Oilfield in the Netherlands

Breather Solutions 
sorted by Industry

1. Breather Solutions for the Automotive Industry

Maintaining clean lubricants is essential in the automotive sector, especially for lubricant service trucks that transport motor oils, synthetic oils, and hydraulic fluids. These fluids must meet strict ISO cleanliness standards set by OEMs to ensure optimal equipment performance and longevity. Contaminants such as moisture, dirt, and debris can degrade lubricants, leading to increased wear, system failures, and costly downtime.


The Challenge: Protecting Fluids During Transit

Lubricant service trucks operate in demanding environments, often navigating rough terrains on construction sites and off-road locations. These conditions expose fluid reservoirs to high levels of vibration, airborne contaminants, and humidity. Without proper contamination control, particles and moisture can enter the tanks, compromising the quality of the fluids before they even reach the equipment.


The Solution: Air Sentry® Breathers for Automotive Applications

Choosing the right breather is crucial for protecting lubricants in mobile applications. Air Sentry® offers specialised breather solutions designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the automotive and construction industries.


R-Series: Built for High-Vibration Environments

The R-Series breathers are specifically engineered for applications exposed to extreme vibrations. Featuring a reinforced metal base plate, these breathers provide enhanced durability, making them ideal for off-road lubricant service trucks.


XR-Series: Maximum Protection Against Moisture and Dust

For environments with both high vibration and heavy dust or humidity exposure, the XR-Series is the best choice. It combines the robust metal base plate of the R-Series with the check valves of the X-Series, providing superior moisture and particulate control. Additionally, the XR-Series features a replaceable desiccant cartridge, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution.


Preventing Oil Splash Contamination

In mobile applications, oil splash inside the reservoir can be a concern, as excessive oil mist can prematurely saturate the desiccant in the breather. To mitigate this issue, a remote mounting solution may be necessary.


Splash Sentry™ Adapter: Enhanced Protection Against Oil Mist

The Splash Sentry™ adapter acts as an additional safeguard, preventing oil from splashing into the breather and contaminating the silica gel. Available in 1” and 2” NPT configurations, this adapter ensures that breathers operate at peak efficiency without premature saturation.


Recommended Breather Solutions for the Automotive Industry

  • X-Series – Effective contamination control in demanding environments
  • R-Series – Designed for high-vibration applications
  • XR-Series – Maximum protection against moisture, dust, and vibration
  • Splash Sentry™ Adapter – Prevents oil mist contamination
  • Guardian Series – Advanced filtration for optimal fluid cleanliness

Implementing the right desiccant breathers for automotive applications ensures that lubricants remain clean and effective, reducing maintenance costs and prolonging equipment life.

Automotive Industry

X-Series Breathers

Breather X-Series


Splash Sentry Anodized Steel Adapter
Splash Sentry Anodized Steel Adapter

The Guardian Breather

Air Sentry Guardian breathers

2. Breather Solutions for Bulk Material Handling

Bulk material handling facilities operate in harsh environments where dust, moisture, and airborne contaminants are constant challenges. These terminals manage the loading, unloading, and storage of materials such as coal, aggregates, and ore. Conveyor systems play a crucial role in transporting these materials, and each system relies on large drives, gearboxes, and bearings that contain vital oil and lubrication reservoirs.

Without proper contamination control, fine dust and moisture can infiltrate lubrication systems, leading to premature wear, increased maintenance, and costly downtime. Ensuring that lubricants remain clean and dry is essential for the longevity and efficiency of bulk material handling equipment.


The Challenge: Protecting Lubrication Systems from Dust and Moisture

Bulk material handling operations expose machinery to extreme conditions, including heavy dust accumulation and fluctuating humidity levels. Contaminated lubricants accelerate component wear, reduce efficiency, and increase the risk of equipment failure. Standard venting systems offer little protection, allowing contaminants to enter lubrication reservoirs unchecked.


