Are you in the market for an air compressor, but you’re unsure where to look? With so many options, it can be quite a daunting task. I highly recommend looking at rotary screw air compressors before deciding.
You have the choice of oil-free, oil-injected, one-phase, or a three-phase. Although the initial cost can be higher than reciprocating air compressors, the advantages of the rotary screw air compressors far outweigh the cost.
Here is a review to help in choosing which one may be best.
Things To Consider When Searching For A Rotary Screw Air Compressor
Determining which rotary screw air compressor is the best, we first have to understand what one is. An air compressor is a piston-run device powered by the use of inert gases, (such as diesel) electricity, or the use of batteries.
The pump compresses the air into a holding tank. The tank on each compressor has a limit, and when the limit of air in the tank is full, the compressor turns off, storing the air until needed.
With a rotary screw compressor, it uses helical screw rotators instead of pistons. The rotors spin away from each other, and as they draw in the air, the amount of space in between each rotor lessens, leading to air compression.
Depending on which of the two rotary screw air compressors are needed, will help decide on which is better suited.
With oil-free, the rotors do not come into contact with each other, so there is no abrasion, meaning they do not require a lubricant to be proficient.
No lubricant equals no threat of leakage making these perfectly suited for industries such as medical and the food and beverage industry.
Oil injected uses oil to seal in the air and lubricates parts within the compressor. This type of compressor is used in automotive, gas refrigeration, mining, and anywhere pneumatic tools are needed.
It’s important to know the difference between a one-phase and a three-phase compressor when researching. If you need a compressor with a constant supply of power, then it’s recommended to opt for a three-phase as a single-phase does not produce the same continuum.
The HPDMC(PACK15-TAE), a rotary screw air compressor is a 20 HP oil-injected machine consuming 15 kW of power and produces 71 cubic feet of the pressure of compressed air at 150 psi.
It has an output voltage of 230V. Because this machine comes equipped with an integrated refrigerated air dryer, it gives the advantage of using less floor space.
This integrated air dryer inhibits rust, preventing damage to any tools used. Its length and height measure 77 inches and has a width of 34 inches, and weighs 1200 pounds.
Its large 80-gallon tank enables the use of several pneumatic tools at one time.
The Ingersoll Rand (UP6-15cTAS-125), rotary screw air compressor, comes equipped with an open drip-proof motor (ODP) which ensures that it will not overheat, thus making this type of motor more efficient.
The total air system (TAS) option reduces noise levels and provides a high level of air quality. This air compressor is a 15 HP machine consuming 15 KW of power and produces 55 cubic feet of the pressure of compressed air at 125 psi.
It has an output voltage of 230V. This compressor can operate for longer periods of time in colder temperatures compared to other machines and measures 54 inches long, 29 inches wide, and 61 inches high.
Advantages:
ODP electric motor
Auto start and stop
Low noise
Three-phase
Disadvantages:
Contaminants and dust may enter due to the internal fan in the ODP
Maintenance kit sold separately
High start-up costs
One-year warranty
A skilled mechanic to do servicing needs
Chicago Pneumatic Quiet Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer
The Chicago pneumatic quiet rotary screw air compressor (QRS10HPD-150) is a 10HP machine producing 35.2 cubic feet of pressure at 150 psi.
It measures 73 inches long, 24 inches wide and, 58 inches high. This compressor has a Tri-voltage of 208/230/460, making it easy to wire, and is equipped with a totally enclosed fan cooled motor (TEFC).
This simply means that it uses an external fan over the frame of the motor to prevent it from overheating inhibiting outside air from getting in. It weighs 920 pounds and has a tank capacity of 120 gallons.
A space-saving design means it can fit into smaller areas, making it ideal for smaller establishments such as maintenance shops and the refrigerated air dryer system prevents moisture from getting inside and rusting tools.
Advantages:
Easy to use control panel
Quiet at 65 decibels
Low maintenance
Multiple user capabilities
Three-phase
Disadvantages:
One-year factory warranty
High start-up costs
A skilled mechanic to do servicing needs
Quincy QGS Rotary Screw Compressor – 7.5 HP, 230 Volt Single Phase, 60 Gallon
The Quincy (QGS-7.5TM) rotary screw air compressor is a single-phase, 7.5 HP machine producing 21.2 CFM at 150 psi. It measures 56 inches long, 22 inches wide, 49.4 inches high, weighs 468 pounds and has a tank capacity of 60 gallons.
