HVS' patented second generation auto-recharging dehydrating breather (ARDB2) uses breather intelligence technology and a bypass valve to automatically schedule regeneration and isolate the transformer from the silica gel. Its modular design and high temperature, UV resistant, anti-corrosive plastic housing allow for use in confined areas.
Maintenance costs are
reduced by keeping the silica gel dry, thereby eliminating the need for periodic
replacement / disposal of saturated silica gel; Logic controls that automatically "learn" to regenerate during transformer exhale only drive moisture out of the desiccant while keeping the transformer isolated from steam-generated contaminants. Included easy-to-operate
timer allows variable
time-based settingsfor user-controlled regeneration of silica gel while intelligent humidity sensor serves as a back-up to ensure user-based settings are adequate for proper breather operation. Integrated LED indicators visually alert user of breather operational status at a glance, and relay contacts are included for remote (SCADA) breather monitoring. Configurations
available in small (8000 gallon capacity) and large
(18,000 gallon capacity) — for increased capacity, multiple ARDB2s may be applied to the same tank.
OPERATION
During regeneration, a heating element located inside the ARDB2 assembly heats the partially saturated silica gel, driving moisture out. This moisture condenses on a polycarbonate tube, forming free water, which then flows down the tube and accumulates in the bottom moulding. This accumulation causes the ball float to rise, allowing moisture to drip out the bottom vent. After all moisture has drained, the ball float reseals against the bottom moulding, preventing further air from flowing freely through the breather (consuming excess desiccant capacity).
All ARDB2s ship with Enviro-Gel™, an environmentally-friendly and enhanced performance silica gel. This desiccant remains orange in color as long as it stays dry and turns clear when saturated.
For breather specifications, detailed drawings including a flow diagram, LED indicator colors and meanings as well as part number configurations on our second generation auto-recharging dehydrating breathers, please contact us at the phone/e-mail address above or download the following brochure (in Adobe Acrobat format):
HVS' patented second generation auto-recharging dehydrating breather (ARDB2) uses breather intelligence technology and a bypass valve to automatically schedule regeneration and isolate the transformer from the silica gel. Its modular design and high temperature, UV resistant, anti-corrosive plastic housing allow for use in confined areas. 
