- Maintenance
     and wear and tear  : In
     piston compressors, the wear and tear is greater due to a large number of
     moving parts. This results in more maintenance compared to a rotary screw
     processor. However, because of the simple mechanical setup of a piston
     compressor, it is easier to maintain and fix, despite the greater
     frequency of maintenance required.
 
- Operating temperature, noise and vibration
     : Typically,
     a rotary compressor has lower operating temperatures than piston     compressors. Friction is the lead cause for this, because the rotors in
     the screw compressor don’t come in contact, whereas piston rings are in
     constant contact with the cylinder walls, creating greater friction and
     raising temperatures. The former also generates less noise and vibrates
     lesser than the latter due to the same reason.
 
- Air flow and operation time : Because
     of the high temperatures in a piston type compressor, it cannot be run
     non-stop due to the risk of overheating. Furthermore it is also typically
     run at only 50% of its total CFM or air flow capacity. The rotary screw
     compressor, however, is capable of being run continuously. You can also
     purchase a rotary screw compressor that is rated as close as possible to
     your required air flow capacity rather than one rated at double the
     capacity.
 
- Space required and energy efficiency : Since
     rotary screws are encased next to one another in one chamber, the whole
     setup usually takes up less space than a piston compressor which requires
     cylinder heads for the vertical movement of the pistons. The former are
     also more energy efficient than the latter with fewer transmission losses
     as well. However, the effects are only discernable in compressors of 20 HP
     or more horsepower.
 
- Pressure ratio and volume : The
     compression range is much greater on a piston configuration when compared
     to a rotary screw type. There is also more flexibility in terms of
     pressure ratio and capacity. However, in rotary compressors, while the
     flexibility is limited, the comparative volume capacity is much greater
     than that of reciprocating air compressors.
 
- Oil carry-over : Piston compressors typically discharge more oil into the stream of compressed air
     than rotary screw compressors do. Due to the high-friction moving parts,
     wear-and-tear leads to more oil carry-over than in rotary screw compressors.
 
- Price : Due
     to the above mentioned factors, the cost of a piston compressor is a lot
     lesser than that of a rotary screw compressor.
 
Now that you know the major differences between the
two type of compressors – piston and rotary, and what advantages and
disadvantages either brings to the table, you can make an informed investment.
Before you decide either way, make sure to check out some great deals and one
of the widest ranges of compressors available at our online store. If you have
more questions, our air
compressor experts at Compressor
World will be more than happy to help you out.
More details visit us our website :
www.aircompressorindia.com