When it comes to powering your industrial operations, choosing the right air compressor is crucial. With various types of industrial air compressors available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your business. The type of compressor you choose will directly impact efficiency, energy consumption, and overall productivity.
By understanding the differences between common industrial air compressors, you can select the one that best aligns with your operational requirements, ensuring that your investment delivers optimal performance. You can be sure that you’ll have the right one for your industry and your business.
Rotary Screw
A rotary screw air compressor works through two internal screws rotating in opposite directions. This traps and compresses air between them. Rotary screw compressors come equipped with an internal cooling system and require a low level of maintenance. They are used across a wide range of applications in industrial work. They can be used for continuous work, because of their internal cooling system.
Rotary screw air compressors can be lubricated with oil, or used oil free, depending on the needs of the application. They are an excellent choice when large volumes of compressed air are necessary, such as for larger tools.
Rotary screw compressors are commonly used in:
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Food and Beverage
- Construction
- Pharmaceutical
Reciprocating Air Compressors
Reciprocating air compressors use pistons controlled by a crankshaft to achieve high pressure. As air or gas enters the device, it’s driven in a reciprocated motion via the crankshaft and then discharged from the device. Reciprocating air compressors commonly achieve up to 5,000 PSIG pressures.
These compressors are commonly used in oil refineries, gas pipelines, offshore platforms, or refrigeration plants. Reciprocating air compressors are ideal in situations that require high pressure.
Reciprocating compressors are commonly used in:
- Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage
- Oil & Gas
- Refrigeration and HVAC
Rotary Vane
Rotary Vane air compressors became a popular choice because they can produce high volumes of compressed air without expending much energy. They are another ideal choice for businesses that require a high volume of compressed air with reduced energy costs. They have less downtime and more productivity for your business. Rotary vane compressors are compact and engineered to meet exacting specifications.
Rotary screw compressors are commonly used in:
Rotary Scroll
A rotary scroll air compressor uses two spiral-shaped scrolls with one fixed, and one moving in an orbit to compress air. As the air is compressed it is discharged through a port in the housing. This compressor has a continuous and smooth process with very little vibration.
A rotary scroll compressor works well when a steady flow of compressed air is needed. Some typical industries that use rotary scroll compressors include electronics manufacturing, medical equipment, and food and beverage. They are an efficient and reliable choice.
Rotary scroll compressors are commonly used in:
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- HVAC and Refrigeration
Oil-Lubricated, Oil-Free And Oil-Less Air Compressors
The main difference between these compressors is the lubrication, sealing, and cooling of components in the machine as it’s working. Oil-lubricated compressors have oil in the compression chamber to cool the compressor and increase its efficiency.
Oil-free compressors only use oil to lubricate bearings and gears, but the oil does not come near the compressed air flow. This means that the compressed air is free from any oil contamination, a valuable feature for many industrial processes.
Oil-less compressors do not use any oil within the compressor whatsoever. The bearings are permanently lubricated so they do not rely on an external lubricant.
Oil-free compressors are commonly used in:
Select The Right Air Compressor For Your Industrial Operations
Air compressors are a vital part of industrial production and the backbone of your business. It’s important to select a compressor that streamlines efficiency and keeps your energy use optimized.
Contact our team at Compressor Services to find out more about the types of industrial air compressors and which is right for you.
