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Working Principle of a Screw Compressor

Displacement Compressors Compressor Types Air compressors Compressed Air Wiki Rotary screw compressors

When looking for the ideal rotary screw air compressor, it's important to understand how they work and the various types available. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find out more about how screw compressors work and why they might be the right choice for your needs.

What is a rotary screw air compressor?

The inner workings of an oil-lubricated screw compressor

A rotary screw air compressor is one of the two types of positive displacement gas compressors. It uses two rotors to create the pressure needed for air compression. They are one of the easiest types of air compressors to use and maintain. 

The other type of positive displacement compressor is the reciprocating or piston compressor

Equivalent to positive displacement compressors are dynamic compressors, like centrifugal compressors. These machines use radial blades to force air out. 

How does a screw compressor work?

A screw compressor works with a male and female rotor that rotate in the opposite direction. This movement draws in air that is compressed as the space between the rotors and their housing decreases. The compressed air is then displaced to the outlet.

 

Each screw element has a fixed, built-in pressure ratio dependent on the length and pitch of the screw. As well as the form of the discharge port. To attain maximum efficiency, the built-in pressure ratio must be adapted to the required working pressure

 

The speed of the rotors is optimized at a certain level to minimize mechanical losses (due to heat at very high speed) and volumetric losses (air losses due to very low speed).

Types of screw compressors

The inner workings of an oil-free screw compressor

There are two types of rotary screw air compressors: 

In oil-lubricated screw compressor technology, the male rotor drives the female rotor 

In oil-free compressor technology, a timing gear drives both rotors for harmonic running, with minimum calculated clearance between both elements.

There are also fixed-speed and variable-speed drive (VSD) variants. The basic difference is:

  • Fixed-speed compressors run at a continuous fixed speed
  • Variable speed drive (VSD) technology turns the motor at the appropriate speed in relation to the amount of air that is required

Oil-free compressor

Modern, high-speed, oil-free screw compressors have asymmetric screw profiles. This arrangement results in significantly improved energy efficiency from reduced internal leakage.

External gears are most often used to synchronize the position of the counter-rotating rotors. As the rotors don’t come into contact with each other, nor with the compressor housing, no lubrication is required inside the compression chamber. Consequently, the compressed air is completely oil-free.

The built-in pressure ratio is limited by the limiting temperature difference between the inlet and the discharge. This is why oil-free screw compressors frequently work in several stages and interstage cooling to reach higher pressures.

Oil-lubricated compressor

One variant is known as an oil-flooded compressor or an oil-injected compressor. The technical name, however, is oil-lubricated.

Oil-lubricated rotary screw compressors inject oil into the compression chamber. This oil cools and lubricates the compressor element, helping remove heat while minimizing leakage in the compression chamber.

Oil-lubricated screw compressor elements can be manufactured for high-pressure ratios. One compression stage is usually sufficient for pressures up to 14 bar, and sometimes 17 bar, albeit at the expense of energy efficiency.

Fixed speed compressors

Fixed speed compressors are very efficient when continuously operating at 100% capacity, but most facilities don’t require that amount of productivity. Before the motor comes to a complete stop, it will continue to run while no air is being produced, consequently wasting energy and money.

Such inefficiency and waste is generally found at facilities operating multiple shifts and experiencing flow demand fluctuation throughout the day.

Variable speed drive compressors (VSD)

VSD compressors increase the speed of the motor as the need for air increases, thus supplying more flow/CFM. If the demand decreases, the motor will automatically slow down and only use the required energy to provide appropriate flow.

 

On slow production days, breaks in workflow, or throughout second and third skeleton shifts, VSD technology is especially handy. This type of air compressor saves electricity and money, compared to fixed-speed models.

 

Since compressed air energy usage accounts for over 80% of an air compressor's costs, it's important to choose efficient equipment.

Did you know? Utilizing VSD technology can achieve energy savings of 35-60%Calculate your VSD energy savings.

Screw compressors: A solution for all applications

One of the reasons for the great popularity of rotary compressors is their versatility. There really is the right rotary compressor for every application. Atlas Copco offers screw compressors with three types of drives, each with its own benefits.

  • Belt Drive: These compressors are very robust as well as easy to install and maintain. In addition, they have the lowest initial investment cost among rotary screw compressors. This combination makes them a great choice for smaller operations.
  • Gear Drive: A gear drive makes compressors quieter. The investment is higher than a belt drive but also more energy efficient. Therefore, if you use the compressor a lot, this investment will pay off over time thanks to energy savings.
  • Direct Drive: This is the optimum of rotary compressor technology. The innovative direct drive offers unmatched efficiency and performance. Among the three, they create the least noise. Direct drive rotary screw compressors come in different types - from a basic design for the smaller models to those with ultra-efficient variable speed drives.

Screw compressors for heavy-duty applications

If you’re running heavy-duty applications that continue over long periods of time, like in a factory, industrial plant or workshop, then you should consider upgrading to a rotary screw air compressor.

 

Benefits of a screw compressor in industry:

  • They are designed to work 24/7
  • They can operate at higher flow capacities while dissipating the heat generated
  • They are relatively less noisy than piston compressors
  • They receive less wear and tear
  • They tend to require less space
  • They outperform piston compressors in terms of efficiency at about 15 kW (20 hp)
  • They discharge less oil and contaminants with the compressed air

Not sure what type of rotary screw air compressor you need? Get in touch with Atlas Copco’s experts for personal advice and a tailored quote.

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.

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