FLOW EZY AIR SENTRY DESICCANT TANK

BREATHERS & IN-LINE FILTER-DRYERS

INFORMATION BROCHURE

Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers are used worldwide in major industrial, mining, military,
power generation, and fluid storage applications. They remove water, solid particles, and other
contaminants from air being breathed into reservoirs, transformers, storage tanks, and gearboxes. The service life of equipment and fluids is greatly extended when protected by a Flow
Ezy Air Sentry breather.
See the enclosed brochure for all the Flow Ezy Air Sentry desiccant and activated carbon
breathers and in- line filter-dryers.
FLOW EZY FILTERS, INC.
P.O. Box 1749
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
phone 800-237-1165 or 734-665-8777
fax 800-252-1730 or 734-665-4332
e-mail: flowezy@flowezyfilters.com
web address: www.flowezyfilters.com
Rev. 1, 2/ 2004

Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Breathers replace the standard breather cap or vent tube on a tank or reservoir. They are
easy to install using one of several adapters designed for different applicat ions.

When the fluid in the system is lowered, or pressure changes occur, air is drawn in through openings under the
breather cap. First, air passes through a fine, 2 micron solid particle filter. The air then passes through a diffuser to
ensure maximu m effect iveness within the silica gel chamber.
Next, water vapor is removed as the air travels through a bed of silica gel - the highest capacity adsorbent available. After being d ried, the air passes through a second 2 micron solid particle filter and enters the reservoir
CLEAN AND DRY!
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers use a three-stage filtration design to ensure optimu m protection by remov ing water vapor and solid contaminants before they enter the fluid system.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers are patented in the United States.
Key Benefits

Protects Expensive Equip ment

Increases Operation Efficiency

Reduces Maintenance Costs

Operational Features
Bi-Directional Air Flow - Air entering is cleaned and dried. Expelled air partially regenerates the silica gel and
"back flushes" the particulate filter to prolong the life of the breather.
Durable Construction - Air Sentry is manufactured fro m rugged ABS p lastic and impact-modified Plexig las.
Water Vapor Adsorbent - The Silica Gel used in Air Sentry breathers is chemically inert, non-corrosive, and
conforms to all regulated toxicity standards in the U.S. and other countries. Microscopic pores allow the silica gel
to adsorb up to 40% of its own weight.
Col or Indicator - When maximu m adsorption is reached, the silica gel turns fro m gold to dark green to indicate
that replacement of the breather is required.
Acti vated Carbon - As air is expelled fro m the tank, it passes through activated carbon which removes oil vapors,
fumes and odors.
Safety Sealed - Seals keep mo isture fro m entering the units until they are placed in service. They are easily removed without tools or sharp instruments.

INDEX
P AGE
S tandard Desiccant Tank Breathers ("D" Series)

1-2

F luid Transfer Test Results

Mini Contamination Control Breathers ("Z" S eries)

Contamination Control Breathers w/ 2 Check Valves

("X" Series )

B y-Pass A dapter F or Desiccant Tank B reathers

Removable Contamination Control Breathers ("R" Series)

S teel Desicc ant Tank B reathers ("M" Series)

In-Line F ilter Dryers ("L" Series )

Gas Neutralization Breathers ("GNS" Series)

A ctivated Carbon Tank B reathers ("D" S eries)

10

A ctivated Carbon Capacity Index Chart

11

Desiccant Tank Breather Technical Specifications

12-13

Listing of Indus tries and Markets W here Desiccant Tank

B reathers A re Used

14-15

F requently A sked Questions

15-16

A pplication Photos

17

D SERIES CONTAMINATION CONTROL

TANK BREATHERS
for enclosed fluid systems
RESERVOIRSGEA RBOXESTRANSFORME RSS TORA GE
In any reservoir containing flu ids or semi-solids, air is breathed in and out as
the flu id level changes or as thermal expansion and contraction occurs.
Flu id contamination is the primary cause of co mponent wear and lubricant
failure in industrial equip ment.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry replaces the standard breather cap or vent tube on a
tank or reservoir. They are easy to install using one of several adapters designed for different applications.
When the fluid in the system is lowered, or pressure changes occur, air is drawn in through openings under the
breather cap. First, air passes through a fine, 2 micron solid particle filter. The air then passes through a diffuser
to ensure maximu m effectiveness with the silica gel chamber.
Next, water vapor is removed as the air travels through a bed of silica gelthe highest capacity absorbent available. After being dried, the air passes through a second 2 micron solid particle filter and enters the reservoir
CLEAN AND DRY!
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers use a three stage filtrat ion design to ensure optimu m protection by remov ing water vapor and solid contaminants BEFORE they enter the fluid system.
PERFORMANC E

S PECIFIC ATIONS

Nominal Air Flow Rate

35 cfm
Equivalent of 260 gpm of fluid volume change

Solid Contaminant Filtration Level

2 micron, 100% efficiency @ 35 cfm air flow

Solid Contaminant Filtration Surface Area

20.6 cubic inches

Operating Temperature Range

-20 to 200 F

Silica Gel: Absorption

Lowest Operational Dew Point

Up to 40% of its weight in water

-100 F

Chemical Resistance

Resistant to alkalis, hydrocarbons, non-oxidizing acids,

salt water, and mineral or synthetic oils

OPERATION FEATUR ES
BI-DIRECTIONAL AIR FLOWAir entering is cleaned and dried. Expelled air part ially regenerates the silica gel and backflushes the particulate
filter to prolong the life of the breather.
DURA BLE CONSTRUCTIONFlow Ezy Air Sentry is manufactured
fro m rugged ABS plastic and impact-mod ified Plexig las.
WATER VA POR A BSORBENTThe silica gel used in Flo w Ezy Air Sentry breathers is chemically inert, non-corrosive and conforms to all regulated to xicity standards in the U.S. and other countries. M icroscopic pores
allo w the silica gel to absorb up to 40% of its own weight.
COLOR INDICATORWhen maximu m absorption is reached, the silica
gel turns fro m gold to dark green to indicated the replacement of the breather
required.
1

FLOW RATE VS. PRESSURE DROP

GP M
37

All Flo w Ezy Air Sentry Disposable

Models exh ibit the same flow rate characteristics.

74

112

149

187

224

261

299

1.0

25

0.8

20

0.6

15

0.4

10

0.2

0.0

0
5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

SC F M

APPLICATION GUIDE

MODEL HEIGHT
NO.
(A)

DIAMETER
(B)

CLEARANCE
(C)

UNIT
WEIGHT

MAXIMUM
WATER
CAPAC ITY

D-100

1.25

1.3 lbs.

