Choosing the Right Compressor
The correct choice of compressor technology to match the duty is vital to ensure minimum cost, maximum performance compressed air generation.
The diagram below shows graphically the general selection criteria between compressor technologies.
Compressor Efficiencies and Sizes
Type |
Range, cfm |
Specific Power Consumption, kW/100cfm |
Part Load Efficiency |
| Lubricated Piston | 2-25 |
24-26 |
Good |
25-250 |
18-22 |
Good | |
250-2500 |
16-19 |
Excellent | |
| Oil-Injected Screw | 2-25 |
24-26 |
Poor |
25-250 |
18-22 |
Fair | |
250-2500 |
17-19 |
Fair* | |
| Oil-Free Screw | 25-250 |
20-25 |
Good |
250-2500 |
16-20 |
Good | |
| Centrifugal | 500-2500 |
18-22 |
Excellent** |
>2500 |
16-18 |
Excellent** | |
| *Excellent with variable speed drive | |||
| **Within turndown range | |||
| Piston | Rotary vane and screw | Centrifugal | General |
•Number of Stages
•Lubricated or oil free |
•Number of Stages
•Lubricated or oil free |
•Number of Stages | •Sizing
•Control
•Generation pressure
•Cooling |