Written by Industrial Stores Staff 04/24/23
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A few years ago, you would only find scroll compressors in special applications, including hospitals, vacuum pumps, and car superchargers. Scroll compressors are much more common today, so the big question is how to choose the perfect scroll compressor for your needs.
Although they’re now more common, scroll compressors still have niche applications. Before buying one, you need to have a clear picture of what you expect it to do and what features it needs to have.
The easiest way to do this is to answer these questions:
Whether you’re a technician, contractor, or building manager, this guide on choosing the best scroll compressor is for you.
Scroll or spiral compressors are a type of positive-displacement compressor, which means they trap fluid in a fixed volume and force it to move through mechanical means.
They use two spiral elements that trap fluid between them and compress it. One of these elements is fixed, while the second one orbits within the vanes of the fixed element.
You can see this scroll-like element in the Copeland Digital Scroll Compressor below.
The only moving parts in the compressor are the rotary scroll and motor. Emerson, the manufacturer of Copeland scroll compressors, estimates that it has 70% fewer moving parts compared to conventional models.
With so few moving parts, scroll compressors are much more reliable and quiet compared to reciprocating models. Scroll compressors can also run without lubrication, which reduces the chances of contaminating air or refrigerant with water or oil.
These benefits, paired with their small size, make scroll compressors perfect for sensitive applications. Common uses of scroll compressors include air conditioning, automobile superchargers, food and fruit refrigeration, vacuum pumps, and marine containers.
Scroll compressors use an orbital motion to compress crescent-shaped pockets of fluid caught between the vanes of the two scrolls.
Watch this outstanding video by Thomas Schwenke to see how this happens.
Due to the way they operate, scroll compressors don’t need a suction valve (although they usually have a special one-way discharge valve). Their design is simple but powerful, giving them a highly efficient compression process.
You will get smooth, reliable, and efficient compression with a scroll compressor. Learn more and explore various brands as you check out the latest prices.
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The most important factor when choosing a scroll compressor is the type of work for which you need it. There are several reasons why this is necessary:
Scroll compressors are usually single-speed. That means they only operate at full capacity, but you can also buy units with variable capacity such as this Copeland Scroll Tandem Compressor.
If you’re replacing an air conditioner compressor, consider installing a model with variable capacity. These allow exceptional temperature and humidity, typically within +/- 0.5 °F. This ensures more comfort in homes and minimal food spoilage in refrigeration systems.
When replacing an existing unit, look for a unit with the same technical specifications.
The second most important factor is your air consumption. You need to determine the total airflow you need to power all your tools and equipment.
Check manufacturer specifications and pressure requirements for all your pneumatic tools/machinery. Your scroll compressor should be able to handle the highest PSI required for your equipment during peak operation.
For the airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), add up all the CFM requirements for all equipment that you will be running simultaneously. Add a 30% safety margin, and you will have a minimum CFM value for your scroll compressor.
If you’re buying a compressor for air conditioning, look for manufacturer guidelines on what compressor capacity to buy.
Scroll compressors come with a motor already mounted, so you don’t need to calculate horsepower figures. For example, the Danfoss H-Series Scroll Compressor below comes as a complete package with an internal motor and terminal box.
However, you need to figure out power supply requirements including voltage, current, circuit safety, and control features. Check manufacturer guidelines for these details and be careful to follow them to the letter, as scroll compressors can be sensitive to bad connections.
In fact, some of the most common causes of compressor failure include poor electrical connections and motor problems caused by electrical problems.
Scroll compressors have a big advantage because they can operate for extended periods without excessive wear. The best models only require a few minutes of downtime for an hour of continuous operation.
If you need a continuous supply of compressed air/refrigerant, make sure that the scroll compressor you choose has the right duty cycle. For example, the Danfoss 121L Scroll Compressor below can handle 12 start/stop cycles and requires a 3-minute time-out per hour.
Turning a compressor on requires a large current draw from the mains and can cause increased equipment wear. If you have too many start/stop cycles, at some point it becomes more economical to run the unit continuously and eliminate the start/stop operations.
