Centrifugal Air Compressor vs Rotary Screw: Few merits and demerits

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When you’re willing to buy an air compressor for you and you’re in the market, confused, comparing the centrifugal air compressor and rotary screw compressor, you need to focus on a few things to determine which one is the best choice for you.

There are some key differences between these two types of air compressors. They work the different way but the problem is, they give the same result. Besides, the shape, weight, and the mechanism of these two machines are different.

So, which one is the best choice for you? The rotary screw or the centrifugal?

In this article, we’re going to share a comparison. The competition is rotary screw vs centrifugal. We’ll go through a few steps and sections. Make sure you read till the last.

So, let’s start from here!

Rotary screw compressor

The rotary screw compressor is one of the most common types of rotary positive displacement compressor. They work with rotation as a rotary compressor should. They compress gas with the mechanism of a rotary screw. This type of compressor is less complicated than a reciprocating compressor.

These are industrial compressors that replace the need for a regular piston compressor. When you need a larger amount of compressed gas and you need that gas continuously, you can’t rely on a reciprocating compressor. While a screw compressor comes in handy. It’ll deliver you with a continuous air supply and continuous mechanism.

There are other benefits of a rotary screw compressor. The screws inside the compressor are set in the opposite direction that pushes the air to the outlet. With this compressor, your air supply is pulsation-free and you can get clean air at the same time. While having the parts and all the components organized, a rotary screw compressor works quietly and produces less vibration.

The mechanical efficiency is high for a rotary screw compressor. The controlling of this kind is smooth and it comes up with different air modulation as well.

The principle of a screw compressor is based on the mechanism of screws and nuts. There are spiral teeth over a nut. This one is basically a positive-displacement compressor that means we’ll be getting constant airflow out of it.

Centrifugal air compressor

A centrifugal air compressor works in a different way. It doesn’t work as a rotary screw compressor but the result is pretty same. While the reciprocating or rotary compressor works with the pressure of air, a screw compressor deals with the velocity of the air.

Normally, a rotary screw compressor or a reciprocating compressor squeezes the air from a large volume to a smaller volume and it increases the pressure of the air. A centrifugal compressor simply increases the velocity of the air to lift the pressure up gradually.

The mechanism of a centrifugal air compressor is almost similar to the mechanism of an axial flow air compressor. It’s pretty smaller and it’s normally used in refrigerators.

Advantages of a rotary screw air compressor

  • Rotary screw compressors are made for safe and convenient use. There are no cases of an accident with this type of air compressor.
  • These types of compressors are safe for all kinds of weather conditions. It can also work in high-temperature areas.
  • Rotary screw compressors require less maintenance. The parts of this machine are available and are cheap.
  • The airflow from this machine is continuous and it works quietly.
  • A rotary screw compressor saves energy and consumes a little.
  • Less oil consumption compared to other oil-lubricated compressors.
  • They are pretty long-lasting and durable. The design of this machine is user-friendly and they last longer than other traditional machines.

Benefits of a centrifugal air compressor

  • The design of the centrifugal air compressor is pretty simple. They are light in weight and customizing them is pretty easy.
  • They are also suitable for compressed air supply. The supply will be continuous for this type of compressor as well.
  • You can choose an oil-free centrifugal air compressor.
  • The flow rate is pretty higher for a centrifugal compressor. If you compare the rotary screw compressor and this one, the flow rate is pretty impressive. You’ll be blown away by the speed.
  • The rubbing parts of this machine are fewer than a positive displacement air compressor.
  • It comes up with a wide range of rotational speeds.
  • They are also reliable and low maintenance. The body design and shape of a centrifugal air compressor are most likely solid, so, you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
  • The centrifugal air compressor type is affordable and they are long-lasting, made for durability.

Conclusion

So, these are the benefits of both the compressor types. The main difference between these two types is the air providing speed. The speed is a bit higher for a centrifugal air compressor. You need to consider this fact while you’re buying.

They both are able to give you the same results you might seek. But the working mechanism is a bit different for both of them. They work in a different manner and give you the same result. In terms of durability, they are the same almost.

In this centrifugal air compressor vs rotary screw article, we’ve tried to show you the definition of these two types of compressors and we’ve tried to show the benefits of both of them. If you’re willing to buy a compressor for you, make sure you checked these out.

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