
E1–E8 silica gel breathers for transformers
E1–E8 are silica gel breathers for the conservators of oil-filled transformers and OLTC tanks, in sizes E1 and 1–8 with a sorbent volume from 0.25 to 63.37 dm³. The breather removes moisture from the air that the transformer inhales when the oil contracts thermally.
- Standard
- IEC 60076-22-7
- Sizes
- E1, 1–8 (oil from 0–2 t to >80 t)
- Silica gel volume
- 0.25–63.37 dm³ (0.2–50.7 kg)
- Desiccant
- coloured non-toxic silica gel (orange → green)
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
When the oil in the tank cools and contracts, the transformer draws outside air in through the conservator. Moisture enters with it, the main cause of insulation ageing and failures. The breather is fitted on the breathing pipe of the conservator or of the OLTC tank. The air passes through a layer of silica gel, and the moisture stays in the sorbent. An oil seal at the bottom additionally cleans the flow and separates the silica gel from the atmosphere in the pauses between breathing cycles.
The silica gel is coloured and non-toxic. As it becomes saturated with moisture it changes colour from orange to green, so the operator on site sees when to change the charge. The flask of glass or polycarbonate is closed by a stainless steel guard with an inspection window, which protects it from accidental impacts. A glass flask is recommended for harsh conditions, for example desert, but it is not offered for type E11. All external parts are resistant to transformer oil, salt fog and ultraviolet. The seal is hydraulic or mechanical; the mechanical one is not made for types 7, 8 and E11.
The range covers sizes E1 and 1–8. The smallest holds 0.25 dm³ (0.2 kg) of silica gel and is designed for transformers with an oil mass of up to 2 t. The largest has 63.37 dm³ (50.7 kg) for machines with more than 80 t of oil. Selection by oil quantity is based on the conditions of EN 50216-1, and the final size is confirmed taking into account climate, thermal cycles and maintenance interval. Traction transformers are fitted with types E11, E1, E2 and E3.
Indoor and outdoor versions have corrosion protection class C4-M (RAL 7032), and the tropical one has class C5-M with Geomet coating. Connection is by EN flange or internal thread; for types 7 and 8 an additional bracket is provided. Air pressure losses are 0.003 kg/cm² at the inlet and 0.005 kg/cm² at the outlet. The breathers are made to IEC 60076-22-7, with an operating temperature from −40 to +80 °C. They are fitted on power and distribution transformers with a conservator, on OLTC, on new installations and as replacements at existing sites. For maintenance-free operation the company has self-regenerating eSDB breathers.
Technical specifications
| Standard | IEC 60076-22-7 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | E1, 1–8 (oil from 0–2 t to >80 t) |
| Silica gel volume | 0.25–63.37 dm³ (0.2–50.7 kg) |
| Desiccant | coloured non-toxic silica gel (orange → green) |
| Ambient temperature | −40…+80 °C |
| Corrosion protection | C4-M (RAL 7032) or C5-M (Geomet) |
| Flask | glass or polycarbonate, stainless steel guard |
| Connection | EN flange or internal thread |
| Pressure losses | 0.003 kg/cm² at inlet; 0.005 kg/cm² at outlet |
Replacement for
no direct analogue by designation; silica gel transformer breathers (general type)
selected by purpose and main parameters, please confirm with our manager
Request a price and lead time
E1–E8 silica gel breathers for transformers. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 8421 39 85 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 8421 39 |
| CN (EU) | 8421 39 85 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 8421 39 80 90 |
| China customs tariff | 8421 39 90 90 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
Which size is needed for a transformer with an oil mass above 80 t?
The largest size with 63.37 dm³ (50.7 kg) of silica gel is designed for this mass. The final size is selected taking into account climate and maintenance interval.
Is there a version for coastal and tropical conditions?
Yes, the tropical version has C5-M corrosion protection with Geomet coating. Standard indoor and outdoor breathers have class C4-M (RAL 7032).
What can replace a silica gel breather made in the CIS?
There is no direct analogue by designation, so the replacement is selected by the transformer oil mass, connection type and climate. It is better to agree the final size with a manager.
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