Differences between scroll air compressors and screw air compressors
Air compressors, as essential pneumatic equipment, play an irreplaceable role in various industries. For projects using them, the performance of the air compressor directly impacts the overall production efficiency and cost. The wide variety of air compressor types can cause confusion for purchasers – which type is best suited for my project? To help companies choose the most suitable air compressor, this article will focus on the differences between scroll air compressors and rotary screw air compressors.
I. the difference in working principle
1. Scroll Air Compressor: The working principle of a scroll air compressor differs from that of a rotary screw air compressor. The scroll air compressor uses two identical scrolls, offset by 180°, forming a scroll body.
One scroll body is fixed, while the other is cleverly driven by an eccentric shaft. The axis of the eccentric shaft revolves around the axis of the scroll body. When the eccentric shaft rotates clockwise, gas enters the air compressor through the inlet and is then drawn into the outer air chamber, which is the same as the intake chamber. As these air chambers slowly close, their closed volume gradually shifts to the center of the fixed scroll disc, continuously contracting and decreasing. During this process, the gas is continuously compressed, and the pressure gradually increases until it is discharged from the exhaust port.
2. Rotary Screw Air Compressor: A screw air compressor primarily relies on the rotation of a pair of helical male and female rotors within a cylinder to compress gas. The main rotor and the female rotor each perform different functions. Simply put, the main rotor is driven by a powerful electric motor and rotates at high speed, while the female rotor is driven by the main rotor through an oil film formed by oil injection, rotating synchronously with it. During high-speed rotation, air is continuously drawn into the compressor through the intake port. As the rotor continues to rotate, the distance between the rotor and the cylinder decreases, causing the air to be compressed within this confined space. The pressure continuously increases, eventually being discharged from the exhaust port, forming compressed air to meet the needs of various industries.
II. Introduction to the characteristics of scroll air compressor and rotary screw air compressor
1. Characteristics of scroll air compressors
Energy efficiency: The scroll air compressor adopts an energy-saving design. The system automatically adjusts the pressure setting and shuts down unnecessary compressor pumps, thereby saving excess air and electricity and extending the service life of the air compressor.
Flexible and convenient: Compared to rotary screw air compressors, scroll air compressors have a compact design, making them more suitable for locations with limited space and offering a wider range of applications. Most businesses place scroll air compressors indoors, so you don't need to build a separate air compressor room.
Ultra-quiet operation: Because scroll air compressors have no circulating moving parts, they operate relatively quietly with extremely low noise levels, as low as 48 BA, providing a comfortable environment for operators. Generally, scroll air compressors are suitable for places requiring pure compressed air and where noise control is critical, such as hospitals, laboratories, and precision instrument manufacturing rooms.
Low maintenance costs: The scroll air compressor has a simple structure and few internal parts, especially very few vulnerable parts. This greatly reduces the frequency and cost of equipment maintenance. Enterprises do not need to invest a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources in equipment maintenance, thus reducing the operational burden.
2. Features of rotary screw air compressors:
Supports extreme climatic conditions: Rotary screw compressors can be used in extreme low and high temperature climates. In addition, rotary screw air compressors can also operate in some areas where the use of chemicals is prohibited.
Less heat generated and fewer parts used: Rotary screw compressors generate less heat during operation, which significantly extends their lifespan. Furthermore, they require sufficient oil to cool the machine and lubricate components. In addition, compared to other air compressors, rotary screw air compressors have lower maintenance costs and are easier to maintain due to their fewer parts.