0.2 lbs.

D-101

1.25

1.9 lbs.

0.4 lbs.

D-102

1.25

3.3 lbs.

0.9 lbs.

ADAPTER SELECTION GUIDE

The Flow Ezy Air Sentry product line also includes other breather models that contain fume and odor removing
material. Steel construction models are available for very corrosive and high temperature applications with air
flow rates up to 300 cfm. Contact Flow Ezy for mo re informat ion.
The D-108 is a disposable breather for larger applications. It has a 2 male npt pipe thread and designed for airflow requirements up to 100 cfm which is the equivalent of 750 gp m of flu id volu me change. It also operates at
less than 1 psid. The overall height is 11 1/4 and the outer diameter is 5.
The D-109 is an even larger breather. This breather has a replaceable cartridge (p/n A-117). The D-109 has a 3
male npt connection and designed for air flow requirements of up to 250 cfm wh ich is the equivalent of 1875 gp m
of fluid volu me change. It operates at less than 1 psid. The overall height is 15.5 and the outer diameter is 6.
2

FLUID TRANSFER TEST RESULTS

Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breather D-102 vs. Standard Breather Cap
Test:

Two clean containers were filled with hydraulic fluid and fitted with Flow Ezy Air Sentry
Breathers. Two more containers were set up with the same configurations, except using standard breather caps with screen filters. The fluid was pumped back and forth between the containers, causing air to be breathed in and out of each drum. Both units were subjected to the
same atmosphere and were filled with the same batch of hydraulic oil. The atmosphere contained low levels of moisture and high levels of particulate. Both systems were run for six
months at the same pumping rate. The test was controlled and supervised entirely by laboratory
personnel.
Results:
The count of solid particles, 5 micron or larger, in the new fluid in both containers at the beginning of the test was approximately 500 parts per milliliter. At the end of the six month test, the
count in the containers protected by Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers was 786. The count in
the containers fitted with standard breather caps was 1,854 particles per milliliter, an increase of
265%; a significant difference in the entrance of abrasive contaminants, which would result in
longer fluid life and less wear on the components serviced by the fluid.
The water content in the containers fitted with standard breather caps went down during the six
months test from 2.14 parts per million to 1.44 parts per million, an improvement of 33%. The
moisture content in the containers protected by the Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers dropped
from 3.73 parts per million to 0.79, an improvement of 79%. This dramatically lower water
content in fluid systems helps prevent fluid breakdown and oxidation, reduced lubricating film
thickness, corrosion, accelerated metal fatigue, or loss of dielectric strength in insulating fluids.
M OISTURE REDUCTION
100%
80%

250%

60%
200%

Moisture (% )

In crease in Par ticles Great er

Th an 5 M icro ns (%)

PARTICULATE INCREASE
300%

150%
100%
50%
0%

Flow Ezy
A ir Sentry

40%
20%

Flow Ezy
A ir Sentry

0%
-20%

-33%

-40%
-60%

Std.
Breather

-80%
- 100%

Std.
Breather

-80%

Z SERIES MINI CONTAMINATION CONTROL BREATHERS

Flow Ezy Air Sentry stops oil contamination
and protects your expensive equipment.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Min i Contamination Control
Breathers are designed for applications when space is
limited. They can replace all standard breather caps.
They also prevent dirt and water vapor fro m entering the
gearbox or hydraulic system.

PROTECTS GEARBOXES & SMALL

HYDRAULIC RESERVOIRS

B ENEFITS
Minimize rust and corrosion
Reduce component wear
Reduce maintenance costs
Prolong fluid life
Reduce oil o xidation

Most gearboxes and small hydraulic reservoirs have a

simp le breather/filler cap that allo ws air to be breathed
in and out as fluid levels change or temperatures in crease or decrease.
Standard breather caps do not stop water vapor and
other harmful contaminants from entering the system.
Air Sentry does!

Water vapor is removed as the air travels through a bed

of silica gel, the highest capacity absorbent available.
After being dried, the air passes through a 2 micron solid
particle filter and enters the gearbox or reservoir
CLEAN AND DRY!

Air in industrial environ ments contain abrasive solid

particles and humid ity. As the system temperature
changes, the humid air forms condensation inside the
gearbox o r reservoir. This mo isture decreases fluid and
lubricant effectiveness, and reduces their service life.

Flow Ezy Air Sentry is gold when active and dark

green when it must be replaced.

Particulate contamination, mixed with the systems

flu id or lubricant, acts as an abrasive co mpound that
greatly increases flu id co mponent wear resulting in
equipment failu res and higher maintenance cost.

A threaded mounting hole (1/2 npt) allo ws easy installation using a wide variety of standard connectors. All
models are rated at 10 cfm.

Moisture in a gearbox can cause it to rust from with in.

Rust flakes in the lubricant, producing additional abrasive material, premature wear and failures.
Small hydraulic pumps are sensitive to these problems.
Hydraulic valves, seals, and other components, require
contamination free flu id to function at peak effectiveness and accuracy. These components are increasingly
expensive to rebuild or rep lace.
MO DEL #

Z-131

2.00

1.00

2.00

1.75

Z-132

2.00

1.00

3.25

3.00

Z-133

3.25

1.00

2.00

1.75

Z-134

3.25

1.00

3.25

3.00

D
C

The Model A-409 adapter has a 1/2" male NPT thread B

on one end and a
slip fit design on the other end. This adapter is designed to allow a Flo w
Ezy Air Sentry Min i Breather to be used with any of the other adapters
described above.

X SERIES TANK BREATHER WITH TWO CHECK VALVES

In certain extreme operating environ ments such as a paper mill or a steam cleaning room, the hu mid ity level far
exceeds normal industrial environ ments. In these situations, lubricants and other fluids stored in tanks and reservoirs need the protection of a desiccant breather even more. Ho wever, s mall temperature variations draw in the
humid air and unnecessarily reduce the life of the breather. The Flow Ezy Air Sentry X-Series breathers incorporate two check valves, one to control airflow into the protected reservoir and one to control airflow out. This p rolongs the life of the desiccant by allowing the air to flow through the breather only when
needed to protect the integrity of the tank.
Unlike a membrane system, which does not allow internally generated gases and contaminants to exit the system, the X-Series offers all of the advantages of breathing air in
and out of the tank while removing water vapor and solid particles before they contaminate the fluid.
The rugged design includes a reusable top cap which allo ws the economic replacement of
the desiccant cartridge.
The X-Series breathers contain longer lasting desiccant formulated specifically for maximu m efficiency at humidity levels of 80% and higher.
The mounting methods for the these units are shown below. As in the standard units, the
X-Series units require the same mounting methods.