The Solution: Air Sentry® Breathers for Bulk Material Handling

Air Sentry® breathers provide an effective first line of defence against airborne dust and moisture, ensuring that only clean, dry air enters lubrication systems. By incorporating advanced filtration and moisture-absorbing desiccants, these breathers significantly extend the life of lubricants and prevent premature component failure.


X-Series: Superior Filtration for Harsh Environments

For facilities where dust and debris are a constant concern, the X-Series breathers are the ideal solution. These breathers are designed to handle extreme environmental conditions, effectively removing airborne contaminants before they can infiltrate gearboxes, bearings, and oil reservoirs.

The X-Series incorporates check valves in the top cap, which regulate airflow and extend the lifespan of the filter media and desiccant. This innovative design ensures long-lasting performance, reducing maintenance frequency and costs.


Guardian Series: Advanced Contamination Control

For operations requiring the highest level of protection, the Guardian Series offers enhanced filtration and desiccant capacity. These breathers provide long-term contamination control, making them an excellent choice for demanding bulk material handling environments.


Recommended Breather Solutions for Bulk Material Handling

  • X-Series – Designed for extreme dust and moisture conditions
  • Guardian Series – Maximum protection for long-term contamination control

By implementing the right desiccant breathers, bulk material handling facilities can significantly improve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.

Bulk Material Handling

The Guardian

Guardian breathers


X-Series Breathers
Breather X-Series
Air Sentry Guardian breathers

3. Breather Solutions for the Cement Industry

The cement industry operates in some of the most challenging industrial environments. Facilities handling cement, aggregates, sand, and gravel are constantly exposed to high levels of dust, dirt, and humidity. These conditions pose a serious risk to the integrity of lubrication systems used in mobile equipment, conveyor systems, and bulk material handling terminals. Without effective contamination control, fine particles and moisture can infiltrate hydraulic systems and gearboxes, leading to premature wear, increased maintenance costs, and unexpected equipment failure.


The Challenge: Protecting Equipment from Dust, Dirt, and Moisture

Cement production relies on heavy-duty mobile equipment such as cranes, shovels, and dredging machines. These machines operate in highly abrasive conditions, often working in direct contact with dust, sand, and water. Their hydraulic systems and gearboxes are continuously exposed to airborne contaminants, making it essential to prevent the ingress of solid particles and moisture into lubrication systems.

Similarly, bulk material handling terminals use conveyor systems to transport coarse and fine aggregates. These conveyor systems are equipped with large drives, gearboxes, and bearings that require clean, dry lubricants to function efficiently. Contaminated lubricants accelerate component wear, reducing efficiency and increasing the likelihood of costly downtime.


The Solution: Air Sentry® Breathers for the Cement Industry

Air Sentry® breathers provide an advanced defence against airborne contaminants, ensuring that only clean, dry air enters lubrication reservoirs. Their multi-stage filtration system removes moisture and solid particulates before they can damage critical components, helping to extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.


M-Series: Maximum Protection for Extreme Conditions

For the most demanding cement and aggregate environments, the M-Series breathers provide a rugged, steel-housed solution designed to withstand extreme dust, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. These breathers are ideal for heavy-duty mobile equipment, offering long-term reliability and superior contamination control.


XR-Series: Reinforced Design with Check Valve Control

The XR-Series breathers combine the durability of a reinforced steel base plate with the advanced airflow control of integrated check valves. This design ensures effective moisture and dust control while maintaining affordability through an economical disposable cartridge system. The XR-Series is particularly suited for applications where both vibration resistance and moisture protection are required.


X-Series: Effective Protection for Stationary Equipment

For applications where vibration and rough terrain are less of a concern, the X-Series breathers offer an efficient solution. These breathers contain two check valves in the top cap, preventing unnecessary air exchange while still allowing airflow when needed. This ensures optimal protection for stationary gearboxes, hydraulic reservoirs, and conveyor system lubrication points.


Guardian Series: Advanced Filtration for Ultimate Contamination Control

The Guardian Series breathers provide the highest level of protection, offering enhanced filtration and moisture absorption. They are ideal for applications requiring superior long-term contamination control in harsh cement industry environments.


