24 July 2023
Rotary compressor – versatile and popular
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
A rotary compressor is often the right choice for applications requiring a constant air supply. They combine a range of useful features, making them very popular and successful.
Most importantly, rotary screw compressors are highly energy efficient. This makes a big difference considering that up to 80% of operating an air compressor is consumed by energy costs.
In addition, a rotary compressor is typically low maintenance and offers low-pressure pulsations. The versatility of various pressure levels plays a role in their success.
There is hardly an industry where you cannot find a use for a rotary screw compressor.
An ingenious technology
Their ingenious technology is what makes them stand out. Rotary compressors compress gas by using two meshing helical screws, known as rotors. Timing gears ensure that the male and female rotors maintain a precise alignment in the case of an oil-free compressor.
With oil-injected rotary screw compressors, lubricating oil bridges the space between driving and driven rotors. This provides a hydraulic seal while transferring mechanical energy between the two rotors.
A rotary screw compressor is a great alternative to a piston compressor. They are built to provide a long lifetime of reliable, continuous use. These machines are ideal for demanding all-day applications.
A rotary compressor range for nearly every application
Rotary screw compressors come in various sizes and versions to match your budget. To put it simply, there is likely a machine that can meet your needs. With this, there are three different types of rotary compressors. These are belt-driven, gear-driven, and direct drive.
A belt-driven compressor, like the Atlas Copco G 15-22, is robust, and easy to install and maintain. It also has the lowest initial investment cost. Gear-driven compressors, on the other hand, like the Atlas Copco GA 15-26, are quieter and more energy efficient.
Finally, there's the innovative direct-drive rotary compressor. This type includes the Atlas Copco innovative GA 11+-30. These machines deliver unmatched efficiency and performance while producing high-quality dry air. They also feature the lowest noise emissions among the three rotary screw compressor types.
Optionally, you can integrate a dryer into the package, which is ideal for any application that requires clean and dry air. In addition, smaller units can be tank-mounted. This provides additional storage capacity that, coupled with the integrated dryer, allows for plug-and-play installation.
Mix and match to meet your needs
You can choose from a basic design, usually available in the lower kW/HP ranges, all the way to a variable speed drive (VSD) compressor. The latter has a higher investment cost which is usually recouped quickly. This is because VSD machines are the most energy efficient.
They adjust their speed to meet compressed air demand and therefore don't create wasted air and energy. This means that VSD technology is particularly useful if your operation has a fluctuating demand for compressed air, resulting in large energy savings.
Ask an air system professional about the best Rotary Compressor option for your needs.
There are many reasons why rotary screw compressors are in such high demand. They are very versatile, reliable, efficient, quiet and come in different sizes and types.
But which one is right for you? To help you find the optimal solution for your needs, this guide will outline the different technologies and what they have to offer.
Would you like to discuss the options for your business or do you have specific questions for us? Click the button below to get in contact with us.
There are many reasons why rotary screw compressors are in such high demand: They are very versatile, reliable, efficient, quiet and there are many different versions of this popular allrounder. But which one is right for you? To help you find the optimal solution for your needs, this guide will outline the different technologies and what they have to offer.
Would you like to discuss the options for your business or do you have specific questions for us? Click the button below to get in contact with us.
