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VTBD —— Hygienic Breather Drain

Hygienic Breather drain in 316L Stainless Steel

Hygienic breather drain helps equalize pressure between an equipment enclosure and its surroundings while limiting water and dust ingress. It combines 316L stainless steel components, blue HNBR seals and a white ePTFE breathable membrane. Six metric thread options are available from M6 to M24. Compare the dimensions and membrane air-permeability values below to select a suitable configuration.

Body material Stainless steel AISI 316L / EN 1.4404
Seal material Blue HNBR/EPDM
Breathable membrane White ePTFE
Metric thread options M6 to M24
Operating temperature -25 °C to +150 °C
Protection rating IP67

    Product Structure and Dimensions

    Cross-section of a hygienic breather drain showing the ePTFE membrane, airflow paths and double sealing

    Thread specification

    Thread*

    Thread L (mm)

    Length (mm)

    Spanner size

    A/P (mL/min/cm² at 7 kPa)

    M6 × 1.0

    6

    6

    14.8

    SW8/SW12

    500-1,000

    M8 × 1.0

    8

    6

    14.8

    SW10/SW14

    500-3,500

    M12 × 1.5

    12

    6

    14.8

    SW14/SW18

    500-3,500

    M16 × 1.5

    16

    7

    15.8

    SW18/SW22

    500-3,500

    M20 × 1.5

    20

    8

    16.8

    SW22/SW24

    500-3,500

    M24 × 1.5

    24

    8

    16.8

    SW24/SW28

    500-3,500

    Technical Data

    Cap and threaded body: AISI 316L stainless steel / EN 1.4404

    Cap finish: Polished stainless steel

    Sealing rings and sealing washer: Blue HNBR; hardness 85 ± 5 Shore A

    Membrane: White expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)

    Assembly operating temperature: -25 °C to +150 °C

    HNBR temperature range: -25 °C to +150 °C

    Membrane material temperature range: -40 °C to +150 °C

    Protection rating: IP67

    Membrane air permeability: See the size table for values at 7 kPa

    Select the complete assembly for the operating and cleaning conditions. The membrane material temperature range does not extend the assembly's lower temperature limit.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between HNBR and EPDM seals?

    HNBR: High mechanical strength and good resistance to oil, heat, wear, ozone, and ageing. Well suited to demanding sealing applications involving oils and lubricants.

    EPDM: Excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, hot water, and steam, with good flexibility at low temperatures. Generally unsuitable for petroleum-based oils and fuels.

    Based on our market observations, HNBR seals are common in food-processing equipment and EPDM seals in pharmaceutical equipment. For other applications, contact us to confirm the suitable material.

    How the ePTFE Membrane Works

    Temperature changes can create a pressure difference between a closed equipment enclosure and the surrounding air. A microporous ePTFE membrane allows gas exchange to help balance this difference while forming a barrier to liquid water and dust. The sectional view shows the membrane and double-sealing arrangement. Required airflow depends on the enclosure volume and how quickly its temperature and pressure change.

    Does IP67 mean the breather can withstand high-pressure washdown?

    IP67 does not establish resistance to high-pressure jets or steam cleaning. Provide the cleaning pressure, temperature, chemicals and exposure conditions so that suitability can be reviewed for your installation.

    Is the listed air permeability the airflow through one complete breather?

    No. The values are expressed per square centimetre of membrane at a pressure difference of 7 kPa. M6 is listed at 500-1,000 mL/min/cm²; the other sizes are listed at 500-3,500 mL/min/cm². Complete-breather airflow must be confirmed for the selected size.

    Will a breather eliminate condensation?

    Venting may help reduce moisture accumulation, but it does not guarantee a condensation-free enclosure. Results depend on humidity, temperature changes and the enclosure design.

    Does this product drain liquid condensate?

    This product is specified for pressure equalization. Liquid-condensate drainage is not specified. If your enclosure needs drainage, include that requirement in your enquiry so a suitable solution can be evaluated.

    Typical Applications


    Consider this stainless steel pressure equalization vent for equipment housings where a cleanable exterior is required, including:

    •     ●Control and electrical enclosures on food and beverage machinery
    •     ●Equipment housings in pharmaceutical production and packaging areas
    •     ●Lighting, sensor and stainless steel control cabinetin hygiene-sensitive environments

    Confirm the mounting location and cleaning conditions for each application. This enclosure vent is not specified as a sterile process-gas filter or a safety pressure-relief valve.