Screw Air Compressor Working Principle and Oil-Gas Flow

Screw air compressors are widely used in various industrial applications due to their high efficiency and stable performance. This article briefly introduces the working principle of screw air compressors and the oil-gas flow process, helping to understand their operational mechanisms.

Oil Circuit Flow of Screw Air Compressor

1. Role of Lubricating Oil

Lubricating oil plays a crucial role in screw air compressors, primarily for lubrication, cooling, sealing, and noise reduction. The oil is drawn from the oil tank, filtered, and then enters the compressor. It lubricates the rotors and sealing components, reducing friction and wear. After compression, the oil is cooled by a cooler and returns to the oil tank, completing the circulation.

2. Oil Cooling and Filtration

Controlling the temperature of lubricating oil is critical. The oil cooler lowers the high-temperature oil to a suitable level, while the oil separator and fine filters remove impurities from the oil to ensure system cleanliness.

Air Circuit Flow of Screw Air Compressor

1. Air Compression and Oil-Gas Separation

Air enters the screw air compressor through the intake port, where it is compressed by the rotors, raising both temperature and pressure. At this stage, the compressed air contains some lubricating oil, so oil-gas separation is required:

Initial Separation: The compressed air enters the oil-gas separator, where centrifugal force separates the oil mist.

Fine Separation: Any remaining oil mist is further removed by fine filters, ensuring the oil content in the compressed air is within the standard range.

2. Post-Treatment and Air Supply

The separated air may undergo further treatment, including drying and filtration:

Drying: A refrigerated or adsorption dryer removes moisture from the air, preventing corrosion and freezing.

Filtration: High-precision air filters remove solid particles and moisture from the air.

Deodorization: For applications requiring high air quality, activated carbon filters are used to remove odors.

The treated compressed air is then ready for industrial use or other applications.

Maintenance and Care of Screw Air Compressors

To ensure the stable operation of screw air compressors, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Regular Oil Changes: The lubricating oil should be changed regularly to maintain lubrication and prevent oil sludge buildup.

Clean the Oil-Gas Separator: Clean the oil-gas separator periodically to avoid oil mist and impurities entering the system.

Check the Cooling System: Ensure the cooler is functioning properly to prevent overheating, which can cause malfunctions.

Inspect Air Filters: Check air filters regularly to ensure the cleanliness of the compressed air.

Conclusion

The oil-gas flow process in screw air compressors directly affects their efficiency and stability. By managing the oil and air flow processes properly, the performance of the equipment can be maximized, and its lifespan extended. As industrialization progresses, screw air compressors have become essential equipment in many industries due to their high efficiency, energy-saving features, and reliability.