Moisture and Particulate Protection for Enclosed Gear Drives
Gear Drive Breathers are a common source of moisture and particulate contamination. These two factors cause:
- Premature Gear Drive Failure due to Corrosion
- Reduced Lubricant Performance/Life, and Ultimately
- Increased Equipment Wear
AIRMAX BREATHER PERFORMS AS A GATE TO PREVENT MOISTURE FROM ENTERING THE GEAR DRIVE
During the “inhalation” cycle, the AirMax media blocks moisture from entering the gear drive. During the “exhalation” cycle, the media allows the moisture in the gear drive to exit. The moisture is carried off the media by the exiting air, therefore permanently removing it from the gear drive.
In typical operating systems the lubricant is warmer than the ambient air, but after the drive is shut down the temperature inside the drive begins to equalize with the ambient air. During this process the humid air enters the gear drive through the breather. The moisture that enters can condense on the cooler inner walls of the gear drive, which contaminates the lubricant. That’s where the AirMax breather is most effective - it prevents this moisture from entering. Thus, AirMax breather reduces as well as stabilizes the relative humidity inside the gear drive leading to a lower dew point.
NOTE: AirMax is to be used with drives in operation only (not suitable for drives in storage). Also, drive should be restricted to breathe only through the breather (use a non-vented type of dipstick). Contact Falk for available sealed dipstick options.
Features and Benefits
Media: Prevents moisture ingression into the gear drive. It also is pleated to maximize surface area (high dirt holding capacity) and provides high efficiency (99.7% at 3µ) with very low pressure drop.
Reversible Flow through Media: Allows moisture to exit the gear drive.
Easy Installation: Lightweight design only needs to be hand tightened.
Oil Attractant on Media: Coalesces oil droplets to drain back into the gear drive.
Rugged Housing: Protects media from external elements. Housing material is ABS plastic (corrosion resistant).
Plated Steel Core: Prevents media distortion.
Long Life: Change out schedule calls for replacement every 2 years.
“A Rugged Performer”
The AirMax breather is designed to withstand even the most rugged environments and has an operating temperature range of -40° to +200° F (-40° to +93° C). The filter housing is designed to protect the proprietary media from all external elements. In addition, the internal medial surface incorporates a layer of oil attractant, which coalesces the oil droplets from splashes.
AirMax is supplied with the following items:
- Adapter: Falk p/n 2923652 (7/8-14 SAE x 0.50-14 NPT)
- NPT Pipe Nipple: Falk p/n 915735 (0.50-14 x 1.50”)
- NPT Pipe Bushing: Falk p/n 914654 (1.00 x 0.50)
- NPT Pipe Bushng: Falk p/n 914656 (1.25 x 0.50)
Installation Instructions
- Determine port size in drive housing (required thread size)
a) Kit is furnished to fit the following port sizes
1) 0.500 – 14 NPT
2) 1.000 – 11.5 NPT
3) 1.250 – 11.5 NPT
- Assemble pipe nipple into SAE/NPT adapter (use pipe sealant), hand tighten (no tools)
- Assemble pipe bushing onto pipe nipple, if required (use pipe sealant), hand tighten (no tools)
- Thread above assembly into housing port (use pipe sealant) hand tighten
- Tighten entire assembly by tightening the SAE/NPT adapter
- The extra parts can be discarded
- Thread AirMax Breather onto SAE/NPT adapter (hand tighten only)
- Write the installation date in the space provided on decal located on the top of the AirMax Breather
- The AirMax Breather must be replaced after 2 years of service
NOTE: Breather is to be used with drives in operation only (not suitable for drives in storage). Also, drive should be restricted to vent only through the AirMax Breather (use a non-vented type dipstick).