The rule of thumb is that you have to start and stop a compressor more than eight times an hour, consider installing a receiver tank or run it continuously.
Expert Tip: The compressor you choose must always be oversized for your particular applications. Better still, install a tank for your compressor so it doesn’t have to run all the time.
Scroll compressors are so quiet that you can install them close to the point of use. However, there are other installation considerations to think about.
The most obvious one is the electricity supply. Larger units often require three-phase power, while small ones operate off single-phase mains. Heat is also a major factor because scroll compressors generate a lot of heat and require some form of cooling.
Therefore, it’s worth taking the time to pick a scroll compressor that will run off the electrical supply you have. Also, check the space where you will be installing the unit. It needs to have good air circulation for cooling, and some manufacturers even recommend placing it near a fan or window for better cooling.
You should also think about what control system you need. For example, an automatic start/stop system based on air pressure levels will be necessary if you have a receiver tank.
Expert Tip: If you have to start and stop the compressor more than eight times an hour, it’s more economical to run the unit continuously to reduce the high current drawn at starting.
You can get a good single-speed scroll compressor for just under $800, while premium variable-speed models with sophisticated controls can reach $5,000 or more.
Apart from this, the prices of scroll compressors vary only slightly from brand to brand depending on performance factors such as flow and pressure.
The table below shows the average prices of four scroll compressor models we have at Industrial Stores.
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The size of air compressor you need will depend on your airflow needs in cubic feet per minute (CFM), as well as the pressure ratings of your equipment. This information will be available for each piece of pneumatic equipment you are using in their user guide.
Sum up all the CFM flow requirements for all the equipment you will be operating simultaneously and add a 20 – 30% margin. Remember to use the higher CFM and PSI values for your equipment to make sure you can meet peak demand.
Scroll compressors are quieter, more efficient, and provide more consistent airflow than other types of compressors. However, this doesn’t mean they are the best since they also have a few shortcomings.
Each type of compressor has applications to which it is best suited depending on its features. The table below shows some important features of the four main types of compressors.
Swipe left to see moreDue to their design and working principle, scroll compressors are usually small in size. They tend to have leakages between the vanes of their scrolls, and larger units leak more and lose efficiency.
Also, large displacement scroll compressors require massive scroll elements, making them impractical.
Scroll compressors can be lubricated or oilless. They come in different designs, with somewhere the scrolls do not actually touch. This eliminates the need for flooding the compressor with oil or lubricant, providing clean air.
However, there are also lubricated and even oil-flooded scroll compressors, especially those that require a high compression ratio.
The way scroll compressors work is simply genius. The interlocking vanes can compress fluid with almost 100% efficiency and very little noise. Plus, they have very few moving parts and are extremely reliable and long-lasting.
Are you interested in learning more about scroll air compressor manufacturers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
That being said, scroll compressors have limited flow and pressure output. They are great for niche applications where clean air or refrigerant is required such as air conditioning, food processing, and medical laboratories, among others.
If you’re looking to buy a scroll compressor, you need to make sure that the one you choose will supply enough airflow at the right pressure for all your equipment. It also needs to meet your installation and performance needs.
Here at Industrial Stores, our expert staff are well-equipped to help you find the best scroll compressor for your needs. We will also source the right unit for you, get you reduced prices, and deliver the unit to you quickly and safely.
Shop for scroll compressors at Industrial Stores today to discover the best prices.
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Too much talk about air compressors can get complicated. Let's make it
simple.
When you think about it, air compressors are everywhere-from the garage to your dentist office, from large factories to even your local car wash. That's because they're reliable and make tough jobs easy.
Every year, we discover more uses for air compressors. As soon as you put one to work, you'll feel its impact on your time and energy. This guide will give you the confidence to pick the right tool for the right job and get back to what matters most.
View Best Air CompressorsA compressor works by continuously sucking in surrounding air and mechanically squeezing it through internally-moving components and into a usable force for powering air tools. Once the maximum air pressure is reached (PSI), the duty cycle is complete.
The overall air volume a compressor can generate is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and this is often the most important factor in choosing the right one to power all your tools. There are many types, but the most common types are listed below.
