Scroll compressors – the quiet, compact and oil-free compressor
Think compressors are bulky, noisy or smelly? Think again. Atlas Copco scroll compressors are oil-free, compact, quiet and perfect for sensitive working environments.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Scroll compressors: advantages
When most people think of air compressors, they probably imagine a bulky and loud machine. Scroll compressors are pretty much the opposite of that. They are oil-free, compact and relatively silent compared to other types of compressors. Thanks to the simple design of the scroll compressor with only one moving part, this type of compressor is highly reliable and quieter compared to the piston and rotary screw compressor. This makes them perfect for sensitive working environments, like a dentist’s office. Another advantage of scroll compressors is energy-efficiency. How is that possible?
How does a scroll compressor work?
Here is how a scroll compressor works: Scroll compressors compress a specific amount of air into a continuously decreasing volume. They consist of a fixed scroll in a housing and a motor-driven eccentric, orbiting scroll. These spirals form air pockets with a gradually varying volume, which means that the air pockets they form increase when air enters them and then decrease to generate compressed air. The alignment of the screws provides the scroll elements with radial stability. The process minimizes leakage because the pressure difference in the air pockets is lower than that between the inlet and the outlet. A compression cycle takes 2.5 turns, which virtually guarantees a constant and pulsation-free air flow. That is also the reason why scroll compressors are relatively silent.
What are scroll compressors used for?
There is an abundance of applications for quiet and energy-efficient compressors that produce absolutely clean air. Take the SF scroll compressor series from Atlas Copco, which has been a leader in this field for more than 60 years. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for many manufacturing processes for which clean, oil-free compressed air is a prerequisite. That is why the SF is the preferred choice for sensitive indoor environments, like hospitals but also labs, breweries, bakeries, dairy farms, electronics manufacturing, and even lens production.
SF scroll compressor application for dentists
Here is where the SF series excels, and all of its features come to bear. For example, picture a dentist’s office. For most people, the thought of going to the dentist is already unpleasant enough. Now imagine how much worse it would be if it also smelled like oil and loud compressors could be heard everywhere. Sounds terrible? Well, no need to worry about any of that with the SF series. Its characteristics make it perfectly suited for this type of environment, starting with a sound-insulated canopy for noise levels as low as 53dB(A). That, in addition to its small footprint, allows for an installation close to the point of use. The operational features of the SF series include a 1.9 to 7.6 l/s (4.03 up to 16.10 cfm) capacity range, a maximum working pressure of 10 bar (145 psi), and a dew point performance as low as 2°C/36°F. Its air-cooled scroll element offers proven operational efficiency, reliability and durability while the premium efficiency IE3 class motor ensures lower energy consumption. Most importantly, the SF produces absolutely clean air. In fact, Atlas Copco’s oil-free compressors set a new standard in air quality, literally. They were the first to be certified ISO 8573-1 Class, even exceeding testing requirements. Combine all of these features and it becomes apparent why dentists rely on these compressors – and why they make visits to the dentist’s office no more unpleasant than they have to be.
Ask an air system professional about best scroll compressors for your needs.
Scroll compressors – the quiet, compact and oil-free compressor
