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
- Des-Case DC-BB Desiccant Breather
- Des-Case DC-1 Desiccant Breather
- DES-CASE Des-Case DC-2 Desiccant Breather
- Des-Case DC-3 Desiccant Breather
- Des-Case DC-4 Desiccant Breather
Browse all DES-CASE products on PE Energy Industrial Supply.
Related episodes
- DES-CASE KL Series Desiccant Breathers: How Steel Standpipe Design Handles Vibration and Harsh Environments
- DES-CASE Rebuildable Steel Breathers: How to Size and Rebuild RS-Series for Bulk Storage
- DES-CASE TDB Series Desiccant Breathers: How ZR Gel and 3 µm Filtration Protect Hydraulic Systems