If you’ve ever owned or operated machinery with a fuel tank, you will likely be familiar with the challenges of moisture and contaminant infiltration. These issues can wreak havoc on the fuel system, leading to a decrease in efficiency and potentially-massive increase in maintenance costs.
Fortunately for everyone in industrial applications, there’s a simple yet effective solution: the desiccant breather. Let’s take a look at how this device works on a fuel tank, and more importantly, how it helps keep your equipment running smoothly.
Before delving into its specific role on a fuel tank, let’s make sure we grasp the fundamental concept of a desiccant breather. A desiccant breather is a small, cylindrical unit that incorporates moisture-absorbing materials called desiccants. These desiccants work tirelessly to capture and hold moisture from the incoming air before it enters the fuel tank, effectively preventing moisture-related issues.
The primary purpose of a desiccant breather on a fuel tank is to combat moisture infiltration. Ambient moisture in the air is unavoidable. But when that moist air enters your fuel tank, temperature and pressure changes cause it to condense, resulting in the formation of water droplets.
These water droplets can eventually lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi that clog filters, corrode metal components, and reduce fuel quality — leading to engine problems. A desiccant breather effectively removes moisture from the incoming air, eliminating the risk of condensation inside the fuel tank.
In addition to moisture control, desiccant breathers also act as excellent filters for airborne particles and contaminants. Dust, dirt, and debris can enter the fuel tank through the vent when the tank breathes due to temperature changes.
Over time, these particles accumulate, leading to clogged fuel filters and potential damage to fuel injectors and other sensitive components. Desiccant breathers come equipped with a 1 micron Dual Phase Microglass media that prevents these particles from entering the fuel tank, thereby keeping the fuel clean and free from harmful impurities.
At Todd Technologies Inc. (TTI), we understand the importance of keeping your fuel tanks clean and offer a wide range of higher quality (and longer lasting) desiccant breathers to meet your filtration needs.
By efficiently controlling moisture and filtering out contaminants, a desiccant breather significantly extends the service life of your fuel tanks, as well as their associated components. With a reduced risk of corrosion, bacteria growth, and fuel quality degradation, your equipment will experience improved performance and enhanced reliability. Additionally, cleaner equipment means less maintenance, resulting in cost savings and increased uptime.
As you can see, the desiccant breather is a small but mighty ally when it comes to maintaining the health of a fuel tank and the fuel system as a whole. By preventing moisture from entering and filtering out harmful contaminants, it ensures that the fuel remains clean and the equipment operates optimally.
So whether you work with construction machinery, own a generator, or handle bulk fuel distribution, investing in a desiccant breather from TTI is a smart choice that will ultimately save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Using a desiccant breather’s multi-layer filtration is vital to maintaining clean fuel and protecting equipment across numerous industries. TTI offers numerous types of desiccant breathers, including the advanced PowerBreather™ series, to help you effectively filter solid particles, oil mist, and moisture. To learn more about our high quality desiccant breather products and accessories, contact TTI today!