What Is the Des-Case ACM Series Breather and Where Is It Used?
The Des-Case ACM Series is a fully serviceable desiccant breather designed for both mobile and industrial applications. Its lightweight, rugged copolyester body handles demanding environments — from truck differentials and nautical applications to wind energy, mining, and petrochemical facilities. The ACM61 is the available size in this series, offering a compact footprint (2.8 in / 71 mm diameter × 5.4 in / 137 mm height) with a 3/8″ BSPP female thread connection.
Compatible industries include aviation, pulp and paper, manufacturing, and storage applications. The breather is compatible with all mineral oils, most synthetic oils, and diesel fuels — contact Des-Case technical support for other chemical compatibility inquiries.
How Does Des-Case ACM Series Filtration and Desiccant Performance Work?
The ACM61 delivers 3 µm absolute filtration at a beta ratio of ß₃ ≥ 200, stopping particulate contamination at the breather inlet. The filter media is glass fiber, ensuring consistent efficiency across the operating temperature range of -40°F to 194°F (-40°C to 90°C).
Moisture control is handled by ZR Gel desiccant in 3–6 mm granules. Each ACM61 contains 100 cc / 80 g (0.2 lbs) of ZR Gel with a maximum water adsorption capacity of 0.9 fl. oz (29 ml). The desiccant provides clear visual condition indication: the gel transitions from red to yellow as it becomes saturated, giving maintenance technicians an unambiguous service signal without disassembly.
Check valve variants (order code suffix V) include silicone check valves with a cracking pressure of just 0.05 psi (0.003 bar), minimizing back-pressure on the reservoir while still protecting against reverse contamination ingress.
What Are the Airflow Limits for Sizing a Des-Case ACM61 Breather?
Correct breather sizing is critical to contamination control effectiveness. Des-Case provides the following airflow guidelines for the ACM61:
- Without check valves: maximum 9 cfm (260 l/min)
- With check valves: maximum 2 cfm (50 l/min)
These figures are general guidelines only. Des-Case notes that humidity level, frequency of airflow, ambient temperature, and chemical compatibility must all be factored into a complete sizing analysis. For large or unusual applications, contact Des-Case directly for application engineering support.
How Do You Order and Service a Des-Case ACM Series Breather?
The ACM Series uses a three-box ordering code. Box 1 selects size (ACM61 = 100 cc), Box 2 selects drying agent (R = ZR Gel), and Box 3 selects check valve configuration (V = with check valves; dash = without).
Because the ACM Series is fully serviceable, replacement components are available individually or as a kit:
- KL Spin-On filter: KL60 (part 9237734)
- ZR Gel Refill: RF-100 (part 9253184)
- Spare Kit RK-61 (part 9253193) — includes 1× KL Spin-On, 1× ZR Gel refill, 2× foam filters, 1× bottom seal stickers, 1× adapter plug
Using the spare kit approach reduces per-service cost versus full breather replacement and keeps the rugged body in service across multiple desiccant cycles.
Summary
- Des-Case ACM61 filters to 3 µm absolute (ß₃ ≥ 200) and operates from -40°F to 194°F (-40°C to 90°C).
- ZR Gel desiccant (100 cc / 80 g) adsorbs up to 0.9 fl. oz (29 ml) of water and changes color red-to-yellow at saturation.
- Check valve variants limit airflow to 2 cfm (50 l/min); non-check-valve variants support up to 9 cfm (260 l/min).
- The ACM61 connects via 3/8″ BSPP female thread and measures 2.8 in diameter × 5.4 in tall.
- The series is fully serviceable via spare kit RK-61 (9253193), covering filter, desiccant, foam filters, and seals.
Step-by-step
- Select the ACM61 size code and choose drying agent code R (ZR Gel) for Box 2 of the ordering code.
- Determine whether check valves (suffix V) are required based on maximum allowable airflow: 2 cfm with valves or 9 cfm without.
- Verify chemical compatibility with the fluid in service — contact Des-Case technical support for non-mineral-oil applications.
- Install the breather using the 3/8″ BSPP female thread connection, ensuring the port is clear of contamination.
- Monitor the ZR Gel color indicator; replace or refill (RF-100) when the gel transitions from red to yellow.
- Use Spare Kit RK-61 (9253193) to fully service the breather body rather than replacing the entire unit.
Products discussed in this episode
Browse all DES-CASE products on PE Energy Industrial Supply.
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