Recommended Breather Solutions for the Cement Industry

  • X-Series – Reliable contamination control for stationary equipment
  • XR-Series – Designed for high-vibration environments with controlled airflow
  • M-Series – Heavy-duty steel construction for extreme conditions
  • Guardian Series – Advanced filtration for maximum equipment protection

By implementing the right desiccant breathers, cement and aggregate facilities can significantly reduce equipment failure, extend lubricant life, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Cement industry

M-Series Breathers

breather m-series


Air Sentry Guardian breathers

4. Breather Solutions for Draglines and Shovels

Draglines and shovels are essential for large-scale civil engineering and surface mining operations. These massive machines are among the largest and most powerful pieces of heavy equipment, operating in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. Whether powered by electric or diesel motors, these machines rely on complex systems of ropes, chains, and hydraulics to move massive amounts of earth and material. However, their harsh operating conditions pose significant risks to the lubricants and fluids that keep them running efficiently.


The Challenge: Protecting Fluids in Extreme Mining Environments

Open-pit mining sites are constantly exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture, which threaten the integrity of gearboxes, swing cases, fuel systems, and hydraulic reservoirs. The presence of fine particulates in these systems can lead to increased wear, clogged filters, and reduced efficiency. Moisture contamination, on the other hand, accelerates oil degradation, causes corrosion, and ultimately leads to equipment failure.

Operators often use oil analysis programs to monitor the condition of their lubricants and detect potential issues before they result in costly downtime. However, proactive contamination control is key to preventing problems before they arise. Without effective filtration, contaminants will continue to enter the system, making it difficult to maintain optimal oil cleanliness levels.


The Solution: Air Sentry® Breathers for Draglines and Shovels

Air Sentry® breathers play a crucial role in protecting the critical fluids used in draglines and shovels. By filtering incoming air, they prevent dust, dirt, and moisture from entering reservoirs and lubrication systems, helping to maintain oil purity and extend equipment lifespan.


XR-Series: Maximum Protection in Extreme Conditions

The XR-Series breathers are specifically designed for harsh environments where vibration, dust, moisture, and high temperatures are constant challenges. Featuring a reinforced steel base plate and integrated check valves, these breathers provide controlled airflow while preventing contaminants from entering lubrication systems. Their economical, replaceable cartridge system ensures long-term performance while keeping maintenance costs low.


X-Series: Effective Filtration for Heavy Equipment

The X-Series breathers are built to handle demanding applications, incorporating check valves to control airflow and prevent unnecessary exposure to the elements. These breathers offer excellent protection against airborne contaminants in mining and excavation sites.


M-Series: Heavy-Duty Performance for Large Machinery

For extreme mining environments where dust and vibration are at their highest, the M-Series breathers provide the most robust solution. Their steel construction and advanced filtration system offer superior durability and protection, making them ideal for long-term use on draglines and shovels.


Guardian Series: Ultimate Contamination Control

The Guardian Series breathers offer the highest level of filtration, removing moisture and fine particulates with maximum efficiency. These breathers are ideal for operations that demand the best in contamination control to extend oil life and protect critical components.


Recommended Breather Solutions for Draglines and Shovels

  • XR-Series – Designed for extreme dust, vibration, and moisture conditions
  • X-Series – Reliable protection for heavy equipment lubrication systems
  • M-Series – Rugged steel housing for maximum durability
  • Guardian Series – Advanced filtration for superior contamination control

By equipping draglines and shovels with Air Sentry® breathers, operators can significantly reduce contamination risks, extend the life of lubricants, and improve overall equipment reliability.

Draglines and shovels industry

XR-Series Breathers

Breather XR-series


The Air Sentry Breather Family

Air Sentry breather family


Air Sentry Guardian breathers

5. Breather Solutions for Fuel Storage

Fuel storage tanks, whether located indoors, outdoors, or underground, are constantly at risk of contamination from moisture and airborne particles. Vent caps on these tanks allow air exchange, but they also introduce unwanted contaminants that can degrade fuel quality. Clean fuel is essential for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of vehicles and equipment across various industries, including construction, mining, shipbuilding, rail transport, manufacturing, and petrochemicals.


