Condensation in reservoirs

Hydraulic and lubricating oils must be kept free from contamination and water. Most fluid reservoirs must be able to breathe, thus allowing water vapour and solid contaminants to enter. Temperature fluctuations in the reservoir will cause this water vapour to condense which will not only cause oxidation of the oil, but can also lead to considerable mechanical damage.

Filtration and drying: a single process

Standard air breathers remove some of the solid particles but allow water vapour in the air to pass freely. The RMF ’Air conditioner’ deals effectively with both so reservoirs can breath clean, dry air. The air is first dried by passage through a column packed with Z-R gel granules. The dried air is then passed through a pleated synthetic fibre filter element (replaceable spin-on type) where solid particles are removed, so that the air reaching the reservoir is both clean and dry.

Monitoring

The uptake of moisture can be observed by the change in colour of the indicator granules in the Z-R gel. They turn from ruby-red (active) to a light orange (replace). The Z-R gel granules are completely replaceable, non toxic and non carcinogenic. The operation of the air filter can be monitored by an optional ’filter minder’.

Active coal

The desiccant breathers from RMF Systems can be fitted with a combination of Z-R gel and active coal, the active coal will eliminate oil vapour and the smell, it will also prevent the Z-R gel from being contaminated with this oil damp.

Atmospherically closed

The RMF range also offers some desiccant breathers for gearbox applications which have spring loaded (0.01 bar) check valves fitted in the base in opposing directions, opening only whilst inhaling or exhaling. This way there is no atmospheric contact with the air and the Z-R gel under static conditions increasing the lifetime of the drying agent.

Benefits RMF ’Air Conditioner’

Reducing the water contamination level prolongs the life of the additive package and reduces oxidation of the oil, component and bearing surfaces.

• Eliminates rusting due to condensation;
• Reduces machine downtime;
• Reduces oxidation of the oil;
• Extends the machines useful life;
• Reduces cost of ownership;
• Reduces cost.

The desiccant breathers are available in several ranges and are suited for hydraulic power units, lube and oil tanks, gearboxes, diesel fuel tanks and storage tanks for biodegradable fluids.