FAQ Capillary Mats

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How does the capillary tube technology work?

At the heart of the BEKA capillary tube principle is a closed system of thin tubes. Just like blood vessels are located directly under human skin, the capillary tube mats are located just under the surface of walls, floors and ceilings. Cool or hot water flows through the network and supplies the rooms with pleasant temperatures.
In the same way that blood circulation gives life to people, BEKA capillary mats give thermal life to buildings.

Which capacity do radiant cooling ceilings with capillary mats reach?

Always sufficiently enough! In standard installations the following capacities are reached (values tested according to DIN 4715):

plaster ceiling:  88,8 W/m²
plasterboard ceiling:  73 W/m²
metal cassette ceiling:  91,4 W/m²

In the end, the engineer always chooses the right cooling ceiling type in a concrete project considering the actual cooling capacity requirements and ceiling construction.

What can I do to reach more cooling capacity?

Even more cooling capacity? No problem! Only the ceiling construction and temperature difference ΔΤ between average water temperature and room temperature affect the cooling capacity of a radiant cooling ceiling. Besides raising ΔΤ, also the convective capacity of the ceiling can be raised by forced or artificially controlled convection. Higher convection can be reached for example by open ceilings or floating ceiling panels.
In this way, cooling capacities of up to 180 W/m² are possible.

Can I use a cooling ceiling system also for radiant heating?

Naturally, a capillary tube system can also be used for radiant heating! Instead of cool water, you only send warm water through the surfaces activated by capillary mats.

With what water temperatures does the capillary tube system work for radiant heating?

28°C will usually suffice. The tight tube registers of a capillary mat provide a very large radiant heat transfer surface. This enables a sufficient heat supply already with low flow temperatures.

What is the maximum operation temperature for capillary mats?

In standard operation, a capillary tube mat can be operated with temperatures of up to 70°C, according to the type of mat. Higher temperatures reduce durability of the capillary tube system!

What durability does the capillary tube system have?

50 years and longer – standard operation conditions for radiant heating and cooling provided.

What kind of fluid is used?

Pure drinking water serves as medium.
Only special applications with working temperatures below zero require antifreeze.