BY-PASS ADAPTER
The Model A-110 Bypass Adapter is designed for applications where
there is very heavy oil mist being expelled fro m the tank. When air is
breathed into the tank, it passes through the Flow Ezy Air Sentry
and is cleaned and dried. When the air is breathed out of the tank it
enters the adapter and is expelled to the outside without passing back
through the breather. This protects the breather fro m o il contamination.

R SERIES REMOVAB LE CON TAMINATION CONTROL BREATHERS

Fl ow Ez y Air Sentr y R-Series Breathers are designed for applications where gear boxes and reser voirs are subjecte d to continuous vi br ati on e qui pme nt such as railroad mai ntenance e qui pme nt, off-r oad
vehicles, mining e qui pme nt, and others.
Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Breathers are gold when active and turn dark green
when fully saturated with water.
The units are easily attached to the equipment by rugged steel pipe
threads. The metal rein forced base of the unit rema ins on the gearbox or
reservoir, and a rep lace ment cartridge is easily threaded into the base.

quire contamination free flu id to function at peak effectiveness and to prevent e xcessive ma intenance and replace ment costs.

Most gearboxes and hydraulic reservoirs have a simple breather-filler cap that allows air to be breathed
in and out as fluid levels change or temperatures increase or decrease.
Standard breather caps do not stop water vapor and
other harmful a irborne contaminants from entering
the system. Air Sentry does!

R-Series Breathers are attached to the reservoir, gearbox, or tank by a 1 male pipe thread (Models R-100, R101, and R-102), and by a 2 male thread (Model R123).

Air in industrial environments contain abrasive solid

particles and water vapor. As the system te mperature
changes, the humid air forms condensation inside the
gearbox or reservoir. This moisture decreases fluid
and lubricant effectiveness and reduces their service
life.

Solid partic les are re moved fro m the air entering the
gearbox or reservoir as air passes through a 2 micron
filter in the Air Sentry. Water vapor is then removed
as the air travels through a bed of silica ge l, the highest
capacity absorbent available. Air enters the equipment
CLEAN AND DR Y!

Partic le contamination acts as an abrasive compound

that increases component wear resulting in equipment fa ilures and higher maintenance cost.

BENEFITS:
Minimize rust and acid corrosion
Reduce component wear
Reduce maintenance cost
Prolong fluid life
Reduce oil oxidation
Enhance lubrication

Moisture in the gearbox can result in acid erosion

and rust, two of the worst causes of premature wear
and failure .
Hydraulic systems are very susceptible to these proble ms. Va lves, seals, and other expensive parts re-

 M SERIES HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL STEEL

DESICCANT TANK BREATHERS
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Steel Breathers are manufactured of heavy duty industrial materials and are designed to
meet the requirements of the most severe environments. They rep lace the standard breather cap or vent tube on
tanks, reservoirs, or gear boxes. Pipe threads on the bottom standpipe make the
units easy to install.
When the fluid in the system is lowered, or pressure changes occur, air is drawn in
through the opening between the protective weather hood and the base. First, the
air passes through a fine 2 micron polyester solid particle filter. Next, water vapor
is removed as the air travels through a bag of silica gel the highest capacity absorbent available. Air then enters the system CLEA N AND DRY!
Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Steel Breathers are easily rechargeable when the unit has
absorbed the maximu m amount of water vapor. The bag filter containing silica gel
is replaced by removing a wing nut, a washer, and the protective weather hood.
Mobile Equipment Applications - Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Steel Breathers include
low profile models designed specifically for off-road vehicle use and other applications with limited vertical clearance.
Durable Construction - Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Steel Breathers are manufactured of powder coated, durable,
heavy gauge steel. They are designed to withstand rough treatment, corrosive environ ments, and ext reme temperature applications.
Polyester Fine Particle Filter - These filters incorporate a very large surface area for maximu m dust removal
efficiency. They are reinforced with epoxy coated steel wire and may be washed with lukewarm water and mild
detergent for reuse.
Splash Sentry - A proprietary design feature in all Flow Ezy Air Sentry Steel Breather models prevents fluid
in a tank or reservoir fro m entering the breather when splashed around in a mobile equip ment application. It also
blocks flu ids which are expelled by excess pressure and foaming in a reservoir.

Fine Particle Filter

360 Air Flow

Splash Entry

COMPLETE
UNITS

Clean Dry Air

PART
NUMBER

PART
NUMBER

B ag Filter (Silica G el)

DESCRIPTIO N

M-103

10 od, 4 tall, 1 MNPT

M-104

10 od, 4 tall, 2 MNPT

M-105

10 od, 10 tall, 1 MNPT

M-106

10 od, 10 tall, 2 MNPT

M-107

16 od, 11 tall, 3 MNPT

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Relative Humidity
Indicator

DESCRIPTIO N

A-201

Bag filter w/desiccant for Models M-103

& M-104

A-202

Bag filter w/desiccant for Models M-105

& M-106

A-203

Bag filter w/desiccant for Model M-107

A-204

Pleated filter for Model M-103 & M-104

A-205

Pleated filter for Model M-105 & M-106

A-206

Pleated filter for Model M-107

A-207

Bag filter w/carbon for Model M-203 &

M-204

A-208

Bag filter w/carbon for Model M-205 &

M-206

A-209

Bag filter s/carbon for Model M-207

L SERIES IN-LINE FILTER / DRYERS

Flow Ezy Air Sentry stops contamination and protects

your expensive equipment.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry In-Line Filter / Dryers, are easy to
install in the air line between a co mpressor and a
hydraulic tank, or other similar applications. Connections
are 1/ 2 female npt on each end of the Filter / Dryer.
MAXIMUM operating pressure is 60 psi.
MAXIMUM operating temperature is 200 F.

REMOVES WATER VAPOR AND

SOLIDS FROM AIR LI NES

Flow Ezy Air Sentry In-Line Filter / Dryers

remove water vapor and solid contaminants fro m
air exhaust lines, low p ressure compressed air
lines, vacuum lines, and other in-line airflow ap plications where clean dry air is required.
Typical applicat ions include hydraulic systems
working with pressurized storage tanks or compressors, small tool air lines, or venting of pressurized tanks and reservoirs.

