Air compressors convert energy from electricity, natural gas or other sources into potential energy in the form of compressed air. The pressurized air can be released in a controlled manner to provide the kinetic energy required for its given application.
In principle, the design of an air compressor is relatively simple. Air enters the chamber through an inlet valve and is then pressurized by a reduction in chamber volume. When the compressor requires energy, the compressed air is released through the exhaust valve.
All rotary vane compressors are equipped with a cylindrical rotor that is off-center of the housing. This rotor contains several partitions or walls that extend outward into the housing.
As air is drawn into the housing chamber through the inlet valve, the rotor rotates in a circular motion. As the rotor rotates, its walls squeeze the air trapped between the rotor and the edges of the housing into a progressively smaller space, which is why the rotor is off-center of the housing. This quickly pressurizes the air.
The now pressurized air is routed to the discharge valve where it can be released and used by a manual operator or automated process. The rotor continues to rotate and the cycle is repeated to maintain a steady flow of pressurized air.
Rotary vane air compressors offer a variety of benefits, such as:
Efficiency. Rotary vane compressors are very energy efficient, with rotors typically spinning at 1,800 rpm or less.
Longevity. Rotary vane compressors are extremely durable, with some compressors rated at over 100,000 hours of optimal service life.
Flexibility. Rotary vane compressors are extremely versatile, serving a wide range of industries and applications.
Rotary vane compressors are often compared to their closest equivalent, the rotary screw compressor. Each type of compressor has unique advantages and disadvantages. Some of the key differences between the two machines are briefly outlined below:
Complexity. Rotary vane compressors are fairly simple machines in terms of design and operation. In contrast, screw compressors are much more complex and sensitive because instead of one main moving part, they include two simultaneously moving screws, and the movements of both must be perfectly matched.
Durability. Rotary vane designs are more durable than rotary screws, with a service life of 100,000 hours compared to 30,000-40,000 hours for rotary screw designs.
Power usage. Screw compressors require 3,000-8,000 rpm continuous, while rotary vane compressors require 1,800 rpm.
Maintenance. In general, rotary vane compressors require more maintenance than rotary screw machines. For example, many rotary vane compressors require oil changes every 2,000 operating hours; service intervals are twice as long as for rotary screw machines (about 4,000 operating hours).
Contact Us
Related Information
Air Compressor For Agriculture MachineryIndustrial Rotary Vane CompressorHydraulic Air Compressor For SaleChina Compressed Air Dryer ManufacturerVariable Frequency Drive CompressorAir compressor for Concrete MachineRefrigerated Air DryerAir Compressor ChinaAir Compressor For MedicalHydraulic Air Compressor SupplierRefrigerated Air Dryer SupplierOil Free Piston Air CompressorHydraulic Air Compressor for Service TruckAir Compressor For BusAir Compressor For RailwayRotary Vane Air CompressorAir Compressor For Mobile Air StationRotary Vane Compressor Working Principle