The Challenge: Protecting Fuel from Moisture and Particulates

Outdoor fuel storage tanks are particularly vulnerable to environmental extremes, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and airborne debris. Moisture intrusion can lead to water accumulation in fuel, promoting microbial growth, corrosion, and degradation of fuel performance. Additionally, many regions have strict environmental regulations requiring the use of biodegradable fuels to prevent groundwater contamination in the event of a leak. While these fuels are eco-friendly, they are also more susceptible to contamination and degradation.


Another challenge in fuel storage is the release of heavy fuel vapours. These vapours can quickly saturate desiccant breathers, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Without proper venting, fuel vapours can overwhelm filtration systems and lead to pressure imbalances within the tank, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage.


The Solution: Air Sentry® Breathers for Fuel Storage

Air Sentry® breathers provide an effective first line of defence against moisture and airborne contaminants, ensuring that only clean, dry air enters the fuel storage system. To manage the issue of fuel vapour saturation, a bypass or shut-off valve should be installed between the tank vent and the breather. This allows heavy vapours to escape to the atmosphere instead of passing through the breather, extending its lifespan and maintaining optimal performance.


Guardian-Series: Superior Moisture and Contaminant Protection

The Guardian-Series breathers offer advanced filtration and moisture-absorbing capabilities, making them ideal for fuel storage applications where maintaining air purity is critical.


D-Series: High-Capacity Filtration for Large-Scale Fuel Storage

The D-Series breathers provide high-volume filtration for large storage tanks, effectively removing airborne particles and moisture before they can contaminate the fuel supply.


Additional Filtration Accessories for Fuel Storage Systems

To further enhance protection and efficiency, the following accessories can be integrated into your fuel storage setup:

  • Compound Indicating Gauge – Monitors filter saturation and system pressure
  • High-Capacity Air Filter – Enhances filtration in high-dust environments
  • Modular Stackable Ring™ – Expands filtration capacity for larger tanks
  • Shield Wash-Down Cap – Provides extra protection in harsh weather conditions

Recommended Adapters for Fuel Storage Systems

Proper installation of breathers requires the right adapter solutions. Air Sentry® offers a variety of adapter kits to ensure secure and effective connections, including:

  • Drum Adapter Kit – For mounting breathers on storage drums
  • Slip Fit Bayonet Adapters – Quick and secure connection for vented systems
  • Threaded Metal Adapters – Durable, leak-proof connections for fuel tanks
  • Oil Sample Ports – Allows for easy monitoring of fuel quality


Recommended Breather Solutions for Fuel Storage

  • Guardian-Series – Advanced moisture and particulate protection
  • D-Series – High-capacity filtration for large fuel tanks
  • Compound Indicating Gauge & High-Capacity Air Filter – Enhanced monitoring and filtration
  • Drum & Threaded Metal Adapters – Secure mounting solutions

By equipping fuel storage tanks with Air Sentry® breathers and appropriate adapters, operators can effectively prevent moisture ingress, maintain fuel purity, and ensure the long-term reliability of their fuel supply.

Fuel storage

Air Sentry X-122 breathers

Two Air Sentry® X-122 breathers are mounted on a manifold


High Capacity Air Filter
High capacity air filter
Drum adapter kits with colour-coded quick connects
Drum adapter kits with colour coded quick connects

Guardian on manifold

Guardian on manifold

6. Gearboxes


Gearboxes are used on various types of industrial machinery to provide increased torque while reducing speed from one type of rotating power source to another using gear ratios. A gearbox can be set up to do the opposite and provide an increase in speed with a reduction of torque. Some of the simplest gearboxes merely change the physical direction in which power is transmitted.


Gearboxes are used in many applications, such as wind turbines, conveyors, draglines, bridges, wastewater treatment pumping systems, and many other large pieces of machinery that require a power source. 


