What are Silica Gel
Breathers?
Silica Gel
Breathers are mainly used in the transformer sector, where maintaining optimum
moisture levels is of utmost importance. That is why the transformer industry
makes such wide use of Silica Gel Breathers as not only do they remove moisture
molecules, but it is done in the most efficient and economic manner possible.
When the transformers start functioning, the Silica Gel Breathers start their work
by ensuring that no extra moisture molecules are present in the transformer so
that it can function properly.
Talking
about Silica Gel Breathers, this desiccant is usually manufactured from the
best quality Blue and Orange Silica Gel as these two varieties are the most
widely used in the transformer moisture removal process. Silica Gel Breathers
(Orange and Blue) are mainly available in two varieties namely Clear View Type
and Aluminum Type. Both these types of Silica Gel Breathers are equally capable
of removing all moisture molecules in and around the transformers.
Functioning
of Silica Gel Breathers Explained
Now that we
have understood what are Silica Gel Breathers and their different types, it is
time to understand how they function. This is explained in detail below. There
are two uses of Silica Gel Breathers in the Transformer sector. One, removal of
moisture molecules and the second, keep away all dust particles from the
transformer as these can drastically affect the smooth functioning of transformers.
Dust particles are known to bring many properly functioning transformers to a
grinding halt.
The Silica
Gel Breathers are manufactured as transparent hollow cylinder tubes, containing
the chemically pure silicium salt or Silica Gel. This Silica Gel also comes
attached with a cobalt indicator. Generally, this type of Silica Gel is known
as the “indicating grade” of Silica Gel. When placed along side the
transformers, these Silica Gel Breathers will successfully remove all the
moisture surrounding the transformers.
When the
Silica Gel crystals are absorbing the moisture, they are known to change
colors. Different crystals will show different color changes. The deep blue
Silica Gel will go completely dry while the light blue Silica Gel breather will
retain some moisture even after the absorption process is over. In case of the
pink Silica Gel crystals, they will be completely saturated with moisture once
the entire process is finished. The pink crystals are known to retain absorbed
moisture for nearly 30-40% of their own weight. This is one of the main reasons
why Silica Gel is preferred as desiccants in the transformer industry as most
of its weight can be held as moisture. Thus more moisture can be absorbed from
the surroundings.
Extra care
and precaution must be taken for the smooth functioning of Silica Gel Breathers
in the transformer sector. This is done by the proper dehumidification of the
Silica Gel crystals and removing dust particles from the air. Both these steps
will ensure that the functioning of the Silica Gel breathers are not affected.
Dehumidification is done by by heating the
crystals in a ventilated oven at to 150 C. This is done till the color becomes
blue again. The dust particles are removed by filtering the oil present in the oil
cup.
For top quality Silica Gel Breathers, contact one of the best Silica
Gel Breather suppliers in the country, Sorbead India.
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