Scroll Air Compressors

A scroll compressor uses two spiral elements, one fixed and one orbiting, to compress air. This oil-free design offers a quiet, smooth and energy-efficient alternative to reciprocating compressors, with fewer moving parts and less wear. It’s ideal for delivering clean, reliable compressed air in commercial environments.

A scroll air compressor works by squeezing air between two spiral-shaped parts, one stays still while the other moves in a circle. This smooth motion means there’s less noise and no pulsing, so the airflow stays steady. It’s a quiet, compact, and reliable option when you need clean, oil-free air for things like medical, food, or lab work.

While scroll compressors are great for certain applications, they usually have a lower discharge pressure than piston or rotary screw models and may not be ideal for high-demand operations or hot environments. They’re generally best suited for low to medium-duty cycles, though some models can continuously operate when correctly sized and maintained in weather-controlled environments.

Oil-free scroll air compressors deliver excellent energy efficiency with fewer moving parts and no oil-based lubrication. Their compact and friction-reducing design helps lower energy consumption and ongoing energy costs for low or partial load applications For full load or demanding applications, oil free water injected screw compressors are unmatched in energy efficiency and air quality.

Scroll air compressors maintain high air quality through their oil-free design and the use of advanced air filters. With no oil filter or lubricating oil required, there's no risk of oil contamination, making them ideal for cleanroom and sensitive production environments.

If your scroll compressor is not starting, making unusual noises, overheating, or delivering reduced air pressure, it may need a service. Turn off the unit and have it inspected by a qualified air compressor technician to prevent further damage to your compressed air system.

Oil-free scroll compressors are ideal for industries where clean or oil-free, dry compressed air is essential. These include:

• Medical and dental
• Food and beverage industries
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Laboratories and cleanrooms
• Electronics and precision equipment
• Textiles and printing

Their quiet operation, compact footprint, and low maintenance make them perfect for environments with strict air purity standards.

While it is technically possible, using a generator to power a scroll air compressor is not recommended. Scroll compressors are quite sensitive when it comes to an inconsistent power supply. Plus, voltage fluctuations can interfere with the orbiting scroll mechanism or electronic controls, leading to reduced performance, premature wear, or system failure. Compressors require a stable, constant voltage to operate efficiently.

If you have access to mains electricity, it is always best to use it. This ensures consistent performance, maintains energy efficiency, and protects the internal components from potential damage. The same principle applies to rotary screw compressors, which also rely on steady power to support continuous operation and avoid issues with the drive motor.

Your air compressor servicing or maintenance timing really depends on your specific scroll compressor model, unique system setup, and how often the scroll compressor is used. While oil-free scroll compressors are known for their low-maintenance design, regular servicing is still essential to ensure consistent performance, air quality, and long-term reliability.

You should have the air filters, non-return valve, and system controls checked periodically and any worn components replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Our team at Cleveland Compressed Air Services can provide expert servicing tailored to your usage and system requirements. Contact our team to book a service or book in a maintenance schedule that suits your needs.