The Air Sentry® X100 is the most commonly recommended breather for gearboxes. Airflow requirements for gearboxes are usually very low, as the fluid level rarely changes. Dual check valves in the top cap open at minimal pressure changes, allowing air to flow in and out as needed while maximizing the life of the silica gel. 

Replacement silica gel cartridges allow for easy, economical change out that create no down time for the equipment being protected from dirt and moisture. 


Products used in Gearboxes


Breathers:

  • Guardian-Series
  • Compound Indicating Gauge
  • High-Capacity Air Filter
  • Modular Stackable Ring™
  • Shield Wash-Down Cap
  • D-Series
  • L-Series
  • M-Series
  • R-Series
  • XR-Series
  • X-Series
  • Z-Series

Adapters
  • Gearbox Adapter Kit
  • Slip Fit Bayonet Adapters
  • Slip Fit Female Threaded Adapters
  • Slip Fit Male Threaded Adapters
  • Slip Fit Threaded Spin-On Adapters
  • Splash Adapter
  • Threaded Metal Adapters
  • Oil Sample Ports


Gearboxes

X100 Breather

X-series desiccant breathers X100

Compound Indicating Gauge
Compound Gauge A655
Threaded metal adapters
Threaded metal adapters

Air Sentry Guardian breathers

7. Hydraulic Reservoirs


Air Sentry® breathers are used in many industries, on many types of equipment, to protect the hydraulic fluids within the reservoirs from dirt and moisture present in the air and surrounding environment. Hydraulic systems consist of three parts: a hydraulic pump driven by a motor, valves to guide the system, and the motor. Hydraulic fluids and oils are stored in a reservoir attached to the hydraulic system. Hydraulic reservoirs vary in terms of capacity, but need to be large enough to accommodate the thermal expansion of fluids and changes in fluid level due to normal system operation. Hydraulic cylinders and pumps move the hydraulic fluid through the system, powering the hydraulic drive system. 


If the hydraulic fluid is not kept free from dirt and moisture, it can degrade over time and create wear in the system or lead to a breakdown of equipment. Fluid contamination is the primary cause of component wear and shortened fluid life in hydraulic systems. Hydraulic fluid will last 3 to 4 times as long if kept clean and dry. 


Products used in Hydraulic Reservoirs


Breathers and Accessories:


  • Guardian-Series
  • Compound Indicating Gauge
  • High-Capacity Air Filter
  • Modular Stackable Ring™
  • Shield Wash-Down Cap
  • D-Series
  • M-Series
  • R-Series
  • X-Series
  • Z-Series

Adapters
  • Bayonet Adapters
  • Domed Flange Adapter Kit
  • Hydraulic Reservoir Adapter Kit
  • Slip Fit Bayonet Adapters
  • Slip Fit Female Threaded Adapters
  • Slip Fit Male Threaded Adapters
  • Slip Fit Flange Adapters
  • Slip Fit Threaded Spin-On Adapters
  • Splash Adapter
  • Threaded Metal Adapters
  • Oil Sample Ports


Hydraulic reservoirs

The Guardian

Guardian breathers

Guardian with shield wash-down cap

Guardian with shield wash-down cap

Domed flange adapter

Domed flange adapter OilSafe


Air Sentry Guardian breathers

8. Railroad Maintenance Off-Way Equipment


Railroad Maintenance Off-Way equipment is used to clean, maintain and repair railroad tracks. Hydraulic systems are used to remove and insert new spikes, replace the ties, and move the rail. When this equipment is dispatched to perform maintenance, there is a limited window of opportunity to work before the next train comes along. 


Depending on the type of equipment and the job it does, the environment can be very dusty. Hydraulic systems that enable the machine to do the required work must be reliable and free of moisture and dirt. 

Equipment vibration is a major concern, as the equipment travels down the track. A major US Railroad was concerned that the standard disposable breathers might not withstand the hours of vibration. 


