Screw compressors are used for a variety of applications. They are a tried and tested compressor type which is reliable and efficient.
kapa Product Page
However, there are other compressor designs available on the market. Some of those will be better suited to specific situations. BOGE offers a wide selection of all compressor types, but which one is best for you?
In this article, we are going to explore the pros and cons of the screw compressor ' one of the most popular compressor types on the market. In doing so, we will highlight where screw compressors are best used and where other compressor designs are more desirable.
A screw compressor is a piece of equipment that produces compressed air. It does this through positive displacement. This simply means that pressure is created inside of the compressor, pushing air out of the outlet valve on the other side. The resulting air is then used to power tools and other equipment.
Screw compressors are also known as rotary compressors. This is because they use a rotating screw system that creates pressure differences between the screw's threads, resulting in a flow of compressed air.
Screw compressors have a number of advantages over other compressor designs. For example, reciprocating or piston compressors use an up and down/motion to create pressure. However, when a piston is going through a down stroke movement, this expends energy without adding to the compressed air flow. Screw compressors use a shaft rotation, which means that all movement contributes to the compression of air. This is more efficient, producing pressure at a reduced cost.
Other advantages include:
Although screw compressors are brilliant for some applications (which we will discuss below), they do have some disadvantages. These include:
Taking the pros and cons into consideration, when should you opt for a screw compressor? The truth is, it depends on your specific needs. In general, screw compressors are a great option for industrial applications, especially considering their ability to run continually. This is why BOGE screw compressors are the workhorses of industry.
Our new S4 range of screw compressors takes these advantages and pushes them further, with phenomenal performance in mining, paint shop, and metal working environments, as well as in the oil and gas industry.
BOGE Singapore offers a wide selection of screw compressors to the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. With cutting edge technology, low maintenance costs, and ease-of-use, our screw compressors lead the way in terms of both efficiency and power. If you would like to learn more about our line of screw compressors, one of our trained advisors is waiting to answer any of your questions, today.
Published: 05/04/
It can be difficult to find the right air compressor for your application so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the different types helps to find the correct air compressor.
Rotary screw air compressors, or Screw compressors, are a common type of air compressor so let's have a look at the pros and cons of this type of compressor.
What is a rotary air compressor?
Rotary screw air compressors are a newer and improved type of air compressor when compared to others such as reciprocating air compressors. These compressors work using positive displacement, with rotary movements inside used to compress the air. Inside the compressor is a male and female rotor which rotate in opposite directions. As the air flows along the rotors, the air is compressed as the space between the rotors decreases. This reduction in volume provides compressed air which can then be used for the relevant application.
Advantages of rotary screw air compressors
The company is the world’s best Permanent Magnet Screw Compressor, supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Screw air compressors provide a number of advantages which is what makes them a popular choice across a wide range of applications and industries.
Durable and long lasting
Rotary screw air compressors have a reputation for their long lifespan which is often much longer than other air compressors. If you buy a rotary screw air compressor, you can expect a typical lifespan of around 60,000 to 80,000 hours with little to no capacity reduction.
Quiet operation
Unlike many other air compressors, screw air compressors are known for their quiet operations so this is important to consider if your application requires a quieter air compressor.
This is a huge contrast to other compressors that make a thud sound due to the action of the piston for the compression process. As screw compressors do not contain a piston operating system, this noise is completely removed.
High demand capabilities
Unlike reciprocating air compressors, rotary screw compressors can operate continuously. This means there is no need to turn the air compressor off so the pistons can rest and cool and there's no need to wait for an air receiver tank to fill before you can start using the air.
Screw compressors can run all day without wearing out any critical components and they run at a lower temperature so overheating is not a problem. This is significant to consider if your application requires a steady stream of air.
It also means that a rotary screw compressor will have no problem with meeting consistently high demand.
Energy efficient
Screw air compressors are more energy efficient than other types of air compressor and they generate much less heat too.
Cleaner air
The male and female rotating screws within the compressor are effective at sealing in lubricating oil which means there is very little oil carried into the end product. This results in cleaner and drier air which makes these compressors much better for application requiring low air moisture and low oil particulate.
Range of applications
These compressors are perfect for a range of applications including:
Heavy-duty industrial applications
Manufacturing facilities
Autobody and auto repair shops
Within these applications, production often requires the continual use of multiple tools at the same time and a screw air compressor is the best compressor to meet these needs.
Disadvantages of rotary screw air compressors
Whilst rotary screw air compressors have a range of advantages, it's also important to consider the disadvantages to make sure the compressor you choose fits within your budget and your application.
High initial cost
Rotary screw air compressors often come with a high price tag which is why many people prefer to opt for a reciprocating air compressor instead. The key reason for such a big difference in price is that screw air compressors are more durable and have a much longer lifespan.
Despite being twice the cost of other compressors, they also last four times as long and produce more air. This makes them the perfect investment if you need to use compressed air over the long term for your business.
Specialised maintenance required
Every air compressor requires servicing on a regular basis but the nature of screw compressors needs a higher level of expertise. Rotary screw compressors have a more complex system inside than other compressors so maintenance will need to be performed by an expert maintenance person or someone who is highly skilled with air compressors.
At Air Supply, we provide regular servicing and our reliable team of service technicians can help you make sure your compressor is kept in the best condition.
If you'd like more information on how a rotary screw air compressor could benefit your application, please contact our expert team.
You may also be interested in some of our other blogs:
Want more information on Laser Air Compressor? Feel free to contact us.