Screw air compressors and piston air compressors each have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. The following is a comparison between the two:
1.Volume and weight: Under the same pressure and gas volume, the screw air compressor has a smaller volume, lighter weight, simpler structure and more beautiful appearance.
2.Noise level: The noise level of a screw compressor is usually no more than 65 decibels, while the noise level of a piston compressor is generally around 80 decibels due to its reciprocating motion.
3.Service life: Under normal use and maintenance, the service life of a screw compressor can reach about 20 years. Due to the lack of multiple protection functions, the service life of a piston compressor is usually no more than 5 years.
4.Wear: The piston rings, connecting rods and other vulnerable parts of piston air compressors are easily damaged and need to be replaced frequently. The core component of the screw air compressor, the main engine, has almost no wear and has a longer service life because the twin screws have no contact and are sealed by oil film.
5.Exhaust efficiency: As the piston air compressor is used for a longer time, the gap between the piston ring and the cylinder liner increases, causing the gas volume to gradually decrease. The screw air compressor can steadily supply the required gas with less loss.
6.Air source quality: The air at the outlet of a piston air compressor has a higher oil content, while the oil content of the compressed air at the outlet of a screw air compressor does not exceed 3PPM, so there is a significant difference in compressed air quality.
7.Adjustment method: The adjustment method of piston air compressor is relatively simple, usually adjusting the gas volume by the upper and lower pressure limits. Screw air compressor provides a variety of adjustment methods, including intelligent control and multi-machine joint control.
8.Failure rate: Piston air compressors have more failure points and are inconvenient to maintain, while screw air compressors have a relatively low failure rate as long as they are maintained in time.
9.Performance: Screw compressors have no unbalanced inertia force, are more efficient, have no friction, and can work continuously. Piston compressors, on the other hand, have a sharp rise in temperature at high compression ratios and may require staged compression.
10.Price: The initial investment cost of screw air compressor is high, and the requirements for bearings are also high.
When choosing between screw compressors and piston compressors, you need to consider factors such as actual usage, cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, and operating environment. Screw compressors are more practical in most cases, but in some specific industries, the advantages of piston compressors may be more prominent.