Air Breathers
Suction
Separators
and
Strainers
Oil Sight
Glasses
SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES 31
Section 3:
32 SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES
Introduction
Schroeder Industries desiccant breathers are pivotal in keeping hydraulic fluid dry. Dry hydraulic fluid lasts
longer and reduces wear and tear on components as well as reducing varnish formation in the hydraulic fluid.
Maintaining a consistent fluid condition at the optimum level is critical for performance.
Schroeder Industries offers two types of desiccant breathers to our customers. Schroeder D-AB series desiccant
breather has been a flagship of the breather portfolio for many years. Using silica gel, the D-AB series breathers
remove moisture from the air as it passes through the breather into the reservoir. The D-AB desiccant breathers
can hold up to 18.5 oz. of water. The silica gel changed color according to the color code on the package to
indicate when the breather element has been spent and the breather needs replaced. The D-AB breather has a 2
micron sponge breather at the base of the element to prevent particulate contamination fro entering the reservoir.
The second desiccant breather offered by Schroeder Industries is the DBE. This next generation desiccant breather
expands on the capabilities of the D-AB. The DBE desiccant breather utilizes two stages of absorbent media to
increase performance and optimizes the drying efficiency. The first stage of the drying process is Silica gel which
is efficient at removing high humidity levels quickly. The second stage is a molecular sieve which can reduce low
level humidity efficiently. Finally there is a Star pleated 3 micron phenolic resin impregnated media to filter our
particulate contamination. All of these features improve the performance life of the DBE. However, the most
important improvement made to the DBE is the addition of a base with integral inlet and outlet check valves.
During operation, as air is drawn into the breather, the inlet valves open and the outlet valves close forcing the air
through the breather media. But as the reservoir exhales, the outlet valves open and the inlet valves close allowing
the air to vent directly to atmosphere without going through the media. This allows the media to last longer and
for a reduction in operations costs.
Schroeder Industries Desiccant breathers will help maintain the cleanliness and condition of the fluid in the circuit
by keeping the fluid dry and free from airborne particulate contamination.
Air Breathers
Suction
Separators
and
Strainers
Oil Sight
Glasses
SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES 33
Desiccant Air Breathers
The Schroeder desiccant air breathers are designed to increase operational efficiency while reducing
operating costs by protecting industrial systems from moisture and particle contaminants.
As fluid levels drop and pressure changes occur in a system, moist air is drawn through the breather (as
shown in the diagram below). Air passes through a 2-micron solid contaminant filter and a diffuser to ensure
maximum efficiency in the silica gel chamber. Water vapor in the air is absorbed by the silica gel before the
dry air passes through a second 2-micron contaminant filter. The filtered air that enters the reservoir is void
of moisture and contaminants.
Features
Bidirectional Air Flow
As moist air flows through the breather’s filtration system, it is cleaned of impurities and dried. Expelled air
partially regenerates the silica gel and "backflushes" the particulate to prolong the life of the breather.
Durable Construction
The desiccant air breathers are manufactured from rugged polycarbonate in DLP plastic, and
impact-modified Plexiglas.
Water Vapor Absorbent
Silica gel is chemically inert, non-toxic, non-deliquescent, non-corrosive and environmentally disposable.
Its internal structure of interconnected microscopic pores absorbs up to 40% of its weight. The operating
temperature range is -22°F to 212°F (-30°C to 100°C).
Color Indicator
As the gold silica gel absorbs water, it turns green to indicate that it has reached its functional capacity
and that replacement of the breather is required.
Dual Anti-static Filter System
The solid contaminant filters are designed to reduce the potential for explosion in dusty environments.
Safety Sealed
To ensure a long shelf life and premium operating performance, each desiccant breather is individually
sealed and vacuum packed to protect it from moisture before it is placed in service. All seals are easily
removable without the use of tools or sharp instruments.
