Written by Industrial Stores Staff 04/24/23
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
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.
CHECK LATEST PRICE
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.
Swipe left to see moreCHECK LATEST PRICES
Our happy customers love our friendly service, fast shipping, and comprehensive inventory.
Some of the compliments and positive reviews that come up most include:
"Thank you so much for your hard work and concern, really appreciated."
— Luis S. Valverde, Thermo Air Inc., Hollywood, Florida
"I couldn't be happier to have saved hundreds of dollars."
— Ruben Marquez, Madison, WI
"I have the part, it was here early AM - THANKS SO MUCH."
— Teresa Browder, Oak Farms Dairy, Houston, Texas
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.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Leling.
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.
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.
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Share on Facebook:
When buying an air compressor, it’s best to get all the details rather than picking something that seems right. Once you understand the specifications of different air models, it can still be challenging to know what type of air compressor you should buy. Asking yourself some questions can help you narrow down what to look for in an air compressor.
Rather than risking getting the wrong air compressor, asking the right questions can help save you time and ensure that you pick the best air compressor for your use from the start.
Here are some general questions to ask yourself before looking for and purchasing an air compressor, which will cover everything you need.
You first need to determine where you will be using your new air compressor. For example, you may want to use your air compressor across your work site rather than in a single location. In this case, you’ll want to look at portable models, many of which come with wheels so you can easily roll the compressor from one location to the next.
Remember that a portable option will likely have less power than a stationary option. If you need a high power level but still something portable, you could consider using longer hoses on a stationary model to reach different locations, so long as the distance between uses isn’t too large. This approach allows you to reach the necessary CFM without risking a quick burnout with a portable model or using too much electricity.
If you plan on using the air compressor indoors, ventilation is a primary concern. Small, enclosed spaces like closets can impede operation and generate significant heat. most compressors are air-cooled, so ensure the heat emissions don’t recirculate to where the cooling air should be. Placing a compressor too close to the wall can also create excessive heat — aim to put it at least 3 feet away.
Also, think about where you plan on storing it. If it’s outdoors, you’ll need to protect it from rain, heat, sunlight and other elements. Many compressors are manufactured accordingly for this purpose.
The pharmaceutical and food processing industries have stricter application requirements than other sectors, and if this applies to your company, consider an oil-free air compressor to minimize the risk of oil contaminating the air. When you use compressed air to remove shells from nuts or mix up dry products, the air directly contacts the food, meaning it must be free of particulate contaminants and have a low dew point to prevent microbial growth.
Identifying proper application use will help you determine things like the required duty cycle, the compressor design, power requirements and the necessary air quality level.
Frequency of use is a major consideration. The demands on a compressor working six to seven hours a day, five days a week, are much different than the demands on a machine that’s only used occasionally. Estimate how often you’ll run the compressor and how frequently you’ll turn it on and off. Intermittent power requires different demands than continuous use.
Knowing your usage can help you calculate the necessary duty cycle, which determines how long a compressor can run at a time. If it has an 80% duty cycle, it shouldn’t run for more than eight minutes for every 10-minute period. Industrial compressors can have a duty cycle of up to 100% for continuous operation, while hobby compressors may have around 50%.
A higher duty cycle can offer better efficiency over higher-horsepower models, depending on the application.
Some air compressor models require electricity to run, meaning you’ll need access to an outlet and a dependable electrical supply. Knowing whether or not you have electricity on site will help you determine if you can go with an electric model or if you’ll need gas. Using a gas generator is generally not recommended if you can avoid it, as the fluctuations with generators can cause damage to your air compressor, impacting its life span. It can also affect your warranty from some manufacturers.
Extension cords also tend to be an unreliable fix for air compressors since the power supply from these cords often can’t deliver the appropriate amount of power to your unit. Rather than trying to use extension cords, you can use long hoses instead, which will help you reach areas further away while still using electricity. Your owner’s manual can also help you determine what types of power cords you can use and how to extend your reach for use. A gas compressor might be a better choice if electrical power isn’t handy.
Additionally, check your voltage and electricity connections or have an experienced electrician review your space before buying a compressor. In a residential setting, you may only have enough voltage to power small single-stage machines.
Industrial environments offer more power, but you’ll still need to know your capabilities and ensure your machine can match them. Horsepower indicates how much power a machine needs, but cubic feet per minute (CFM) and pounds per square inch (PSI) may be more useful for your calculations.
The types of tools you want to use will come with different requirements. Knowing what tools you want to use beforehand can help you determine what type of air compressor meets your required specifications.
Your tools will be rated in CFM, which tells you how much air each will use. Find the average CFM rating on each to help you better understand what you’re looking for and what compressor will give you the power you need. For multiple tools, you’ll need to add the ratings.
Also, consider that some air compressor designs work better for different tasks than others. Tools that you use continuously, like sanders and grinders, can benefit more from a compressor offering a constant flow, like a rotary screw model.
Once you know what tools you want to use with your air compressor, you can determine what specifications you’ll need to look for during your search. Failing to meet these specifications when buying a compressor could mean that your tools won’t work as efficiently, impacting your ability to complete tasks. Consider these specifications when choosing an air compressor.
Knowing your maximum operating PSI will help you choose the right air compressor since you’ll want the same PSI rating for your machine. You’ll also be able to determine if you need a single-stage or two-stage compressor. Two-stage compressors have an additional compression step, which increases the PSI. The higher your required PSI, the more likely you’ll need a two-stage compressor.
You can determine your required PSI by looking at the manufacturer specifications of your tools. Choose the highest PSI to decide which air compressor you should select. For example, if you have multiple tools and the highest PSI rating is 90, you’ll want to pick an air compressor with a PSI rating of at least 90. You should also consider if your tools will be running concurrently.
