How Does a Rotary Screw Air Compressor Work?

Rotary Screw Air Compressor

Rotary screw-type compressors are an increasingly popular alternative to the more traditional reciprocating air compressors, and it’s no wonder why. Their advanced technology allows for greater air pressure and longer durability, but how does one actually work? At Mobile Energy Australia, we are here to answer all of your screw air compressor questions, including some suggestions about which of our products use this exciting technology.

How a Rotary Screw Air Compressor Works

Air compressors are pieces of equipment that use pressurised air to power pneumatic tools. The difference between the screw and reciprocating air compressors is how their interiors have been designed to make this pressurised air.

Traditional reciprocating air compressors have been around for decades and use pistons to push air into a small space, and then collects this air into an air receiver tank. This process is similar to how your car engine works.

Rotary screw air compressors are a newer piece of technology and involve two mesh rotors trapping air and moving that air down into a more compact space. This compresses the air which is then channelled through to the tank.

The rotary screw air compressors sold by Mobile Energy Australia are all oil-injected, meaning that oil is used to lubricate the rotors before being recycled back through the air-end. This allows the compressor to offer high PSI and cfm at a continuous duty cycle.

The Benefits of Screw Type Compressors

Rotary screw air compressors offer plenty of advantages over their piston-powered counterparts. Listed below are just some of the few reasons why they are a beneficial alternative:

  • 100% Duty Cycle – rotary screw air compressors can provide continuous airflow for the entirety of their cycle time. This means you will never have to cool down the unit between uses.
  • Provides more air – the design of rotary screw air compressors creates and stores larger quantities of pressurised air than other makes.
  • Provides more CFM – the higher speed at which screw-type systems operate means that the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air output is greater overall.
  • Quieter – your hearing won’t be at risk every time you use a rotary screw air compressor as they operate more silently than reciprocating models.

Regarding disadvantages, screw-type compressors will generally be more expensive than reciprocating air compressors due to the newer technology and more costly to manufacture. However, prices are coming down, and it’s only a matter of time before both models are given comparable market value.

Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Rotary Screw Air Compressor from Mobile Energy Australia

At Mobile Energy Australia, we provide a variety of vehicle-mounted compressors using rotary screw technology. These models are all designed to work specifically with trucks and van work fleets, making them ideal for using pneumatic tools no matter where you go.

All of our diesel-powered screw units. These are:

Petrol-powered systems from Mobile Energy Australia:

Our hydraulic-powered air compressors use oil-flooded technology:

And finally, our underbonnet oil-flooded compressors from VMAC:

Get in Touch

Compressors from Mobile Energy Australia can provide high-powered and continuous airflow while being mounted to vehicles. Contact one of our friendly team members today at (07) 3273 6803 to discuss how we can help you.