Description
The Pall 3050 tank breather is a 1-inch polypropylene non-corroding breather designed to prevent airborne contamination from entering fluid system reservoirs.
It is used in hydraulic and lubrication systems where maintaining fluid cleanliness is critical, particularly in environments where dust, moisture, and airborne particulates can enter reservoirs during normal system breathing cycles.
By filtering incoming air, the Pall 3050 tank breather helps reduce contamination ingress and supports improved fluid system cleanliness and reliability.
Reservoir Air Contamination Protection
Hydraulic systems naturally breathe during operation. As fluid levels change, air is drawn into and expelled from the reservoir.
During this process:
- Clean air enters the system.
- Contaminated air can also be drawn in.
- Dust and airborne particles accumulate in the fluid over time.
In mining and industrial environments, airborne contamination levels are often high, increasing the risk of particulate ingress into hydraulic systems.
The Pall 3050 tank breather is designed to reduce this risk by filtering incoming air before it enters the reservoir.
Construction and Material Design
The Pall 3050 tank breather is manufactured using corrosion-resistant materials, making it suitable for use in a range of operating environments, including wet and humid conditions.
Key construction features include:
- Polypropylene cap and shroud (UV stabilised).
- Polypropylene filtration medium.
- Disposable, single-use design for simplified maintenance.
- Optional robust stainless steel version for harsher environments.
These materials are selected to support consistent filtration performance and durability under normal operating conditions.

Filtration Performance
The breather is available with filtration ratings of:
- 1 µm
- 1.5 µm
- 5 µm (in air)
Additional performance characteristics include:
- Absolute filtration rating for improved reliability.
- Built-in pre-filtration for cost-effective operation.
- No media migration due to fixed fibre structure.
- 80% void volume for improved dirt-holding capacity and longer service life.
- Very low extractables due to the absence of binders, lubricants, or surfactants.
These features support consistent air filtration performance throughout the service life of the breather.
Operating Conditions
The Pall 3050 tank breather is designed for operation within the following conditions:
- Temperature range: -20°C to 80°C
- Suitable for wet and humid environments
- Designed for use in contaminated air environments such as mining and industrial sites
Its construction supports stable operation across typical industrial temperature and environmental ranges.
System Function and Application Context
Air breathers are a critical part of hydraulic system protection. While they allow air exchange during fluid movement, they also act as the first line of defence against airborne contamination.
It is important to note that a large percentage of conventional air breathers are only effective at capturing coarser particles. However, in high-pressure hydraulic systems, non-visible fine airborne particles often present the greatest contamination risk.
The Pall 3050 tank breather is designed to help reduce this risk by improving the quality of air entering the reservoir.
Environmental and Disposal Benefits
The disposable design of the Pall 3050 tank breather allows for simplified replacement and maintenance. Additionally, all components are designed to be incinerable, helping reduce disposal volume and simplify end-of-life handling.
Applications
The Pall 3050 tank breather is commonly used in:
- Hydraulic reservoir systems.
- Lubrication oil systems.
- Industrial fluid storage tanks.
- Environments with high dust or airborne contamination levels.
- Wet or humid operating conditions.
Request a Quote or Technical Support
Contact FloSolve for pricing, technical support, or assistance selecting the correct tank breather solution for your application. FloSolve is an authorised Pall Corporation distributor.