Condensate Drains

Whenever compressed air is generated condensate is produced. Condensate is a an acidic liquid emulsion consisting of lubricating oil from the compressor, condensed water vapour, dirt particles and metal particles from wearing of mechanical components in the compressor.

If condensate is not removed from the compressed air system it will have an adverse impact on process equipment and tools causing corrosion of pipework and receiver vessels, possibly blocking valves and causing sensitive air controlled instrumentation to malfunction. These problems can be expensive to repair and can lead to loss of process and production. Failure to remove condensate efficiently also puts a strain on air dryers and purification equipment increasing maintenance frequency and cost.

In addition compressor condensate contains up to 5% oil and can't be discharged to the environment without purification

Traditional Condensate Drains Waste Energy

Traditionally design engineers have specified manual valves or time controlled solenoid drains as a solution for removal of condensate from compressors, receivers and filter housings. These solutions do work however the manual valves require a strict maintenance regime and they  often become a forgotten part of the process leading to build up of condensate. Both manual valve and time controlled solenoid valves lose compressed air when the condensate is drained off and over the life cycle of the compressed air system the cost of the wasted compressed air can become significant.

Zero Loss Condensate Drains Reduce Operating Cost

Safewell supplies the full range of Donaldson Ultramat UFM-T condensate drain valves. These valves are zero loss drains which means that they do not waste compressed air when operating and therefore conserve energy and reduce operating costs. Typical payback is less than six months.

The UFM-T range is a compact design in a range of sizes to suit standard compressor capacities.