Should a rotary screw compressor be air cooled or water cooled?

For larger industrial plants, a common consideration when selecting a rotary screw compressor is whether to go with an air-cooled or a water-cooled version. Both designs certainly have their advantages and naturally their disadvantages. In general, the vast majority of rotary screw installations are air-cooled.

How to choose a rotary screw air compressor?

When selecting a rotary screw air compressor, there are two cooling configurations to choose from: air-cooled or water-cooled. Air compressors create a lot of heat during their normal operation. The heat primarily comes from the motor, air end and cooling circuit.

Do rotary screw air compressors need maintenance?

As such, rotary screw air compressors are used for operations of all sizes, from the largest of manufacturers to private, one-person operations. When well-maintained, a rotary air compressor can provide thousands of hours of unimpeded performance. Like all compressor types, rotary screw models do require periodic maintenance.

Do air cooled compressors need a lot of air?

Air-cooled compressors require adequate amounts of cooling air for the inlet and enough space for discharge. Without enough space, customers may encounter temperature regulation issues which can cause nuisance shutdowns or equipment failures.

How long do rotary screw air compressors last?

Rotary screw air compressors are built to last for many years of heavy-duty operations. That said, air compressors do have their limits and need to be inspected on a periodic basis to ensure optimal performance for the duration of their life expectancy.

Is a water cooled compressor better than an air cooled unit?

Water-cooled units can require less power compared to an air-cooled compressor, but customers should also consider the electrical costs of the cooling system, water and water treatment costs when opting for water-cooled. Once factoring in those expenses, air-cooled compressors are typically more cost-effective.