Does a Rotary Screw Compressor Need a Tank?

A rotary screw air compressor does not need a tank, although it does help in many industrial applications. There are a number of things you can do with your compressor without a tank. This kind of compressor has a rotary device that is used when large volumes of compressed air is required.

When gas is compressed in a rotary screw air compressor, the air moves in a sweeping manner and does not pulse or surge as it would with a piston compressor. Through this process, compressors are much quieter and have fewer vibrations than a piston compressor does, regardless of size. Learn more about rotary screw compressors and how they function with and without tanks here.

Benefits of Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Rotary screw air compressors have been popular since the 1980’s, and range in sizes from 5 HP to 900 HP. The greatest advantage to a rotary screw air compressor is that they have full-load capacity and are much quieter than other compressors. The air they produce is also much cooler.

Rotary screw compressors may be cooler and quieter, but they are not always the most efficient. With or without a tank, they will still work. With a tank, a pressure switch will turn on the compressor and bring the pressure back to the tank.

Air Compressors With Tanks

An air compressor with a tank ensures the compressor will run fewer cycles. Using tanks then increases the overall life expectancy of an air compressor. Tanks also help with the use of tools that offer a higher air consumption rate. That includes tools such as die grinders, sanders, and wrenches.

With tanks, two stage compressors will use the air from the first stage to push the pressure of the tank higher. This will ensure more tank storage.

Air Compressors Without Tanks

A compressor without a tank can decrease your workload, but it can increase it as well. Think of a tire and how you would pump it with air. The compressor works identically whether you have a tank attached to it or not. Without a tank, you can often perform the jobs faster. Some compressors have their own speed that isn’t changed with or without a tank.

Go Tank Free

When you have a rotary screw air compressor, you can use it with or without a tank, and there are benefits to both. If you only need a short spurt of energy, your compressor without the tank will do the job. This saves you time from filling up the tank and emptying it up. At the end of the day, it is up to you. There are advantages to both. Go tank free and see what option you enjoy the most.