The development of moisture can adversely affect the electrical types of equipment and their functioning in the long run. However, it becomes more than essential to control the moisture level in power plants and prevent it from entering the equipment. 

Silica gel is used as a drying solution to achieve the desired results in breather transformers, and it protects the oil in the transformer against the damaging effects of moisture.

How does a transformer work?

A transformer is a piece of electrical equipment used to increase or decrease voltage levels. It is attached to the conservator tank to accommodate the expansion of oil in the transformer. When it is loaded, the increased temperature increases the volume of the oil inside the transformer. The conservator tank contains the vacant space, which is filled with air from the atmosphere. The oil coming to the conservator during the overloading of the transformer is likely to get mixed with the moisture present in the air. Thus, reducing the efficiency of the transformer becomes essential. 

A breather is used in the transformer, which helps filter out moisture from the air. 

The breather consists of silica gel crystals and beads, which are an effective desiccant and work well even at high temperatures. A silica gel breather is usually fitted with the conservator tank, which is connected to the oil-filled transformers and absorbs moisture during breathing.

How does a transformer breather work?

A transformer breather works to ensure the right amount of moisture enters the conservator tank while the cooling medium undergoes volume changes. The breathers help keep the air free from moisture and humidity. This will help to enhance the transformer's performance.

Work of a breather in transformer:

The breather is generally mounted on the transformer tank, which contains silica gel that extracts all the moisture from the air. When the transformers are in service, the changes in the oil volume are regular. Sometimes, air displacement due to the changes in the oil volume takes through the breather. Thus, the breather extracts all the moisture from the air that might have entered the transformer oil. 

The transformer oil has considerable thermal expansion. It is observed that the under-increasing load, the temperature rises and the oil expands. However, it is advised to keep the oil's temperature level at some distance below the top cover to provide space for oil expansion under high temperatures.  

Work of Conservator in Transformer:

A conservator is a small metal drum located on the top cover or, in some cases, supported on the sidewall. The main tank is filled with oil. Whereas the conservator is only half filled. A pipe that connects the conservator and main tank takes up the expansion and contraction of oil under variation of load. Therefore, the oil inside the main tank will not be exposed to air and will remain moisture-free. 

The conservator oil is made moisture-free by passing it through a breather device. The device incorporates a dry agent known as silica gel. The silica gel is meant to be an excellent moisture absorber, which absorbs moisture from air and oil seal to remove the mechanical impurities from the air. 

Types of transformer breathers:

• Transformer Breather Acrylic Body with Oil Cup
• Transformer Breather with metallic body
• Transformer Breather - Clear View with Oil Cup
• Transformer Breather- Clear View with Flange
• Fume Desiccant Breather for Acid Tank
• Hydraulic Breather

Features of Silica Gel Breathers

• High adsorption capacity - up to 40% of its weight
• High efficiency
• It can be purged to remove water; once saturated
• Can be reused
• Budget-friendly
• Easily available
• Safe to use
• Leaves no chemical residue
• Non-flammable
• Stable and reliable performance
• Inert property - will not corrode or disrupt the medium
• High shelf life

Propose of silica gel breather in a transformer:

Silica gel for transformers is excellent for power-generating companies as it provides cost-effective methods of controlling moisture levels in the transformers. 

As soon as the silica gel breather is installed, the silica gel crystals or beads colour is blue, and after some time, the blue colour changes to pink. The change in colour means that the silica gel has saturated, and now the breather needs to be changed. 

Sorbead India is the leading manufacturer and supplier of Silica Gel breather for Transformers.

The Silica Gel Breather Transformer is of supreme quality, effectively improving the transformer's function. Moreover, it provides silica gel with various specifications and sizes to fulfill different needs of industrial clients.

Manufacture silica gel in the form of crystals and beads. They are divided into two types:

Indicating and Non-Indicating. Blue & Orange Silica Gel crystals or beads are the indicating ones. White silica gel is the non-indicating one.

A dehumidifier is commonly used to decrease moisture and humidity in the air. The dehumidifiers accomplish their work with the help of different types of dehumidifiers. These systems can also achieve their goals by using chemicals which can absorb moisture. 