The totally enclosed fan cooled motor (TEFC) is oil injected with a V belt drive and has a voltage output of 230V. With the decibels being only at 64, this machine has the same noise level as a dishwasher, making it ideal for areas with noise restrictions.
Because of the smaller space required (less than 13 square feet), this compressor has more options for placement.
Advantages:
Does not require bolts to anchor
Low noise
Small footprint
Easy start/stop
Five-year warranty on major parts
Disadvantages:
This model doesn’t come with a refrigerated air dryer
Daily maintenance checks
High start-up costs
1-year warranty on compressor package
A skilled mechanic to do servicing needs
Quincy QGS Rotary Screw Compressor WITH Integrated Dryer- 7.5 HP
The Quincy (QGS-7.5) oil-injected, a rotary screw air compressor is a three-phase, 7.5 HP machine producing 21.2 CFM at 150 psi. It measures 56 inches long, 23 inches wide, 51 inches high, weighs 548 pounds, and has a tank capacity of 60 gallons.
The totally enclosed fan cooled motor (TEFC) inhibits outside air from getting in and contaminating the inside with debris. This compressor has a Tri-voltage of 208/230/460, making it easier to wire and adapt to the voltage needed for each user.
The enclosure on this machine is intended to keep the noise down with only 64 decibels, making it ideal for shared workspaces and/or restricted noise areas. A space-saving design provides many solutions for placement. Service components are in an easy-to-reach panel with a simple start/stop control button.
Advantages:
Low noise levels
Integrated refrigerated air dryer with timer actuated drain
High-efficiency air filter
Low energy costs
Five-year warranty
Disadvantages:
High start-up costs
A skilled mechanic to do servicing needs
Chicago Pneumatic QRS5.0HPD-1 Quiet Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer
The Chicago Pneumatic QRS5.HPD-1 is designed with efficiency in mind.
Using its powerful excellent engine, compact design, and quiet temperament; the air compressor guarantees to provide exceptional services for your mill.
In addition, it can perform effectively on your merchant service shop, tire store, or paint and body shop.
And you can install the machine anywhere in your store due to its compact design and quiet character.
This product is designed to offer you 100% continuous functioning while preserves a superb performance.
Additionally, it supplies all of the essential air when minimizing horsepower use.
The air compressor is most likely the most dependable machine with a refrigerated dryer in the industry.
To begin with, it lacks sporting parts. This makes it easy to keep the air compressor, so.
Additionally, the air compressor additionally lacks a number of the most exposed components of normal air compressor usage which then maximizes its functionality to around 4000 hours of trouble-free performance.
The machine includes a control panel that will assist you to operate all of its capabilities easily.
This air compressor is quite silent, as it generates 62 decibels of sound.
And this is partly a result of the super-efficient functionality of its TEFC motor, QRS oil heating system along with an air drier. Its layout, which also lessens the creation of grime, does help attain its great functionality.
Chicago Pneumatic QRS3.0HP-1 60 Gallon 3 HP 150 PSI Rotary Screw Air Compressor
The Chicago Pneumatic version is an air compressor perfect for the lighting industry and automotive stores.
It sports a 3.0HP electric motor, a sound dampening technology for silent operation.
On the flip side, the machine includes functions that make it supply compressed air consistently and economically all through the year.
Additionally, it has a cooling system that will help increase the general machine’s lifespan.
This product version is designed for top performance despite its comparatively low cost.
It accomplishes the functionality with a fantastic excellent motor, higher airflow a fantastic excellent construction.
In the long run, the machine can manage all of the requirements of a care shop, paint store, automotive store, or lighting business.
The air compressor comes with a noise-canceling technology that lowers the sound level to 64DBA.
This, then, makes the best-rated machine an excellent compressor you could set up at any portion of your store and operate effectively with sound interference.
The compressor, as with other rotary screw machines, supplies compressed air all-day round.
The machine’s 3.0 HP engine is quite powerful for light tasks in the business.
Again, the engine enhances the machine’s overall output by making sure the atmosphere flows consistently out of the 60-gallon tank.
This is definitely the most acceptable air compressor for most owners of factories, dealership stores garages, and body shops.
The air compressor supplies a constant supply of compressed air for optimal performance. Its great excellent motor helps it.
You do not require another space for your air compressor. The machine operates quietly with quite minimal sound and vibration.
Additionally, its streamlined design is suitable for conserving space. You can have it set up anywhere in your store.
