@Air Compressor
2025-06-03
Which is better, compressor scroll or screw
Comparison of technical characteristics and selection suggestions for scroll and screw air compressors
In the industrial field, scroll air compressors and screw air compressors are two mainstream models, and their technical characteristics and application scenarios are significantly different. In order to help enterprises select models scientifically, the performance characteristics and application scenarios of the two types of models are analyzed as follows:
1. Comparison of technical characteristics
1. scroll type air compressor
- working principle: Gas compression is achieved through the meshing motion of the movable and stationary scroll. The movable and stationary scroll is designed with an involute profile. During the meshing process, multiple closed volumes are formed to gradually compress the gas.
- core advantages：
- Low noise and vibration: Moving parts have no metal contact, and operating noise is ≤ 65 dB (A). It is suitable for use in noise-sensitive places.
- energy-efficient performance: Volume efficiency can reach more than 90%, and efficient operation can still be maintained under partial load conditions.
- oil control: Generally adopt oil-free design, and the oil content of compressed air is ≤0.01mg/m³, meeting the demand for clean gas.
- limitations：
- Exhaust volume limit: The exhaust volume of a single machine is usually ≤15m³/min, which is difficult to meet the demand for large-scale gas consumption.
- impurity sensitivity: High requirements for intake air cleanliness are required, and precision filters need to be equipped to prevent scroll wear.
2. screw air compressor
- working principle: Gas is compressed through the meshing movement of male and female rotors. The rotor profile has been optimized, with small meshing clearance and high compression efficiency.
- core advantages：
- large displacement: The displacement of a single machine can reach more than 100m³/min, suitable for high-load gas scenarios.
- high reliability: Critical components (such as bearings and rotors) have a life span of up to 80,000 hours and a long maintenance cycle.
- Wide operating conditions adaptation: 10%-100% load adjustment can be achieved through frequency conversion speed regulation to adapt to fluctuations in gas consumption.
- limitations：
- noise and vibration: Operating noise is usually ≥75dB (A), and noise reduction measures need to be taken.
- Energy efficiency fluctuations: Energy efficiency drops significantly under part-load conditions, and control strategies need to be optimized.
2. Comparison of typical application scenarios
| scene type | recommended models | Key selection basis |
|---|---|---|
| laboratory/hospital | scroll type air compressor | Very low noise, oil-free clean air supply, small space occupation |
| Small and medium-sized manufacturing factory | scroll type air compressor | Gas consumption ≤10m³/min, energy efficiency priority, simple maintenance |
| Large factory/mine | screw air compressor | Gas consumption ≥30m³/min, continuous operation, strong resistance to impact load |
| construction sites | screw air compressor | Easy to move, high exhaust pressure, and adapt to harsh working conditions |
| food packaging | scroll type air compressor | Oil-free certification, dew point temperature ≤-20℃, small fluctuations in instantaneous gas consumption |
III. Economic evaluation
1. initial investment cost
- scroll type air compressor: Due to the high requirements for precision machining, the price of a single machine is usually 20%-30% higher than that of screw machines of the same specification.
- screw air compressor: Large-scale production reduces costs, and the price is relatively close to the people, making it suitable for large-scale procurement.
2. operation and maintenance cost
- Energy efficiency comparison: Scroll machines have significant energy efficiency advantages under partial loads, and screw machines need to be improved through frequency conversion.
- maintenance cycle: The maintenance interval for scroll machines is usually 8000 hours and for screw machines is 4000 hours, but the single maintenance cost of screw machines is lower.
4. Selection Decision Framework
- Gas consumption demand: The scroll machine is preferred for ≤15m³/min, and the screw machine is required for>30m³/min.
- noise requirements: Screw machines are prohibited in noise-sensitive places (such as hospitals and office areas).
- operating environment: In a dusty and high-humidity environment, the screw machine needs to be equipped with an electronic control system with a protection level of IP65.
- life cycle cost: Based on a 5-year cycle, the total cost of the scroll machine may be lower than that of the screw machine (due to energy efficiency advantages offsetting the initial price difference).
V. Supplementary Provisions
This analysis is applicable to enterprise air compressor selection reference. When special processes (such as explosive gas compression) or extreme environments are involved, special plans need to be developed in conjunction with safety regulations and equipment manufacturers ‘recommendations.
By clarifying the technical characteristics and application scenarios of scroll and screw air compressors, companies can optimize equipment selection decisions, balance initial investment and long-term operating costs, and improve the energy efficiency and reliability of production systems.