PROVEN IN THE FIELD
- Reduces operating costs
- Improves system performance
- Provides optimum protection against water
- Eliminate desiccant poisoning by oil vapor
Pall PFD Breathers – Reliable Reservoir Vent for Hydraulic and Lubrication Systems
Description
Pall PFD Breathers are reservoir vent filter and dryer units designed to protect vented fluid systems from the ingress of water vapour and airborne particulate contamination.
They are used across a wide range of applications including hydraulic reservoirs, fuel tank systems, gear lubrication systems, and other vented fluid storage or circulation systems where maintaining internal fluid cleanliness is critical to system performance.
Proven in field applications, the PFD breather system helps reduce operating costs and supports improved system reliability by limiting contamination entering through tank ventilation points.
System Protection for Vented Fluid Reservoirs
PFD breathers are designed to provide protection against contamination entering through reservoir vents during normal system breathing cycles.
Pall PFD breathers are suitable for use on:
- Hydraulic fluid reservoirs.
- Fuel tank systems.
- Gear lubrication systems.
- Other vented fluid systems.
By filtering incoming air, the system helps reduce both moisture and particulate contamination entering the fluid system during operation.
Filtration and Moisture Control Features
The PFD breather system includes multiple integrated protection features:
- 1 micron solid particulate removal rating
- Isolation valve system to control airflow direction
- Sight window for visual inspection
- Spin-on replacement filter canister for simplified servicing
These features work together to provide controlled air intake and contamination protection during reservoir breathing cycles.
Operational Protection Mechanism
The isolation valve system is designed so that only air entering the reservoir passes through the PFD breather. This helps ensure controlled filtration and contributes to extended service life.
It also prevents reverse flow through the system, which helps avoid desiccant contamination from oil vapour exposure, supporting longer functional life of the drying media.
Performance Specifications
| Feature |
Specification
|
| Temperature Range | –54°C to 82°C |
| Filter Rating |
1 micron in air
|
| Mounting | The unit must be mounted vertically for correct operation |
| Recommended Air Flow |
Maximum 7 SCFM, equivalent to 52 gpm air displaced in the reservoir. For hydraulic systems, the air flow (in SCFM) can be estimated by measuring the most rapid change in the fluid level of the reservoir (feet per min) times the length and width of the reservoir.
|
Service Life Considerations
Service life is influenced by:
- Relative humidity levels in the operating environment.
- Volume of air entering and exiting the reservoir.
- System temperature fluctuations.
For systems without hydraulic cylinders, temperature changes cause air expansion and contraction within the reservoir. It is estimated that approximately 2% of the reservoir air volume is exchanged for every 10°F temperature change.
In hydraulic systems, air exchange can be assessed by monitoring fluid level changes over typical operating cycles.
Applications
Pall PFD Breathers are used in:
- Filtration
- Fluid Polishing Systems
- Pre-filtration Protection
- Contamination Ingress Control and Removal
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pall PFD Breathers:
What is the purpose of a PFD breather?
PFD breathers are designed to filter incoming air into vented fluid systems, helping prevent water vapour and airborne particulate contamination from entering reservoirs.
Where can PFD breathers be used?
PFD breathers can be applied to hydraulic fluid reservoirs, fuel tank systems, gear lubrication systems, and other vented fluid systems where contamination control is required.
How does the isolation valve system improve performance?
The isolation valve system ensures that only incoming air passes through the breather, preventing reverse flow. This helps protect the desiccant media and supports longer service life of the unit.
Request a Quote or Technical Support
Contact FloSolve for pricing, technical assistance, or support in selecting the correct PFD breather configuration for your application. FloSolve is an authorised Pall Corporation distributor.