The machine itself ensures durability. HPDMC offers quality rotary screw air compressors which may endure for ages. The air compressor consists of durable steel material.
This one also features an efficient heating system. For this, you may be certain it is not going to quickly overheat. This characteristic increases the lifespan of the machine.
Because of the price, I will say this air compressor matches more criteria than a few top-rated models. You get value for the money should you take to count its own abilities.
Buying Guides for Best Rotary Screw Compressor
A rotary screw air compressor is similar to a life investment. When looking to purchase a new one, then you should also consider these standards:
Horsepower
It’s the power of this motor that drives the compressor. One Horsepower is going to be the force that will have the ability to lift 550lbs 1 foot in 1 second.
By way of instance, the very first compressor recorded above, the Chicago Pneumatic, has just 7.5 horsepower, although the Ingersoll Rand had 30 horsepower.
Airflow (CFM)
CFM is the speed of airflow at the air compressor. It is 1 variable that you can not exit when purchasing a rotary compressor.
When using more than 1 tool concurrently, then you must find a machine with a high CFM.
On the flip side, some air tools possess a reduced CFM requirement. In cases like this, you might not require a version with a rather large CFM.
Make sure that the tools will work nicely with the CFM of this model you buy.
Electrical Phase
One other essential feature you want to search for. The power you will have to pick from one phase or triple stage, based on the current demands.
It’s best to contact your plumber to find out which present you may need.
Variable Speed Drive
A variable speed drive air compressor may significantly allow you to conserve energy.
The energy costs of conducting an air compressor can proceed up to tens of thousands of bucks. This produces the operation costs pricey.
Consider exactly how much you can save on electricity by means of a VSD air compressor.
There are just two things to think about with variable speed drive air compressors.
If it runs completely at a rate of 90-100%, then it absorbs a good deal of energy.
Furthermore, if the machine operates at a slow rate of 10-20percent, then it is not worthwhile. It is too large for your software, and also you do not require the VSD attribute.
The variable speed feature is suitable once the air compressor operates at a rate of 50-80 percent. In this manner, you can save yourself a great deal of money on power.
Integrated Filters and Air Dryers
The fantastic news when buying rotary screw air compressors is that the majority of manufacturers provide round-the-clock compressors. To put it differently, they attempt to add as many attributes as possible so as to supply a whole experience.
Typically, the air compressor includes incorporated air filters and sprays.
By way of instance, the Chicago Pneumatic Air Compressors are proven to be “full-featured” (that is the reason why they incorporate an HPD to every model name that comprises a drier ).
Additionally, the Ingersoll Rand versions are proven to possess a “Total Air System” (or even TAS), so they have added features, such as integrated air conditioners and filters.
After-Cooler
A rotary air compressor may either possess an aftercooler or maybe not. I would advise that you go to get a model which has an aftercooler.
It decreases the temperatures of their compressed air coming from this air compressor. You would not want air that’s 80 degrees hot getting into your air tools.
Additionally, the aftercooler does over simply to cool down compacted air temperatures. It is helpful to eliminate water in your compressed air.
Without an aftercooler, moisture will be condensing on your air tools and air piping system.
Cost
The purchase price of an item is the very first thing we consider when buying. Rotary screw air compressors have different price tags.
Normally, the higher the price tag, the more complex the machine is. Thus, ask yourself what your requirements are and when the version you select is going to work for you.
Portability And Space
Portability largely depends upon the size of this air compressor. Think about the type of work you require for your air compressor.
The majority of the rotary screw air compressors do not have wheels.
Nevertheless, you are able to lift it from 1 area to another if it isn’t overly heavy.
A number of them are extremely heavy and just must be operated from 1 area.
Conclusion
We have just had a look at five different rotary screw air compressors, albeit two are of the same brand; Quincy, with the difference being a one-phase versus a three-phase.
Depending on what your needs are will determine which type will be best for the job. If you need a compressor geared towards a smaller run business, then a one-phase will work great.
If you run a larger business with multiple users, then a three-phase would definitely be more accommodating, as they provide a constant supply of power.
With any rotary screw air compressor, the initial cost is quite high, but once you add in all the other advantages with owning one, that cost evens itself out when comparing these to other air compressors.
The clear winner in this review is the Quincy (QGS-7.5) three-phase. Not only are there added benefits to owning this model, but Quincy also stands by its products and backs them up with a five-year warranty.