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

A dehumidifier regulates the humidity in a room by removing the excess moisture from the air and creating a living environment that is inhospitable to dust, mould, moisture, etc. 

Steps that a dehumidifier takes during operations:

• Firstly, the air is drawn into the unit by a fan from the room
• Then the air is passed over the cold coils
• Air is cooled, and its moisture condenses
• After this step, the water falls into the drip pan 
• Then the air is reheated by a heat recovery system
• And simultaneously, the dry air goes into the room
• Lastly, the dehumidifier will automatically get off after the water is drained.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are two types of dehumidifiers: Refrigerant dehumidifiers and Desiccant dehumidifiers.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers:

The dehumidifier uses much similar process to a fridge at our home. The refrigeration process generally cools a metal plate, on which the moisture from the air liquidizes. In this process, a fan constantly draws the air through the dehumidifier and even over the cool metal plates. This process liquidates the moisture onto the plate and drips it into the dehumidifier's water tank. 

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are commonly effective at room temperatures and decline their performance dramatically in cooler conditions. The common reason for the declaration is ice formation on the metal plates. The dehumidifier can work efficiently at lower temperatures but requires higher-performing components to achieve its goals. 

Desiccant Dehumidifiers:

The desiccant dehumidifier is entirely different from the refrigerant dehumidifier. The dehumidifier absorbs water from the air using desiccants, like silica gel. A desiccant is commonly used for absorbing water and is found in small packs in the form of crystals or beads. 

How does the desiccant dehumidifier work?

In the dehumidifier, a wheel consisting of desiccants turns slowly through the incoming air and absorbs its moisture. During the process, a proportion of the wheel passes through the warm air steam, which reactivates the desiccant by absorbing all the moisture. Then the water is collected in the dehumidifier collection tank. This system tends to be relatively smaller and lighter than refrigerant dehumidifiers. The purpose is to choose dehumidifiers that operate at much lower temperatures, particularly in cool areas like garages, workshops, etc. 

The desiccant dehumidifiers generally use silica gel to absorb moisture and humidity. Silica gel makes the dehumidifier more active so that it can absorb more and more moisture and humidity. The silica gel is available in packets, pouches and bulk quantities according to the user's requirements.

Researchers convey that silica gel is a well-known desiccant and even a natural dehumidifier that absorbs moisture by reducing the humidity from the surrounding. Thus, silica gel is an effective desiccant in keeping away mould or mildew from essential products.

Different types of dehumidifiers used in Industrial and Commercial areas:

• Condensate Dehumidifier
• Electric Refrigeration Dehumidifier
• Spray Dehumidifier
• Ionic Membrane Dehumidifier
• Chemical Absorbent Dehumidifier

Condensate Dehumidifiers:

These dehumidifiers use cold devices to collect water from the air. This water is known as condensate, which is usually greywater. The dehumidifier is often used for industrial purposes. 

Electric Refrigeration Dehumidifiers:

It’s very commonly used and draws moist air from a refrigerated evaporator with the help of a fan. The evaporators have a coiled tube, a fin and a tube. The dehumidifier condenses the water, which is being removed, and then the air is reheated by a condenser coil. The preheated air is then released into the room. The dehumidifiers are best at higher ambient temperatures, with high dew points. 

Spray Dehumidifiers:

In spray dehumidifiers, the cold water to a temperature that is below the atmospheric dewpoint. Due to this, the water condenses into it faster than water evaporates. Therefore, the system mixes cold water and air sprays to capture moisture. 

Ionic Membrane Dehumidifiers:

These dehumidifiers use an ionic membrane to remove humidity in or out of a sealed enclosure. These systems mostly use a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (SPE). As a disadvantage, these don't have high dehydration capacities. Dehumidifiers are often used to protect sensitive electrical components, medical equipment, etc., from humidity. 

Chemical Absorbent Dehumidifiers:

The absorbent dehumidifiers, also known as desiccant dehumidifiers, use hydrophilic materials like silica gel to dry the air. Silica gel is one of the best practical solutions for absorbing moisture. The process of removing the moisture from the air is the same as the desiccant dehumidifiers. These dehumidifiers can be used in both commercial and industrial applications. 

