Reciprocating vs Rotary Compressors

Reciprocating Versus Rotary Compressors

Reciprocating compressors function similarly to an automobile engine due to the presence of a piston that moves back and forth during operation. Many of these piston-type compressors can work in synergy to provide excellent cooling benefits.

Rotary compressors tend to be used in larger systems An example can be seen in a Clarke compressor and its applications within industrial settings. Due to fewer moving parts, these variants are associated with lower levels of vibration when compared to reciprocating compressors.

A Question of the Ultimate Application

Each of these systems is associated with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Reciprocating compressors tend to represent the cheaper of the two options, they are very efficient and maintenance is generally straightforward. The only possible drawback is that they can also be rather noisy due to increased levels of vibration.

On the contrary, rotary compressors produce less vibration and they are excellent if you are looking to cool a large internal environment (such as a commercial showroom floor or an industrial warehouse). However, these are also much more expensive and they need to run continuously to achieve the aforementioned cooling benefits.

So, you will need to take these factors into account:

The dimensions of the area that needs to be cooled.

• The potential presence of noise.
• The cost of each compressor.

We can see that this is a rather technical topic. If you have little or no experience within the sector, it is always wise to work with an expert from PMJ International. We will help to guide you in the right direction.