BENEFITS
Minimize rust and corrosion
Reduce component wear
Reduce maintenance costs
Prolong fluid life
Reduce oil o xidation
Enhance lubricat ion

All Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers products are

manufactured under an ISO 9001 Certified Quality system in the United States.

Air enters the Filter / Dryer on one end and is

cleaned and dried before leaving the other end.

Other Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers are available

for large reservoirs, storage tanks, transformer
cases, and other enclosed containers. Units are also
available for removing fu mes and odors being expelled fro m tanks, and for neutralizing certain hazardous gases expelled fro m equip ment.

Solid particles are removed down to 2 micron.

Water vapor is removed as the air passes through
a bed of silica gel.
The unit is d isposable and changes color fro m
gold to dark green when it is fu lly saturated with
water. This color change clearly indicates when
the unit needs to be replaced.

MODEL

HEIGHT DIAMET ER AIR FLOW

L-141

5.5

2.0

10 cfm

L-142

8.5

2.0

10 cfm

L-143

5.5

3.2

10 cfm

L-144

5.5

3.2

10 cfm

GNS SERIES GAS NEUTRALIZATION BREATHERS

Flow Ezy Air Sentry GNS (Gas Neutralization System) was designed in cooperation with a major international airline / air cargo company for use on ground support
equipment. When batteries are charged, gas is produced that contains hydrogen and
sulfuric acid. Many health and safety regulations require that charging be performed
in a specially designated area where personnel and electrical equip ment or open
flames are a safe distance away. A lternatively, an expensive investment in gas exhaust systems is required.
The Flo w Ezy Air Sentry GNS Breather provides an economical and simple solution to the problem. The GNS Breathers are easy to install by means of valves attached to the battery vents and plastic tubing which conducts the exhaust gases to the
GNS mounting point, located either on or off the equip ment. This flexib ility allows
the charging to take place at the work site or in an enclosed work area where staff is
present.
Applications include all mobile and stationary electric battery-powered equipment, forklifts, marine vehicles, and
baggage haulers.
The GNS utilizes a three-stage filt ration system. As the gas mixture produced during charging moves through the
GNS Breather, it first passes through a bed of silica gel that removes the water vapor in which the sulfuric acid gas
is suspended. This drying maximizes the life of the second stage and improves its chemical absorption capacity.
In the first stage, the hydrogen content of the gas is also slightly reduced. Second, the gas passes through a bed of
activated carbon which neutralizes the sulfuric acid gas. Third, the gas exits the GNS Breather through a co mposite metallic filter/diffuser, wh ich prevents open flames and electrical sparks fro m entering the GNS unit or the battery system, thus reducing the potential fo r exp losion.
The mounting methods for the GNS units are shown below. As in the standard and activated carbon units, the
GNS series requires the same mounting methods.

D SERIES ACTIVATED CARBON TANK BREATHERS

Many tanks and reservoirs contain fluids that discharge undesirable gases and odors.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry desiccant breathers are produced which contain Activated Carbon. This includes the Disposable Breathers, Mini-Breathers, and our R-Series
Breathers. Activated Carbon is used extensively in industrial, commercial, and
HVA C applicat ions to eliminate many harmfu l, corrosive, or objectionable gases and
odors by chemical absorption. A list of the fluids that produce gases neutralized by
Activated Carbon is shown on the back of this Product Information flyer.
The Activated Carbon used in Flo w Ezy Air Sentry breathers is made fro m coconut
shell that has been heated to over 2,000 C under h igh pressure. This process causes
fissures on the surface of the carbon, creat ing a high quality, s mall pore activated carbon. It is in these fissures that gases and particles are trapped.
There are four models o f Activated Carbon breathers, D-200, D-201, D-202, which
use the standard mounting options shown below. The D-208 has a 2 male NPT connection. These breathers contain all Activated Carbon.
Three Flow Ezy A ir Sentry breather models, D-301, D-302, D-308, are available which contain both Activated
Carbon and Desiccant. These units not only remove the fumes and odors expelled fro m a tank, they also protect
the fluid in the tank fro m water and solid particle contamination.
These are considered disposable units. Units with replaceable carbon bag filters are available with larger units for
industrial use. If you have an application which requires a larger capacity of air flow contact Flo w Ezy.
Flow Ezy Air Sentry Activated Carbon Breathers are rated at 15 cfm airflow for models with a 1 standpipe, 50
cfm for models with a 2 standpipe, and 100 cfm for models with a 3 standpipe. They use the same mounting
adapters that are available for the standard desiccant breathers.
The mounting methods for the disposable units are shown below. As in the standard units, the Activated Carbon
units require the same ones.

10

This table show s the relative capacity of the Activated Carbon (Type AC) us ed in Flow Ezy A ir Sentr y Breather s
to remov e selected c ompounds f rom air under ty pical ambient conditions.
Capacity Ind ex V alu e:

SUBST ANCE
A cetic acid

HIGH Capacity - Carbon absorbs betw een 20% and 40% of its ow n w eight.
GOOD Capacity - Carbon absorbs betw een 10% and 25% of its ow n w eight.
INDEX

