Rotary screw compressors are known for their efficiency, low-energy consumption, and exceptional durability. While piston air compressors are also highly sought after, the screw air compressor’s ability to operate non-stop makes it ideal for heavy-duty, industrial applications.
Once you have decided to go ahead with rotary screw compressors, you must choose the right model. The market is replete with models from different brands, featuring different functionalities, and made in varying sizes.
Without the right knowledge, you might make the wrong decision. In this blog, we list what you must know to choose the right rotary screw compressors. Before that, we explain what exactly a rotary screw compressor is.
What Is A Rotary Screw Compressor?
Piston compressors, also known as reciprocating compressors, work on the principles of positive displacement. However, the piston compressor is limited by its duty cycle. Meaning, they need to cool off for a certain period to ensure uninterrupted operations.
While reciprocating compressors use crankshaft-attached pistons to draw atmospheric air, screw air compressors rely on two helical screws to draw air to the tank.
The interlocking screws reduce the air volume, resulting in increased, sustained air pressure. Here are some factors that make the rotary screw compressor ideal for you.
- Smaller footprint, making it ideal for facilities of all sizes
- Less noise and vibration for calm, stress-free operations
- No cool-down period, ensuring continuous operations
- Longevity is designed to last for 10 to 15 years
Factors To Look For In Rotary Screw Compressors
Choosing the right capacity
A crucial factor to consider when buying rotary screw compressors is the capacity. There are two major metrics to consider in capacity: volume and pressure. The former is measured in Cubic Feet Per Minute (cfm), the latter is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
The volume means the capacity of the air compressor, i.e., the amount of compressed air it can hold. On the other hand, the pressure reflects the force with which the air is discharged to the end-use tools. It is important to get both factors right to ensure optimal results. |
Choosing the right size
An air compressor must be strategically placed to ensure maximum results. It needs enough space around it to ensure optimal airflow, ventilation, and efficiency. Here are the factors that determine which compressor size you must get:
-Clearance around the compressor for maintenance accessibility
-The floor space
-Noise consideration
-Ambient temperature
Energy Efficiency
Screw air compressors are available in three main drive types, namely variable, dual, and fixed-speed. If energy efficiency is a key factor influencing your purchasing decision, understanding how these drives operate is crucial.
VSD screw air compressors are among the most energy-efficient rotary screw compressors in the market. These compressors automatically adjust motor speed to match real-time demands. The result? Less leakage, less power consumption, and maximum performance efficiency.
Fixed drive air compressors, as the name suggests, operate at full capacity, irrespective of the air demand. While this makes sense for industries demanding continuous compressed air supply, it becomes costly for small businesses with intermittent needs.
Dual-speed variable drive compressors operate in two modes: maximum and minimum output. Much like fixed drive air compressors, they operate at the highest efficiency level when the demand is high. When the demand is low and the compressor is idle, it operates at a minimum speed to save energy.
While they are better than fixed-speed models, they significantly lag behind VSD compressors in energy efficiency.
Conclusion
The right rotary screw compressor will boost operations efficiency, save energy, and eliminate downtime. SL Engineering’s Pneumark brand features a wide range of rotary screw compressors in different volume and pressure capacities.
You can trust them for the best air compressor in WA. The Pneumark Magnet Motor, Variable Speed, Inverter Screw Air Compressor Series is SL Engineering’s latest in energy-efficient and cost-saving air compressor technology.