Hydraulic Accessories

Oil reservoirs are essential for creating a pressurized hydraulic system. However, without protection, they can also become a source of contamination. Oil is transferred out of the reservoir to pressurize the system, then returns back to the reservoir after the system pressure has been released. As oil moves out, it needs to be displaced by air in the reservoir, and this potential contamination point makes some sort of filtration necessary to protect the system. As this high volume of air moves in and out of the reservoir during equipment operation, it can carry particulates and moisture present in the air – two contaminants that we need to avoid in hydraulic oil. A standard solution is a “breather.”

Desiccant breathers can be used in a hydraulic system; however, they only remove moisture, not particulate contaminants, from the air. Donaldson has developed an enhanced solution that not only removes moisture and particulates but lasts longer too. Donaldson breathers with Thermally Reactive Advanced Protection (T.R.A.P.™) provide fast-acting protection for hydraulic reservoirs against airborne moisture and particulate contamination. Our T.R.A.P. technology strips moisture vapor from intake air and expels the moisture back into the atmosphere. Moisture is prevented from entering the reservoir and is actually “pumped” out with each flow cycle. Additionally, T.R.A.P. media regenerates its water-holding capacity, which leads to a longer service life – three to four times the life of conventional desiccant breathers.

If you’re investing in quality filtration for the rest of your hydraulic system, you should consider investing in a quality breather, too.

Donaldson T.R.A.P. breathers can be specified to fit on the top of the oil reservoir, in the same location as traditional breathers. They can also be integrated into our FIK04 intake assemblies.

Our T.R.A.P. breathers have a number of time-saving, innovative features and options including:

• Easy to install and lightweight design – simply hand tighten.
• A robust housing protects media.
• Withstands high vibration, making it suitable for both stationary and mobile applications.
• Electronic indicator that is actuated by a pressure differential. It flashes red to indicate a changeout is needed.
• Mechanical, lock-up-style indicator kit with a manual reset. Installed between the reservoir and the T.R.A.P. breather, a highly visible, bright red band shows when the restriction limit has been reached.
• Oil splash and mist containment to keep oil inside the reservoir.
• A rugged design, effective to -40 °C / -40 °F.