Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Lubricated Rotary Screw Air Compressor Solutions

Rotary screw compressors are ideal for so many industries and applications. Unlike reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors are designed for continuous compressed air use and produce a consistent flow of air. Commercial and industrial businesses generally choose rotary compressors due to their reliability and maximum uptime, along with additional benefits such as a lower decibel output when compared to other compressor technologies.

Gardner Denver rotary screw air compressors are well known for their durability and efficient performance across a wide range of customer applications. With so many models to choose from and almost endless customizations, Gardner Denver has the compressor to fit your requirements. Whether you need direct or belt driven, variable or fixed speed, low or high horsepower and CFM, Gardner Denver has a comprehensive selection of models to choose from. For decades now, the lubricated rotary screw compressor has been the most popular technology for the majority of industrial plant air applications. There are many ways to review the different rotary screw offerings: comparing airend sizes, fixed vs. variable speed, enclosed vs. unenclosed and single vs. two-stage. For more information on the working principles of a rotary screw air compressor click here to learn more.

For decades now, the lubricated rotary screw compressor has been the most popular technology for the majority of industrial plant air applications from 15kW to 250kW with airflows up to 50 m3/min.

Rotary Compressor Airends

The airend on a compressor package is the component that takes in the air, compresses it and discharges it to the rest of the package. Using 50 HP as an example, you can utilize a small airend (small rotor diameter), turn it at a relatively fast speed (revolutions per minute) and use about 50 HP worth of power.

Alternatively, you can make the airend larger which allows it to rotate at a slower rate while still utilizing about 50 HP (37 kW) worth of power. Thus, the airend size (and cost) for different 50 HP compressors will vary significantly.

It is fairly common for a manufacturer to offer a compressor with a smaller, faster rotating airend and a model with a larger, slower turning airend at the same HP because the larger airend is generally more energy efficient than the smaller airend.

Since the electrical cost of operation is the largest expense associated with operating a compressor, the larger airend is “worth the money” in many applications where power consumption is a key factor. In providing this size/speed offering in the same flow range, the customer can select the model that best meets the budgetary and operating cost targets that have been set.

Fixed vs. Variable Speed Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Nearly every manufacturer offers customers both fixed and variable speed compressors in most size ranges. In general, variable speed (VS) compressors are applied when air demand varies significantly throughout a shift. This is because the VS compressors are more efficient (i.e. use less power (kW) per CFM of air produced) than their fixed speed (FS) counterparts at part load (i.e. when the air system does not need all the air the compressor could make).

Once you determine whether you need a FS or a VS compressor (or a combination), it is then most important to compare the efficiencies of the units involved. To help make an apples-to-apples comparison, most manufacturers publish Compressed Air and Gas (CAGI) Data Sheets on their website.

Be cautious in this area as many times VS compressors are recommended when they are not needed or do not project a reasonable ROI. Just because the VS compressor is the latest technology does not mean it is always the best compressor for the job.

It is important to keep in mind that many times it is best to divide the air requirement between two or more compressors. In addition to providing some compressed air if one unit goes down, a multiple unit arrangement is often the most efficient design. And, this arrangement frequently combines fixed and variable speed units working together.

Enclosed vs. Unenclosed Rotary Screw Air Compressors

The enclosure or cabinet on a rotary screw air compressor serves to reduce the noise level of the compressor and to keep the compressor components inside the enclosure cleaner. Most manufacturers have taken the unenclosed compressor out of their portfolio. By making only enclosed units, the cost of the enclosure can be reduced as the volume produced increases.

However, there are many instances where an enclosure is not necessary and you are paying for something that adds no value. In many compressor installations, noise is not a concern and cleanliness is not an issue.

Additionally, maintenance is generally easier on an unenclosed unit since the unenclosed unit provides easier, unrestricted access to maintenance areas. If an enclosure provides no benefit in your installation, consider unenclosed compressors and put the money you save into another area of the business.

Single vs. Two-Stage Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Two-stage lubricated rotaries compress air in two steps. Step or stage one takes atmospheric air and compresses it part way to the discharge pressure target. Step or stage two ingests the air at the inter-stage pressure and compresses it to the discharge pressure target. Compression in two stages improves efficiency, but adds cost and complexity given the additional rotors, iron and other componentry involved.

Two-stage is generally offered in the higher HP ranges (100 to 500 HP) because the improved efficiencies result in larger dollar savings when air use is large. When comparing single stage versus two-stage, it is a relatively straightforward calculation to determine what the payback will be from the more efficient but more costly two-stage unit.

Remember that the energy cost of operating a compressor is the largest expense over time, so evaluation of a two-stage machine is certainly worth a look.

Verified Performance

As a member of the Compressed Air and Gas Institute’s performance verification program, you can rest assured that the performance numbers that Gardner Denver publishes are consistent with the actual performance of our machines. Gardner Denver compressors, just as all lubricated rotary screw compressors 5 HP and above, are third–party tested to ensure that our performance numbers are accurate, easy-to-understand and verified.

Beyond the Compressor: Downstream Products & Aftermarket Support

A healthy compressed air system requires much more than just an air compressor. Gardner Denver offers an extensive line of downstream equipment such as dryers, filters, chillers, piping and much more to complete your system.

Our dedicated distributor network provides OEM parts, service and support to keep your system running for years to come. Using parts that are specifically designed for your equipment and only allowing authorized, certified technicians to provide you service, will not only protect your equipment investment, but also result in more efficient, reliable operation.

Your Compressed Air System Expert and Extensive Distributor Network Provides Peace of Mind

Gardner Denver is a market-leading, global manufacturer of compressed air systems backed by an extensive authorized distribution network conveniently located, ready to serve our customers.

We offer comprehensive compressed air system solutions built with world-class manufacturing. Each of our industrial air compressors is researched, designed, and assembled by a world-class team. Our simple, but bold warranty programs demonstrate our belief in the quality found in Gardner Denver industrial air compressors.

Gardner Denver authorized distributors are factory-trained and certified to support your compressed air system. They offer 24-hour service and technical support to address your needs quickly and easily.

Oil Lubricated Rotary Screw Air Compressors