To understand the different types and technologies of compressors, we first need to understand the two basic principles of compressing air. These are dynamic and displacement compression. In this article, we talk about the scroll compressor. This is a type of displacement compressor with wide applications in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and cars.
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Scroll compressors consist of two spiral-shaped scroll elements that are bolted together: a stationary scroll and an orbiting scroll driven by a motor. The process of compressing air in a scroll compressor involves several steps:
By following these steps, scroll compressors achieve efficient and reliable air compression.
When most people think of air compressors, they probably imagine a bulky and loud machine. Scroll compressors are pretty much the opposite of that. They are oil-free, compact and relatively silent compared to other types of compressors.
Thanks to the simple design of the scroll compressor with only one moving part, this type of compressor is highly reliable and quieter compared to the piston and rotary screw compressor. This makes them perfect for sensitive working environments, like a dentist’s office. Another advantage of scroll compressors is energy efficiency.
Similar to internal compression in a screw compressor, the amount of internal compression is determined by the discharge port. Due to the unique design of the discharge port, the scroll air compressor can compress more air or gas while using minimal power.
Compared to other compressors, these machines attain the highest efficiency level by volume. This is because there are no pistons to compress the gas.
The noise emission of a scroll air compressor is significantly lower than other compressors. The complete compression cycle takes 2.5 turns, including the suction, compression, and discharge revolution phases. These occur simultaneously while providing a constant flow of pulsation-free air.
The scroll air compressor offers smooth and vibration-free operations thanks to its scroll element. It hardly has any torque variation compared to a piston compressor. The simple design of the scroll air compressor contains only one moving part. This makes it highly reliable and quieter than equivalent piston and rotary screw compressors.
Scroll compressors are widely used in various industrial applications due to their efficiency and reliability. They meet the basic requirements of a general-purpose compressor and are commonly used in the food, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and transportation industries. For larger volume demands, oil-injected screw compressors may be more efficient.
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There is an abundance of applications for quiet and energy-efficient compressors that produce absolutely clean air. Take the SF scroll compressor series from Atlas Copco, which has been a leader in this field for more than 60 years. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for many manufacturing processes for which clean, oil-free compressed air is a prerequisite. That is why the SF is the preferred choice for sensitive indoor environments, like hospitals but also labs, breweries, bakeries, dairy farms, electronics manufacturing, and even lens production.
The SF series features a capacity range of 1.9 to 7.6 l/s (4.03 to 16.10 cfm), a maximum working pressure of 10 bar (145 psi), and a dew point performance as low as 2°C/36°F. Its air-cooled scroll element ensures efficiency, reliability, and durability, while the premium efficiency IE3 class motor lowers energy consumption. Most importantly, the SF series produces absolutely clean air.
We hope this guide provides a good overview of whether or not a scroll compressor makes sense for your needs. If you'd like more information, feel free to get in touch. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction.
The biggest drawback of the scroll compressor is that it is not easily repairable. This is because of two reasons. One, the round, complex design makes it difficult to inspect and clean, and two, one of the inter-fitting scrolls is fixed and it can’t be dismantled.
The manufacturing of scroll compressors involves high-end machinery and precise centering assembly technology which pushes up the manufacturing cost and, consequently, the price. And that’s another disadvantage of the scroll compressors.
In a scroll compressor, a certain gap is deliberately kept between the moving and the non-moving components to achieve sealing. This leads to a gas leakage which restricts the scroll compressor to achieve a larger compression ratio, contributes to unnecessary power consumption, and also adversely impacts the air compressor system in the long run.
Even though scroll compressors manage liquid better compared to other air compressor systems, it still needs additional accessories such as crankcase heaters and suction line accumulators for added protection which adds up to the purchasing cost.
One of the most significant disadvantages of rotary screw air compressors is their hefty price which is why most businesses go with other alternatives. Even though the high cost justifies the efficiency and long lifespan, several companies fail to arrange the funds, especially during the initial stage.
Unlike other air compressors, rotary screw compressor maintenance can’t be done by regular technicians. It requires a higher level of skill and understanding to do the maintenance and servicing of rotary screw compressors as it involves complex systems and components.