pesales@pe-energy.com +1 ( 281 ) 310 – 0628
Standard Series Desiccant Breathers

DES-CASE Standard Series Desiccant Breathers: How to Size DC-BB through DC-4 for Any Reservoir

by

What Are DES-CASE Standard Series Desiccant Breathers?

DES-CASE Standard Series breathers provide baseline protection against moisture and particulate contamination in lubricants and equipment. The product line spans five models — DC-BB, DC-1, DC-2, DC-3, and DC-4 — covering miniature and standard form factors. All models filter to 3 μm absolute and operate across a temperature range of -20°F to 200°F (-29°C to 93°C). Color-indicating silica gel desiccant shifts from blue to pink to signal saturation, giving maintenance technicians a visual cue without disassembly.

Housing materials include polycarbonate, nylon 6/6 30% glass-filled, and polypropylene. Miniature models (DC-BB, DC-1) use Buna-N and EPDM seals; standard models (DC-2 through DC-4) use Buna-N seals. Filter media is polyurethane and polyester. All models are REACH compliant and compatible with mineral oils, most synthetic oils, and diesel fuels.

How Much Water Can Each DES-CASE Standard Breather Adsorb?

Water adsorption capacity scales directly with desiccant charge. The DC-BB holds 0.1 lbs (59 g) of silica gel and retains up to 0.8 fl oz (23 ml) of water. At the top of the range, the DC-4 carries 2.0 lbs (913 g) of desiccant and retains up to 12 fl oz (356 ml).

  • DC-BB: 0.1 lbs desiccant, 0.8 fl oz water retention
  • DC-1: 0.3 lbs desiccant, 1.7 fl oz water retention
  • DC-2: 0.8 lbs desiccant, 5 fl oz water retention
  • DC-3: 1.4 lbs desiccant, 9 fl oz water retention
  • DC-4: 2.0 lbs desiccant, 12 fl oz water retention

In high-humidity environments or systems with frequent thermal cycling, the larger desiccant charge of the DC-3 or DC-4 extends service intervals significantly. Des-Case advises that humidity level, airflow frequency, and ambient temperature all factor into proper sizing — contact Des-Case technical support for non-standard applications.

How Do You Size a DES-CASE Standard Breather for Your Reservoir?

Sizing is driven by two primary parameters: maximum airflow at ΔP 1 psi (0.07 bar) and reservoir volume by application type. Miniature models (DC-BB, DC-1) are suited to small equipment; standard models (DC-2 through DC-4) handle larger industrial systems.

Gearbox, pump, and storage tank sizing guidelines:

  • DC-BB: up to 15 gal (57 L)
  • DC-1: up to 35 gal (132 L)
  • DC-2: up to 200 gal (757 L)
  • DC-3: up to 350 gal (1,325 L)
  • DC-4: up to 500 gal (1,893 L)

Hydraulic and central lube reservoir sizing guidelines:

  • DC-BB: up to 2 gal (8 L)
  • DC-1: up to 5 gal (19 L)
  • DC-2: up to 60 gal (227 L)
  • DC-3: up to 100 gal (379 L)
  • DC-4: up to 200 gal (757 L)

Hydraulic and central lube systems require a significantly smaller breather relative to reservoir volume because of higher airflow rates and pressure dynamics. The DC-2 through DC-4 all support a maximum airflow of 16 cfm (453 l/min) at ΔP 1 psi, while the DC-BB and DC-1 are rated at 5 cfm (141 l/min) and 4 cfm (113 l/min) respectively.

What Thread Sizes and Dimensions Do DES-CASE Standard Breathers Use?

Miniature models (DC-BB, DC-1) use a 3/8

Products discussed in this episode

Browse all DES-CASE products on PE Energy Industrial Supply.

Related episodes

Listen on your favorite platform

Sizing breathers for the diesel storage and day tanks behind standby generators? See our guide to Data Center MRO Supply: generator filters, diesel fuel filtration and breathers.

Leave a Comment