How do reciprocating air compressors evaluate against rotary screw and centrifugal compressors, and what features and benefits needs to be considered?
Mechanism
Rotary screw compressors have a couple of screws for compressing the air whereas the reciprocating compressors engage pistons moved by a crankshaft. Air receiver tanks in reciprocating compressors store air and remove pulsation before it runs the connected application. A rotary screw compressor delivers a stream of continual air without any disruption or pulsation hence the units don’t require a tank.
Components and Maintenance
The number of components in a reciprocating compressor such as valves, crankshafts, rods draws attention towards regular maintenance when compared to the two screw parts that are used in rotary screw compressor. However, the parts are less expensive and have an overall low maintenance cost.
Temperature
Equipment longevity depends upon the heat generated during the operation of a compressor. A rotary screw compressor produces less friction since the screws rotate without touching each other. The temperature is around 80 – 99 degrees Celsius. The reciprocating air compressors operate at a temperature ranging between 150 – 200 degree Celsius. The movement of piston rings against the cylinder wall causes friction that results in high temperature. Reciprocating compressors hence have greater maintenance requirement.
Pressure
Reciprocating compressors are one up in terms of pressure produced. A reciprocating compressor has the capacity to produce double the pressure of a rotary screw compressor.
Oil Filtration
A reciprocating air compressor does not have an oil filtration system hence there are chances of residual oil contamination air compared to oil lubricated screw compressors that are designed with three stage oil filtration.
Reciprocating compressors are preferred by industries that have very high pressure requirements, easy availability of spare parts and lower duty cycle. For all compressor buying decision reach Patton’s service center. Our world class sales team will guide you in choosing the best suited compressor based upon your requirement and ensure you get the maximum value.