Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
(OP)
I am evaluating replacing an Air-Cooled Rotary Screw Air Compressor with an air cooled centrifugal air compressor or an air cooled rotary screw air compressor in the southeast USA. I am told that an air cooled centrifugal air compressors can not operate during the hot summer months; however, the manufacturer is telling me that maximum ambient conditions can be up to 140F. The rotary screw compressor manufacturer only list a maximum of 122F. Does anybody have any experience with an air cooled centrifugal compressor operating in climates similar to the southeast US?
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
Your compressor will work, but what is the performance you are achieving during those ambient conditions matter a lot. Centrifugal compressors performances depend a lot on the operating conditions. To add to zdas reply, if the "operating envelope" is well defined during the compressor selection, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
Getting back to your main question, air cooled compressors will work, provided the coolers are properly sized. This again points to how well you define your operating conditions throughout the year (max & min).
Furthermore, what is the intent of replacing your existing compressors, if it is related to capacity expansion, then note that for higher flows (beyond 2000+ cfm) air cooled centrifugals are not feasible and not economical too.
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
The centrifugals for low capacity ranges will not be very econimical. Check the motor rating and energy costs, before proceeding further. As an alternate you can check for direct driven centrifugal compressor offered by few manufacturers. Again, it might be costlier than the screw compressors.
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
RE: Air Cooled Centrifugal vs. Air Rotary Screw compressors
I am an advocate for centrifugals in this size range, where the centrifugals can compete better against screw compressors.