Why are screw compressors so expensive?

In the compressor market, screw air compressor proportion is relatively large. Compared with piston air compressor, screw air compressor price is slightly more expensive, even so the user will choose the screw air compressor. Why is that? Why is the screw air compressor more expensive




Piston air compressors are cheap to buy but expensive to use. Disadvantages of piston air compressor:

1. The equipment is large and cumbersome;

2. Complex structure, many wearing parts and large maintenance workload;

3. Large vibration and noise during operation, high requirements for equipment installation foundation;

4. Relatively high operation and maintenance costs.




Compared with piston air compressor, screw air compressor advantage is more obvious. Advantages of screw air compressor:

1. High reliability: the screw compressor has few parts and no wearing parts, so it runs reliably and has a long life. The intermission period of overhaul can reach 40,000-80,000 hours.

2. Easy operation and maintenance: the operator does not have to undergo professional training, and can realize unattended operation.

3. good dynamic balance: screw compressor no unbalanced inertia force, the machine can work smoothly at high speed, can achieve no foundation operation.

4. strong adaptability: screw compressor has the characteristics of forced gas transmission, the exhaust volume is almost not affected by the exhaust pressure, in a wide range can ensure a higher efficiency.

5. phase mixing transport: screw compressor rotor tooth surface is actually left a gap, so the ability to withstand liquid impact, can be pressed gas containing liquid, dust gas, easy to polymerization gas, etc

It is precisely because of the above advantages of screw air compressor that the price of screw air compressor is relatively expensive. Secondly, screw air compressor is also divided into permanent magnet frequency converter and power frequency converter, and permanent magnet frequency converter is more expensive than power frequency.




Previous: Nine Advantages Of Frequency Conversion Air Compressor

Next: Application Of Screw Air Compressor In Textile Industry?        
Check now

JDuke

Member

Posts: 2,593
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb

#9

I found a 5hp single phase screw compressor that puts out 16.4CFM @ 175 psi
But the price is $

Is the technology of screw compression scalable enough to make 3hp that puts out enough air for most home shops?

If so why has HF not started selling a Chinese made one for $800?

Duke

Find

Reply

Robert Adams

Member

Posts: 5,733
Threads: 2
Joined: Dec
Location: Fort Worth

#10

The machining tolerances have to be basically perfect as anything just a hare off will either wear the screws quickly or reduce efficiency.

That said screw compressors are an extremely old technology and with the accuracy of cnc machining and low cost of it I wonder why there aren't more choices.

Most likely because oilless compressors and oil type are dirt cheap and fast to produce.

Find

Reply

AHill

Honored Veteran

Posts: 10,719
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan
Location: Orlando, Florida

#11

Quincy Compressors now assembles some of their stuff in China. A 5HP 16.6 CFM @ 145 psi Quincy Screw Compressor is around $.

Most screw compressors are rated for continuous duty cycle heavy duty manufacturing type environment use. Nobody in that kind of business wants a machine that isn't reliable.

But, to answer your question, yes, the Chinese already make them. Success Engine is one such company. A 4HP version I saw going for $.

Still Learning,

Allan Hill

Find

Reply

EdL

Slow Day

Posts: 10,781
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul
Location: Front seat on the Struggle Bus

#12

AHill said:


Most screw compressors are rated for continuous duty cycle heavy duty manufacturing type environment use. Nobody in that kind of business wants a machine that isn't reliable.
.

A friend installled 2 screw units in their milking parlor...piston units wouldn't hold up. 14k later and 10k+ hours they still have no problems.

Ed

A friend installled 2 screw units in their milking parlor...piston units wouldn't hold up. 14k later and 10k+ hours they still have no problems.Ed

Find

Link to Comair

Reply

JDuke

Member

Posts: 2,593
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb

#13

I suspected that it was largely due to the low price of reciprocating compressors and their duty cycle is fine for the vast majority of the people.

As already mentioned, with CNC increasing repeatability in manufacturing I'm surprised that nobody has brought a low cost unit to the market.

Duke

Find

Reply

karoc

Member

Posts: 311
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr

#14

Each individual would have a different definition of low cost,even if there was one it still would cost more than the average compressor.Can you imagine what parts would cost(there's alot of parts),and to find someone that knows how to work on them.I don't see if happening-----Carroll

Find

Reply

Rick F

Member formerly Jokerbird

Posts: 7,431
Threads: 0
Joined: May

#15

Most Rotary Screws are made in China now.. The more expensive ones are made in Italy or Germany ..

The worst thing you can do to a Rotary Screw Compressor is not run it . The start up on a new one is actually a process which includes lubrication. So some hobby shop guy running it 3 times a month isn't ideal.

Lubrication is key.. The tolerances of the actual screw are such that a film of oil actually keeps the screw air tight.. drying it out is bad news..

If they're run daily.. they never dry out.. and the screw never gets worn..

For a hobby shop, Rotary Vane is a better choice ( IMO ) .. but the vane's are key.. low quality = low life span. Gardner Denver and Mattei make them .. if some new composite is one day available for vanes .. the price could drop.

A decent Rotary Screw will run 40,000 hours.. But not one hour at a time.. Its the wrong technology for a hobby shop..

Find

Reply

Quahog

Member

Posts: 14
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb

#16
California Air Tools makes some inexpensive compressors and I just may buy one.

$189 on Amazon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZWqHndbkVI

If you can afford it,

For the shop, I'd want a quiet compressor.California Air Tools makes some inexpensive compressors and I just may buy one.If you can afford it, this one would be all you need.

Find

Reply

For more High Pressure Screw Air Compressorinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.