Screw compressors operation and maintenance

Purchasing the proper screw compressor is significant, as it will actually save you lots of trouble and money. The aim of the competent dealer is to enhance the lifespan of the compressor and the efficiency to their potential customer. Customers enjoy low operating costs and detailed concrete documentation and compressor performance analysis. The commercial dealer success in these determinations is attributed to emphasis at specific client requirements. The dealer offers various sorts of maintenance as scheduled, breakdown, and preventive.

Fundamental working principles
However, screw compressor element was initially invented in the 1930s; it features female and male rotors. If the element is powered by oil-free screw compressor innovation then both rotors are driven by timing gear allowing the two rotors to function harmonically with least calculated clearance between two elements. In oil-injected compressor element technology female rotor is driven by the male rotor.
The screw compressor has the fundamental principle which states that as the female and male rotors are turning in opposite direction, air volume drawn in between both rotors. As the movement of air progresses along the two rotors, the compression of air occurs as the capacity between the rotors diminishes, hence forming compressed air which is discarded to the outlet. The rotor’s speed is optimized at a definite level to reduce volumetric losses (air losses as a result of very low speed) and lessen mechanical loses (as a result of heat at extremely high speed).
Typically, the male rotor is directly connected to the motor, hence driving the female rotor. As both rotors rotate, their channel’s volume reduces thus compressing the refrigerant.
Types of Screw Compressors
Searching for screw compressor that suits your needs is daunting for cannot distinguish screw compressor functioning principles. Captivatingly, screw compressors can be either twin-screw or single-screw type.
• Single-Screw Compressor. This screw compressor consists of a main rotor and 2 gate rotors. The driving rotor (main rotor), meshes with the pair of gate rotors to initiate the compression process.
• Twin-Screw Compressor. This screw compressor features helical grooved double rotors unlike the single screw compressor one. As both mesh, fluid normally streams in the axial route. This type of compressor is so common in industrial and commercial applications.
Screw compressor unit maintenance
As far as the screw compressor repair and maintenance is the concern, an emphasis is obviously on few major parts. Here are four major parts:
• Electric motor
• Oil components such as the oil separator
• Suction valve
• This includes minimal terms of equipment maintenance. Low screw compressor speed compared to centrifugal compressor assists in reducing the maintenance requirements and vibrations.
The internal moving parts of this equipment require attention, so note that compressor oil supports multiple functions- cooling, lubrication, and cleaning. Regular change of the lubrication is significant because without oil the screw compressor can be damaged.
However, to ensure that this equipment lasts longer, the following issues must be addressed- poor lubrication, vibration, condensation and overheating. To get rid of premature screw compressor’s failure, the operator should check for oil leaks and bearing noise, and call an expert in case of the problem.
In summary, below are a few key maintenance practices for the screw compressor:
• Removal of dirt and debris from unit exterior
• Checks for air leaks and water
• Weekly cleaning and inspection of filters
• Weekly inspection of oil condition
Conclusion
Screw compressors are rapidly gaining in popularity, but a lot of people still have little knowledge about the working principle and the significance of this equipment. Purchasing screw compressors is the ideal option ever because this equipment plays the significant role in your company.