We all know for every job there is a right (and wrong) tool to use. Air compressors would be useless without the machines and air tools they power, but with so many applications, choosing the right air compressor can be tough. Asking yourself the right questions early on like "what will the compressor be used for," "where will it be installed," and "how much power do I need" are great places to start.
This next section is broken down by the type of user and common applications they have, and each has its own detailed guide to help you discover the perfect compressor for you.
Owning a small compressor means always being ready for what life throws your way. It means never having a flat tire again. It's the satisfaction of knowing you fixed something yourself like a pro. It's easier than you think to improve the value of your home with the help of an air compressor.
Whether it's fixing your sagging deck or replacing old trim boards, in one afternoon you can save thousands of dollars on basic repairs and finish projects just like the pros. All you need to know is how your compressor and tools work and suddenly your boring "fix list" becomes instantly easier and even a little fun, too.
For the freedom to be the weekend warrior or the seasoned Do-It-Yourself-er, getting a larger single-stage air compressor or upgrading to a professional model works best. Larger tanks and more power mean more capability when it comes to woodworking in the garage, re-siding the house, building a shed, or for doing other advanced home-improvement projects on your own.
Find a Consumer CompressorFor contractors and commercial business owners, there is no second best. You already know that the right air compressor doesn't just power your workshop or job site, but also saves you money by only working as hard and long as you do.
We're talking about the air compressors that make building dozens of decks, painting hundreds of cars, or changing thousands of truck
tires each year a breeze. With the right compressor, you'll feel good hanging up your hose at the end of the day.
Professional-grade air compressors are built to withstand the rigors of any job-site and are designed to be durable and portable wherever you need it.
To run your business efficiently, you know it's better to measure twice and cut once. You won't find the same air system in a dentist's office as you would in a tire shop. You owe it to yourself and your business to ask the right questions before you buy.
Find a Contractor CompressorIn an ever-changing economy, factories and entire industries rely heavily on industrial-grade air compressors to keep up with the constantly changing demands. Choosing the right system will drive success by keeping production moving and efficiency at a maximum.
It's no secret that these air compressor systems are the most powerful in the field, and with serious power comes a serious investment-so knowing the critical information will arm you to make the decision that makes the most sense for you and your company.
It's also important to consider your growing business. Your air demands today could double in five years, and your air system should be able to adjust for that growth.
Decisions on the environment, location, pump lubrication, CFM, 1 or 3-phase power requirements, air treatments, air dryers, line filters, regulators, and turning over every stone is essential for a proper fit. While under sizing a compressor is bad business, remember that oversizing your system can cost you in wasted electricity, too. That's where VSD technology becomes increasingly important.
The options for commercially-operated air compressors are extensive and even include custom builds for unconventional applications. To keep things simple, this guide is specifically geared toward commercial/industrial applications.
Find a Commercial CompressorKnowing the basic mechanics behind how something works isn't just for gearheads; everyone benefits from understanding technology.
Reciprocating piston compressors are the most widely used. Like your car's engine, an internal crankshaft drives the pistons inside the cylinders in a back-and-forth motion, creating a vacuum that sucks air in when retracting and pushing air into a tank when extending.
Because the internal components touch, these compressors create friction and run hotter and louder than other types of air compressors; however, newer technology like oil-less and dual-piston compressors reduce overheating and noise associated with piston-type compressors.
The trusted workhorses of the auto industry, rotary screw technology was introduced for heavy-duty applications that require high power during extended periods. Just like a supercharged hot rod, these compressors are ideal for maximizing air intake and maximizing payout. As air enters the sealed chamber, it is squeezed between two (helically-opposed) male and female rotating screws.
As the screws inter-mesh, they reduce the volume of trapped air and deliver it compressed, at the proper pressure level. Unlike reciprocating piston compressors, rotary screw rotors don't touch and have fewer moving parts, and because they are oil-sealed, they require much less maintenance over time.
Scroll compressors use two spiral-shaped circular pieces that rotate around one another to compress air. One scroll is fixed in place and doesn't move, and the other fits inside the stationary scroll and moves in a tight circular motion without rotating.
