What is a Scroll Compressor?

A Scroll compressor is a device for mechanically compressing air or refrigerant. The main compression mechanism comprises of two Archimedean spirals, where one of them orbits the other. Because of the spiral construction, it is also commonly known as a spiral compressor as well.

History of Scroll Compressors

A French scientist first patented the concept for a spiral-type compressor a long time ago, in 1905. However, he couldn’t realize this concept, as the manufacturing technology at that time wasn’t advanced enough. When high precision machining and casting technologies started to appear in the industry after the second world war, it was possible to create practical models of scroll compressors.

Scroll Compressor Construction

Spiral-type compressors are designed in a manner that they can operate without the need for any lubrication. Its’s unique construction allows it to overcome the friction between the spirals greatly. However, spiral compressor parts require relatively higher precision. Therefore, they require high-precision casting and machining technology to manufacture.

A typical scroll compressor may include the following components,

• Fixed Scroll
• Orbiting Scroll
• Suction Chamber
• Compression Chamber
• Suction Opening
• Cooling Fan
• Eccentric Shaft, etc.

Working Principles

A scroll air compressor’s primary components are two spirals or scrolls known as the fixed spiral and orbital scroll. As the name suggests, the fixed scroll remains stationary while the orbiting scroll rotates around it in an eccentric motion. While less common, co-rotating variants of the scroll compressor are also available where both scrolls rotate in a synchronous motion.

When the gas enters the spiral compressor pockets, the orbiting scroll rotates and draws the gas inwards. As the gas moves inwards, the volume shrinks and is the minimum at the center. Here’s a video showing the working principle of a typical scroll compressor.

Get High-Quality Scroll Compressor Parts from Sunrise Metal

The most crucial component of a scroll compressor is its host. It houses the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll, which are the main components that keep the compressor running. So, they must be of high quality to ensure performance and durability.

Sunrise Metal manufacturers top-notch scroll compressor host parts that are sure to meet or exceed your expectations. We are an ISO 13485 certified company and thus are renowned for our medical casting capabilities.

Moreover, we supply scroll compressor parts to many air compressor brands in China, and you can expect to get high-quality assurance as well as on-time delivery. We have over 500+ international clients worldwide from many regions.

Scroll Compressor Parts Manufacturing Capabilities

Sunrise Metal has successfully completed many scroll compressor parts casting projects. We have experience in casting crucial parts such as the fixed scroll, orbiting scroll, and housing/enclosure for the components.

We provide a one-stop solution for your part’s design, prototyping, tooling, casting, and finishing. Our complete in-house solutions allow us to greatly increase production efficiency and cut down on production time and cost.

Moreover, we have advanced CNC machining and die casting equipment capable of handling large volume projects. Yet, we also welcome any high-mix, low-volume projects. You can check out our manufacturing capabilities to have a more clear idea of our services.

What are the Unique Features of a Scroll Compressor?

Scroll air Compressor has many unique features that set it apart from other types of air compressors. Below some of its main features are discussed:

Quiet Operation

Scroll compressor’s efficient design allows it to operate smoothly with little to no vibration. So, scroll compressors are extremely quiet without the need for an additional sound-proofing mechanism. It is, therefore, ideal for any application where the air compressor noise is a big deal.

Oil-Free Design

Unlike most other compressors, spiral-type compressor parts do not come in contact with each other. Therefore, the spirals can don’t need any lubrication. So, it eliminates the need for oil filters and doesn’t need frequent maintenance. Moreover, there is no chance of contamination due to oil.

Low Power Consumption

Scroll air compressor has comparatively fewer moving parts than other forms of compressors. Therefore, it requires less power to operate than others. It also has a very high volumetric efficiency that is almost close to 100%. So, more work is done for the same amount of energy required by other air compressors.

Very Compact

Spiral compressors have a relatively simpler build compared to other air compressors. The main host components can be fitted into compact enclosures. Therefore, it is easy to fit anywhere without worrying about space and is an ideal choice as a portable air compressor.

Are Scroll Compressors Expensive?

Scroll air compressors are generally more expensive than other air compressors when you only take into consideration the cost of the machine. This is mainly due to the high precision requirement of scroll compressor parts, which demands a sophisticated manufacturing process.

However, if you consider its productivity, it can easily outweigh other air compressors. Its superior power efficiency, less maintenance, compactness, oil-less design, and ultra-quiet operation are what make it worth the extra cost.

If you want to achieve some of these features of the scroll compressor, such as oil-less and noise-free operation in other compressors, additional components will be necessary. Which eventually increases the cost of other air compressors. So, it shouldn’t surprise why the scroll compressor is considered better, despite its higher cost.

What are the Applications of Scroll Compressors?

Oil-free scroll compressors have a great deal of application in the medical industry. Because of its oil-free design, there is no chance of contamination from oil seeping into the compressed air. This is crucial for the medical industry, as many medical devices and life support systems use air compressors as a power source.

Scroll compressors have many industrial and commercial applications, as well as in residential HAVC equipment. Some common examples of medical devices relying on scroll air compressors would be,

• Oxygen concentrators
• Respirators
• Ventilators
• Pneumatic surgical equipment
• Dental chair, etc.

Scroll compressors have many other different applications such as,

• Laboratories
• Refrigerators
• Air Conditioners
• Vacuum pump
• Trucking, etc.

Apart from these, spiral compressors are often preferred over other compressors when a particular use case demands oil & noise-free operation and power efficiency.