Compressor Types

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Screw compressors

Screw compressors are best suited when only medium pressures are required (<10 bar).
Screw compressors offer a steady flow of air without pulses and fluctuating pressure that can be associated with piston compressors, they also offer a simple system with fewer moving parts which equates to a more reliable system with less maintenance involved.

Screw compressors work on the basis of two intermeshing rotating screws with minimal clearance between each screw fin, they draw in air and squeeze it up along the screw with air getting compressed tighter the further along the screw its drawn until it reaches the discharge port, it is here that it is delivered out of the compressor.

The two intermeshed screws can be synchronised by external timing gears meaning that the screws should remain close but without touching each other. The other version is known as wet rotary screw compression, this is where the first screw is driven by a motor while the second screw isn’t, the second screw is rotated by being in physical contact with the first. This requires oil to be sprayed in with the air to relieve friction and wear; some of this lubricant will make its way into the air system so it is removed by later oil separation units.