Screw air compressors use rotary motion to compress air, making this industrial machinery capable of continuous operation with little down time.
At the core of every machine lies two interlocking helical rotors – often referred to as male and female rotors – which work in concert to generate force.
As these rotors mesh, they decrease their relative volumes to compress air more tightly into smaller spaces while simultaneously producing heat during this process.
Cost-Effective
For heavy-duty industrial applications that demand large volumes of compressed air, rotary screw compressors offer superior combinations of durability, reliability and energy efficiency compared to many other forms of compressors – providing optimal compression at less expense than alternative options.
Rotary screw compressors utilize male and female rotors with convex lobes that mesh together without touching to compress air between them, creating an uninterrupted supply of compressed air without frequent start-up or stoppage, thus providing consistent operations without needing frequent starts-and-stops and lessening wear on your compressor.
Opting for a compressor that operates continuously at full capacity for extended periods is ideal if your air demand fluctuates frequently; while these models allow different output levels while still remaining efficient.
When purchasing a rotary screw air compressor, make sure that it fits perfectly within your facility. An undersized compressor won’t meet air needs while an oversized one wastes energy.
An oil-injected rotary screw compressor relies on oil to lubricate its compression mechanism and decrease heat buildup, helping prevent overheating while leaving trace amounts of oil carryover in compressed air. An oil-free model avoids this issue by using water instead to cool and lubricate their compressor, eliminating any chance of oil carryover into output airflow.
Rotary screw air compressors are extremely simple to maintain due to their few moving and contacting parts, and their minimalistic design. Their simplicity helps reduce wear-and-tear, extending service intervals while making routine checks and repairs quick and painless. Furthermore, oil-free models can keep production lines clean by providing clean air for production lines.
Are you ready to cut costs on air costs? Reach out to us now and receive a quote on a new rotary screw air compressor based on the airflow requirements and production processes in your business. We guarantee the perfect compressor!
Durable
Screw compressors provide businesses that rely on compressed air for an extended period of time with a reliable source. Designed to produce large amounts of PSI and CFM on an uninterrupted basis, they can power pneumatic conveyors to transport goods out of storage silos as well as run milking robots in dairy facilities.
Rotary screw compressors offer many advantages over reciprocating air compressors; for instance, they can handle high pressure and continuous duty operations without breaking down as quickly. Furthermore, these compressors tend to outlive piston air compressors – they can last up to 100,000 hours before needing repairs or replacement, which is six or eight times longer than their reciprocating counterparts.
A rotary screw air compressor works by employing two interlocking spiral-shaped rotors to compress air, housed within its housing unit – commonly referred to as an “air-end.” Each rotor features grooves or teeth which engage each other to reduce friction between them; air enters through an intake valve into this space before being compressed by means of these rotors and eventually entering its receiver tank.
Rotor blades in rotary screw air compressors are lubricated with oil to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Once compressed air has been collected into cylinders, its oil component is separated out and collected in an oil separator tank of the compressor; air filters also exist to remove moisture and oil residue from compressed air streams.
Rotary screw air compressors are relatively quiet compared to other forms of air compressors, making them easier for businesses to install near work areas without breaching noise standards. As such, these compressors make great choices for industrial settings where workplace comfort is of utmost importance.
Rotary screw air compressors are highly durable and reliable machines, able to function even under harsh weather conditions such as rain or snowfall. Their durability ensures your business will always have access to compressed air for its operations.
Energy-Efficient
Many industrial applications involving air compression require large volumes to be compressed at high pressures, often at considerable expense in energy terms. Energy-efficient designs for rotary screw air compressors can significantly decrease this energy expenditure and help users lower operating costs significantly.
An air compressor’s main components include its air-end and receiver tank. The air-end contains male and female rotors which mesh to compress the air; its control valve regulates flow into and out of it to maintain constant pressure; aftercooler is used to lower discharge air temperature while extracting moisture; additionally a moisture separator with automatic drain can ensure only dry compressed air is used during compression processes; finally a compressor motor powers its rotation of rotors at either fixed- or variable-speeds for efficient performance.
An oil-injected or oil-free rotary screw air compressor are two options available to users. An oil-injected compressor uses oil for cooling purposes as well as to lubricate its air end; any excess oil may contaminate compressed air, so an air filter is often employed to reduce this contaminant in final product. An oil-free air compressor uses no oil lubrication at all on its rotors and has an oil-free gear system – eliminating the need for an oil cooler, separator tank, and thermal valve altogether.
Some rotary screw air compressors feature heat recovery technology to recycle energy that is generated during compression, thus decreasing reliance on external energy sources for its operation and saving on energy costs while decreasing environmental impacts. This can save both money and reduce carbon footprint.
Rotary screw air compressors can become more energy-efficient by using low speed and/or slow start controls to minimize mechanical losses and save energy. Such controls enable the compressor to remain at low speeds for extended periods, increasing energy efficiency. Furthermore, pressure switch activated unloading controls enable reduced output during times of low demand.
Easy to Maintain
Rotary screw air compressors typically feature up to 70% fewer parts than piston-type models, making maintenance much simpler and reducing risks like leakage or other issues. Furthermore, their operation at lower temperatures reduces leaks or other problems and results in greater reliability over their piston counterparts and longer and more consistent operations.
A typical rotary screw air compressor comprises of two air-ends connected by an oil-lubricated gear box. Usually composed of full cast iron gears for heat resistance, its system also boasts lower energy costs and maintenance expenses while remaining quieter than piston type compressors.
Whenever selecting a rotary screw air compressor, it is crucial that it features an electric motor which meets or exceeds National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards for your application. This ensures your system will operate reliably even in heavy-duty settings.
Gear lubrication should be changed regularly in order to prevent dirt from building up in gears, which is particularly true in dirty environments like cement plants where oil becomes quickly polluted with dust and dirt. A air compressor with an automatic drain valve set on a timer may also help prevent water accumulation by opening on schedule and draining at regular intervals, saving time on maintenance by eliminating manual draining of machines.
Additionally, the drive train should be carefully examined to ensure that both its belts and tensioning systems are intact and properly tensioned and that lubricant viscosities remain within specification. Insufficient lubrication can lead to frictional forces overworking equipment which leads to poor efficiency and reduced lifecycle of equipment.
Maintaining your air compressor on an ongoing basis with regular inspection and maintenance will keep it operating at peak performance for years to come, while simultaneously minimizing repair costs and downtime. Contact CP to learn about our customizable maintenance programs; our nationwide network of factory-trained dealers can assist in one-off service visits or setting up a schedule of visits tailored specifically for your air compressor.