There are several compressed air systems to select from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The primary kinds are as follows:
Centrifugal compressors
These air compressors are suited for companies that have high, consistent air needs. They can handle huge capacities with ease and are actually better and more efficient in that range. Their basic, oil-free design need less maintenance, but their controls and monitoring systems are more complex. They have limited air-flow flexibility due to their restricted speed control. They are, nevertheless, an excellent alternative if you need to run and maintain a large capacity (for example, in a fermentation process).
A centrifugal compressor is an excellent choice for the lead compressor in facilities with several compressors. Centrifugal compressors are also ideal for aerobic fermentation operations that demand a consistent amount of oil-free, sterile air.
Rotary screw compressors
Rotary screw compressors are the compressors of choice for medium-to-large-capacity operations with fluctuating air needs. The compressor is quite small and produces a steady, pulse-free output. Depending on your needs, it may also be configured to run off/on or with a variable frequency drive (VFD) to give flexible modulation.
Oil is used in standard rotary screw compressors. Oil is pumped into the screw to lubricate it and keep the air seal intact. This oil mist must then be captured before it penetrates the plant, posing an additional hurdle. These compressors’ air ends are also not field replaceable, which complicates maintenance. It is, nevertheless, a decent choice as a variable-output alternative with considerable capacity.
Oil-free variants are much more expensive.
Scroll compressors
This type of compressor is similar to rotary screw compressors in design, but it is oil-free. They are excellent for small plants with fluctuating air demand or when compressed air is delivered directly into the process since they are not suitable for huge capacity. They are incredibly silent and require little maintenance, but their capacity to keep oil totally out of the process (for example, while working with kosher food items) makes them more expensive.
Piston-type air compressors
These are extremely widespread, though they are not usually used for plant air. They can produce consistent pressure over a wide range, although they are best suited for low duty applications (tools, maintenance shop air, etc.). Both Positive Displacement and Reciprocating compressors are types of piston compressors. However, because of their limits, high wear, and significant maintenance, they are unlikely to be on your list if you want continuous, dependable plant-wide air.
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