WHAT TYPE OF ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSORS ARE THERE?

ELGi is a trusted screw compressor manufacturer delivering high-performance and durable solutions for diverse industrial applications.

Rotary screw compressors provide reliable compressed air. With many different rotary screw air compressor technologies available, ELGi can support you in selecting the right rotary screw air compressor for your compressed air application. ELGi’s portfolio of rotary screw compressors includes oil-injected and oil-free compressors.

Oil-injected compressors, also called oil-lubricated compressors, oil-flooded compressors, oil-cooled compressors, or contact-cooled compressors, use oil in the compression chambers to lubricate, seal, and cool. ELGi’s oil-lubricated screw air compressors are highly efficient and suitable for industrial applications where a reliable compressed air system is required.

ELGi’s range of oil-free air compressors offers Class 0 oil-free compressed air according to ISO8573-1, ensuring zero risk of contamination with improved energy efficiency and long-term reliability. ELGi’s oil-free compressed air solutions meet the sensitive needs of diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and electronics, where any chance of oil contamination in production processes cannot be tolerated. Because of its multiple advantages, an oil free air compressor is a vital instrument in a wide range of industrial applications.

Oil Lubricated Oil Free

WHAT IS A ROTARY SCREW COMPRESSOR AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

Rotary screw air compressors are positive displacement machines, operating efficiently at high speeds and accommodating a wide range of operating pressures and flow rates. The primary benefit of utilising rotary screw type compressors lies in their ability to provide a continuous supply of compressed air with minimal fluctuations in delivery pressure. The rotary screw air compressor price can vary significantly based on factors like brand, model, capacity, and the features. Screw type air compressors for sale are generally considered a substantial investment due to their higher efficiency, continuous operation, and larger capacity when compared to for example reciprocating compressors. Looking at the return on investment of replacing an old rotary screw type compressor with a new one, the investment is often paid back within less than a year due to the energy savings achieved through improved efficiency.

HOW DO ROTARY SCREW COMPRESSORS WORK?

Rotary screw air compressors are known for their high efficiency, continuous operation, and suitability for a wide range of applications. The atmospheric air gets compressed through the following process. First, the compressor’s intake valve opens, and atmospheric air is drawn into the screw compressor. As the rotors rotate, the air gets trapped between the screw lobes and the casing. As the rotors continue to rotate, the air is compressed as it moves along the length of the screw element. The helical shape of the rotors reduces the volume of the trapped air, resulting in an increase in pressure. During the compression process the air can heat up. A screw compressor has various cooling mechanisms such as air and water coolers to keep the compressed air at a minimum temperature. Oil is used for lubrication and cooling purposes for oil-injected compressors. Once the air reaches the end of the screw element, it is at the desired compressed pressure. The discharge valve opens, and the compressed air is pushed out of the compressor and into the air receiver or the system.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSORS?

Rotary screw air compressors produce continuous flow of air for various purposes providing high reliability.
Rotary air compressors operate efficiently at extremely high or low temperatures (up to 50 degrees C).
Rotary screw air compressors come with low maintenance costs compared to other compressor technologies.
Rotary screw compressors are durable.
Screw compressors operate at low noise, and therefore are compliant with local work safety regulations.
Rotary compressors have minimal oil carryover, as low as one part per million (ppm) for oil-lubricated rotary compressors.

HOW HAS ELGi ENHANCED THEIR ROTARY SCREW COMPRESSOR PROFILE?

The profile of ELGi’s rotary screw air compressors has various segments of different shapes.
ELGi’s rotary screw air compressors utilise a large positive displacement, effectively increasing the inlet air’s pressure by reducing its volume.
The presence of a robust female rotor in the screw compressor facilitates continuous extraction of more air while minimising space requirements.
A short sealing line ensures a consistent seal along the entire contact length, eliminating the necessity for a sealing strip.
Improved clearance distribution enhances the compressor’s performance.

WHAT IS THE WORKING PRINCIPLE OF ELGi ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSORS?

The working principle of the rotary screw air compressor revolves around a rotary-type positive-displacement mechanism. ELGi, a globally renowned manufacturer of compressors, employs this principle in their oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary screw compressors. Top rotary screw air compressor manufacturers providing reliable and energy-efficient solutions for various industrial applications.

The screw element, consisting of two helical rotors with varying shapes and grooves/teeth, plays a crucial role. Atmospheric air is drawn into this screw element, and as the air moves along with the rotors, it undergoes compression. The distinctive feature of the screw type air compressor lies in its male and female rotor elements, which efficiently trap and release the air as needed.

1. In an oil-lubricated rotary screw air compressor, such as the ELGi rotary screw compressor, the compression process relies on the interaction between the male and female rotors. The male rotor is driven by the motor or engine, while the female rotor is driven by the thin film of oil present between them.

2. To maintain precise timing between the rotors in an oil-free rotary screw air compressor, a set of gears controls their movement. Unlike for other compressor types, the compression chamber does not require oil for sealing, cooling or lubrication.

