Scroll vs Screw Compressors: What is the difference?
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This article will focus on scroll vs. screw compressors. We will discuss the differences between scroll and rotary compressors and their pros and cons. We will also identify the suitable industries for each to help put "the never-ending debate on which air compressor is the most ideal for my facility" to rest.
Deciding which type of air compressor to install can be daunting for engineers, technical experts, and project installation executives.
There are two fundamental types of air compressors: Positive displacement and dynamic. The most popular of these are rotary screws, reciprocating air, axial, centrifugal, and scroll compressors. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
There are several factors in purchasing air compressors, such as facility requirements, location, pressure dew point, and power costs. So, doing your homework correctly would help before installing an air compressor in your facility.
Is a Scroll Compressor The Same As a Screw Compressor?
No, they are not the same.
There’s a lot of difference between rotary and screw compressors. While the scroll compressor works with two inter-fitting scrolls in which one scroll is fixed and the other moves, the screw compressor involves rotary movement using male and female motors.
PROS
- Ultra-quiet Operation: If you're looking for a compressor that's not just quiet—but ultra-quiet, scroll compressors are your best option. Scroll compressors offer noise levels as low as 48 dBA.
- Ideal for Indoor Settings: The compact design of scroll compressors minimizes and saves floor space, which can be used for other purposes. Several businesses keep their scroll compressors in the closet, so you don’t have to create a dedicated room for your air compressor.
- Energy Efficiency: The technology used within scroll compressors makes them energy efficient. The system shuts down compressor pumps that are not required and automatically adjusts pressure settings. This saves electricity by not producing unwanted air and increases the machine's life.
CONS
- Difficult to Repair: The biggest drawback of the scroll compressor is that it is not easily repairable. The complex design makes it difficult to inspect and clean. One of the inter-fitting scrolls is fixed and can’t be dismantled.
- High Manufacturing Costs: The manufacturing of scroll compressors involves high-end machinery and precise centering assembly technology, which pushes up the manufacturing cost and, consequently, the price.
- Gas Leakage: A certain gap is deliberately kept between the moving and non-moving components to achieve sealing. This leads to gas leakage, which restricts the scroll compressor from achieving a larger compression ratio, contributes to unnecessary power consumption, and adversely impacts the air compressor system in the long run.
- Additional Accessories Needed: Even though scroll compressors manage liquid better compared to other air compressor systems, they still need additional accessories such as crankcase heaters and suction line accumulators for added protection, which adds to the purchasing cost.
PROS
- Supports Extreme Weather Conditions: Rotary screw compressors, support extreme high and low weather conditions. They even function where other chemicals are prohibited to avoid hazardous situations.
- Fewer Components: Unlike other compressors, rotary screw compressors comprise 70% fewer components, making the maintenance procedure easier and reducing maintenance costs.
- Quiet Operation: Despite massive airflow, rotary screw compressors produce less noise, thanks to the noise-dampening technologies embedded in them, which ensures a quiet work environment.
- Less Heat Production: Rotary screw compressors produce less heat, contributing to the system’s longevity. They also utilize less oil, ensuring sufficient oil for the compression chamber to cool the machine, lubricate the moving parts, seal, and dissipate noise.
CONS
- High Initial Cost: One of the most significant disadvantages of rotary screw air compressors is their hefty price. Even though the high cost justifies the efficiency and long lifespan, several companies struggle to arrange the funds, especially during the initial stage.
- Requires Specialized Maintenance: Unlike other air compressors, rotary screw compressor maintenance can’t be done by regular technicians. It requires a higher level of skill and understanding to perform the maintenance and servicing of rotary screw compressors due to their complex systems and components.
Now that we have understood the difference between scroll and rotary compressors, it’s time to find out which ones work best for which industries.
Screw compressors are highly recommended for heavy-duty industrial applications in the manufacturing sector. Industries such as automotive, brewing, food packaging, aerospace, and construction often leverage screw compressors. In these industries, compressor systems are required to run continuously for several hours, making the screw compressor the perfect fit, as it supports continuous usage without overheating.
On the contrary, a scroll compressor is an ideal choice for indoor settings where loud noise is a problem. For example, in medical facilities and laboratories, scroll compressors work best due to their quieter nature. Scroll compressors are also preferred in residential air-conditioning systems and medical HVAC systems.
Buy a Scroll and Screw Compressors At Atlas Copco
At Atlas Copco, we provide a comprehensive range of scroll and screw compressors that will decrease operational costs and increase uptime!
If you still have difficulty deciding which air compressor will work best for your facility, feel free to contact us.