Donaldson Hy-Pro leads the market in breather technology with the T.R.A.P. (Thermally Reactive Advanced Protection) series. Superior to conventional silica gel, T.R.A.P. units employ self-regenerating technology to actively pump moisture out of the system. This innovation provides dual-phase protection—eliminating water and filtering particulates—to extend equipment life and ensure fluid integrity under rigorous operating conditions.
Understanding Desiccant Breather Technology
What is a desiccant breather?
A desiccant breather is an industrial filtration device designed to replace standard oil fill caps or vent caps on fluid reservoirs. Its primary function is to prevent moisture and particulate contamination from entering the system during thermal expansion or fluid level changes.
As the reservoir "inhales" air, the breather draws it through a drying agent (desiccant) and a particulate filter, ensuring that only clean, dry air enters the headspace. This addition is critical for maintaining Total System Cleanliness in hydraulic, lubrication, and diesel fuel applications.
How does a breather protect hydraulic reservoirs?
Desiccant breathers employ a dual-stage defense mechanism to protect equipment:
Moisture Absorption: Incoming air passes through a bed of desiccant media (typically silica gel), which traps water vapor. This prevents condensation and oil oxidation, the leading causes of varnish and acid formation.
Particulate Filtration: Before air enters the reservoir, it flows through a fine particulate filter (often rated at 2-micron absolute efficiency). This barrier captures airborne dust, sand, and dirt, protecting sensitive pumps and valves from abrasive wear.
What is the difference between Hy-Dry and T.R.A.P. technology?
While standard breathers use a static media, Donaldson Hy-Pro offers two distinct technologies to suit different operating environments:
Hy-Dry Series: These are high-capacity desiccant breathers ideal for most stationary applications. They feature gold silica gel that changes color to visually indicate when the unit is saturated and needs replacement.
T.R.A.P. (Thermally Reactive Advanced Protection): Designed for cyclic applications, T.R.A.P. breathers utilize a self-regenerating media. As the reservoir "exhales" warm air, the media releases the moisture it previously captured, effectively regenerating itself. This technology extends service life significantly, making it ideal for gearboxes and systems with limited maintenance access.
