A rotary-screw compressor is a type of gas compressor, such as an air compressor, that uses a rotary-type positive-displacement mechanism. These compressors are common in industrial applications and replace more traditional piston compressors where larger volumes of compressed gas are needed, e.g., for large refrigeration cycles such as chillers or compressed air systems to operate air-driven tools such as jackhammers and impact wrenches. The inherent leakage in the rotors becomes much more significant for smaller rotor sizes, leading to this type of mechanism being less suitable for smaller compressors than piston compressors.

Air enters a sealed chamber where it is trapped between two contra-rotating rotors. As the rotors intermesh, they reduce the volume of trapped air and deliver it compressed to the proper pressure level. This simple compression concept, with continuous contact cooling, allows the rotary screw air compressor to operate with temperatures approximately one-half that generated by a reciprocating compressor.

This lower temperature enables the rotary screw air compressor to operate in a “fully loaded” continuous duty cycle 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, if necessary.
Its ability to operate for extended periods makes the rotary compressor ideal for demanding industrial applications.

Since rotary screw air compressors are designed to provide pulsation-free air 24 hours a day, can work at full load continuous duty, with quiet operation, are energy efficient at full load, extended service intervals, reliable long life, and improved air quality are becoming more and more an optimum choice.