Air Cooled Compressor vs. Water Cooled Compressors | MCE

When it comes to choosing a rotary screw air compressor, you need to acknowledge the heat. Compressing air from 0 to 125 PSIG creates heat through the “heat of compression” process. The air needs to stay chilled to keep running. There are two cooling types that your compressed air system can use to beat the heat: an air-cooled compressor or a water-cooled compressor. Neither compressor is better, but one type is usually better for your system's needs. To help decide which compressor is best for you and your business, consider the following list: 

Rotary Screw Air Cooled Compressor 

• Makes up 80% of compressors 
• Most rotary screw compressors—especially those below 100 hp. 
• Smaller rotary screw compressors 40 hp and below – typically only available in an air-cooled configuration.
• Requires adequate amounts of space, and without much space, customers can encounter temperature regulation issues that cause shutdowns or equipment failure. 
• More cost-effective because it requires less capital and installation costs. 
• Can be put anywhere in the factory setting. 

Rotary Screw Water Cooled Compressor 

• Makes up 20% of compressors 
• Best for caustic or extremely dirty environments 
• Most common in larger machines 
• Require adequate amounts of cooling air for the inlet and enough space for discharge.
• Better for a more confined space 
• Requires less power than air compressors but comes with electrical, water, and water-treatment costs 
• Customers can save on costs when they use the cooling water to preheat plant processes, such as boilers, to save on gas and heating bills.  
• Consider the initial cost of the tower, energy, and maintenance along with cooling tower designs. 
• Can use other sources of cooling water: public supply water, self-supplied well water, river, ocean, or lake water