ELGi’s rotary screw compressors leverage this efficient design to deliver reliable and compressed air, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

The operational principle of a rotary screw air compressor revolves around the synchronised spinning of male and female rotors in opposite directions. In the case of ELGi’s EN Series & EG Series, which exemplify advanced rotary screw electric air compressor technology, the motor turns the rotor of the airend of the rotary screw air compressor. This rotation creates a vacuum that draws in ambient air through the air filter and into the airend.

The air intake system facilitates the intake of atmospheric air into the rotary screw compressor. Initially, the air passes through a filter, effectively eliminating suspended particles. Subsequently, the filtered air enters the airend, which serves as the core component of the rotary screw air compressor. Within the airend, the air becomes trapped between the lobes of the two meshing rotors. As the rotors continue to rotate, the trapped air pockets progressively compress, resulting in the discharge of compressed air at the airend’s outlet..

ELGi’s EN & EG Series embody exceptional rotary screw electric air compressor technology, providing optimal performance and reliability. These compressors are particularly well-suited for various industrial applications, offering a compact footprint combined with outstanding functionality.

WHAT INDUSTRIES RELY ON ELGi ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSORS?

Production companies across different sectors, including metal working, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals, require rotary screw air compressors for their operations. These compressors find application in various settings such as food processing plants, breweries, and more. Let’s explore how rotary screw air compressors are supporting these industries:

Automotive: Automotive production often takes place around the assembly line, meaning that reliability is of utmost importance to keep the assembly line moving. Compressed air is used for a variety of applications within automotive productions, such as for: Powering of pneumatic tools and paint spray guns and tire inflation.

Electronics: Electronics applications are often sensitive and require high quality, dry, oil-free compressed air for various processes, such as cleaning of electronic components, powering of pneumatic tools, and component handling. Oil-free rotary screw air compressors can meet the electronics industry’s requirements of high-quality, oil-free compressed air.

Food & Beverage: Rotary screw air compressors play a crucial role in food processing plants. They are used to maintain the freshness and quality of finished food products. These compressors ensure a reliable source of compressed air, which is essential for processes like packaging, sealing, and pneumatic conveyance. They use both oil-free rotary screw compressors and oil-lubricated rotary screw compressors. In breweries for example, rotary screw air compressors are employed for a range of tasks. They provide compressed air for bottling lines, kegging operations, and other pneumatic applications. The consistent supply of clean compressed air is essential to maintain product quality and ensure efficient operations.

General Manufacturing: Rotary screw air compressors in general manufacturing businesses operate pneumatic tools, conveyors, air knives, labelers. General manufacturing companies require reliable compressed air since they often need to operate 24/7. A reliable air compressor is thus of high importance for them.

Metal Working: Rotary screw air compressors offer various advantages for the metalworking sector, such as reliability and energy efficiency. Compressed air is needed to operate air tools, for blasting and cleaning and for a pneumatic control system to actuate valves, and manage the movement of metal parts and components.

Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical productions require rotary screw air compressors that comply with Class 0 oil-free air according to ISO8573-1 to ensure zero risk of oil contamination. Compressed air is required for various processes in the Pharma industry, from tablet coating to bottle cleaning.

Packaging: Compressed air is used in various packaging processes, such as for the inflation of air pillows, powering pneumatic actuators that control the movement of packaging machines, pneumatic conveying and more. The packaging industry requires reliable air compressors to support their 24/7 operations.

Overall, the versatility and reliability of rotary screw air compressors make them indispensable in a wide range of industrial applications across various sectors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often should my rotary screw air compressor be serviced?

Regular maintenance checks are essential to identify potential issues such as leaks, pressure drops, and temperature changes in your rotary screw compressor. To ensure its efficient operation, consider subscribing to ELGi’s maintenance plans for your rotary screw compressor.

What are the differences between oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary screw air compressors?

Oil-lubricated compressors use oil to lubricate the moving parts, such as rotors and bearings, and to cool down the airend, inside the compression chamber. Oil helps to reduce friction, and ensures a smooth operation and improved energy efficiency. Whereas oil-free compressors do not use oil in the compression chamber. Instead, specialized materials and coatings, or water-injection, are used to reduce friction and prevent metal-to-metal contact. This helps to reduce the risk of oil contamination in the compressed air.

Oil-lubricated compressors are suitable for applications where a small amount of oil carryover in the compressed air is acceptable and cost is a primary consideration. On the other hand, oil-free compressors are ideal for applications that require clean, oil-free air and can accommodate a higher initial investment for superior air quality.

How do I choose the right size and capacity of a rotary screw air compressor for my needs?

Analyse the total air demand of your application and consider the required air flow for both current and future air demand. Understand the required operating pressure which helps to determine the compressor’s discharge pressure capability. Evaluate the compressor’s duty cycle for continuous operation. Determine the available space for the compressed air system and ensure it meets the clearance and ventilation requirements. Also consider additional features, such as variable speed drives, for energy saving, an advanced control system for efficient operation and sound proofing options where noise is a concern in your working environment. Contact the ELGi experts for customised advise.

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