ÖWAMAT oil-water separators – separating oil from condensate

No electricity needed

The ÖWAMAT oil-water separator from the German manufacturer BEKO separates oil from the condensate of compressors with a capacity of 1.4 to 4.9 m³/min. The condensate settles in the container and flows through the two-stage OEKOSORB filter element – the water flowing out contains no more than 20 mg/l of oil.

The separator works without electricity, purely by gravity. You can check the quality of the outflowing water visually: compare a sample from the service valve with the reference turbidity tube included in the delivery. Condensate from an oil-lubricated compressor must not go into the sewer untreated; whether the purified water may be discharged is decided by the sewer operator.

What ÖWAMAT separators offer

• two-stage OEKOSORB filter element: prefilter and main filter in one
• they work without electricity, the condensate flows by gravity
• the pressure relief chamber separates out the air and the condensate settles in the container
• visual water check – a sample against the reference turbidity tube
• condensate inlet up to 16 bar from two drains at once
• the ÖWAMAT 11 has a level indicator that shows when to replace the filter
• container made of recyclable polyethylene, for wall or floor mounting
• no need to have all the condensate taken away for disposal – you only dispose of the used filter element
• DIBt Z-83.5-9 approval (German Institute for Building Technology)

Sizes of ÖWAMAT separators

The capacity applies to the manufacturer’s reference conditions: 30 °C, 70 % relative humidity, 7 bar pressure, screw compressor. Choose the size according to the capacity of all compressors whose condensate flows into the separator.

When to choose ÖWAMAT and when WOS or WOSM separators

ÖWAMAT is suitable for compressors from 1.4 to 4.9 m³/min if you want a large condensate reserve in the container and a visual water check without any other aids. For small compressors up to 2.23 m³/min there are the cartridge-type WOSM separators; for capacities above 4.9 m³/min and compressor rooms with several machines, WOS separators up to 35.5 m³/min.

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How the ÖWAMAT separator works

1. [A] The condensate flows through the G½ hose connection into the pressure relief chamber [7]. The air in the condensate escapes at the top through the cover and the condensate settles.
2. [3] The feed pipe guides the condensate down into the OEKOSORB filter element [6] without turbulence.
3. The condensate flows through the prefilter and the main filter of the element. The filter material binds the oil, the water passes through.
4. [8] The purified water rises through the riser duct and flows out through the outlet [B]. The oil stays in the element.
5. [C] Use the service valve to take a water sample for the turbidity test. [15] On the ÖWAMAT 11, the level indicator shows that the element is clogged.

Capacity and operating conditions

The capacity in the table applies to 30 °C, 70 % relative humidity, 7 bar pressure, a pressure dew point of +3 °C and a screw compressor with VDL oil and an oil carry-over of 4 mg/m³. A warm, humid environment produces more condensate, so the separator can then handle a smaller compressor. With synthetic oils the capacity may differ – the manufacturer recommends having a condensate sample tested.

OEKOSORB filter element

The OEKOSORB element has two stages – a prefilter and a main filter. According to the manufacturer, it binds several times more oil than activated carbon. The replacement kit contains the filter element and the filter mat.

Replace the element as soon as the first of these situations occurs:

• the turbidity test fails – the sample is more turbid than the reference tube
• on the ÖWAMAT 11, the red marking appears in the level indicator
• the calculated service life of the element, based on compressor operation, has elapsed
• after 12 months at the latest

Checking the purified water

• once a week, take a water sample from the service valve and compare it with the reference turbidity tube
• the tube corresponds to 20 mg/l of oil; the manufacturer also supplies tubes for 10 and 5 mg/l
• record the result in the operating log and at the same time check that nothing has damaged the separator
• have expert maintenance carried out every 6 months; clean the container once a year and at every element replacement

Installation and operation

• install the separator indoors, protected from frost and direct sunlight
• operating temperature of the condensate and surroundings +5 to +60 °C, ambient relative humidity max. 80 %
• feed the condensate through up to 2 G½ inlets (hose ⌀ 10 mm), inlet pressure max. 16 bar – ideally from level-controlled drains that do not stir up the condensate
• the purified water drains by gravity through a ⌀ 10 mm hose; before first start-up, fill the separator with clean tap water
• the separator is only intended for condensate from compressors with dispersed oil; it does not separate a stable emulsion (milky condensate that does not separate even after a long time)

Technical data of ÖWAMAT separators

How do I know that the filter element is exhausted?

From the turbidity test: compare a sample from the service valve with the reference tube. If it is more turbid, replace the element. The ÖWAMAT 11 also shows this with the red marking of the level indicator. Replace the element after 12 months at the latest.

Does the ÖWAMAT need electricity?

No. The condensate flows through by gravity. Only the optional ÖWAMAT 11 accessories need electricity – the alarm sensor for the level indicator and the frost protection heating.

May I discharge the purified water into the sewer?

ÖWAMAT purifies the condensate to an oil content of no more than 20 mg/l and has the German DIBt approval. Whether you may discharge the water is decided by the sewer operator or by local regulations – please check this.

Can the ÖWAMAT handle condensate containing synthetic oil?

Yes, as long as the oil in the condensate is dispersed and does not form a stable emulsion. The capacity may differ – the manufacturer recommends having a condensate sample tested.

What if my compressor is larger than 4.9 m³/min?

For higher capacities there are WOS separators up to 35.5 m³/min. The size is always chosen according to the total capacity of the compressors whose condensate flows into the separator.

Technical data according to the manufacturer BEKO. The capacity applies to the reference conditions of 30 °C, 70 % relative humidity and 7 bar.

You will find other separators in the oil-water separators category.