SUBSTANCE

INDEX

SUBSTANCE

INDEX

HIGH

Ethyl alco ho l

G OOD

Ni cro e thane

HIG H

A cetic anh ydrite

A ceto ne

HIGH
G OOD

Ethyl ami ne
Ethyl ben zene

G OOD
HIGH

Ni tro gl yceri ne
Ni tro m etha ne

HIG H
HIG H

A cro le in
A crylic acid
A crylo nitrile

G OOD
HIGH
HIGH

Ethyl bro mide

Ethyl chlo ride
Ethyl ethe r

HIGH
G OOD
G OOD

Ni tro lu ene
No nan e
Oc tale ne

HIG H
HIG H
HIG H

G OOD
G OOD

Od o ran ts
Or gani c che mica ls

HIG H
HIG H

Ozo ne
P a int o do rs

HIG H
HIG H

HIGH
G OOD

P a lmit ic aci d
P a per deter io rat io ns

HIG H
HIG H

HIGH
HIGH

P a radi chlo r benzene

P a ste and g lue

HIG H
HIG H

A dhes ives
A lco ho lic b ever ages

HIGH
HIGH

Ethyl fo rm ate
Ethyl mer capt an

A myl a ceta te
A myl e ther

HIGH
HIGH

Ethyl silic ate

Ethylene chlo r o hyd rin

A nima l o do rs
A nesth etics

G OOD
G OOD

A niline
A spha lt fum es

HIGH
HIGH

HIGH
HIGH

Ethylene dichl o ride

Ethylene o xide
Esse ntia l o ils
Euca lypto le

A uto m o bile exh aust

B enze ne

G OOD
HIGH

Exha ust f ume s

Fert ilizer

G OOD
HIGH

P e ntan e
P e ntan o ne

HIG H
HIG H

B leach ing s o luti o ns

B ro mi ne
B utadi ene

G OOD
HIGH
G OOD

Film pro c essi ng o r ders

Flo r al sc ents
Fluo ro tri chlo r o me than e

G OOD
HIGH
G OOD

P e ntyle ne
P e rchl o ro e thyle ne
P e rfum es a nd co sme tics

GOO D
HIG H
HIG H

HIGH
G OOD

P e t o d o rs
P h eno l

HIG H
HIG H

P h o sg ene
P i tch

GOO D
HIG H

B utano ne
B utyhl acet ate

HIGH
HIGH

Fo o d aro mas
Fo rm ic a cid

B utyhl alco ho l
B utyl c hlo ri de

HIGH
HIGH

Gas o line
Hep tane

HIGH
HIGH

B utyl e ther
B utyric acid

HIGH
HIGH

Hep tylen e
Hexa ne

HIGH
G OOD

P l astic s
P o llen

HIG H
GOO D

C apryl ic aci d
C arbo lic ac id

HIGH
HIGH

Hexylene
Hexyne

G OOD
G OOD

P r o pio nalde hyde

P r o pio nic a cid

HIG H
HIG H

C arbo n tetr o chl o ride

C ello s o lve
C ello s o lve acet ate

HIGH
HIGH
HIGH

Ho s pital o do r s
Indu strial wast es
Ink o do rs

HIGH
G OOD
G OOD

P r o pyl acet ate

P r o pyl alco ho l
P r o pyl chlo ride

HIG H
HIG H
HIG H

P r o pyl ethe r
P r o pyl merc apta n

HIG H
HIG H

C hees e
C ho lrin e

HIGH
G OOD

Io din e
Iso p ho ro ne

HIGH
HIGH

C hlo ro benzene
C hlo ro buta dienc e

HIGH
HIGH

Iso p rene
Iso p ro pyl acet ate

G OOD
HIGH

P u tres cine
P yridin e

HIG H
HIG H

C hlo ro fo rm
C hlo ro nitro papa ne

HIGH
HIGH

Iso p ro pyl alco ho l

Iso p ro pyl ethe r

HIGH
HIGH

Ra ncid o ils
Re sins

HIG H
HIG H

C hlo ro picri n
C igare tte sm o ke o do r

HIGH
HIGH

Kero sene
Kitch en o do rs

HIGH
HIGH

Re o do rants
Ri penin g fru it

HIG H
HIG H

C itrus and o ther fruit s

C o al s mo k e o do r
C o mb ustio n o d o rs

HIGH
G OOD
G OOD

Lact ic ac id
Liqu id fue ls
Liqu o r o d o rs

HIGH
HIGH
HIGH

Ru bbe r
Se wer o do r s
Sm o g

HIG H
HIG H
HIG H

C o o ki ng o d o rs
C reo s o te

HIGH
HIGH

Lubr icatin g o il s & g reas es

Lyso l

HIGH
HIGH

Sm o ke
So lven ts

HIG H
GOO D

C reso l
C ro to n alde hyde

HIGH
HIGH

M as king agen ts
M ed icina l o do rs

HIGH
HIGH

St o dda rd so lven t
St yrene mo no m er

HIG H
HIG H

C yclo h exan e
D ecan e

HIGH
HIGH

M en tho l
M es ityl o xide

HIGH
HIGH

Su furic acid
Ta r

HIG H
HIG H

D ecaying su bsta nces

D eterg ents

HIGH
HIGH

M et hyl ac etat e
M et hyl ac rylat e

G OOD
HIGH

Ta rnish ing g asse s

Te trac hlo ro etha ne

GOO D
HIG H

D ibro m etha ne
D ichlo ro be nzen e
D ichlo ro dif luo ro meh tane

HIGH
HIGH
HIGH

M et hyl al co ho l
M et hyl br o mid e
M et hyl bu tyl k eto n e

G OOD
G OOD
HIGH

Te trac hlo ro ethylene

To luen e
To luidi ne

HIG H
HIG H
HIG H

D ichlo ro nit ro eth ane

D ichlo ro pro pan e

HIGH
HIGH

M et hyl fo rmat e
M et hyl is o but yl ket o ne

G OOD
HIGH

Tr ichlo rethylene
Tu rpen tine

HIG H
HIG H

D ichlo ro tet raflu o reth ane

D iesel fume s

HIGH
HIGH

M et hylcyclo he xano ne
M et hylen e chl o ride

HIGH
HIGH

Ur ea
Ur ic ac id

HIG H
HIG H

G OOD
HIGH

M ild ew
M o n o ch lo ro b enze ne

HIGH
G OOD

Va leric acid
Va leric aldeh yde

HIG H
HIG H

D iethylamin e
D iethyl keto ne
D isinfe ctan ts
Em bal ming o do rs

HIGH
HIGH

Nap htha
Nap hthal ene

HIGH
HIGH

Va rnish fum es
Vi nega r

HIG H
HIG H

Xylene

HIG H

Ep o xy
Et her

HIGH
G OOD

Nico tene
Nitri c aci d

HIGH
HIGH

Et hyl a cetat e

G OOD

Nitro ben zene s

HIGH

11

SOLID PARTICLE AND W ATER REMOVING BREATHERS

M OD EL
N U M B ER

U N IT
HEIGHT
( IN )

C LEA R A N
C E ( IN )

TO TA L
HE IGHT
( IN )

D IA M ET
E R ( IN )

U N IT
WE IGHT
( LB S )

WA T ER
C A P A C IT
Y ( LB S )

