The Guide: Rotary Screw Air Compressor
Rotary Screw Air Compressor applications range from chemical plants to oil and gas refineries and various on-shore and off-shore gas injection applications.
The application of a Rotary Screw Air Compressor leads to a pressure rise by incorporating velocity into a fluid flow. This velocity is then transformed into an increase in static pressure. The device achieves this by interfering with the flow and reducing it down with the help of a diffuser.
The diffuser of the Rotary Screw Air Compressor converts the maximum portion of the flowing air velocity into static pressure.
Centrifugal Air Compressor VS Rotary Screw
Before you purchase an air compressor for your needs, make sure you go through enough resources highlighting centrifugal vs screw air compressors, as it will help you have a better idea of how these tools work.
Rotary screw air compressors, as their name suggests, work with rotation. The rotary screw is responsible for air compression. Notably, rotary screw air compressors are less complex than reciprocating compressors. You can get a better idea of this when you compare rotary screw diagrams with centrifugal compressor diagrams.
While centrifugal air compressors work differently than rotary compressors, they more or less offer similar results. What makes centrifugal air compressors a good choice is they are more efficient and it is also easier to customize them.
How do Rotary Screw Air Compressor work?
Rotary Screw Air Compressor working revolves around converting the energy utilizing multiple steps of compressing and cooling the air. In a Rotary Screw Air Compressor, the pressure developed depends on the continuous conversion of angular momentum.
The application of Rotary Screw Air Compressor leads to large volumes of refrigerant and that too on low pressure. In a Rotary Screw Air Compressor, the pressure ratio is increased by the tip speed of the blade.
Rotary Screw Air Compressor Efficiency
Air compressor efficiency depends on many factors, including the size and type of air compressors. As a general rule, Rotary Screw Air Compressor efficiency hovers between 0.70-0.85, while it lies anywhere between 0.65-0.75 for rotary air compressors.
Types of Rotary Screw Air Compressor
Different types of Rotary Screw Air Compressor are available in the market, including single-stage compressors, multistage Rotary compressors, small Rotary air compressors, etc. We’re going to discuss a few of them down below.
Single Stage Rotary Compressor
Single-stage compressors are among the most popular Rotary-type air compressors that come with a single impeller. The purpose of the impeller is to direct the flow of air. This type of Rotary air compressor also includes a diffuser and guide vanes.
Prominent single-stage Rotary air compressor examples include over-hung compressors, integrally geared compressors, and more.
Multi-Stage Rotary Compressor
Multi-stage Rotary compressors are designed to pass the air through multiple stages. These compressors are used in a wide range of applications.
Multi-stage Rotary compressors are ideal for situations when single-stage compressors are not able to fulfill the desired pressure requirements. Examples include split-casing multi-stage Rotary compressors, bell casing compressors, and pipeline compressors.
Uses of Rotary Air Compressors
Rotary air compressors can be selected for plant air compression and various other air separation applications. They’re also used for transmission and storage of natural gas as well as different gas injection applications.
Rotary Air Compressor Advantages and Disadvantages
In this section, we’re going to highlight centrifugal air compressor advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- They are light-weight and easy to design and manufacture
- These compressors are ideal for continuous compressed air supply
- Their flow rate is better than conventional displacement compressors
- They are dependable and requires low maintenance
Cons
- Not recommended for high compression
- Changes in the gas composition may cause issues
- Large frontal area
Rotary Air Compressors Parts
A basic Rotary air compressor comes with 4 Rotary compressor parts – inlet, impeller, diffuser, and collector.
Inlet is a simple pipe that is responsible for controlling the flow of air.
The impeller is the Rotary compressor component consisting of multiple blades that increases the energy of the gas.
Diffuser converts the kinetic energy of the gas into pressure by lowering the gas velocity.
As its name suggests, the collector collects the flow and transmits it to a downstream pipe.
Rotary Air Compressor Manufacturers
There are many Rotary air compressor manufacturers in the market that are known for high-accuracy products. We’re going to highlight a few of them in the following section.
Atlas Copco Rotary Air Compressor
Atlas Copco is a renowned Rotary compressor manufacturer which was established back in 1873. The company is currently working in 180+ countries. Their product range includes air compressors, mining and construction tools, etc.
Ingersoll Rand Rotary Air Compressor
Ingersoll Rand is another famous centrifugal compressor manufacturer that also boasts a diversified portfolio of selling rotary screw, lubricated, and oil-free compressors. Apart from that, they manufacture HVAC systems, refrigeration solutions, and other commercial and industrial systems.
Samsung Rotary Air Compressor
Samsung also produces a wide range of oil-free Rotary compressors. Their SM/SM100/SME series has specifically gained popularity among industrialists around the globe.
Sulzer
Sulzer is a popular engineering and manufacturing brand that is presently operating in 150+ countries. The brand offers a wide range of high-power compressors, including XTA & XTAK aerators and HSR and HST turbocompressors.
Doosan
Doosan has managed to earn and manage its reputation as an industry leader since 1896. Today, the compressors produced by Doosan are widely used in numerous industrial and commercial factories in more than 38 countries.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Rotary Air Compressor
Buying a Rotary air compressor is a long-term business decision. Since compressors are pricey, you must do your research first before investing in any product available in the market.
The web is crowded with Rotary air compressor pdf guidelines that also include centrifugal air compressor diagrams and details about centrifugal air compressor calculations to help you evaluate the centrifugal air compressor efficiency.
It is also critical to compare the prices of different products and see which specific model and brand offers the best value for your money.
Last but not least, always purchase your compressor from the best centrifugal air compressor manufacturers – preferably those who hold quality assurance certifications.