Not Sure What A Rotary Screw Compressor is?
Rotary screw compressors are mainly used in industrial units to provide compressed air. Among a variety of other uses, compressed air from the rotary screw compressor is often used to power air tools and inflate large vehicle tires.
Just two decades earlier, piston air compressors were often used for most industrial projects. These air compressors would push air into the small space before collecting it in a small tank. However, newer industrial units required more powerful tools that could offer stable compressed air. As a result, rotary screw compressors have become the top choice in the industry.
What is a Rotary Screw Compressor?
These types of compressors trap air between two meshed rotors. The volume of the trapped air is significantly reduced as it passes through the rotors. This reduced volume is the compressed air used to power up and inflate different types of items.
Oil-Injected and Oil-Free Rotary Screw Compressor
Nowadays, there are mainly two types of rotary screw compressors: oil-injected and oil-free. As the name suggests, oil-injected rotary screw compressors are injected with oil to lubricate the rotors. Oil lubrication allows the rotors to produce high pressure within a concise duration of time. As the pressure is maintained for an extended period, such systems inflate large tires of trucks and vans. At the end of the cycle, the oil is removed from the compressed air and recycled back into the system. The oil-injected rotary system is ideal for providing compressed air where a minute amount of oil contamination is not a big issue.
On the other hand, industrial units and medical devices use oil-free screw compressors because oil can contaminate the appliance. In such instances, it may take longer to produce the desired pressure because the compressor uses 2-stages of compression instead of a single-stage used in the oil-injected version. Usually, oil-free rotary screw compressors are more expansive than oil-injected compressors.
According to recent research reports, the demand for oil-free and oiled rotary screw compressors will continue to rise shortly at a constant rate of nearly 4.5%, reaching $12,634 Million by 2023.
How Does the Air Compression Cycle Work?
It’s important to remember that a rotary screw compressor consists of an air unit and an oil unit, which works concurrently to provide compressed air. As the atmospheric air enters the compressor, the end goal is to provide oil-free compressed air. While the air unit works on compressing the air, the oil unit helps circulate, filter, and recycle it.
In the first step, the atmospheric air enters the compressor through the inlet valve. The system pressure line and the regulator sets up the intended pressure. In the next stage, the air is mixed with the oil, which then enters the primary oil separator tank that separates oil from the air. Afterward, the air enters another separation filter, which catches the remaining oil mist.
At this point, the oil-free air exits the system. If the system uses an air receiver tank, the air is collected in the tank and cooled down before moving through an air filter. The air filter catches the remaining debris before sending the recycled oil to the air end.
What Are the Advantages Of a Rotary Screw Compressor?
The rotary screw compressor is used in a variety of industrial applications and transport vehicles. It’s popular because it can quickly compress air without waiting for the air receiver tank to fill. Unlike traditional compressors, it can also provide high pressure for a very long duration.
The rotary screw compressor’s reliability is also well-known because it can often outlast the vehicle or the industrial appliance it’s used for. Due to its reliable nature, you can expect a limited warranty on parts.
Compared to other types of traditional industrial air compressors, here are some of the distinct advantages:
- A rotary screw compressor can pump a tremendous amount of air for a long duration.
- The machine is more efficient due to the higher CFM per hp.
- The system can offer continuous airflow without any pause.
- A well-maintained rotary screw compressor can last many years.
- Unlike traditional air compressors, it operates quietly without creating a lot of noise.
Once you’re ready to shop, you will find a lot of different options in the market. Depending on your specific needs, these compressors can be mounted inside a vehicle enabling the driver to start them using the engine power. Larger vehicles and vans operating in rough terrain can also integrate larger compressors weighing over 150 pounds.
Similarly, factories often use diesel-powered compressors. Sometimes, the rotary screw compressor is integrated into a larger system, which includes backup generators. Hospitals also use a medical-grade air compressor to deliver high-quality compressed air keeping the patient safe during surgery or through the ventilator.
If you’re still not sure what is a rotary screw compressor, seek expert advice. Air Power Equipment Company in Oklahoma City (OKC), is the leading source for new air compressor sales and used air compressor sales throughout the country. We specialize in rotary screw air compressor sales and reciprocal air compressor sales. Air Power Equipment Company is also the best source for air compressor service and air compressor parts in Oklahoma. If you are looking for new air compressors, used air compressors, air compressor parts, or air compressor service call Air Power Equipment Company OKC. We are experts with all brands of air compressor equipment and we are a stocking distributor of air compressor brands like FS Curtis Air Compressors, Champion Air Compressors, Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors, Kellogg Air Compressors, American Air Compressors, Quincy Compressor and many more. Call us at (405) 445-1216 – we have what you need, and at the best price you will find.