Layla Tovey's blog : Rotary Screw vs Piston Compressors

Air compressors are one of the most important tools that drive so many industries and applications.

So, if you’re looking for a stable job, you can’t go too far wrong looking into becoming an air compressor engineer or setting up a business that provides air compressor hire to companies. Those jobs aren’t disappearing anywhere, any time soon.

Two of the most popular forms of compressors right now are undoubtedly rotary screw air compressors and piston(that is, reciprocating) compressors.

While they are both popular, do you know which one you should invest in for your training, applications and needs?

The key to choosing the right type of compressor tech is understanding the difference between the capabilities of rotary screw air and piston compressors.

Have no fear, though, as that’s exactly what is covered in this post and should hopefully give you an idea of which courses to look for when training for a job in air compressor engineering.

Important Considerations to Make

There are various important considerations to make when companies choose which type of compressor is best for a business operation.

This includes things like service intervals, duty cycle, energy efficiency along with noise levels and the initial and ongoing (operational) expenses.

Service Intervals. As a piston has more moving parts than a screw compressor, it suffers from greater wear and tear quicker. That basically means that screw compressors do not require as much maintenance. However, with any kind of compressor, if you want to ensure it stays running efficiently, you need to have scheduled maintenance organised.
Duty Cycle. Screw compressors tend to have much longer duty cycles than piston compressors, and are actually made to run all day, every day at 100%. Whereas piston compressors are better for low duty cycle applications and shorter running daily running times.
Energy Efficiency. The best way to determine which is more energy efficient is to think about both piston and screw compressors being run for the same length of time. If that were the case, screw compressors would accrue lower running costs and be more energy efficient. You need to think about whether the cost over its lifetime or initial investment is more important when choosing a compressor technology for your business.
Noise Levels. Of the two, piston compressors generate the loudest noise. Therefore, if having a particularly low noise level machine is important, you might want to invest in a screw compressor.
Initial versus Ongoing (Operational) expenses. It’s important that when it comes to calculating what you can spend on a compressor that you look beyond the initial investment. It’s vital that you consider the ongoing operational expenses too. You could be spending a maximum of 70 to 75% of the operational expenses of a compressor on energy usage. Which is why ongoing costs are so important. Screws cost less to use over time than pistons, even though piston compressors cost less upfront.

In Summary

Although it is entirely up to you which course you decide to invest in the end, it’s important to understand piston air compressors are generally considered great beginner compressors. Most companies and their facilities tend to outgrow those kinds of units, though. Therefore, if you are looking for more opportunities, be sure your course covers screw compressors too. They offer a higher flow rate (CFM) and a more consistent unit, which is also quiet, reliable, efficient and compact. We would suggest a course that covers rotary screw compressors as that’s what most large companies eventually invest in. It is not unusual for companies to have limited compressed air needs initially, but as their business expands and their customer demand and therefore production demand increases, so does their output and the requirement for a bigger compressor to cope with it all! This is great news for you if you’re looking for a job as an air compressor engineer.

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