Air compressors are common pieces of equipment at industrial facilities. The reason for this is simple; pressurized air is required to carry out a wide range of industrial processes. This article explores how a rotary screw compressor works as well as the various types, benefits, and applications.
Rotary screw air compressors use a rotary positive displacement mechanism comprised of helical gears (screws) to compress air by reducing the volume of a chamber. Its mode of operation is somewhat like other compressor types, such as reciprocating pistons and centrifugal compressors.
The main difference between a rotary screw air compressor vs. reciprocating and centrifugal air compressors is that they deliver a constant (non-pulsating) stream of compressed air and are 100% duty cycle machines.
Rotary screw compressors fall into two categories depending on the design: single-screw and twin-screw.
The single screw compressor is often less expensive to manufacture and easier to maintain than the twin screw compressor. It also offers better performance and efficiency in smaller sizes. However, the twin screw compressor is more efficient in larger sizes, it can handle higher pressure ratios and it is able to operate at higher temperatures than the single screw compressor.
To further categorize screw air compressors, there are oil-free and oil-injected types. Let’s take a closer look at these variants below:
Oil-injected (aka oil-flooded) screw compressors contain a lubricant (oil) in the compression chamber that lowers friction between the moving parts. However, the oil doesn’t only provide lubrication; it also acts as a coolant to lower the temperature of compressed air in the chamber and prevents leakage by serving as a hydraulic seal. Oil-free compressors do not contain oil in the compression chamber. Rather, they use a set of timing gears for the rotation where the mating screws do not directly contact each other.
Oil-flooded compressors achieve higher PSIG than oil-free types and run cooler due to the presence of oil in the air end which serves as a coolant. However, oil encountering processed air can cause contamination, making oil-flooded compressors unsuitable for industrial processes where a high degree of purity is required.
Oil-free screw compressors generally have lower PSIG than oil-injected types but keep compressed air free of contamination — a highly desirable quality in food-grade and pharmaceutical applications.
So, how does a rotary screw air compressor work? The operating principle of screw compressors is that the pressure of air in an enclosed space increases as the volume decreases. Uncompressed air is drawn into the compressor via the inlet valve. As it flows through the compression chamber, the positive displacement action of the meshing screws pressurizes the air by rapidly reducing the volume. A series of filters separate unwanted moisture and residue from the compressed air exit the machine from the outlet.
Industrial screw air compressors are high-performance, high-efficiency machines that are used for the production of compressed air. They are a vital component of many industrial processes. The main components of screw-type air compressors include the following:
Rotary screw compressors are most often used for industrial purposes, such as refrigeration and air conditioning, or for material handling in large manufacturing plants. They can also be found in small-scale applications like portable air compressors or vacuum cleaners.
Many industries require a reliable stream of compressed air for their operations, making rotary screw air compressors the ideal choice. The following are some industries that use them:
In the oil and gas industry, screw-type air compressors are used for gas lift (secondary oil recovery), where high-pressure gas is injected into the surrounding formation to ramp up the production of hydrocarbons. Other applications include pipeline maintenance services, equipment purging, and gas pipeline pigging.
In manufacturing facilities such as automobile assembly, pharmaceutical, and chemical plants, operators use screw air compressors to operate compression-powered tools such as pneumatic drills and hydraulic tools. Other applications include equipment cleaning and general maintenance.
In food manufacturing plants, screw-type compressors provide compressed air to operate blow molding machines for food packaging. They are also used in gas flushing food packaging, product sorting, and shaping. Oil-free screw air compressors are preferable for food-grade applications.
In the construction industry, rotary screw compressors provide high-pressure air for operating heavy-duty tools such as jack-hammers, pneumatic tools, and sandblasters. Compressed air is also required in slurry blowing, blowing of mud/wash holes, and building piling operations.
Heavy agricultural equipment like tractors, pumps, sprayers, and crop conveyors can all be powered by rotary air compressors. In addition to traditional farms, they are also used on dairy farms and greenhouses.
Oil drilling in oil rigs has found rotary air compressors particularly useful. In order to keep the crew safe and protected, dependable equipment is necessary for these operations. Their spark-free delivery and stable outputs are very desirable in processes as delicate and isolated as oil rigs.
Rotary screw air compressors are one of the most energy-efficient types of air compressors. They are also more compact, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Rotary screw air compressors offer the following benefits to industrial operators:
All of these benefits of rotary screw air compressors make them a popular choice among many different industries.
NiGen provides on-site nitrogen generation and air compression solutions to a host of industries including oil and gas, manufacturing, food packaging, and construction. Our portable, diesel-powered rotary screw compressors rated from 100-500 PSIG (flow rates: 400-1500 CFM) enable our clients to carry out their operations safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Interested in learning more about our products and services? Contact our team today!