How do water separators work?
Water separators protect sensitive drive systems by ensuring that only clean, dry air and no water droplets enter the housing. Let’s explore how they function and why they are essential for safeguarding gear oil and transmission reliability.

Protection
The robust PA6 housing and ePTFE membrane block liquid water while allowing clean air to enter.
Airflow
Air passes through the GIEBEL HS-D opening for pressure equalization as the system breathes.
Separation
Water droplets are repelled by the hydrophobic membrane and drained away safely.
Equalization
Balanced airflow through the thread connection keeps internal pressure stable and the system protected.

FAQ zu Adsorbern im Allgemeinen.
Malfunctions & troubleshooting
Adsorption is a physical process in which atoms or molecules, known as the adsorptive, attach to the surface of a material called the adsorbent. This can take place in both gas phase and liquid phase systems, depending on whether the surrounding fluid is a gas or a liquid.
Adsorption is critical for maintaining the performance and reliability of hydraulic systems, gearboxes, barrels & IBCs, storage tanks, and transformers. It helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and improve operational efficiency.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are engineered to prevent condensation inside hydraulic systems, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, and transformers. As systems breathe during operation or temperature changes, moisture can enter and condense internally, causing corrosion, oil degradation, and system failures.
Each adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our high-performance desiccant mixture that adsorbs moisture before it can enter the system. This stops condensation at the source. With integrated particle filters, GIEBEL Adsorbers® also block contaminants, ensuring clean and dry system conditions and extending the service life of your equipment.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are used in a wide range of systems where preventing condensation and contamination is critical. These primarily include hydraulic units, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, transformers.
Any system that exchanges air with its environment is at risk of moisture entering and condensing inside. GIEBEL Adsorbers® prevent this by adsorbing moisture and filtering particles before they can enter the system, making them essential for maintaining reliability and extending the service life of equipment across many industries.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh environments and provide long-lasting protection. Each unit includes a durable housing, which can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic depending on the application. Inside, the adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our desiccant mixture that effectively adsorbs moisture from the air.
To ensure complete system protection, every adsorber also includes integrated particle filters that block dust and contaminants. Depending on the model, optional accessories can be attached to meet specific system requirements. Every component is selected to deliver reliable performance and keep systems clean and dry.
GIEBEL offers both rechargeable and disposable adsorbers, each with a different approach to maintenance.
Rechargeable adsorbers can be serviced when the desiccant becomes saturated, as indicated by the color change of GIEBEL Xdry® from orange to green. These units are designed to be opened and refilled with fresh desiccant, and many models are supported with spare part kits containing replacement seals, filters, and other components to ensure full restoration of performance.
Disposable adsorbers are replaced entirely once the desiccant is saturated. GIEBEL Xdry ® does not contain cobalt dichloride or other toxic substances, making our disposable units safe to handle and environmentally friendly during disposal.
Regularly monitoring the desiccant color and replacing or servicing the adsorber as needed ensures continuous protection from condensation and contamination across all applications.
We care about you & your machinery!
Rückruf anfordernMore than 16,000 companys trust GIEBEL Adsorbers® to keep their plants dry and clean.
Every year, our aeration dryers keep around 13,200 liters of water out of machines and storage tanks - to prevent them from being damaged.
Annually, our oil mist separators capture around 900 liters of oil in the form of aerosols - to protect people and the environment.