B AG
N UMB E
R

C A R TR ID
GE
NUM B E R

CFM
R A TIN
G

GP M
PUM P
R A TIN G

C ON N EC TIO
N S IZE &
TY P E

T Y P E OF M ED IA

D - 1 00

3.50

1.25

4.75

5.00

1.30

0.20

n/a

n/a

35

262

D - 1 01

5.00

1.25

6.25

5.00

1.90

0.40

n/a

n/a

35

262

D - 1 02

8.20

1.25

9.25

5.00

3.30

0.90

n/a

n/a

35

262

1" male
friction fit
1" male
friction fit
1" male
friction fit

D - 1 08

10.00

1.12

11.25

5.00

4.90

1.30

n/a

n/a

100

750

2" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

M - 1 03

4.30

2.30

6.60

10.30

10.00

0.80

A -201

A- 204

35

262

1" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

M - 1 04

4.30

2.30

6.60

10.30

10.00

0.80

A -201

A- 204

120

900

2" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

M - 1 05

9.80

2.30

12.10

10.30

14.00

1.80

A -202

A- 205

35

626

1" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

M - 1 06

9.80

2.30

12.10

10.30

14.00

1.80

A -202

A- 205

120

900

2" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

M - 1 07

10.60

2.90

13.50

16.10

41.50

8.80

A -203

A- 206

300

2250

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

Z - 13 1

1.75

0.25

2.00

2.00

0.19

0.03

n/a

n/a

10

75

Z - 13 2

3.00

0.25

3.25

2.00

0.27

0.06

n/a

n/a

10

75

Z - 13 3

1.75

0.25

2.00

3.25

0.50

0.11

n/a

n/a

10

75

Z - 13 4

3.00

0.25

3.25

3.25

0.75

0.18

n/a

n/a

10

75

3" male npt

1/2" female
npt
1/2" female
npt
1/2" female
npt
1/2" female
npt

R - 1 00

4.00

1.00

5.00

5.20

6.00

0.20

n/a

A- 300

35

262

1" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

R - 1 01

5.50

1.00

6.50

5.20

7.40

0.40

n/a

A- 301

35

262

1" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

R - 1 02

8.50

1.00

9.50

5.20

10.00

0.90

n/a

A- 302

35

262

1" male npt

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

R - 1 23

10.50

1.50

12.00

5.20

12.20

1.30

n/a

A- 323

100

750

R - 1 11

5.50

1.00

6.50

5.20

7.40

0.40

n/a

A- 301

35

262

C - 1 01

5.00

1.25

6.25

5.00

1.90

0.40

n/a

n/a

35

262

C - 1 02

8.20

1.25

9.25

5.00

4.90

0.90

n/a

n/a

35

262

C - 1 08

10.00

1.25

11.25

5.00

4.90

1.30

n/a

n/a

100

750

2" male npt 2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

11/8-16 fml
check v alve 2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel
1" male
25 micron filter / s ilica gel
friction fit
1" male
25 micron filter / s ilica gel
friction fit
2" male
25 micron filter / s ilica gel
friction fit

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel
2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel
2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel
2 mic ron filter / s ilica gel

FUME / ODOR, W ATER, AND SOLID PARTICLE REMOVING BREATHERS

M OD EL
N U M B ER

U N IT
HEIGHT
( IN )

C LEA R A N
C E ( IN )

TO TA L
HE IGHT
( IN )

D IA M ET
E R ( IN )

U N IT
WE IGHT
( LB S )

WA T ER
C A P A C IT
Y ( LB S )

R EP L.
B AG
N UMB E
R

R E P L.
C A R TR ID
GE
NUM B E R

CFM
R A TIN
G

GP M
PUM P
R A TIN G

C ON N EC TIO
N S IZE &
TY P E

D - 3 01

5.00

1.25

6.25

5.00

1.80

0.30

n/a

n/a

15

112

D - 3 02

8.00

1.25

9.25

5.00

3.10

0.70

n/a

n/a

15

112

1" male
friction fit
1" male
friction fit

F - 30 2

8.00

1.25

9.25

5.00

3.00

0.70

n/a

n/a

15

112

1" male
friction fit

112

1" male
friction fit

F - 30 9

16.00

1.25

17.25

5.00

5.10

1.40

n/a

12

n/a

15

T Y P E OF M ED IA

2 micron filter, slica gel and

activ ated carbon (btm)
2 micron filter, slica gel and
activ ated carbon (btm)
2 mic ron filter, slica gel,
and ac tivated carbon (top)
spark & flame ar res tor
2 mic ron filter, slica gel,
and ac tivated carbon (top)
spark & flame ar res tor

INLINE FI LTERS AND DRYERS

M OD EL
N U M B ER

U N IT
HEI GHT
( IN )

C LEA R A N
C E ( IN )

T OTA L
HE IGHT
( IN )

D IA M ET
ER ( IN )

U N IT
W EIG HT
( LB S )

W A TER
C A P A C IT
Y ( LB S )

BA G
N UM B E
R

C A R TR ID
GE
N U M B ER

CF M
R A TIN
G

G PM
PU MP
R A TIN G

L - 14 1

5.00

0.50

5.50

2.00

3.00

0.70

90

n/a

10

75

L - 14 2

8.00

0.50

8.50

2.00

3.80

0.13

90

n/a

10

75

L - 14 3

5.00

0.50

5.50

3.20

5.30

0.25

90

n/a

10

75

L - 14 4

8.00

0.50

8.50

3.20

7.70

0.44

90

n/a

10

75

L - 24 1*

5.00

0.50

5.50

2.00

2.40

n/a

22

n/a

22

L - 24 2*

8.00

0.50

8.50

2.00

2.80

n/a

22

n/a

22

L - 24 3*

5.00

0.50

5.50

3.20

3.10

n/a

22

n/a

22

L - 24 4*

8.00

0.50

8.50

3.20

4.50

n/a

22

n/a

22

C ON N EC T IO
N S I ZE &
TY P E

1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends
1/2" f ml npt
both ends

TY P E OF M ED IA

2 micron filter and

silica gel
2 micron filter and
silica gel
2 micron filter and
silica gel
2 micron filter and
silica gel
2 micron filter and
ac tivated carbon
2 micron filter and
ac tivated carbon
2 micron filter and
ac tivated carbon
2 micron filter and
ac tivated carbon

* The L-241, L-242, l- 243, and L-244 units ar e not to be used to r emove w ater.