Remember that pressure losses can occur in your air lines and piping, especially with devices like air dryers and filters, so factor those into your calculations.
Manufacturer specifications will tell you how much air each of your tools requires, usually in CFM or SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute). SCFM accounts for different environmental factors that can change an air tool’s performance. Some machines will also offer an average CFM (ACFM), based on a 25% duty cycle.
If you plan on running your air compressor regularly and want to find the continuous rating, you should multiply your ACFM by four. This number will help prevent you from underestimating how much air power you need to do the job. Do this calculation with your highest-rated tool to ensure your air compressor will continue to perform during the most demanding uses. We typically recommend a machine that offers CFMs about 30%-50% higher than the requirements from your highest-rated tool.
You’ll also want to consider whether or not you’ll be using one or more airlines for your tools at a time. If you plan on using two or more lines, add together the minimum CFM rating of all the tools you’ll use at once to be sure you’ll have enough air power. This compounding can significantly increase the demand placed on your compressor.
For example, if you plan to run two lines and one of your tools has a CFM rating of 7 and the other of 6, you should look for a compressor with a CFM rating of at least 16. Also, consider buying a machine with extra CFM capability if you’ll be expanding in the future or want more flexibility for heavy use times.
Most manufacturers measure their tank sizes in gallons, and your tank size will affect your ability to use particular tools. For example, continuous-use tools such as sanders and grinders will need larger tanks than intermittent-use tools like staplers and nail guns since they rely on an ample supply of pressurized air. It’s not as easy to determine what tank size you need to find the CFM. Instead, the best thing to do is go with the biggest tank you can reasonably afford and house.
Bigger tanks are often better due to less motor strain and condensation. For a tank to have compressed air, a motor kicks on and fills it up. The more the motor must turn on and off to fill the tank, the faster it burns out, shortening your compressor’s life. A larger tank reduces motor strain by minimizing the number of starts needed to keep the tank full.
Regarding condensation, air must be cooled after it’s compressed, as it’s hot and holds onto moisture. A smaller air tank increases the likelihood of using the air before it can cool. When warm air goes through the air lines, it can cause condensation buildup, which may damage the tools and compressor itself. A large tank and additional devices like aftercoolers can reduce these issues — aftercoolers cool the air before it flows through the line.
Finally, using a vertical or horizontal air tank is generally based on personal preference and the compressor’s location.
The horsepower rating helps you determine the motor or engine’s power. While it’s not directly related to tools, horsepower does help you determine how efficiently the air compressor can deliver the air. Higher horsepower means that your tank will fill more quickly and efficiently, which can save you time and help you complete jobs sooner.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can move ahead with your purchase. You can always ask more specific questions, such as what air compressors are commonly used in your industry, but the questions above will help you find the right option for your needs.
Quincy Compressor will help you find an air compressor that meets all your required specifications. We work with numerous industries, and our years of experience give us the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the right air compressor. If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable air compressor, find a Quincy Compressor location near you or contact us today!
Many facilities use additional equipment or opt for additional compressor features to meet specific needs.
Some of these options are game-changers, so speak with a Quincy Compressor expert to find the best features for your compressor.
System controls can modify various factors in a compressor, like speed and discharge pressure. They include:
If you’re wondering about the differences between these compressor types, explore our guide to how air compressors work.
Ensuring you choose the suitable air compressor is essential since the device will help streamline many processes and keep your home or business in the best condition. When selecting an air compressor, you must first determine what power source you’ll use or what you have available. For example, you may conduct much of your work inside, meaning you won’t be able to use a gas-powered air compressor since the fumes can be hazardous to workers. If you choose an electric-powered compressor, you’ll want to make sure you have access to an outlet nearby.
Once you know your power source, you can start looking at specifications. For example, you might want an air compressor with a higher horsepower to generate more air pressure. You may also look at tank size to ensure you have enough space to accommodate all the pressurized air you need for your processes. Figuring out the specs will help you narrow down your options and choose from the different types of air compressors.
Some types are more suited to different industries and uses than others. Rotary screw compressors are often used in industrial settings since they provide high-powered air with extreme precision. If you’re a homeowner, you’ll likely want to choose a smaller, more portable unit better suited to your needs, whether it’s inflating different items or pressure washing your home.
Quincy Compressor can help you find the right air compressor to meet your requirements. Our experts have the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the right compressor, whether you’re a large manufacturer or a small-scale business in your local area. We serve many industries, including agriculture, amusement parks, manufacturing, plumbing and woodworking! Since , we’ve provided solutions for businesses around the world. Our extensive line of products means you’ll find everything you’re looking for, and one of our experts can help you find the right fit for your business.
Our products are high-quality and can meet even the most demanding application needs. We protect our compressors under industry-leading warranties, which cover your compressor as long as you perform regular maintenance while using Quincy parts and fluids. We also offer extended warranty plans for reciprocating and rotary screw products. Quincy Compressor also provides reliable service 24 hours a day to ensure your air compressor continues to serve you for as long as possible.
Once you’ve answered the questions above, you can move ahead with your purchase. You can always ask more specific questions, such as what air compressors are commonly used in your industry, but the questions above will help you find the right option for your needs.
Quincy Compressor will help you find an air compressor that meets all your required specifications. We work with numerous industries, and our years of experience give us the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the right air compressor. With Quincy Compressor, you can rest assured that you’ll continue to see the value in your purchase for years to come.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable air compressor, find a Quincy Compressor location near you or contact us today!
Last Updated on August 28, at 12:50 PM
Want more information on scroll air compressor? Feel free to contact us.