe that can handle high vibration and volatile environments. Each breather is outfitted with a clear polycarbonate casing that allows easy view of color-indicating desiccant in order to monitor when the breather should be replaced. Convenient, simple to install, and can move any lubrication reliability program forward. The filter element captures particles at 3-micron absolute (ß3≥200).
Xclude® Extended Series breathers combine the trusted materials, design, and high air flow of the Standard breathers with the check-valves of the Xclude® High Humidity Expansion Chamber breathers, plus a new oil mist reducing feature and more than double the desiccant!
As wet, contaminated air is drawn through the unit, multiple 3-micron polyester filter elements remove solid particulate and the color-indicating silica gel extracts moisture. When air is expelled from the container, the top foam pad prevents oil mist from contacting silica gel or entering the atmosphere. Additionally, the breather is outfitted with a resilient nylon standpipe and polypropylene oil mist reducer to allow oil mist to coalesce and drain back into the reservoir, rather than compromising the desiccant. Six high-quality umbrella check-valves are located underneath the unit to isolate equipment from ambient conditions prolonging breather life and protecting system integrity.
Xclude® High Humidity Expansion Chamber Breathers are ideal for low-flow gearboxes and high-humidity applications with continuous operation. These high humidity breathers feature an expansion chamber to isolate lubricants from all levels of ambient humidity, keeping out harmful particles and creating a nearly sealed system to protect the equipment.
Xclude® High Humidity Check Valve Breathers are best suited for low-flow gearboxes and high-humidity applications with intermittent operation. They are outfitted with check valves to ensure no excess pressure or vacuum builds. The internal check valve system creates a nearly sealed system.
Xclude® Extreme Duty Breathers are designed to take the abuse of vibration and impact, broad temperature range, chemicals and other challenging environments, making them an ideal solution for application such as mobile and off-road equipment, hydraulics and nautical applications. The rugged housing and integrated standpipe allow for decreased oil misting. Quality check valves isolate the system while accommodating airflow. The visual indicator windows show the desiccant as it changes color, indicating that the breather should be replaced.
As wet, contaminated air is drawn through the unit, multiple filter elements remove solid particulates while the silica gel extracts moisture. When air is expelled from the container, the top foam pad prevents oil mist from contacting silica gel or entering the atmosphere.
Xclude® Rebuildable Steel Desiccant Breathers for high-flow applications feature a rugged carbon or stainless steel housing to protect equipment from moisture and contaminants, even in the toughest environments. Rebuildable steel breathers are perfect for hydraulic reservoirs, bulk oil storage, diesel tank storage, and where chemical or harsh environments exist. Easy-to-replace desiccant bags remove moisture from incoming air, helping extend fluid and equipment life. Replaceable microglass filters prevent particles to 1-micron absolute (ß1≥1000) from entering the system.
Rebuildable Steel Breathers can be ordered in a variety of the different materials to meet chemical compatibility needs. A variety of steel housings (304 stainless & 316 stainless steel), gasket / seal material (Viton, SBR and EPDM rubber), desiccant media (activated carbon, molecular sieve, activated alumina), and filter materials (microglass / plastisol filter) are available for a customized breather application. Give us a call if you need something specific regarding an application.
Rebuildable Steel Breathers can be ordered in a variety of different materials to meet chemical compatibility needs. A variety of steel housings (304 stainless & 316 stainless steel), gasket /seal material (Viton, SBR and EPDM rubber), desiccant media (activated carbon, molecular sieve, activated alumina), and filter materials (micro-glass / plastisol filter) are available for a customized breather application. Give LE a call for assistance with particular applications.
Prevent contamination when humidity is not an issue in applications such as oil sight glasses and small gearboxes. As wet, contaminated air is drawn through the unit, the hydrophobic media repels water while the particulate filter captures dirt, preventing ingress by either. Durable, shock-absorbing housing. O-ring seal with pipe threading eliminates the need for sealant threaded mounting.
Prevent contamination when humidity is not an issue in applications such as oil sight glasses and small gearboxes. As wet, contaminated air is drawn through the unit, the hydrophobic media repels water while the particulate filter captures dirt, preventing ingress by either. Durable, shock-absorbing housing. O-ring seal with pipe threading eliminates the need for sealant threaded mounting.
LE’s Xclude® breather accessory and adapter products offer an optimum solution for various equipment connection needs. No matter the connection type and size, breather adapters provide a sealed system that will protect equipment from external moisture and harmful particle contamination. Choose from a variety of materials, connection port size, and thread requirements in order to properly outfit your equipment application.
Call our consultants at Lubrication Technologies (413) 788-5823 for more information on LE Products.
Lubrication Management Programs Protect Your Assets and Save You Money:
Although lubricants make up a mere 3% of the typical maintenance budget; using ineffective products, techniques and applications can have a significant impact on the lubrication-related costs that make up 40% of that budget. A Lubrication Management Program designed by the Technical Consultants at Lubrication Technologies, Inc. can help you target those areas where you see red.
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