Benefits
Anti-static features to protect against re ignition
High water absorption capacity (4 oz)
Long operating life and low maintenance costs
Environmentally safe disposable silica gel
Compatibility with a variety of applications
Prevents rust and oxidation
Minimizes component wear and maintenance
Curtails freezing and additive depletion
Diminishes fluid degradation and orice blockage
Extends oil lter and hydraulic system life
Applications
New and Retrot Applications
Gear Boxes
Hydraulic Reservoirs
Storage Tanks
D-AB-2 D-AB-2-F D-AB-8
Model
Number Connection
Normal
Capacity
Air Flow/
psi Drop A B C
D-AB-2 .75" NPT Male 20 SCFM 2 psi at 20 SCFM 3.16 (80) 0.95 (24) 3.25 (83)
D-AB-2-F 2.25" SAE J829 Flange 20 SCFM 2 psi at 20 SCFM 3.16 (80) Contact factory 3.25 (83)
D-AB-8 2" NPT Male 20 SCFM 0.5 psi at 20 SCFM 10.0 (254) 1.75 (44) 5.0 (127)
D-AB
Desiccant
Filter
Breather
34 SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES
D-AB-4 R-AB-4
Specifications
Model
Number Max. Air Flow
Air Flow/
psi Drop A B C
D-AB-4 35 SCFM 0.70 psi at 35 SCFM 8 (203) 1.75 (44) 0.75 (19)
R-AB-4 35 SCFM 0.70 psi at 35 SCFM 10 (254) 3.00 (76) 1.50 (38)
The R-AB-4 features inlet and outlet check valves located in the reusable cap (head), which control both
the airflow into the reservoir and the airflow
out of the reservoir and prolongs the life
of the desiccant by allowing the air to flow
through the breather only when needed
to protect the integrity of the reservoir by
establishing the thresholds of vacuum (air in)
and pressure (air out). Check valve settings
are 0.3 psi in and 2.1 psi out.
The R-AB-4 also includes a reusable top cap
which allows for the economic replacement
of the desiccant cartridge.
P/N for replacement cartridge is R-AB-ELE.
Both D-AB-4 and R-AB-4 require an adapter. Purchase separately.
See below for Adapter Selection Guide.
D-AB-4
R-AB-4
Adapter
Selection
Guide
Desiccant Air Breathers
Air Breathers
Suction
Separators
and
Strainers
Oil Sight
Glasses
SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES 35
Size
Water Retention
Capacity (gallon) Optimal Air
Flow Rate
(SCFM)
Max. Drying
Capacity at Medium
Humidity
(SCF)
Max. Drying
Capacity at High
Humidity
(SCF)Max. Actual
DBE-2 .06 .05 21 350 210
DBE-4 .13 .08 28 880 530
DBE-10 .20 .13 35 1450 880
Element Contamination Retention Capacity: (2 µm), 26g
Operating Temperature: -20°F to 210°F (-29°C to 99°C)
Storage Temperature: from -40°F(-40°C)
Specifications
Applications
Dimensions
DBE-4
Features and Benefits
Unique air flow design with suction tube
as splash protection and protection against absorbent
getting into the tank
2 stages of absorbent provide optimal combination of
drying efficiency and water retention
Pleated air filter with 2 µm filtration rating
Reusable base with check (intake) and bypass (outflow)
valves
Check valves prevent absorbents being saturated
during system downtime
Bypass valves divert out flow away from water removal
media to preserve its life
Robust Zinc die-casting connection piece with
integrated anti-splash baffles
Replacement cartridge available in
3 different sizes
New and Retrofit Applications
Gear Boxes
Hydraulic Reservoirs
Wind Turbines
Inflow
Outflow
Desiccant Air Breathers
36 SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES
Air Breathers
Filter
Model
Number
Selection
Replacement Cartridge Only:
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4 BOX 5
Model
Number
Size Replacement *Element Connection Type Filtration *Rating
DBE
2 R = Replaceable P = NPT 2 µ
4 B = BSPT
10 F = Flanged
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4
Model
Number
Connection Type Connection Size Check Valve Options
DBE
P = NPT Omit = Flange Omit = None
B = BSPT 1 = 1” R.04 = 0.04 psi
F = Flanged 2 = 2” (NPT only)
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3
