Rotary compressors are a type of compressor that covers several different mechanisms used for a range of purposes. While they are different, the one main feature that they all do share with one another is the rotating action of an inner component which causes the air inside to be compressed. Rotary compressors can be used in several different applications including refrigeration, plant air, vacuum suction, and more. Different industrial applications may be more suited to one or more specific types of rotary compressors based on the amount of air and the level of compression needed. Some of the most common types of commercial rotary compressors that are used today include:
Vane Compressors
A rotary vane compressor such as those that are serviced by C&B Equipment — which can be found at https://cbeuptime.com/compressor-central/rotary-vane/ — uses various vanes that are offset slightly within an inner chamber. Air enters the compressor through an inlet, before it is pushed into an increasingly tighter circle by the rotating vanes, compressing it with minimal effort. A rotary vane compressor is one of the simplest compressor types, and they are some of the easiest to maintain. However, it is worth bearing in mind that over time the vanes can be subject to wear and tear which will make the compressor less effective in fulfilling its purpose. In most cases, this can be repaired by simply replacing the vanes, which will usually restore the compressor to full performance.
Lobe Compressors
Lobe compressors are a similar option to vane compressors. However, the biggest difference here is that there are two spinning wheels within the chamber which the air enters. There are small pockets which are cut into the wheels at each end. As the air enters, it fills the pockets before it is moved towards the other side of the chamber, which forces the air to compress within the decreasing space. Simply put, lobe type compressors are an affordable, less wearable alternative to vane compressors which are easy to use. Bear in mind, however, that they are not always the best choice for certain applications, especially when constant airflow and high pressures are required, as they do have more limitations in terms of capacity.
Screw Compressors
Screw rotary compressors are some of the most widely used compressors in the market today. These consist of a unit that has two screws within, which rotate against one another. Air enters the compressor through an inlet port, before flowing in between the rotors. The air gap becomes increasingly tighter as it moves further down the screws, which compresses the air towards the outlet. Due to their low level of noise and their ability to produce huge air volumes very consistently, these are some of the most popular compressor options. They are available in several different sub-types including oil free compressors, which minimizes the necessary maintenance to keep it in good working order. Neither of the screws will ever come into contact with one another, so they are subject to minimal wear and tear.
Scroll Compressors
These compressors share similarities with screw compressors, but the inner components look slightly different. Instead of screws, these compressors have two scrolls or spirals, one of which will remain stationary throughout operation. Air enters along the scroll’s outer edge before it is pulled in towards the spiral’s center in increasingly smaller circles before being forced downwards and through the outlet at the center. Scroll compressors are a popular choice for applications without a lot of space as they are much smaller in comparison to screw compressors. They require very little maintenance and do not wear easily.
Rotary compressors have many uses, and these are the four main rotary compressor types that you are likely to find available on the market today. While vane and lobe compressors are typically the least expensive option, scroll and screw compressors tend to be the preferred choices for industrial operations, due to their ability to handle larger quantities or air and provide better overall compression. Each type of compressor is easy to use and maintain, and while some wear is to be expected, repairs are often simple and straightforward to bring the compressor back to its full working capacity.
