Choosing the Right Rotary Screw Air Compressor for Your Operation
Rotary screw air compressors are the workhorses of modern industry—quiet, efficient, and built for continuous duty. But with so many sizes, features, and configurations available, how do you choose the right one for your facility?
At Process & Power, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across Memphis, Jackson, Tupelo, Little Rock, and Springdale select, install, and maintain the ideal rotary screw compressor for their needs.
If you’re upgrading your system or installing a new line, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Rotary Screw Air Compressor?
Rotary screw compressors use two interlocking helical rotors to compress air. Unlike piston compressors, which operate in cycles, rotary screws provide continuous airflow, making them ideal for:
Manufacturing plants
Automotive shops
Food and beverage processors
Packaging facilities
Medical and pharmaceutical environments
Woodworking and plastics industries
They’re also more energy-efficient, quieter, and lower-maintenance over time.
Step 1: Determine Your Air Demand (CFM)
The most important starting point is understanding how much air your operation actually uses. This is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).
Ask yourself:
How many tools or machines will run at the same time?
What is their combined CFM requirement?
Are there peaks in demand?
Could production grow in the next year or two?
Undersizing leads to pressure drops and equipment failures. Oversizing wastes energy and increases operating costs.
💡 Tip: If you're unsure about your demand, we offer on-site air audits to help you size your compressor accurately.
Step 2: Know Your Pressure Requirements (PSI)
Next, determine the PSI (pounds per square inch) your equipment requires.
Most industrial applications run between 90–125 PSI, but specialized tools or processes might need more or less. Consistency is key—pressure fluctuations can damage tools and reduce efficiency.
Be sure to consider pressure loss through piping, filters, and dryers when calculating your target PSI.
Step 3: Choose the Right Drive Type
Rotary screw compressors come in fixed speed or variable speed drive (VSD) options:
Fixed Speed: Best for operations with steady, predictable air usage. Reliable and cost-effective.
Variable Speed (VSD): Ideal for facilities with fluctuating demand. Saves energy by adjusting motor speed to match usage in real-time.
If your usage varies significantly by shift or production cycle, a VSD unit could reduce your electric bill by up to 35%.
Step 4: Oil-Flooded vs. Oil-Free
Choosing between oil-flooded and oil-free compressors depends on your application:
Oil-Flooded Rotary Screw Compressors are standard for general industrial use. They provide high power and durability at a lower cost.
Oil-Free Compressors are required in sensitive industries where air purity is critical—like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, electronics, and healthcare.
Not sure which is right? We can help assess your air purity needs and recommend filtration systems if you choose oil-flooded but need clean air at the point of use.
Step 5: Consider Air Treatment Needs
Raw compressed air contains moisture, oil vapor, and particulates that can damage downstream equipment.
You’ll likely need to add:
Air Dryers (refrigerated or desiccant)
Filters (particulate, coalescing, carbon)
Moisture separators and drains
We offer complete air systems, not just compressors—so we can help you integrate dryers and filtration properly from day one.
Step 6: Evaluate Installation Location & Electrical Setup
Before installation, consider:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Placement: Outdoor compressors need weather-resistant enclosures and airflow planning.
Ventilation Requirements: Even indoor units need proper airflow to avoid overheating.
Noise Levels: Some operations may require sound-attenuated enclosures.
Power Supply: Know your voltage, phase, and amperage before choosing a motor.
We handle turnkey installation, including site evaluations, rigging, and electrical integration.
Step 7: Don’t Forget Service & Support
The best compressor in the world won’t help your operation if it’s down. That’s why it’s critical to choose a supplier who will stand behind the equipment.
At Process & Power, we provide:
Scheduled preventive maintenance
24/7 emergency repairs
Remote monitoring and system audits
OEM and aftermarket parts
Local support in Memphis, Jackson, Tupelo, Little Rock, and Springdale
When you choose us, you get more than just a machine—you get a partnership.
We Help You Choose the Right Rotary Screw Compressor
Whether you need a small 5 HP unit for a repair shop or a 150 HP powerhouse for multi-shift manufacturing, our team will walk you through every step of the selection process.
We proudly offer:
Rotary screw compressors from top manufacturers
Oil-flooded and oil-free models
VSD and fixed-speed options
Full turnkey installation and service
Local inventory and responsive support
Let’s Get You the Right Equipment—Fast
Not sure where to start? Let us assess your needs, evaluate your current system, and recommend the best-fit compressor to meet your production goals.
📍 Process & Power • 1721 Corporate Avenue • Memphis, TN 38132
📞 (901) 362-5500
🌐 www.processnpower.com
Whether you’re replacing a failing unit or planning for expansion, Process & Power is your trusted partner for rotary screw air compressors in the Mid-South.