Scroll compressor technology is all around us. They are found in a wide array of applications, from refrigeration to electronics manufacturing, to even turbos in high-efficiency vehicles.
Also, these compressors are capable of producing the cleanest industry-standard air according to ISO standards. These ratings make them ideal for use in the electronics, pharmaceutical, dental, and food industries because of their 100% oil-free and quiet operation.
Although the concept of mechanically compressed air has existed for well over a hundred years, in the last fifty years, air compressor technology has rapidly evolved to keep up with the constantly changing needs and uses of compressed air.
Starting with single-stage machines that compressed air in a single "stroke" to two-stage compressors which compress at twice the air pressure, technology has rapidly progressed to further fine-tune the needs of compressor applications that require maximum efficiency at all times.
Newer technological advances like variable speed drives allow the compressor to only run at the speed and voltage required to give you the right amount of compressed air at the right pressure, and at the right time.
Even newer are Variable Frequency Drive innovations that allow the compressor to control the motor speed and torque by alternating from A/C to D/C power and controlling the input frequency and voltage.
There's no shortage of innovations as new uses for air compressors are discovered, and has led to quieter, cleaner, faster, and stronger machines. Teflon-coated cylinders and bioengineered designs are only a few examples of how innovation is used to solve unique problems in the field.
It's important to consider noise level and quiet compressor operation whether you're working at home indoors or have a mechanic in an auto shop with the compressor in the same bay. No matter the type of air compressor or location, there are solutions to help cut down noise like enclosures, dampeners, and compressors that use sound-dampening materials.
With technology advancing, we now have quiet, oil-free compressors that are exceptionally low-noise due to their enclosures and can run all day without slowing down-making them ideal for industries that require around-the-clock operations. Other technologies like VSD, VFD, and dual-piston designs help with quieter operation, too.
Find a Quiet CompressorAt Air Compressors Direct, we supply fully-outfitted compressed air systems to make sure you've got every piece you need to make the right investment.
Pneumatic tools revolutionized the way people and business work. For the first time, they allowed more work to be done much faster at a fraction of traditional costs and, unlike battery-operated tools, air tools don't require internal motors or external power to work but still deliver optimal power and performance.
Filling a garage-workshop with a pneumatic impact wrench, spray gun, nailer, stapler, ratchet wrench or sandblaster will allow you to complete nearly any task at home using one power source (air compressor) and without breaking the bank.
Proper air treatment is like life insurance for your air compressor;
dirty air causes damage over time until you're faced with very expensive repairs and costly downtime.
Clean, dry air is paramount to protecting your tools and machines run by your compressor. Air dryers remove moisture and some contamination, while air filters refine the air further by removing fine particulate and aerosol contamination.
Clean air protects not only your tools, but also your compressor's tank (by using a drain) and air lines from a constant barrage of unfiltered, moist air that causes damage to the internals over time.
We offer air compressor accessories and kits that improve the performance of your air compressor system. These include lubricators, regulators, additional air tanks, replacement pumps, air hoses, extension cords, oil, and gauges.
We also offer air delivery solutions to bring your air anywhere you need it.
The beauty of portable air compressors is that they can go exactly where they're needed. Whether it's a handheld inflator that fits under your car seat or an off-roading DC air compressor for your weekend getaways, there are portable compressors to support any lifestyle.
For homeowners and contractors, portability means being able to carry a twin-stack or hot-dog compressor around the house, or even utilize mobile air compressors that are truck-mounted or mounted to a wheelbarrow for the job site. You'll never have to worry about how you'll power your air tools on the roof or in the crawl space under the deck.
Larger stationary air compressors and industrial-grade air solutions for manufacturing will need to be installed with the help of a certified installer who is familiar with state and local codes and can ensure that the proper protections are in place, and that they are up to power and application requirements.
Air compressors at all levels of use can improve productivity every day they're used. Although finding the right one may be daunting at first, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to make an educated decision on which compressor is right for you.
If you're looking for an industrial air compressor system for your facility and you're concerned about the complicated logistical decisions, we can make it easier- just give us a call and our experts will talk you through exactly what you need.
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