1. Manufacturing Cost:
The bearings used in single-screw air compressors for the screw and star wheel can be ordinary bearings, resulting in lower manufacturing costs and a simpler structure. Twin-screw air compressors, however, require higher-precision bearings due to the larger load on the rotors, leading to higher manufacturing costs.
2. Reliability:
The star wheel in single-screw air compressors is a wear part, requiring high-quality materials and regular replacement. Twin-screw air compressors have no wear parts in the main unit, resulting in longer trouble-free operation.
3. Efficiency:
When both are new machines, the efficiency of single-screw and twin-screw air compressors is basically the same. However, with increased operating time, wear on the star wheel of the single-screw air compressor leads to reduced air volume and decreased efficiency.
4. Force Balance:
The radial and axial gas forces in single-screw air compressors are self-balancing, but the star wheel teeth need to withstand the gas forces, requiring sufficient strength and rigidity. The rotors of twin-screw air compressors also bear significant radial and axial gas forces, requiring the screws to have sufficient strength and rigidity.
5. Noise and Vibration:
Both are basically the same.
6. Processing Equipment:
Single-screw air compressors lack mature dedicated processing equipment, resulting in unstable performance. Twin-screw compressors, however, have mature dedicated screw milling and grinding machines, ensuring stable product performance.
7. Motor:
Single-screw air compressors use ordinary motors, leading to more severe wear on the motor bearings and increased operating costs. Twin-screw air compressors use energy-efficient motors with better performance.