Why Does Condensation Form in Compressed Air Systems?
When air is compressed, its temperature rises. As the air cools down again, moisture condenses. This condensate is unavoidable and often contains not just water, but also oil, rust, and dirt particles. If not removed, it can cause corrosion, damage to equipment, contamination of products, and costly downtime.
Why Draining Condensate Is Essential
Removing condensate is critical for:
- Protecting compressed air equipment from corrosion.
- Preventing contamination of tools, processes, and end products.
- Ensuring compliance with environmental and quality standards.
- Reducing the risk of breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
Traditionally, many systems use manual or timer-controlled drains. While these seem simple, they often release large volumes of compressed air along with the condensate — which is essentially money and energy going down the drain.
The Hidden Cost of Traditional Condensate Drains
With a timer drain, the valve opens whether or not condensate is present. This means compressed air escapes every cycle. Since producing compressed air is energy-intensive, wasted air translates directly into wasted energy, higher electricity bills, and unnecessary CO₂ emissions.
By switching to a no-loss condensate drain, operators can cut these hidden losses significantly.
How the BEKOMAT Works – Zero Loss, Maximum Efficiency
The BEKOMAT condensate drain uses:
- A capacitive sensor to detect condensate levels.
- Smart electronic control that opens the valve only when required.
- A pilot-controlled solenoid valve with a special diaphragm that discharges only liquid — never compressed air.
This ensures:
- No compressed air loss → lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint.
- Outstanding reliability → proven technology with over 5 million units installed worldwide.
- Minimal maintenance → robust design with no delicate mechanical components.
Which BEKOMAT Model Is Right for You?
BEKO TECHNOLOGIES offers a full range of BEKOMAT drains to suit every application:
- For compressors, refrigeration dryers, and filters.
- Reliable, corrosion-resistant aluminium housing.
- Available in hard-coated versions for oil-free or aggressive condensates.
- Pressure ranges up to 63 bar.
- Ideal for filters, water separators, and smaller compressors.
- BEKOMAT 20 FM includes integrated filter monitoring.
- Simple, cost-effective solution for compact systems.
- Designed for fast servicing with quick-change service units.
- Suitable for oil-contaminated or oil-free aggressive condensates.
- Compact and robust, with IP67 protection.
- High-pressure models (up to 63 bar).
- Explosion-proof ATEX variants for hazardous areas.
- Large-capacity drains for refineries, petrochemicals, and heavy industry.
- VACU models for condensate removal in vacuum systems.
BEKOMAT Model Comparison Table
| Model | Typical Applications | Capacity Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEKOMAT 12 / 13 / 14 / 16 | Compressors, refrigeration dryers, filters | 8 – 1700 m³/min (depending on model) | Aluminium housing, optional hard-coated for oil-free/aggressive condensates, reliable up to 63 bar |
| BEKOMAT 20 / 20 FM | Filters, water separators, small compressors | Up to 5 m³/min compressor capacity | Compact design, 20 FM includes filter monitoring, simple installation |
| BEKOMAT 31U / 32U / 33U | Medium-size compressors, dryers, filters | 3 – 12 m³/min compressor capacity | Quick-change service unit for easy maintenance, IP67 protection, suitable for oil-free/aggressive condensates |
| BEKOMAT 03 / 06 | High-pressure, multi-stage, turbo compressors | Up to PN63 pressure | Stainless steel or ATEX versions available, idle load/low-pressure variants |
| BEKOMAT 08 / 09 | Large compressors, refineries, petrochemicals | >3,000 m³/min discharge | Heavy-duty stainless steel, designed for very high condensate volumes |
| BEKOMAT 15 / 16 VACU | Vacuum systems, process engineering | 0.1 – 1.8 bar (vacuum operation) | Special pilot valve, reliable condensate removal in negative pressure conditions |
Why Choose BEKOMAT?
- Eliminates hidden energy costs from air loss.
- Reliable operation proven in millions of installations worldwide.
- Long service life, even under harsh conditions.
- Suitable for every system size and condensate type.
- Easy integration into existing compressed air systems.
Your Partner in Australia
As official representatives of BEKO TECHNOLOGIES in Australia for over four decades, we supply the full BEKOMAT range and provide expert advice to help you choose the right model.
Contact us today for expert consultation tailored to your compressed air system