Replacement Element
Model
Number
Size
R = Replaceable
DBE
2
4
10
BOX 6 BOX 7 BOX 8
Gauge Options Connection Size Check Valve Options
N = None Omit = Flange Omit = None
1 = 1” R.04 = 0.04 psi
2 = 2” (NPT only)
How to Build a Valid Model Number for a Schroeder DBE:
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4 BOX 5 BOX 6 BOX 7 BOX 8
DBE
Example:
NOTE: One option per box
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4 BOX 5 BOX 6 BOX 7 BOX 8
DBE 4 R P 2 N 1 R.04 = DBE4RP2N1R.04
How to Build a Valid Model Number for a Schroeder DBE Base:
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4
DBE
Example:
NOTE: One option per box
BOX 1 BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4
DBE P 1 R.04 = DBEP1R.04
DBE
Air Breathers
Suction
Separators
and
Strainers
Oil Sight
Glasses
SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES 37
Desiccant “Low-Profile” Breather
DLP
Model
Number Connection
Normal
Capacity
Air Flow/
psi Drop H1 H D
DLP-2P 1" NPT Male 20 SCFM 1 psid at 20 SCFM 4.75 3.25 6.00
DLP-2B BSP 1” Male 20 SCFM 1 psid at 20 SCFM 4.75 3.25 6.00
DLP
Desiccant
“Low-Profile”
Breather
DLP-2P DLP-2B
Benefits
Low-prole, high capacity design with low
machine clearance dimensions in mind
Prevents dirt and water vapor from entering
gearboxes and/or hydraulic systems
Improves the overall life of the equipment
they’re mounted on
High water absorption capacity (4 oz)
Environmentally safe disposable silica gel
Prevents rust and oxidation
Applications
New and Retrot Applications
Gear Boxes
Hydraulic Reservoirs
Storage Tanks
Specifications
Dimensions
Inflow
Outflow
38 SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES | ACCESSORIES
Reservoir Breather Adapter Kit
The reservoir breather adapter kit offer constant protection during the transition phase of fluid
storage. Whether it is draining or filling, the action can be performed through the air tight
seal provided by the adapter kit. This ensures airborne contamination is minimized and the
breather protection is upheld consistently. Current adapters are designed to be used for either
drum or tote storage, and equipped with high performing desiccant breathers.
Breather: D-AB-4
Suction: Gold 2” drum bung adapter with 1” threaded breather port
33” stainless steel 3/4” downtube cut at 45 degree angle
1” male ISO-B quick disconnect with dust cap
Discharge: 24” stainless steel 1/2” down tube for return to drum
3/4” drum bung adapter
3/4” male ISO-B quick disconnect with dust cap
Breather: D-AB-4
Discharge: Gold 2” Tote Adapter with 1” threaded breather port
3/4” male ISO-B quick disconnect with dust cap
24” flexible return hose
Suction: 3/4” tee with 1” MNPT for tote bottom suction port connection
Self closing gravity feed dispenser valve
1” Male ISO-B quick disconnect with dust cap
TK-DAB
(includes both)
TK
(Not including
breather)
Tote Adaptor Kit
Specifications
Specifications
Features and Benefits
Easy integration to your equipment for a seamless connection to Schroeder filtration systems
Prevents the ingression of dirt and moisture by utilizing a Schroeder D-AB-4 desiccant breather
Customizable to fit all your needs
DK-DAB
(includes both)
DK
(Not including
breather)
Drum Adaptor Kit
DK-DAB
TK-DAB
With quick connects via the 1” NPT threaded adapter, this allows your system to remain completely sealed to
atmospheric ingression, while allowing for easy access during offline filtration or topping off reservoirs.
Features and Benefits
Easy integration to your equipment for a seamless connection to Schroeder filtration systems
Prevents the ingression of dirt and moisture by utilizing a Schroeder D-AB-4 desiccant breather
Customizable to fit all your needs
Offered in 1” NPT connection for easy connection on most poly totes
Spring loaded faucet for easy dispensing