Pump Breathers

Pump breathers are an essential component of a pump system that provides a passage for air to enter and exit the pump during operation. The breathers help to maintain the pressure balance in the pump and prevent contamination of the pumped fluid.

There are two types of pump breathers commonly used in industrial applications: baffle breather and trap breather.

Baffle breather:

A baffle breather is a simple design that uses a baffle to prevent oil mist from escaping the pump while allowing air to enter and exit the pump. The baffle is typically a metal plate with holes drilled through it, which is installed in the pump housing. As air enters the pump, it passes through the baffle and into the pump chamber, while oil mist is trapped and directed back into the pump.

Baffle breathers are often used in low-pressure applications, such as gear pumps, where the air flow rate is low. They are also used in applications where the pumped fluid is not susceptible to contamination from oil mist.

Trap breather:

A trap breather, on the other hand, is designed to trap and remove oil mist from the air entering the pump. The design includes a trap or reservoir that collects the oil mist, which is then drained back into the pump. This helps to prevent the oil mist from contaminating the pumped fluid.

Trap breathers are commonly used in high-pressure applications, such as hydraulic systems, where the air flow rate is high, and oil mist contamination can cause significant damage to the system. They are also used in applications where the pumped fluid is sensitive to contamination from oil mist.