(I) Air Delivery 

1.Centrifugal Air Compressor

In industrial production processes, the air delivery capacity of a single centrifugal air compressor is typically much greater than that of a screw air compressor. This significant characteristic gives centrifugal air compressors a strong advantage in large-scale industrial production, enabling them to fully meet the urgent demand for large volumes of compressed air in industries such as chemicals, steel, and power. For example, in large chemical synthesis plants, multiple processes operate simultaneously, requiring a continuous and stable supply of high-flow compressed air to drive reactions, transport materials, and ensure normal equipment operation. Centrifugal air compressors, with their outstanding high-capacity performance, are one of the key pieces of equipment ensuring smooth production. 

2.Screw Air Compressor  

In comparison, the air delivery capacity of a single screw air compressor is relatively smaller. However, this does not mean screw air compressors are at a significant disadvantage in meeting air demand. In practical applications, screw air compressors can be configured in parallel with multiple units. This flexible combination allows screw air compressors to meet the air demand of certain scales, particularly in small- to medium-sized industrial environments where air demand is not extremely high but stability and flexibility are critical, such as small machining workshops or electronics factories. Multiple screw air compressors operating in parallel can distribute the load reasonably based on actual air demand, ensuring a stable supply of compressed air.  

(II) Discharge Pressure  

1.Centrifugal Air Compressor

The discharge pressure of a single-stage centrifugal air compressor is relatively low, which is determined by its working principle and structural characteristics. However, to meet higher pressure requirements, centrifugal air compressors can increase the number of stages. As the number of stages increases, the discharge pressure gradually rises, adapting to different pressure levels in industrial production. For example, in some chemical processes requiring higher pressure, multi-stage centrifugal air compressors can effectively compress air to the required pressure, providing suitable power support for chemical reactions.  

2.Screw Air Compressor

Generally, the single-stage compression ratio of a screw air compressor ranges from 1.2 to 1.4. This relatively stable compression ratio allows screw air compressors to provide stable pressure output in the medium-to-low pressure range. In many medium- and low-pressure air applications, such as pneumatic tool operation, small pneumatic conveying systems, and light industrial production processes, this pressure output characteristic of screw air compressors can well meet production needs, providing a stable and reliable compressed air source for various equipment and ensuring smooth production processes.  

(III) Efficiency

1.Centrifugal Air Compressor*

Under high-capacity working conditions, centrifugal air compressors can demonstrate high efficiency. This is because their design principles enable effective conversion of input energy into air pressure energy during large-scale air compression, achieving an efficient compression process. However, across the entire operating range, the efficiency of centrifugal air compressors is generally lower than that of screw air compressors. In non-high-capacity conditions or partial-load operation, the efficiency of centrifugal air compressors may drop significantly, leading to relatively higher energy consumption. For production scenarios with fluctuating air demand, this may increase production costs and energy waste.  

2. Screw Air Compressor

Screw air compressors typically maintain high efficiency across their entire operating range, especially during partial-load operation. This advantage stems from the unique rotor structure and working principle of screw air compressors, allowing them to operate relatively stably under varying load conditions and adjust power output flexibly based on actual air demand, thereby effectively reducing energy consumption. For example, in intermittent production enterprises, screw air compressors can maintain high operating efficiency during both peak and off-peak production periods, saving significant energy costs for the company.  

(IV) Lubrication and Sealing System

1. Centrifugal Air Compressor

Due to the high rotational speed of centrifugal air compressors, their lubrication system is relatively complex. During high-speed operation, special measures must be taken in bearing and lubrication design to ensure proper lubrication and heat dissipation of key components. For instance, high-precision oil pumps, specialized oil circuit designs, and efficient cooling systems are employed to ensure timely and accurate delivery of lubricating oil to all necessary parts while effectively controlling its temperature and pressure. Additionally, centrifugal air compressors are not suitable for frequent starts and stops, as this can cause significant impact and wear on the lubrication system and the equipment itself, affecting service life and performance stability. In terms of the sealing system, centrifugal air compressors are similar to screw compressors, both ensuring good air quality by preventing external contaminants and oil from entering the compressed air system, meeting the requirements of production processes with high air quality standards.  

2. Screw Air Compressor  

The lubrication system of screw air compressors is relatively simple. In oil-injected screw air compressors, lubrication, sealing, and cooling are achieved through oil injection. This method not only effectively reduces friction and wear between rotors, extending equipment service life, but also improves compressor efficiency and performance stability to some extent. Oil-free screw air compressors, on the other hand, use special designs such as unique sealing materials and structures to provide high-quality, oil-free compressed air without lubrication, meeting the stringent purity requirements of industries like food and pharmaceuticals.  

(V) Regulation Performance

1. Centrifugal Air Compressor  

Centrifugal air compressors experience surging during operation, an inherent characteristic of their design. Due to surging, the air delivery of centrifugal air compressors can typically only be adjusted between 70% and 100%. To achieve effective regulation, methods such as adjusting the opening of inlet guide vanes and employing blow-off or recirculation are used. For example, in large air separation plants, when air demand decreases, the angle of the inlet guide vanes is adjusted to change the intake volume, while some compressed air is blown off or recirculated to prevent surging and maintain system stability. However, this regulation method is relatively complex and may result in some energy waste during the process.  

2. Screw Air Compressor

Screw air compressors do not experience surging, giving them a significant advantage in regulation performance. When using capacity regulation, the air delivery of a screw air compressor can be adjusted arbitrarily between 0% and 100%. This flexible regulation allows screw air compressors to better adapt to varying air demand under different operating conditions. For example, in food processing plants, different production stages may require vastly different amounts of compressed air—large volumes for packaging and mixing during peak periods and minimal amounts to maintain basic equipment operation during off-peak periods. Screw air compressors can quickly and precisely adjust air delivery to meet production needs while effectively reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.  

(VI) Reliability and Maintenance Costs  

1. Centrifugal Air Compressor  

The structure of centrifugal air compressors is relatively complex, with many components, which increases maintenance difficulty and costs to some extent. The numerous parts mean more potential failure points during operation, requiring regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement. For example, key components such as impellers and diffusers are prone to wear under long-term high-speed operation and require periodic repair or replacement. These parts also demand high manufacturing precision, making them relatively costly. Additionally, centrifugal air compressors require highly skilled maintenance personnel with extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience to accurately diagnose and resolve issues. However, with careful maintenance and regular servicing, centrifugal air compressors can maintain high reliability during normal operation, providing stable compressed air support for industrial production.  

2. Screw Air Compressor  

Screw air compressors have fewer components and a compact structure, lacking the complex wear-prone parts found in centrifugal air compressors. This simple design enhances reliability during operation, reducing downtime caused by component failures. Meanwhile, screw air compressors have a relatively long service life, with major maintenance intervals ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 hours, meaning the equipment can maintain stable operation for extended periods without frequent large-scale repairs. Furthermore, screw air compressors are easy to operate and maintain, with basic training enabling ordinary personnel to handle routine operations and maintenance, allowing for unattended operation. This significantly reduces maintenance costs and management complexity while improving equipment efficiency and economic benefits.