What Is a Rotary Screw Air Compressor?

You don’t need a degree in engineering to be familiar with the basic function of an air compressor. By the time they reach middle age, most people have probably even seen a traditional piston-operated air compressor in action. An air compressor serves a wide variety of purposes, whether in a residential or commercial setting. They’re used to power tools, clear dirt and debris, inflate tires and so much more. Of course, traditional air compressors have their limitations.

Fortunately, technological advances have yielded a new type of compressor that takes the usefulness of a traditional piston compressor and kicks it up to a whole new level. Say hello to the rotary screw compressor in Wisconsin. Your workday may never be the same.

Pistons had their time

In the beginning, there was the single-piston air compressor. This relatively simple device uses a piston to pull in air from the surrounding area. This piston sucks air into a smaller chamber where it’s compressed and then funneled through your hose. While effective enough, these air compressors in Wisconsin also have a tendency to overheat.

Two-stage compressors add another piston to a conventional compressor. The addition of a second compressor allows for a chamber that cools the air and eases the stress on the machine itself. Two-stage compressors sometimes add water-cooled chambers to prevent overheating, as well.

Neither type of compressor can compare to the overall benefits of a rotary screw compressor in Wisconsin.

How does a rotary screw compressor work?

The function of a rotary screw compressor couldn’t be more different from that of a traditional air compressor. For starters, the piston is removed in favor of what resembles a large, deeply-grooved drill bit. Also known as the female rotor, this large screw is then fitted next to a male rotor. When these rotary screws begin to rotate, they pull in air, trapping it, compressing it and guiding it toward the hose-end. The result is similar to a traditional air compressor in Wisconsin, but with a few notable distinctions:

  • The air tank is optional: In conventional piston-operated air compressors, a tank of air is almost always necessary, especially when you’re expecting to use your compressor for a prolonged period. That’s not the case with a rotary screw compressor. Residential users may find that they don’t even need an air tank.
  • They’re quieter: Even a high-quality, oil-fed, two-piston air compressor is going to make noise when turned on. It will also shake. That doesn’t happen with the smooth action of a rotary screw compressor. These state-of-the-art machines move less and work more quietly.
  • Less sensitivity to dirt: When dirt and minute debris infiltrates a piston-operated compressor, the result can be harmful. That doesn’t happen with a rotary screw compressor.

These are just the beginnings of the benefits afforded by a rotary screw compressor.

Let us introduce you to a new way

Interested in learning more about rotary screw compressors in Wisconsin? Place a call to Wenniger Compressor Co., where our talented team of professionals has the knowledge and the education to find the perfect product for your needs. Give us a call today!

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