What is a scroll air compressor?
A scroll air compressor is a positive displacement rotary compressor that compresses gas by creating a continuous change in a closed volume through the relative motion of a moving scroll and a stationary scroll. It is widely recognized as a technologically advanced third-generation compressor.
It features a compact structure, stable operation, low vibration, low noise, high efficiency, and high reliability. Compared to screw air compressors of the same specifications, it is more economical and does not require an oil removal device.
Working Principle and Structure
A scroll air compressor is a positive displacement rotary compressor that achieves the intake and compression of gas by creating a continuous change in a closed volume through the relative motion of a moving scroll and a stationary scroll. It is widely recognized as a technologically advanced third-generation compressor, with advantages such as small size, low noise, low vibration, and low energy consumption. Its main components are two identical involute scrolls (or scroll disks) offset 180° from each other. One is a fixed scroll (stationary scroll disk), and the other is a rotating scroll (moving scroll disk) driven by an eccentric shaft, its axis revolving around the axis of the fixed scroll. The two scrolls are bolted together to form a compression chamber.
During operation, the two scrolls intersect at multiple points, forming sealing lines and creating a series of crescent-shaped air chambers. Gas enters through the intake port on the periphery of the fixed scroll. As the rotating scroll revolves, the shape and volume of these air chambers continuously change, gradually pushing towards the center, decreasing in volume, and increasing in pressure, finally exiting through the exhaust port located at the center of the stationary scroll disk. The entire compression cycle (intake, compression, exhaust) occurs simultaneously, providing a constant, pulsation-free airflow. One compression cycle takes approximately 2.5 revolutions.
Its structure is simple, with few moving parts (mainly one moving part), resulting in smooth operation, low vibration, and low noise. Compared to screw compressors of the same specifications, it has higher volumetric efficiency (up to 98%) and energy efficiency ratio, and requires less maintenance and has higher reliability.
