Questions You Should Know about scroll air compressor

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:

1. Oscillation: The scrolls oscillate in a continuous motion without metal-to-metal contact, compressing air in crescent-shaped pockets.
2. Orbiting Scroll Motion: The orbiting scroll, driven by a short-stroke crankshaft, moves eccentrically around the fixed scroll, creating suction that draws air in from the inlet at the top of the housing.
3. Compression: Air captured in pockets between the scrolls is gradually compressed as it moves toward the center.
4. Discharge: Compressed air is discharged from the outlet port at the center, where a non-return valve prevents backflow.
5. Stability: The 180° phase displacement provides radial stability, and the internal compression minimizes leakage due to lower pressure differences between air pockets.

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.

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.

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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.

Scroll Compressors are fantastic machines. They are efficient, quiet, oil-free and easy to maintain. Because of these attributes, they make an excellent choice for a variety of applications. But before you run out and buy one, consider a few factors that will help you make the right choice: air quality, air pressure and electrical service.

Air Quality

When it comes to picking one for your facility, first consider the needs of your application. Scroll compressors are already a great choice for sensitive applications, because they don’t require lubrication in the compression chamber. However, different applications have unique needs when it comes to moisture and particulates. If air quality is a consideration, look for options that come as a complete package with an air dryer and in-line filters included.

Air Pressure

Like all compressors, scroll compressors are rated in pressure (pounds per square inch, or PSI), power (HP) and flow (cubic feet per meter, or CFM). Though it may seem elementary, knowing what pressure, power and flow your end use requires is of vital importance. If you’re not sure, you can schedule an audit with a professional. They can walk you through determining your individual compressor needs.

Electrical Service

This may not seem like a big deal, but it can be, and better to address it before you accidentally ruin a machine. Unless you are working in a large industrial facility, you most likely have one phase power. If you’re using a compressor at home or in a small facility, you probably are using single-phase power.

However, another way to determine is to see if your facility has typical outlets or wall-mounted boxes, as three-phase power doesn’t come out of traditional outlets. Usually, three-phase power can support larger machines. It is always a good idea to consult an electrical expert before installing a machine.