How do breather dryers work?
Breather dryers keep critical systems protected by ensuring that only clean, dry air passes into and out of your equipment. Let’s explore how they work and why they are essential for protecting machines and fluids.
Displacement
If the oil level in the system drops, air flows in to equalize pressure.
Separation
This air enters the GIEBEL VV-RV adsorber via the opening and flows through a foam filter disk, which separates larger dirt and dust particles.
Adsorption
The GIEBEL Xdry® filling then separates moisture up to 2% RH (average 10% RH).
Filtration
A 3μm paper filter removes even the finest dirt and dust particles from the supply air.
01
Your machine equipped with an adsorber is exposed to humid ambient air.
02
The oil level drops and air flows in to equalize pressure. The adsorber separates moisture down to 2%rh (10%rh on average) and filters out dust particles. The system remains dry.
03
The oil level rises, air is pressed out to equalize pressure. The adsorber prevents oil fumes from escaping through the carbon inside. In addition, the air flow removes some of the previously stored water from the adsorber, thus ensuring cyclical self-regeneration.
FAQ regarding adsorbers in general.
Malfunctions & troubleshooting
Adsorption is a physical process in which atoms or molecules, known as the adsorptive, attach to the surface of a material called the adsorbent. This can take place in both gas phase and liquid phase systems, depending on whether the surrounding fluid is a gas or a liquid.
Adsorption is critical for maintaining the performance and reliability of hydraulic systems, gearboxes, barrels & IBCs, storage tanks, and transformers. It helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and improve operational efficiency.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are engineered to prevent condensation inside hydraulic systems, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, and transformers. As systems breathe during operation or temperature changes, moisture can enter and condense internally, causing corrosion, oil degradation, and system failures.
Each adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our high-performance desiccant mixture that adsorbs moisture before it can enter the system. This stops condensation at the source. With integrated particle filters, GIEBEL Adsorbers® also block contaminants, ensuring clean and dry system conditions and extending the service life of your equipment.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are used in a wide range of systems where preventing condensation and contamination is critical. These primarily include hydraulic units, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, transformers.
Any system that exchanges air with its environment is at risk of moisture entering and condensing inside. GIEBEL Adsorbers® prevent this by adsorbing moisture and filtering particles before they can enter the system, making them essential for maintaining reliability and extending the service life of equipment across many industries.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh environments and provide long-lasting protection. Each unit includes a durable housing, which can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic depending on the application. Inside, the adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our desiccant mixture that effectively adsorbs moisture from the air.
To ensure complete system protection, every adsorber also includes integrated particle filters that block dust and contaminants. Depending on the model, optional accessories can be attached to meet specific system requirements. Every component is selected to deliver reliable performance and keep systems clean and dry.
GIEBEL offers both rechargeable and disposable adsorbers, each with a different approach to maintenance.
Rechargeable adsorbers can be serviced when the desiccant becomes saturated, as indicated by the color change of GIEBEL Xdry® from orange to green. These units are designed to be opened and refilled with fresh desiccant, and many models are supported with spare part kits containing replacement seals, filters, and other components to ensure full restoration of performance.
Disposable adsorbers are replaced entirely once the desiccant is saturated. GIEBEL Xdry ® does not contain cobalt dichloride or other toxic substances, making our disposable units safe to handle and environmentally friendly during disposal.
Regularly monitoring the desiccant color and replacing or servicing the adsorber as needed ensures continuous protection from condensation and contamination across all applications.
We care about you & your machinery!
REQUEST A CALL BACKMore than 16,000 companys trust GIEBEL Adsorbers® to keep their plants dry and clean.
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