Comments on: What’s more efficient, reciprocating compressor or screw air compressors?

By: Automotive Air Compressors | Kaishan Compressor

Automotive Air Compressors | Kaishan Compressor — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:45:08 +0000

[…] Oil-injected machines require fewer maintenance costs because you only need oil, filters and oil separators as opposed to reciprocating machines that require upkeep with pistons, valves, rings and other components. Rotary screw compressors rarely turn off when running in load/unload which limits motor starts but may cause the motor to burn out prematurely. They often consume about 35 percent of compressor full load value. […]

By: William K.

William K. — Tue, 23 May 2017 22:13:02 +0000

This posting mentions several factors that affect the selection, The biggest variable is the amount of air needed for the application. Most service shops need air for air powered tools, cleaning, and spray painting. The equipment being serviced may also require air for operation. But most of the time the required air supply is not much. So a compressor with a large tank, and a non-leaking distribution system will usually be adequate. Some shops do very well with two compressors, a smaller one to maintain the tank pressure and a larger one for those times when a lot more airflow is needed.
While the lifetime of a screw compressor is longer than the lifetime of a medium quality piston compressor, any service, adjustment, or repair typically requires an outside service person, while the piston compressor is usually able to be serviced in house.

By: Rose

Rose — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:37:41 +0000

When it comes to maintenance costs, rotary screw compressors have an advantage over reciprocating. Double-acting reciprocating compressors typically require more periodic maintenance than rotary screws. Valves, piston rings, and other consumables on a reciprocating compressor need expensive routine maintenance.

Rotary screw compressor maintenance is limited mostly to oil, oil filter, and air/oil separator changes. At some point there is a sizable cost associated with a rotary screw air end replacement, but they often last 10 yr or more.

Standard rotary compressor packages have a microprocessor-based or electro-pneumatic controller. These controls allow the rotary to remain loaded 100% of the time. One main function of a control on a rotary machine is to allow for the regulation of airflow so the unit can run efficiently at full load, partial load, or unloaded.