Common features of dehumidifiers:

Frost-control sensor: This sensor turns off the dehumidifier if frost begins to form in the coils. This senses the frost and keeps the application free from racking up your energy bills. 

• Clean-filter Alert: The importance of cleaning and maintaining the dehumidifier is to operate it properly. This filter is responsible for cleaning up the air that flows through the system. 

• Water tank size: When choosing a dehumidifier, it is very important to look for a water tank with comfortable handles so that you can remove and carry water easily. 

• Timer: The timer is generally programmed automatically and switches on and off when the work is done. 

What Makes Indicating Silica Gel Stand-Out From Other Desiccants?

Indicating silica gel is unique because it is treated chemically to make the transition possible from one color to another. It absorbs moisture and gradually becomes absolutely drenched in it. This characteristic of indicating silica gel makes it remarkable for absorbing moisture from the surrounding environment it is placed in. Their colors change when the Indicating desiccants are soaked with the surrounding moisture. Hence, indicating to the user that it is high time to replace or recharge the desiccants.

Not only this but Indicating silica gel also has the feature of a rapid detection process that makes it easy for the user to determine the life of desiccants instantly. You can recharge or replace the indicating silica gel when it is out of working efficiency.

And, as the name suggests, non-indicating desiccants do not have this quality to change their color. That is why it makes it difficult for the user to determine the quantity of moisture absorbed by their desiccants. There are two types of indicating silica gel.

Orange Indicating Silica Gel

Orange Indicating silica gel appears orange or yellow when dry or fresh before using it. When the desiccant is completely soaked with moisture and has gained 15 percent more weight, it appears green. Moreover, Orange silica gel is not toxic and is 100% pollution-free. It is environment-friendly and self-sufficient to fulfill all the requirements as a desiccant.

The Orange silica gel is applicable in all the professional sector and domestic requirements where the monitoring of visual control of moisture is a must. For example, its use in compressed air dryers and transformer breathers for the protection and safety of packed goods that are non-consumable. Orange silica gel also plays an important role in drying the flowers and seeds and keeping them safe for a long period.

Precaution: Orange silica gel should be kept away from consumable products and items. It should also be kept away from medications and pharmaceuticals.

The Use Of Orange Indicating Silica Gel

Orange Silica Gel is easily available in the market, and anyone can access it. It has a high rate of absorption. It can also tolerate high temperatures and can be working 65°C.

• Cleansing the Industrial gases
• Drying the industrial gases
• Prevent moisture from packaging material during export consignments
• Transporting electrical appliances
• Storage and transportation of leather
• dehumidification of synthesis products
• Use in science laboratories
• Packaging of optical devices and instruments

Blue Indicating Silica Gel

Blue Silica Gel has a translucent to semi-transparent appearance. It looks like a glassy substance. The Blue Indicating Silica Gel is a granule that has been dipped or washed with concentrated cobalt chloride. Cobalt chloride is a very heavy metal salt. Cobalt blue has a deep-blue color when it is dry. When the granule of Blue Indicating Silica Gel is completely soaked with the moisture surrounding the environment, its color changes from blue to pink silica gel desiccant. This transformation indicates that this silica gel must be replaced with the new one or recharged.

This Blue Silica Gel has the same application as the Orange Silica Gel. And it should never be placed in close contact with the consumption items. It should also be kept away from pharmaceuticals and medications.

The Use of Blue Indicating Silica Gel

Blue Silica gel is limited in the market because the European Union bans it. It is banned because of the presence of cobalt, which tends to be toxic in certain environments. Although it has a lower cost than Orange Silica gel, it has an equal performance standard. In addition, other than in European countries, it is accessible.

• Refrigerating goods
• Gas drying in the industrial sector
• Leather and textile goods
• Purifying natural gases in the industrial sector
• Storage and transportation of electrical appliances
• Air- conditioners

Sorbead India is a leading company manufacturing Indicating Silica Gel beads. Silica gel beads of both orange and blue are available in different sizes in millimeters and have the liberty to be present in two or three different shapes. It is also present in mesh. Both silica gels have high absorption power that is quite useful in professional and industrial sectors.