Rotary screw air compressors are a type of rotary volume compressor and thanks to their reliability, long lifetime and
versatility, they are widely used in a lot of different industries. Compared to piston compressors, they are overall more efficient and
flexible. Find out the working principle of a screw drive compressor.
The working principle of a screw compressor
First of all, let us take a look at the rotary screw compressor element. The element consists of two rotors that look like helixes, each
with a different shape and number of 'grooves'/'teeth' (usually one with 4 and one with 6 teeth). To put it simply, atmospheric air is
sucked into this screw element and as the air progresses along the rotors, it gets compressed.Â
The screw element (block) consists of two rotors that are similar to a helix with a large climb with a different number of teeth. The most
usual ratio of teeth is usually 4:6. As the air progresses along the rotors the air is compressed as the volume space between the rotor
teeth decreases in the direction from the suction to the outlet.
The most widespread type of screw compressors are lubricated compressors with oil injection. For sensitive processes regarding the quality
of compressed air non-lubricated compressors are used. The compression process, in case of a lubricated compressor, proceeds as follows:
The working principle of a lubricated screw compressor
The air circuit: Air is drawn through the filter and an open inlet valve, into the compressor element and gets
compressed. A mix of compressed air and oil flows into the air receiver/oil separator via a check valve. The air is discharged through an
outlet valve via a minimum pressure valve and the air cooler. During loaded operation, a minimum pressure valve keeps the pressure in the
separator tank above a minimum value, required for lubrication. An integrated check valve prevents the compressed air downstream the valve
from being vented into the atmosphere during unloaded operation. When the compressor is stopped, the check valve and inlet valve close,
preventing compressed air (and oil) to be vented into the air filter.
The oil circuit:
In the air receiver/oil separator, most of the oil is removed from the air/oil mixture by centrifugal action. The remaining oil is removed
by the oil separator. The oil is collected in the lower part of air receiver/oil separator, which serves as an oil tank. The oil system is
provided with a thermostatic bypass valve. When the oil temperature is below its set point, the bypass valve shuts off the supply to the oil
cooler and the oil cooler is bypassed. Air pressure forces the oil from the air receiver/oil separator through the oil filter and oil stop
valve into the compressor element. The bypass valve starts opening the supply from the cooler when the oil temperature has increased to the
set point. At approx. 15 ËšC (27 ËšF) above the set point, all the oil flows through the oil cooler. An oil stop valve prevents the compressor
element from flooding with oil when the compressor stops.
Talk to the team today to see how we can help you minimise costs and maximise efficiency.
Your business performance is what we strive for. Ash Air offers a full range of Chicago Pneumatic and Alup air compressors, tools and
on-site solutions. We also provide oil-free compressors and food-grade oil to suit your needs. Ash Air are specialists in vacuum
pumps, blowers, and medical gas solutions. Ash Air offers complete quality air solutions as well as advanced piping systems for the
performance and efficiency of your compressed air system.
Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let
us know!
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
Vacuum pumps
Nitrogen
An extensive line of air treatment components
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries
ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white
cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Air is always contaminated with solid particles such as dust, sand, soot, salt crystals and water as it leaves the compressor. An effective
compressed air treatment system lowers the dew point of the air and takes out the elements that may harm equipment downstream of the
compressor and dryer
Read More…
The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressor’s performance. All air compressors will
generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Read More…
Routine maintenance on your screw compressor or piston compressor is vital to ensuring your unit is performing to its
full potential. There are simple checks and inspections you can do daily, weekly and monthly to keep your compressor running efficiently and
to avoid downtime.
Read More…
Whether you use your air compressor for woodcarving, bottling or manufacturing consumables, compressed air plays a critical role in your
business. It is undeniable that compressed air is a valuable source to your applications.
Read More…
There are many things to consider during the selection process of an air compressor for your business. Most important, determining the
proper size of the compressor to match your operational needs.
Read More…