Air compressor selection 6

[SoCalBiker]

We are evaluating bids for a small, low pressure air compressor application (120 cfm @ 30 psig). Two different types have been quoted: claw pump and rotary screw. Determining factors may be O&M (operations and maintenance) and reliability.

Q1: Does anyone have opinions about the two types of machine (good or bad reliability, high or low maintenance, etc.)?
Q2: Any strong feelings about either Curtis or Quincy screw machines?

Thank you for any feedback you can offer!
SoCalBiker

 

[Eltron]

120cfm is not small. I'm partial to the screw type. We've had one here for years without a single hiccup. Quincy makes good machines.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[pmover]

rotary screw air compressors are better for long-term operation. However, air quality requirements are just as important. Be sure that the air delivered meets the needs for quality.

another supplier is Kaeser (

http://us.kaeser.com/Products_and_Solutions/Rotary-screw-compressors/default.asp#0),

but the other mfg's mentioned are good suppliers.

we just installed a Kaeser rotary unit and I'm really impressed with the machine. Simple, quiet, compact, and well engineered. Very good quality!

hope this helps.
-pmover

 

[looslib]

Ingersoll-Rand makes small rotary air compressors.

"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."

Ben Loosli

 

[MintJulep]

The claw may be oil-free.

If you need clean air at the point of use that may be an important consideration for you.

A screw compressor will need oil separators, coalescing filters etc. to provide the same clean air. Extra components are extra maintenance.

 

[fogell21]

We have a Quincy rotary screw QSI 750 in our facility and just purchased another one last week. Great operating capabilities, low maintenance, and Quincy in general has the best warranty I saw while gathering quotes for this recent project.

 

[SoCalBiker]

I'm very grateful to all the respondents to my original posting. The input received was definitely helpful in reaching a purchase decision for the new compressor.

Thank you one and all!

 

[rmw]

And you bought......

rmw

 

[SoCalBiker]

We are in the process of purchasing the Quincy rotary screw machine. Again, my thanks go out to those of you who submitted input via this forum.