A Complete Guide to Scroll Compressors - Atlas Copco USA

21 Jul.,2025

 

A Complete Guide to Scroll Compressors - Atlas Copco USA

To understand the different types and technologies of compressors, we first need to understand the two basic principles of compressing air. These are dynamic and displacement compression. In this article, we talk about the scroll compressor. This is a type of displacement compressor with wide applications in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and cars. 

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Scroll compressors consist of two spiral-shaped scroll elements that are bolted together: a stationary scroll and an orbiting scroll driven by a motor. The process of compressing air in a scroll compressor involves several steps:

  1. Oscillation: The scrolls oscillate in a continuous motion without metal-to-metal contact, compressing air in crescent-shaped pockets.
  2. Orbiting Scroll Motion: The orbiting scroll, driven by a short-stroke crankshaft, moves eccentrically around the fixed scroll, creating suction that draws air in from the inlet at the top of the housing.
  3. Compression: Air captured in pockets between the scrolls is gradually compressed as it moves toward the center.
  4. Discharge: Compressed air is discharged from the outlet port at the center, where a non-return valve prevents backflow.
  5. Stability: The 180° phase displacement provides radial stability, and the internal compression minimizes leakage due to lower pressure differences between air pockets.

By following these steps, scroll compressors achieve efficient and reliable air compression.

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. 

Similar to internal compression in a screw compressor, the amount of internal compression is determined by the discharge port. Due to the unique design of the discharge port, the scroll air compressor can compress more air or gas while using minimal power.

Compared to other compressors, these machines attain the highest efficiency level by volume. This is because there are no pistons to compress the gas.

The noise emission of a scroll air compressor is significantly lower than other compressors. The complete compression cycle takes 2.5 turns, including the suction, compression, and discharge revolution phases. These occur simultaneously while providing a constant flow of pulsation-free air.

The scroll air compressor offers smooth and vibration-free operations thanks to its scroll element. It hardly has any torque variation compared to a piston compressor. The simple design of the scroll air compressor contains only one moving part. This makes it highly reliable and quieter than equivalent piston and rotary screw compressors.

Scroll compressors are widely used in various industrial applications due to their efficiency and reliability. They meet the basic requirements of a general-purpose compressor and are commonly used in the food, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and transportation industries. For larger volume demands, oil-injected screw compressors may be more efficient.

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.

The SF series features a capacity range of 1.9 to 7.6 l/s (4.03 to 16.10 cfm), 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 ensures efficiency, reliability, and durability, while the premium efficiency IE3 class motor lowers energy consumption. Most importantly, the SF series produces absolutely clean air.

We hope this guide provides a good overview of whether or not a scroll compressor makes sense for your needs. If you'd like more information, feel free to get in touch. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction.

5 things to consider when buying a new Copeland Scroll Compressor

As an HVAC contractor, we get to see a lot of new Copeland compressor show up in our shop. And while we love seeing them, the reality is that most of them are not that exciting.

They’re just another piece of equipment at the end of the day—and as soon as you’ve got one installed, it’s no longer in your shop anymore. But when it comes to purchasing a new Copeland compressor for your system, there are some factors that may make all the difference.

Here are five things to consider before buying one:

Before you buy, it’s important to determine what type of system your new Copeland compressor will work with. This can be determined by looking at the label on the compressor itself or asking its manufacturer if they have a list of compatible systems.

For more information, please visit scroll air compressor manufacturers.

The compressor must also be compatible with refrigerant that is used in your application. For example, if you plan on using R134A or R134B refrigerant in your system then make sure that your new scroll compressor has been designed specifically for those types of gases.

The first step in choosing a Copeland scroll compressor is calculating how much cooling capacity it needs. The best way to do this is by multiplying the horsepower of your Copeland Scroll compressor by 20% and then adding that number to 100%. So, for example, if you have an engine with 200 horsepower and it will be running 0continuously at 65% of its maximum output (which would be 163 hp), then multiply 200 x .20 = 40. Then add 40 + 100 = 140 total tons per hour for your calculations.

The next step is figuring out what kind of machine can handle this amount of power—and there are several different options available depending on what type of system or job site conditions apply:

Air cooled condensers are used where temperatures are low enough that neither water nor oil lubrication is necessary; they’re also ideal when using dryer lube oils like those found in high-performance spark plugs because they won’t get stuck “gumming up” over time.

Oil cooled condensers like Copeland Scroll compressors require more maintenance but offer better resistance against dirt buildup which makes them ideal for industrial applications like construction sites where workers aren’t allowed near any machinery without protective gear.

Electric motors offer higher speed capabilities than other types but come with their own set drawbacks such as increased noise levels caused by fan blades rubbing against each other while running longer hours at full speed than traditional models

When you’re looking at a new copier or Copeland compressor model numbers, there are many things that can be considered. One of them is how much application flexibility do you need?

If your business only needs to print on top-quality paper and then make copies on less expensive paper (or even a single sheet), then it won’t matter whether the compressor has multiple stages or not. However, if there are more than just two different types of media that need to be processed by your machine, then having more than one stage in the compressor will help save time and money on labor costs as well as materials.

If this is something important for you and/or if you have other needs beyond simply scanning documents into an office environment (such as prepping documents for faxing), then choosing between single stage versus multi-stage Copeland compressor model numbers is essential information before making any purchase decisions!

Energy efficiency is a major factor in deciding which compressor to purchase. A compressor’s EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) basically indicates how much energy it uses compared to its rated power output. If you need a high-powered unit, make sure there are sufficient advancements in technology for your needs.

The most common way to measure EER or Copeland compressor model numbers is by dividing the wattage of a given model by its nameplate horsepower, or NHP—a figure that will help you see how much power this particular unit requires per tonne of refrigeration capacity needed.

When deciding on copy Copeland compressor model numbers, it’s important to consider where you’ll be installing it. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Is your climate humid or arid? Is your compressor located in a corrosive environment (such as oil refineries)? These questions can help determine what kind of system would work best for your application.

Your decision will also depend on how much space you have available; if there’s not enough room in your shop or workspace, consider getting an indoor unit instead.

There are a certain number of things which you should consider such as:

What is my budget?

It’s important to know how much money you want to spend on your compressor before going out and buying one. If it isn’t in this price range, then there are cheaper options available that may be more appropriate for your needs.

How much space do I have for storage?

A larger compressor might require more space than one that takes up less space because it takes up more volume within its enclosure (such as when compared with an upright).

This means that if space isn’t an issue then perhaps buying something smaller will work better for them; however if having lots of room available would mean higher efficiency then maybe consider looking into other options instead like those which come with features such as built-in humidity controls or digital displays which can make monitoring easier than ever before!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website refrigeration compressor manufacturers.