How to Choose the Perfect Rotary Screw Compressor

You work hard and expect the same from your tools and equipment.

When it comes to air compressors, nothing beats a rotary screw compressor. These workhorses are designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, for many years.


If you're serious about your job, upgrade to a rotary screw air compressor.

Why be a Rotarian?

Rotary screw rotors

1. Get the job done faster
You'll never have to wait for your compressor to play again. With a 100% duty cycle, they are designed to run continuously without overheating, saving you time (and headaches).

2. Use it longer
Because the internal rotors are oil sealed, the parts last longer and maintain the same performance throughout the life of the compressor.

The internal screws don't touch, meaning no friction, less maintenance and fewer replacements on your investment.


3. Runs quieter
If you run a business, don't subject your employees (or customers) to uncomfortably loud and potentially unsafe environments. Rotary screw compressors operate quietly, so they can be mounted near work spaces without the need for hearing protection.

4. Cost and energy savings
Although the initial cost may be higher than reciprocating compressors, what you will get is longer life, greater capacities, and the reliability that only superior rotary screw technology can provide.

Over time, rotary screw compressors pay for themselves by running cleaner and more efficiently, meaning you'll have to spend much less on filters, spare parts and accessories, all while enjoying longer compressor life.

Energy Star With reciprocating (piston) type air compressors, the cost of the energy needed to run them can exceed the purchase price in a year, while rotary screw compressors will account for approximately 70% of the purchase price in about 10 years.

Many of our rotary screw models are even Energy Star qualified, using 20-30% less energy than federal standards.

How do they work ?

The rotary screw compressor gets its name from the way they are powered.

As air enters a sealed chamber, it is trapped and compressed between two rotating (helically opposed) screws. As the screws engage, they reduce the volume of trapped air and deliver it compressed, to the proper pressure level.

Rotary Screw Considerations

Horsepower (HP) - One HP is the force needed to lift 550 pounds. one foot per second.

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) - CFM is the amount (volume) of the velocity of air passing through a medium. Think of a water hose through which you can measure the amount of water that can be passed in one minute.

Pounds per square inch (PSI) - PSI is the measurement of pressure a compressor can produce (in pounds) per square inch of space.

Going back to our water hose example, PSI would be the amount of pressure at which the water (or air) comes out of the hose. Without a nozzle, it can drip, while one with a fine tip can force dirt out of the concrete.

If you ever had a kink in a line, then you would not experience CFM, while the pressure behind the kink (PSI) would build up and possibly break the line.

It is important to pay attention to the CFM and PSI requirements of air equipment to choose a compressor powerful enough for the job.

Electrical Phase - You must choose single-phase or three-phase. Single-phase electricity is found in residential settings, while three-phase electricity is more typically found in industrial locations and environments.

Check with your electrician and local codes to determine which type you have.

Choose your speed to save even more

Variable Speed ​​Drive (VSD) rotary screw compressors change the frequency and voltage that power the motor, increasing its efficiency by calculating air compression needs instantly. Simply put, it only uses the energy necessary for the task at hand and does not overload the machine wasting energy.

VSD compressors work best when they are sized correctly and used for the correct applications. Please note that these units are more sensitive to dirty work environments and must be adequately protected.


I should buy?
If you're tired of your piston compressor not working as hard as you do, do yourself a favor and upgrade. With a rotary screw compressor, you'll get speed, longevity, quieter jobs, and energy savings over time. For a little more, you can get a VSD compressor that further maximizes efficiency.

Take your compressor needs to the next level and check out our selection of rotary screws.