Air Sentry, in conjunction with the railroad, developed the R-Series breathers. The R-Series offer a steel reinforced base plate designed to withstand the vibration. In order to maintain a positive pressure of 5 psi required on certain hydraulic reservoirs, the A306 Pressure Relief valve is used with the R-111 breather. 


Recommended Breather-Series:

Railroad

R-Series BreathersBreather R-series

The Guardian

Guardian breathers


Air Sentry Guardian breathers

9. Steel

The environment inside steel mills is hot, dusty and often humid. These conditions make desiccant breathers a necessity for companies who establish ISO standards for their lubricants and work to maximize plant efficiencies. 


The typical applications found in steel mills include hydraulic systems, gearboxes, and lubrication systems. Some hydraulic systems are large (5000 gallons) and require multiple breathers to accommodate the maximum air flow requirements. 


With hot, humid conditions, steel production is a prime example of an extreme environment where oils must be protected from moisture ingression. Air Sentry® breathers installed on equipment will protect against water in the oil. 


Recommended Breather-Series:

  • All Breathers


Steel industry

All Air Sentry BreathersAir Sentry breather family

The life of a breather
Air Sentry Guardian breathers

10. Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment plants vary in design to meet federal, state and local regulations. Most facilities have similar equipment and applications for desiccant breathers. Typical applications include lubrication reservoirs on wastewater pumps, gearboxes and hydraulic systems. 


Pumps move wastewater step by step throughout the process. Gearboxes are found on equipment such as rotating biological contactors (RBC), clarifiers and conveyors. Most of the processing equipment is located outdoors, subject to the high humidity in the area and exposed to extremes of weather. 


The gearbox on the right is located at the end of a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC). Inside are panels or media discs which support the process of breaking down solid waste.

An Air Sentry® X100 desiccant breather was chosen for this application to help extend the useful life of the synthetic lubricant. Compared to other brands, the check valve design may double the life of the silica gel desiccant. Moisture blocked by the breather is adsorbed, causing gold to green color change, making it easy to see when it is time to change out the breather. 


Recommended Breather-Series:

  • All Breathers

Wastewater treatment

Breather assortment

Air Sentry breather family


Gearbox
Wastewater example
X100 desiccant breather Air Sentry
X100 desiccant breather Air Sentry

Air Sentry Guardian breathers

11. Wind Turbines

The wind energy industry has grown substantially over the last few years. Protecting the planet’s natural resources is a growing desire for many. On a wind farm, windmills generate the electric power necessary. These windmills are powered by large gearboxes and hydraulic systems. 


Preventative maintenance on these systems is scheduled over long periods of time. Protecting the oils in the reservoirs and gearboxes is critical, not only because of the extended maintenance schedule, but also because replacing these oils creates a demand for more of the natural resources we are preserving. 


Large gearboxes are used to position the windmills. Hydraulic systems change the pitch of the blades. Both systems work together to maximize the efficiency of the windmill and to shut down the windmill during storms. 


Wind Turbines harness the wind’s energy to protect the earth’s natural resources. Using an Air Sentry® breather to protect the life of the oils in a wind turbine will conserve the oils in use.


Air Sentry® GUARDIAN® breathers are the best solution for this application, allowing for extended time between maintenance intervals. The GUARDIAN Series combine multiple check valves at top, exhausted air sent to atmosphere and an internal isolation check valve to eliminate any gear oil mist or splashing. It also has a metal reinforced plate molded into the bottom cap, to withstand vibration.


The XR-Series is the next best solution and combines the features of the X-Series, incorporating check valves to allow air movement only when necessary, and the R-Series, incorporating the metal reinforced base plate for high vibration. 


The GUARDIAN and XR-Series have the added benefit of replacement desiccant cartridges, reducing the waste going into our landfills.


Recommended Breather-Series:

  • X-Series
  • R-Series
  • XR-Series
  • Splash Sentry adapter
  • Guardian


Windturbines

The Guardian

Guardian breathers


XR-Series Breathers

Breather XR-series

Air Sentry Guardian breathers