R-Series Transformer Breathers Box of 10
The Brownell R Series Transformer Breathers are high-performance desiccant breathers designed to protect transformers and other oil-filled electrical equipment from moisture contamination. By removing water vapour from incoming air, these transformer vent breathers help maintain the dielectric strength of transformer oil, reduce insulation degradation, and extend equipment service life.
Manufactured from durable UV-stabilised polycarbonate, the R Series features a clear body that provides instant visual inspection of the silica gel desiccant condition. The breather is filled with self-indicating Envirogel silica gel, which changes colour as moisture is absorbed, making maintenance planning simple and efficient.
As transformer oil expands and contracts with temperature changes, air is drawn into the conservator tank. The R Series transformer breather ensures that this incoming air is dried before entering the system, preventing moisture ingress that can reduce oil performance and increase the risk of transformer failure.
Available Sizes & Selection Guide
The Brownell R Series Transformer Breathers are available in three sizes to suit different transformer conservator capacities. Selecting the correct transformer breather helps maximise desiccant life, reduce maintenance frequency, and ensure effective moisture protection. Brownell also notes that upsizing to a larger breather can significantly extend service intervals and reduce maintenance costs.
| Model | Maximum Oil Capacity | Desiccant Capacity | Overall Length | Overall Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | Up to 1,500 Litres | 0.60 kg Envirogel | 158 mm | 108 mm |
| R1 | Up to 3,000 Litres | 1.20 kg Envirogel | 250 mm | 108 mm |
| R2 | Up to 4,750 Litres | 1.90 kg Envirogel | 352 mm | 108 mm |
The R Series uses a ¾" female pipe thread connection which serves as both the mounting point and the filling/emptying point for desiccant replacement. The breathers are supplied filled with self-indicating Envirogel silica gel, which changes from orange to green as moisture is absorbed, providing a clear visual indication that the desiccant requires replacement. All threads conform to BS21 and ISO7-1 standards.
Why Choose a Larger Transformer Breather?
A larger desiccant capacity means longer operating periods between maintenance cycles. In many applications, replacing a smaller transformer breather with the next size up can significantly increase desiccant life while reducing servicing requirements and downtime. This makes larger transformer vent breathers an economical solution for substations, utilities and industrial transformer installations.
Key Features
- High-quality transformer breather for moisture control and oil preservation
- UV-stabilised transparent polycarbonate housing
- Self-indicating silica gel desiccant with visual saturation indication
- Refillable design for reduced operating costs
- ¾" female threaded connection for easy installation
- Two-way low-pressure valve system for controlled airflow
- Suitable for a wide range of oil-filled transformers and electrical equipment
- Available in R, R1 and R2 sizes to suit different conservator capacities
- Weather-resistant construction for long-term outdoor use
Applications
- Distribution transformers
- Power transformers
- Conservator tanks
- Switchgear and electrical substations
- Oil-filled electrical equipment
- Industrial transformer maintenance programmes
Benefits of Using a Transformer Vent Breather
Installing a quality transformer vent breather helps prevent moisture contamination, maintains transformer oil quality, improves insulation performance, reduces maintenance costs, and extends transformer operational life. Effective humidity control is critical for protecting valuable electrical assets and ensuring reliable power system performance.
The Brownell R Series Transformer Breather offers a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-maintain solution for transformer moisture protection in demanding industrial and utility environments.
