5 Reasons A Rotary Screw Air Compressor Might Not Be ...

08 Jul.,2024

 

5 Reasons A Rotary Screw Air Compressor Might Not Be ...

There are many factors to consider when you are buying a new air compressor. As a rotary screw manufacturer, we typically share the benefits and advantages of rotary screw compressors, and there are many! But that doesn&#;t mean they&#;re right for everyone. Let's review five good reasons not to buy a rotary screw air compressor.

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5. You Don&#;t Need 100% Duty Cycle

If your application only requires intermittent use, you might not need the power of a rotary screw air compressor. Although rotary screw air compressors are designed to handle continuous duty applications where air delivery needs to be consistent, they are more than capable of running in an environment where air use is inconsistent. But that doesn&#;t mean you need the extra power.

If your application only requires intermittent use, a light duty reciprocating air compressor might be a better option if any of the next four considerations also ring true.

4. You Don&#;t Have The Budget

Budgets are a concern in every major purchase decision, so we&#;ll be candid and let you know that rotary screw compressors typically cost more upfront than reciprocating compressors. These initial costs are amortized over the lifetime of the compressor, making them well worth the investment.

Unfortunately, not all budgets will consider that reciprocating compressors deteriorate significantly faster than rotary screws. In this circumstance, the initial investment may be too much for the budget.

If upfront cost is a major factor in your decision process, a rotary screw compressor may not be right for you.

3. You Don&#;t Want High Air Flow

Rotary screw compressors start to outperform reciprocating compressors above the 30-40 CFM range, but smaller compressors can handle lower air requirements perfectly fine. There may be no need for a more powerful air compressor if all your air tools operate under 30 CFM.

If you need less than 30 CFM, a reciprocating compressor may be your better option.

2. You Won&#;t Pay For The Maintenance

Rotary screw compressors use synthetic oil for air compression, cooling, and lubrication, and that oil and its filters require regular maintenance. The synthetic oil and regular service work take time and money that some operators aren&#;t willing to spend.

Reciprocating compressors also require oil and maintenance work, but it costs a little less. That&#;s because most reciprocating compressors don&#;t use as many filters and the oil is lower quality, in comparison to rotary screw air compressors.

Maintenance is an important factor for warranty coverage. While reciprocating air compressors often come with a short 1 to 3 year warranty, rotary screw air compressors typically have longer warranties&#;for example, VMAC backs its compressors with a Lifetime Warranty (Limited). But that warranty only applies if you maintain your air compressor.

If you aren&#;t willing to properly maintain your air compressor system, a rotary screw air compressor isn&#;t a good match for you.

1. You Don&#;t Need To Use It For Long

Rotary screw air compressor can last thousands of hours with the correct maintenance, while low-cost reciprocating compressors don&#;t tend to last nearly that long without being rebuilt multiple times. But not every worker plans to be in business for the next decade.

If your application calls for an air compressor that doesn&#;t need to last for thousands of hours, then a reciprocating compressor might be a better choice.

Buying An Air Compressor

Hopefully you now have a better idea of whether a rotary screw air compressor is right for you. We&#;ve shared some examples of when a rotary screw option might not make sense, but there are more factors to be considered.

We&#;ve put together several articles that can help you narrow down your options and choose the best air compressor for you:

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Rotary Screw Air Compressor

Finding the appropriate air compressor for your specific application can be challenging. Therefore, gaining insights into the advantages and drawbacks of various types is crucial in selecting the right air compressor.

 

One prevalent type is the rotary screw air compressor, also known as screw compressors. Let's explore the pros and cons associated with this particular compressor.

 

What Is a Rotary Air Compressor?

 

Rotary screw air compressors represent a more modern and advanced category of air compressors compared to others, such as reciprocating air compressors. These compressors operate on the principle of positive displacement, utilizing rotary movements to compress the air. Within the compressor, there are male and female rotors that rotate in opposing directions. As the air travels along the rotors, compression occurs as the space between them diminishes. This volume reduction produces compressed air that can be employed for various applications.

 

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Advantages of Rotary Screw Air Compressors

 

Screw air compressors offer numerous advantages, contributing to their widespread popularity across various applications and industries.

 

Generate Less Heat Compared to Other Air Compressors

 

Screw air compressors are an energy efficient option as they generate less heat compared to normal air compressors. Less heat means less water created during air compression and reduces the water that could get into your compressor, tools and final application. The water will then also be easier to remove, as there is less of it.

 

Durable and Long-Lasting

 

Rotary screw air compressors are renowned for their extended lifespan, often surpassing that of other types of air compressors. When you invest in a rotary screw air compressor, you can anticipate a typical lifespan ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 hours, with minimal to no capacity reduction over time.

 

Quiet Operation

 

In stark contrast to many other air compressors, screw air compressors are recognized for their quiet operation. This becomes a critical consideration for applications where a quieter air compressor is essential. Unlike other compressors that generate a thudding sound due to piston action during the compression process, screw compressors eliminate this noise entirely, as they operate without a piston system.

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High Demand Capabilities


In contrast to reciprocating air compressors, rotary screw compressors are designed to operate continuously. This eliminates the need to shut down the air compressor for piston rest and cooling, and there's no waiting for an air receiver tank to fill before utilizing the air.

 

Screw compressors can run seamlessly throughout the day without causing wear to critical components, and they maintain lower operating temperatures, mitigating the risk of overheating. This is particularly important for applications that demand a continuous and steady airflow.

 

The ability to run consistently without any issues positions a rotary screw compressor as a reliable choice for meeting high and sustained demand.

 

Energy Efficient

 

Screw air compressors exhibit higher energy efficiency compared to other types of air compressors, and they also produce significantly less heat.

 

Cleaner Air

 

The rotating male and female screws within the compressor effectively seal in lubricating oil, minimizing the amount of oil carried into the end product. This leads to the production of cleaner and drier air, making these compressors particularly suitable for applications that demand low air moisture and minimal oil particulate.

 

Range of Applications


Screw air compressors are well-suited for a diverse range of applications, including:

 

  • - Heavy-duty industrial applications

  • - Manufacturing facilities

  • - Autobody and auto repair shops

 

In these settings, where simultaneous use of multiple tools is often essential for production, a screw air compressor stands out as the ideal choice to meet these dynamic operational requirements.

 

Disadvantages of Rotary Screw Air Compressors

 

While rotary screw air compressors offer various advantages, it is equally crucial to consider their disadvantages to ensure that the chosen compressor aligns with both your budget and specific application requirements.

 

High Initial Cost

 

Rotary screw air compressors frequently entail a substantial initial investment, leading some individuals to lean towards reciprocating air compressors. The significant price disparity stems from the enhanced durability and extended lifespan of screw air compressors.

 

While they may cost twice as much as other compressors, their longevity is four times greater, and they deliver a higher volume of compressed air. This makes them an ideal and cost-effective investment for businesses requiring sustained and long-term compressed air usage.

 

Specialized Maintenance Required

 

While routine servicing is essential for all air compressors, the intricate nature of screw compressors demands a higher level of expertise. The internal system of rotary screw compressors is more complex compared to other compressors, necessitating maintenance by a skilled professional or someone with advanced knowledge in air compressor systems.

 

For additional information on how a rotary screw air compressor could enhance your application, please feel free to reach out to our expert team.


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