In the oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, and energy industries, breather valves (Pressure/Vacuum Relief Valves, PVRVs) are essential to ensure the safe operation of storage tanks. These devices balance tank pressure during liquid level or temperature changes, preventing damage from overpressure or vacuum, and reducing vapor emissions.
German manufacturer PROTEGO has long been considered the industry benchmark. However, in 2025, procurement teams, engineers, and EPC contractors are increasingly evaluating alternative global manufacturers, such as Groth, Shand & Jurs, Motherwell Tank Protection, BS&B, and China’s THINKTANK.
This article compares PROTEGO with five alternative manufacturers in terms of applications, standards, and certifications, helping you make the right choice in 2025.
📊 Breather Valve Brand Comparison (2025)
| Brand | Key Products | Applications (per official website) | Standards/Certifications (per official website) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROTEGO (Germany) | PV/EB, VD/SV-EB (with integrated flame arrester) | Tank venting; refinery & chemical tanks; biogas, landfill & sewage gas systems | Flame arresting, endurance burning; suitable for end-of-line or inline use |
| Groth (USA) | 12E-TWW-0, 12F-TWW-0, 88E-HWW-C (valve + flame arrester combo) | Oil & gas, refining and petrochemical tank facilities | Meets/exceeds API 2000; PED & ATEX certified |
| Shand & Jurs (L&J, USA) | 94020 Conservation Vent (P/V valve) | Chemical, petroleum, petrochemical, wastewater storage tanks | Sizing/selection based on API 2000 / ISO 28300 |
| Motherwell Tank Protection (UK) | Spring-loaded P/V Relief Valve | LNG tanks, floating roof tank covers | ATEX certified |
| BS&B (Ireland/USA) | Model 944 P/V Vent, 937-E (with flame arrester) | Normal and emergency venting of tanks and vessels | API 2000 / EN ISO 28300; ATEX certificate IBExU14ATEX1244 X |
| THINKTANK (China) | TT7100/8100, TT7120/8120, TT7130/8130, TT7140/8140, TT1200 Flame Arrester | Atmospheric and low-pressure tanks; prevent overpressure/vacuum, reduce vapor loss | CE, ATEX, SIL 3, ISO 9001:2015; multiple valve technology patents |
Brand Insights
Disclaimer:
Logos are the property of their respective brands and are used here for identification and informational purposes only. Our company has no commercial agency or partnership relationship with them.
1. PROTEGO – German Premium Standard
PROTEGO valves are widely used in refinery and chemical storage tanks as well as biogas, landfill gas, and sewage gas systems. Their designs integrate flame arresters and are certified for flame arresting and endurance burning.
Ideal for high-risk applications where maximum safety is required.
2. Groth – Leading North American Tank Venting Solutions
Groth’s 12E-TWW-0 and 88E-HWW-C are designed for oil & gas and petrochemical facilities.
They meet or exceed API 2000 and carry PED & ATEX certifications, making them a trusted choice for EPC projects across North America.
3. Shand & Jurs – Specialist in High-End Tank Accessories
The 94020 Conservation Vent is a core product, serving chemical, petroleum, petrochemical, and wastewater tanks.
Sizing is based on API 2000 / ISO 28300, ensuring accurate pressure/vacuum settings for reliable tank protection.
4. Motherwell Tank Protection – European Customization Expert
MTP’s spring-loaded breather valves are explicitly used in LNG tanks and floating roof covers.
The brand emphasizes ATEX-certified designs and is well-positioned for European storage projects.
5. BS&B – Safety Through Redundancy
BS&B’s Model 944 and 937-E provide normal and emergency venting for tanks and vessels.
They comply with API 2000 / EN ISO 28300 and hold ATEX certificate IBExU14ATEX1244 X.
Well-suited for high-risk chemical and refining facilities requiring layered safety.
6. THINKTANK – Emerging Chinese Manufacturer
THINKTANK offers multiple series of breather valves (TT7100–8140) and flame arresters (TT1200). According to its official site, these are designed for atmospheric and low-pressure tanks to prevent overpressure/vacuum and minimize vapor losses.
The company is CE, SIL 3, and ISO 9001:2015 certified and holds multiple patents in valve technology.
📌 Conclusion & Buyer’s Guide
- Premium global benchmark → PROTEGO
- North American projects → Groth, Shand & Jurs
- European projects → Motherwell, BS&B
- Cost-effective + certified option → THINKTANK (China)
👉 For procurement managers and engineers, choosing the right breather valve is not only about compliance and safety but also about project cost efficiency and delivery schedules.
📞 Call to Action: If you are evaluating alternatives to PROTEGO breather valves, contact us for detailed brand comparison data & supplier quotations to support your 2025 projects.
