6/21/23, 3:38 PM 3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial Engine Application | VMAC

3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial

Engine Application
July 5, 2021

You’ve decided that your current application needs compressed air. You’ve also figured
out how much air you need, how you will drive the compressor, and what engine you will
use to power it. Now it’s time to decide what air compressor is best suited for your
needs!

There are three styles of air compressor commonly found in mobile

industrial applications:

Reciprocating/Piston Compressors

Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary Vane Compressors

Each of these air compressors have particular benefits and challenges, which we will
break down in this article.

Reciprocating Compressors  
Reciprocating compressors are the most common air compressors found in mobile
applications and are the type most people are familiar with. There are a wide variety of
manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, providing an array of options.

Benefits
Low initial cost

Easiest to service & rebuild

Of the three compressor types, reciprocating air compressors generally have the lowest
initial purchase price and are suitable for low-duty cycle operations. Unlike many vane
and screw compressors, most reciprocating compressors can be serviced or rebuilt in
the field with simple hand tools.

https://www.vmacair.com/blog/types-compressors-industrial-engine 1/5
6/21/23, 3:38 PM 3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial Engine Application | VMAC

Challenges
Large & heavy

Many moving, wearable parts

Higher air temperature

Excessive pulsation

Requires an air receiver tank

Reciprocating compressors are typically the largest and

heaviest when compared to compressors of equal CFM.
They have the most moving parts and, like the vane
compressor, experience increasing amounts of oil
carryover. Because of how reciprocating compressors produce air, more after-
treatment is required to reduce air temperatures and pulsation before the compressed
air reaches your tools and equipment. An air receiver tank is also required with a
reciprocating air compressor and takes up additional space.

Rotary Screw Compressors

Traditionally, rotary screw compressors were found in stationary applications and were
not widespread in mobile applications. However, times have changed! Rotary screw
compressors have become more affordable, and their benefits are increasingly
recognized across diverse industries. Today, rotary screw air compressors are used in
numerous industrial applications and are being manufactured by companies around the
world, including VMAC.

Benefits
Continuous duty cycle

High air flow delivery

Compact size

No air receiver tank requires

Few wearing parts

Easy maintenance

Challenges
Higher initial cost

Requires routine maintenance

https://www.vmacair.com/blog/types-compressors-industrial-engine 2/5
6/21/23, 3:38 PM 3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial Engine Application | VMAC

Rotary screw compressors generally have a higher initial cost when compared to the
other compressor types, but last longer as they have fewer wearing parts. As most
screw compressors found in mobile applications are oil-injected, they have an
independent lubrication circuit. As a result, the oil used is specific to the compressor
and the system will require routine maintenance.

Rotary Vane Compressors  

Of the three common compressor
types found in mobile
applications, the rotary vane
compressor is the least common.
There are fewer manufacturers
of vane compressors compared to
reciprocating compressors, and
service parts can be more
challenging to find.

Benefits
Fewer moving parts

Compact

Continuous-Duty

Low pulsation

Low initial cost

Like the rotary screw compressor, the rotary vane air compressor has fewer moving
parts when compared to a reciprocating option. Vane compressors are compact in size
compared to reciprocating and rotary screw compressors when comparing equal CFM
compressors. They are designed for continuous duty and deliver a relatively pulsation-
free air flow to your tools or equipment. The rotary vane compressor generally has a
lower initial purchase cost.

Challenges
Hard to find service parts

Difficult to get service support

Expensive rebuilds

As with other wearing compressors, oil carryover increases the longer it is in service. A
complete rebuild is required to prevent this from happening, which is an expensive
process. Finding service parts and support can also be a challenge.

https://www.vmacair.com/blog/types-compressors-industrial-engine 3/5
6/21/23, 3:38 PM 3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial Engine Application | VMAC

Choosing An Air Compressor

When choosing a compressor for your mobile application, there are many factors to
consider. The initial purchase price, ease of and cost of maintenance, size, availability,
airflow, and longevity are all critical for your overall satisfaction with your compressor.
Knowing which compressor meets your needs is an essential step in finalizing your
industrial compressor system.

Visit our OEM page to find out how VMAC can help you build your custom industrial
application!

Back to All Posts

Get New Posts In Your Inbox!

Subscribe today for news, blogs, and updates on upcoming free webinars

Subscribe to Blog

First name**

Last name**

Email**

Subscribe

https://www.vmacair.com/blog/types-compressors-industrial-engine 4/5
6/21/23, 3:38 PM 3 Types of Air Compressors For Your Industrial Engine Application | VMAC

Popular Posts

How To Calculate Air Compressor CFM to kW - VMAC

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Air Tools? | VMAC

How To Size An Air Receiver Tank | Sizing Formula & More

How Many CFM Do I Need? – Air Tool CFM Chart

How To Calculate ‘Time To Fill An Air Tank” Using Simple Logic

https://www.vmacair.com/blog/types-compressors-industrial-engine 5/5