screw compressor versus Reciprocating compreesor in refrigearion.

[patilvasudeo]

Dear sir,

I want to know that which compressor is better in refrigeation system screw or reciprocating, Why?

[NoNickName]

That is a question of no answer. It all depends how they are installed. I would divide the two for potential cooling capacities, not for suitability. Both type are perfectly suitable, provided they are properly installed and serviced.

[750 Valve]

what application? low or medium temp? partial loads? variable speed drives? cost? these are just some of the questions to answer before deciding on the answer.

A screw has a higher volumetric efficiency but can lose some of that efficiency at partial loads, unless speed controlled. A screw setup generally costs a little more due to the additional equipment required - large oil separator, oil coolers, an oil pump in larger machines. A screw will generally have a larger capacity in a smaller packaged machine than a recip

[US Iceman]

This is not a question that can be answered simply. You have to evaluate the full load & part load capability of the two compressors to provide the desired results. And if not properly installed or maintained both can contribute to operational problems.

[veeramallaiah]

As far as my knowledge reciprocating compressor is better then screw compressor due to easy maintenance,spares availability and easy operation and in part loads screw compressor will consume more power than reciprocating.

[lavurk]

screw compressor is more reliable and efficient than reciprocating compressor.Screw compressors require less maintenance than reciprocating compressors.

[PRESS]

Hi,

Guys you have said most of what is there to reply to this question. There are factors affecting the choice of which compressor to use and it quite important for an engineer to consider them.
1. Screw compressors find effective application at higher refrigeration duties
2. Reciprocating compressors can only be used at lower refrigeration duties as compared to screw compressors.
3. Screw compressor have more oil issues compared to reciprocating compressors.
4. Cost wise, you have to to look at the life cycle cost of each compressors individually in order for you to do justice.
5. Screws have a longer life span compared to reciprocating compressors.

Look I think in order for us to do justice to this question patilvasudeo must give us tools to work with, that is the actual application which he is looking facing.

[Magoo]

Exactly my point NNN

[NoNickName]

screw compressor has two moving parts, recip has two thousand moving parts.

I can make a recip with 6 moving parts.

[Magoo]

one piston, three piston rings, one small end gudgeon [three bearings], one bottom end bearing[two shells], two main bearings, one shaft seal[two peices] plus oil pump[two rotors and bearings, plus suction and discharge valves.

[install monkey]

i like the screw compressor! i also like the reciprocating! but which one is best??? FIGHT! haha

[Magoo]

Generally I work with larger ammonia plants.
Screws require first internal inspection at around 25000 hrs. Recips every 10,000 hrs.