Electric Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary screw air compressors are built to run all day, quietly and efficiently. We supply, install and service Chicago Pneumatic electric screw compressors from 3 to 340 hp across NSW, in fixed speed and variable speed, including single phase 240V models.
Fixed speed screw compressors
A fixed speed compressor runs at one constant speed and delivers a constant flow of air. It is the simple, lower-cost choice where air demand stays steady through the day.
- Simple operation: consistent output for predictable loads
- Lower upfront cost than a variable speed model
- Long service life: steady operating conditions
- Best for steady workloads
Variable speed screw compressors
A variable speed drive (VSD) compressor adjusts its motor speed to match your air demand in real time. It suits sites where air use rises and falls through the day.
- Energy efficient: the motor slows down when demand is low; the CPVS PM range saves up to 45%
- Less wear: soft starts and lower running speeds
- Stable pressure: holds a tighter pressure band
- Quieter at lower speeds
Fixed speed or variable speed?
| Fixed speed | Variable speed | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Steady air demand | Demand that changes through the day |
| Purchase cost | Lower | Higher |
| Running cost | Higher when demand drops | Lower, because the motor slows down |
| Pressure control | Wider pressure band | Tighter pressure band |
Chicago Pneumatic screw compressor ranges
| Range | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| CPM | Fixed speed, compact, tank and dryer options | 3 to 20 hp |
| CPA | Fixed speed, for continuous industrial use | 10 to 60 hp |
| CPBg | Fixed speed, gear driven | 20 to 40 hp |
| CPC G / CPD G / CPE | Fixed speed, gear driven | 40 to 150 hp |
| CPVSm | Variable speed, gear driven | 40 to 60 hp |
| CPVS PM | Variable speed, permanent magnet motor | 60 to 100 hp |
| CPVS | Variable speed, gear driven | 100 to 340 hp |
Single phase screw compressors (240V)
No three phase power? The Chicago Pneumatic CPM 3 hp is a single phase screw compressor that runs on a 240V, 15 amp supply. It gives a small workshop the quiet, continuous running of a screw compressor without a power upgrade.
- CPM 3 hp single phase screw compressor on a 200 litre tank
- CPM 3-8 single phase screw compressor with 200 litre tank and dryer
How a rotary screw compressor works
- Intake: air is drawn in through the inlet valve.
- Compression: two meshing helical rotors trap the air and reduce its volume as it moves along them.
- Oil injection: in oil-injected models, oil cools, seals and lubricates the rotors.
- Separation and discharge: the oil is separated and recycled, and the compressed air passes through filters into your system.
Need air with no oil at all? See oil free air compressors.
Supplied, installed and serviced
We size the compressor to your air demand and install it with the dryer, receiver and pipework as a complete compressed air package, then service it. Contact us for a recommendation.
Sizing an electric rotary screw compressor
The right electric rotary screw compressor is sized on the air your site actually uses, not on the motor size of the old machine. Tell us the tools and equipment that run on air and how many run at once, and we will work out the flow and pressure you need. An electric rotary screw compressor that is too large wastes power; one that is too small runs flat out and wears early.
We are a Chicago Pneumatic reseller and can supply the electric rotary screw compressor on its own or with dryer, receiver and pipework as a complete package.
Compared with a piston machine, an electric rotary screw compressor runs cooler and quieter and is built for continuous duty. That makes an electric rotary screw compressor the usual choice once a workshop or factory uses air through most of the day. We can also assess an existing electric rotary screw compressor to see whether a variable speed replacement would cut your power bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rotary screw air compressor?
A rotary screw compressor traps air between two meshing helical rotors and squeezes it as the rotors turn. It delivers a smooth, continuous flow of air and is built to run all day, which is why it is the standard choice for workshops and factories.
Should I choose fixed speed or variable speed?
Choose fixed speed if your air demand is steady through the day. Choose variable speed if demand rises and falls, because the motor slows down when less air is needed and uses less electricity.
Can I run a screw compressor on single phase 240V power?
Yes. The Chicago Pneumatic CPM 3 hp is a single phase screw compressor that runs on a 240V, 15 amp supply, so it suits workshops without three phase power.
Screw or piston compressor?
A piston compressor suits intermittent use and costs less to buy. A screw compressor suits continuous use, runs quieter and delivers more air for its size. If your compressor runs most of the day, a screw compressor is usually the better choice.
Do you install and service screw compressors?
Yes. We supply, install and service rotary screw compressors across NSW, including the dryer, receiver and pipework.
