Hydraulic systems & components


Breathers and spin-on elements

Second Quarter 2021 Hydraulic systems & components

BMG’s fluid technology filtration solutions comprise a wide range of fluid power components and systems, which are supported by the team’s broad technical capabilities to ensure fluids operate within the required cleanliness standards.

“Proficient filtration disciplines in all industries, but especially chemical and mining applications, are critical for dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery, equipment and vehicles,” explains business unit manager, Willie Lamprecht. “Without a structured control and contamination prevention programme, premature equipment failure is likely to occur, leading to unnecessary downtime and costly replacement of parts.”

Optimum filtration performance, in conjunction with a lower differential pressure of the system, significantly reduces energy consumption, which is critical to maximising production efficiencies in all sectors. BMG’s fluid technology services include solutions for fuel and industrial filtration systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, lubrication, hydraulic hose and fittings, as well as instrumentation, pumps and industrial valves.

The BMG team is committed to improving operational efficiencies for customers in all industries by providing essential filtration, separation and purification technologies. Included in the filtration range are Omtec Eco Blue Filters, Titan Power breathers and FG desiccant breathers.

Omtec Eco spin-on elements have been designed for quick, effortless and efficient servicing of the fuel filtration system, without the need for specialised tooling, lifting equipment or elevated work platforms. With this system, the filter media has greater protection from environmental contamination during installation and maintenance than conventional cartridge style elements.

BMG’s Eco spin-on elements, which consist of three spin-on cartridges and water-repellent cartridges, offer 3-6 micron ratings and a working pressure of 24 bar. This range is suitable for efficient filtration and water absorption in all diesel fuels and is used largely by transport companies and in mobile equipment, in mining machines and any machine burning diesel for energy.

Titan Power breathers comprise various options, including standard check-valve technology, a no check-valve design for extreme flow applications, and SmartFlow adapter models. These breathers are suitable for large gearboxes, storage tanks, wind turbines, and remote applications like tank farms.

Standard Titan check-valve breathers offer protection from ambient humidity in intermittent operations. Notable features of this model include dual-zone microglass filtration media that deliver enhanced filtration efficiency, high dirt holding capacity and low pressure drop. Inflow/outflow check valves protect the gel media from humid ambient conditions, significantly extending service life of the breather. The urethane foam filter traps particulate matter and sifts residual oil mist, preventing contamination of the gel media.

BMG’s Titan no check-valve models offer extremely high flows at reduced pressure drops for large applications. Titan SmartFlow adapter models allow the exhaust of outflow air prior to entering the breather. This protects the breather from oil mist and system humidity, resulting in longer breather life. This system has a 1 micron retentive layer, with fine fibres that provide efficient polishing to remove the finest particulates. The 3-5 micron particulate capture layer is a pre-filtration layer that provides high capacity capture of bulk airborne particulates.

BMG’s filtration product range also encompasses FG desiccant breathers, which protect lubricants and machines from damage caused by moisture and the ingress of particles.

The FG breather replaces conventional dust caps or breathers often found on new equipment. When contaminated air enters the top of the breather, it passes through layered filter media, blocking particles from entering the breather, thus preventing wear to equipment surfaces. The filtered air passes through a bed of silica gel, which effectively removes moisture. Silica keeps the equipment dry by attracting moisture from inside the equipment reservoir during service or shut-down.

FG desiccant breathers have an enlarged housing, which ensures up to 20% more absorption of moisture than conventional breathers. The centre tube is constructed from a robust nylon material, providing rigidity to the element and allowing an even air flow through the silica gel. For additional system protection, secondary filter media prevent any possible migration of silica dust. Breathers are suitable for use in hydraulic units, where there are high humidity and temperature fluctuations. The normal hazards of condensation – rapid ageing of hydraulic oil, degradation of additives and corrosion – are prevented. Typical applications include wind energy, power plants, tunnel construction, aerospace and manufacturing processes, as well as petrochemical and chemical plants.

BMG’s national branch network supports an extensive range of fluid technology products and bespoke systems, with field services and technical resources. BMG also offers a design and manufacturing service to meet exact requirements in small installations and major projects.


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