FUME / ODOR AND SOLID PARTICLE REMOVING BREATHERS (Not to be used for re m ovi ng wa ter)
M OD EL
N U M B ER

U N IT
HEI GHT
( IN )

C LEA R A N
C E ( IN )

T OTA L
HE IGHT
( IN )

D IA M ET
ER ( IN )

U N IT
W EIG HT
( LB S )

W A TER
C A P A C IT
Y ( LB S )

BA G
N UM B E
R

C A R TR ID
GE
N U M B ER

CF M
R A TIN
G

G PM
PU MP
R A TIN G

C ON N EC T IO
N S I ZE &
TY P E

D - 2 00

3.50

1.25

4.75

5.00

1.10

n/a

n/a

n/a

15

112

D - 2 01

5.00

1.25

6.25

5.00

1.60

n/a

n/a

n/a

15

112

D - 2 02

8.00

1.25

9.25

5.00

2.80

n/a

n/a

n/a

15

112

1" male
f riction f it
1" male
f riction f it
1" male
f riction f it

D - 2 08

1.00

1.25

11.25

5.00

4.90

n/a

n/a

n/a

50

375

2" male npt

M - 2 03

4.30

2.30

6.60

10.30

8.90

n/a

A-207

A -204

15

112

1" male npt

M - 2 04

4.30

2.30

6.60

10.30

9.10

n/a

A-207

A -204

50

375

2" male npt

M - 2 05

9.80

2.30

12.10

10.30

11.50

n/a

A-208

A -205

15

112

1" male npt

M - 2 06

9.80

2.30

12.10

10.30

11.70

n/a

A-208

A -205

50

375

2" male npt

M - 2 07

10.60

2.90

13.50

16.10

30.50

n/a

A-209

A -206

100

750

Z - 23 1

1.75

0.25

2.00

2.00

0.19

0.03

n/a

n/a

22.5

Z - 23 2

3.00

0.25

3.25

2.00

0.27

0.06

n/a

n/a

22.5

Z - 23 3

1.75

0.25

2.00

3.25

0.50

0.11

n/a

n/a

22.5

Z - 23 4

3.00

0.25

3.25

3.25

0.75

0.18

n/a

n/a

22.5

3" male npt

1/2" f emale
npt
1/2" f emale
npt
1/2" f emale
npt
1/2" f emale
npt

R - 2 00

4.00

1.00

5.00

5.20

6.00

0.20

n/a

A -313

15

11.2

1" male npt

R - 2 01

5.50

1.00

6.50

5.20

7.40

0.40

n/a

A -314

15

11.2

1" male npt

R - 2 02

8.50

1.00

9.50

5.20

10.00

0.90

n/a

A -315

15

11.2

1" male npt

R - 2 23

10.50

1.50

12.00

5.20

12.20

1.30

n/a

A -324

50

375

2" male npt

13

TY P E OF M ED IA

activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter
activated c arbon /
2 mic ron filter

A BRIEF LIST OF INDUSTRIES AND MARKETS THAT USE

DESICCANT TANK BREATHERS
INDUSTRY / MARKET
Aluminu m ext rusion forging and rolling mills
Appliance manufacturers
Automotive industry
Large transformer & switch gear manufacturers

Aerospace and high tech welding applications

Day tanks on diesel powered generators

Paper and pulp mills

Oil drilling industry

E.D.M . die making

Food processing plants
Large machine shops
Food products: oils, grains, syrups
Off road vehicles
Automatic screw mach ines
Chemical & Petro-chemical p lants
Acid and chemical storage
Jet fuel storage at large airports
Plastic injection mo lding
Power p lants & utilities

Steam & gas turbine manufacturers

REMARKS
These operations are almost exclusively oriented to hydraulic equip ment.
Stamp ings look for large hydraulic presses and some
gear boxes
This industry is intensively equipped with hydraulic machinery, gearbo xes, and robots.
They use a large amount of insulating oil (transformer
oil), which can get contaminated. They often do rebuilding work and need to reclaim o il.
Most are performed in a vacuum, or other controlled
atmosphere. Reduce pu mp-down times and increase
productivity with Flow Ezy A ir Sentry.
In almost every large building, mo isture contamination
is a big problem because desiccant tank breathers are
seldom used.
There are many applications in these plants for Flo w Ezy
Air Sentry breathers. Gearbo xes, gear reducers, &
hydraulics. Powerhouse turbine lube oil, the lube oil
systems for dryers. The main lube system for the calendar stack drive bearings.
Hydraulics on the mobile equip ment, gearbo xes. In areas of the south, and long the coast, there are very humid
conditions. Mobile equipment in the field is subject to
huge amounts of dust contamination.
Electro-discharging machining is a high metal removing
process producing a lot of contaminated oil.
Wash down of equipment makes moisture a real problem
in hydraulic reservoirs and gearboxes.
Big users of petroleum cutting oil.
Particularly important during filling and emptying operations.
Filtering moisture and dirt, fro m air going to differentials, transmissions, loader cylinders, etc.
These are basically high production lathes, which often
use petroleum based cutting oils.
Micronic filtrat ion of the process stream. Lube oil degassing and conditioning. Turbine and seal oil.
Moisture and dirt alters the fluid
Water or dirt contamination results in loss of entire product.
Big user of hydraulic petroleu m based equipment.
Filtration application is on the main steam turbines, boilers, feed pumps, and any peaking units. Transformer o il
treatment is another obvious application.
Paper mills, petrochemical plants, refineries, and even
distilleries are turbine users. Off shore oil drilling platforms utilize gas turbines for their main electrical generating power source.
14

