Most gearboxes and hydraulic/lube oil reservoirs have a simple breather/filling cap that allows air to be breathed in and out as the fluid level changes or the temperature increases or decreases.

Standard breather caps do not stop water vapour and other harmful airborne contaminants from entering the system. Metalux Desiccant AIR Breather does!

Air in industrial environments contains water vapour and abrasive solid particles. As the system temperature changes, the humid air forms condensation inside the gearbox or reservoir. This moisture decreases the system fluid’s lubrication and other functional effectiveness and reduces its service life.

Moisture in a gearbox can result in acid corrosion and rust, two of the predominant causes of premature wear and failure.

Particle contaminants act as an abrasive compound that increases component wear resulting in equipment failures and higher maintenance cost.

Hydraulic systems are particularly susceptible to these problems.  Valves, seals and other expensive parts require contamination-free fluid to function at peak effectiveness and to prevent excessive maintenance and replacement costs.

Improving the cleanliness of the lube and hydraulic oil by proactively managing water and particulate contamination will prolong the useful life of the oil and filter, and extend the MTBF of the oil-lubricated components. These benefits and cost savings have been proven in industrial studies and borne out of real-world experience of such proactive maintenance practices by world-class progressive maintenance management. 

 Watch the METALUX Desiccant AIR Breathers Presentation