A replacement for the standard vent cap that combines fine particle filtration, typically around 2 to 3 microns, with silica gel that soaks up moisture from incoming air as the reservoir breathes with temperature and level changes. The gel changes color, for example orange to green, as it saturates. Some designs add check valves so they only breathe when needed and last longer on humid sites.
Desiccant breather's gone completely green, swap it or we're pulling wet air straight into the gearbox.
Also heard as
- desiccant filter breather
- breather
Related terms
Milkshake
Oil turned milky or creamy by emulsified water, seen in gearboxes, hydraulics and engines.
ISO cleanliness code
Three-number code for how many particles above 4, 6 and 14 microns are in a millilitre of fluid.
Abrasive wear
Wear caused by hard particles or hard surface peaks plowing and cutting through a softer surface.
Kidney loop
Off-line filtration circuit that continuously pumps reservoir oil through a filter and back.