A BRIEF LIST OF INDUSTRIES AND MARKETS THAT USE

DESICCANT TANK BREATHERS
Steel ro lling mill & forge plants

Wire manufacturers
Mining co mpanies

A typical steel rolling mill has two stories of hydraulic

equipment beneath the roll stands. They periodically
contaminate this hydraulic oil with water based rolling
flu ids. Flow Ezy A ir Sentry could prevent the contamination of mo isture that gets in through the breather
cap.
Water base, oil base, and dry lubricants are used in wire
production.
They operate expensive hydraulically powered equipment, which are exposed to a very nasty environment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I REPLACE OR RE GENERATE THE SILICA GEL AFTER IT CHA NGE S C OLOR?
With the exception of the Steel Breathers, you cannot replace the silica gel. The Steel Breathers have a replaceable bag of silica gel. All other Flo w Ezy A ir Sentry Breathers are designed so you cannot remove the cap.
This is to assure that solid particles, water vapor, or silica gel beads do not accidentally enter the tank or reservoir. The silica gel can be regenerated by blowing hot air through the breather (about 300 F fo r three or four
hours). We do not believe this is economical.
WHAT SIZE BREATHER DO I USE?
The size of the tank or reservoir does not determine the model of breather to use. The air flo w, both IN and
OUT of the tank or reservoir determines the model to choose. Two factors create air flo w. They are fluid volume changes and temperature variations. The air flo w rating for each Flow Ezy A ir Sentry model is stated in
the sales literature.
CAN A BREATHER BE M OUNTE D IN A NY POSITION, VERTICAL, HORIZONTAL, OR AT A N A NGLE?
Breathers should be mounted in the vertical position, or at least no more than a 45 angle. Even though Flow
Ezy Air Sentry Breathers are vibrated during assembly to assure maximu m filling, the silica gel settles during
shipment, creating an air passage above it when the unit is in the horizontal position. Air, like people, takes the
path of least resistance, and with the breather in the horizontal position, the air would bypass the silica gel and
enter the tank undried.
HOW M UCH WATER DOES M Y BREATHER HOLD?
The amount of water that a Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breather holds is up to 40% of the weight of the silica gel in
that model b reather. We say up to because the percentage is dependent upon the relative hu mid ity the breather
is operating in. Ideal conditions (40%) occur at approximately 70 F. And 75-80% hu midity. If a customer is
concerned that a breathers life is too short, they need to understand that when it has turned completely dark
green it holds the same quantity of water, regardless of how long it took for it to change color. In the D-102 that
is about 2 cups of water. The D-102 is the most economical model for a customer to purchase.
MUST THE BREATHER A LWAYS BE M OUNTE D ON THE TA NK OR CAN IT BE REM OTELY
MOUNTED?
It is often desirable to mount the breather away from the tank for better visibility or easier access for changing
the units. You can mount the unit remotely by using tubing or pipes for the air to flow fro m the breather to the
tank. Be sure there are no obstructions in the line and no air leaks. Rig id pip ing, with a 90 elbow, can also be
used to achieve a vert ical breather position fo r applications where the opening in the tank is on the side or where
there is not enough space above the tank for a b reather.

15

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(continued from previous page)
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF A USE D FLOW EZY A IR SE NTR Y?
Always check local regulations. Having said that, be assured that Flow Ezy Air Sentry Breathers are manufactured with all materials that can be disposed of as solid waste, as defined by local regulat ions. However, if a
breather is used on a tank that contains a regulated fluid, the breather must be disposed of in the same manner as
required for the flu id.
HOW DO I K NOW WHEN THE BREATHER HAS ABSORBED ALL THE WATER IT CA N HOLD?
As the Flow Ezy Air Sentry adsorbs water the silica gel turns fro m go ld to very dark b lue/green. In fact, it loo ks
black to many people. Seeing a light green color throughout the gold is not a signal to replace the breather. When
all of the silica gel has changed color, to very dark b lue/green, the breather should be replaced. A breather that still
has a small amount of gold or light green color showing is just as good as when it had not started to change color.
I DONT SEE A NY WATER IN M Y TA NK. DO I REALLY NEE D TO PA Y FOR A DE SSICA NT
BREATHER?
IT'S THERE, EVEN IF YOU DON'T SEE IT - AND IT'S COSTING YOU M ONEY. There are three states of
water contamination in lubricants, hydraulic flu id, insulating oil, etc. DISOLVED WATER - these mo lecules are
dispersed one-by-one throughout the oil like Hu midity; EM ULSIFIED WATER - these microscopic globules of
water are suspended in the oil like fog; FREE WATER - settles to the bottom of the tank like rain. All forms of
water are generators of other contamination: rust, sludge, acids, soot, bacteria, varnish, and ice. All of these shorten
the life of the oil or fluid and the equipment serviced by it.
HOW LONG DOES A BREATHER LAST?
There is no set time frame that a Flo w Ezy Air Sentry breather will last. The size of the breather, as well as the
environment it is in, will determine the life span of a breather. Generally speaking, a small M ini breather will not
have the same life expectancy as a larger Disposable Breather. The useful life of a breather has three variables.
They are:
Frequency of Breathing means how often does a new batch of wet air pass through the breather. Each time th is
happens, water vapor is retained and the breather life is shortened. Examples of the ext remes would be a storage
tank that has fluid drawn out once a day and a hydraulic cylinder stroking every 30 seconds.
Quantity of Silica Gel: The water holding capacity of a breather is directly proportional to the amount of silica gel
in the breather. Silica gel has the capability to remove up to 40% of its own weight in water.
A mb ient Hu midity in the Work Area: Most users believe that the amb ient hu mid ity is the major factor in the life
of the breather. However, hu midity works for us, as well as against us. As each load of wet air passes through the
breather, the air with mo re humid ity brings more water vapor to adsorb, but the silica gel can adsorb more at the
higher humidity level. The end result is a small decrease in the life of the breather at higher work area humidity
levels, but this is not as significant as the other two life factors. Most breathers in industrial applications will last 3
to 6 months, if sized properly. The first breather put on a tank or reservoir that has been in operation for a period of
time will usually have a shorter life than subsequent breathers because it is having to dry air leav ing the reservoir
as well as coming in. Our customers have used Flow Ezy Air Sentry breathers in nearly every climate possible.
Some breathers will last 2 months on a fluid storage tank, some will last over a year. When the silica gel changes
fro m gold to green, it is time to rep lace the breather.
CAN I USE M Y FLOW EZY AIR SE NTR Y BREATHER OUTDOORS IN C OLD OR HOT C ONDITIONS?
Yes, Flow Ezy A ir Sentry Breathers are designed for use in temperatures ranging fro m 20 F to 200 F.
CAN I USE M Y FLOW EZY AIR SENTR Y BREATHER ON M OBILE EQUIPME NT? ITS A PRETTY
ROUGH ENVIR ONME NT!
FLOW EZY AIR SENTRY BREATHERS ARE DESIGNED FOR RUGGED ENVIRONM ENTS. Two groups
of Flow Ezy A ir Sentry products are designed for these applications. The "R-Series" breathers was designed in
cooperation with a majo r U.S. railroad for applications with severe vibration. There is a metal reinfo rcing plate in
the bottom cap and the connection to the reservoir is made with a steel p ipe nipple. The Steel Breathers are designed for applications where the un its may be used as a step to enter a cab or hit by flying objects or other equipment. They are designed with a 16 gage steel body.
16

PHOTOS OF FLOW EZY AIR SENTRY BREATHERS USED IN

ACTUAL APPLICATIONS

17