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Oil-free screw compressor for chemical industry: AQUARIUS 22 kW
Chemical industry relies on maximum air purity, with oil-free screw compressor.
In the chemical industry and especially in fertilizer production, the quality and purity of compressed air are non-negotiable. A leading fertilizer manufacturer was faced with a particular challenge: a critical production process with oxygen enrichment of chemical compounds required absolutely oil-free and silicone-free
The challenge: process reliability with oxygen enrichment
The sensitive chemical process not only required oil- and silicone-free air, but also constant pressure with fluctuating demand. Conventional, oil-lubricated compressors were ruled out due to the risk of contamination. The previous solution was maintenance-intensive and energy inefficient.
The company was struggling with several problems at the same time: high maintenance costs due to frequent filter changes, unreliable compressed air quality and rising energy costs. The safety of the process was particularly critical, as any trace of oil combined with the enriched oxygen posed a significant risk.
The solution: AQUARIUS 22 kW oil-free screw compressor, water-injected
The company opted for the AQUARIUS 22 kW – a water-injected, oil-free screw compressor with state-of-the-art technology. This innovative German engineering solution impressed with several decisive advantages.
The AQUARIUS 22 kW works completely without oil or other lubricants. Instead, water from the ambient air is used for compression – without any additional fresh water supply. The highly efficient IE4 permanent magnet motor with direct drive guarantees maximum energy efficiency with variable speed control.
The system delivers a volume flow of 0.59 to 3.01 m³/min at 8 bar and guarantees consistently high air quality. The integrated speed control automatically adjusts the output to the demand, which eliminates energy wastage due to idle times.
The investment quickly paid off: By eliminating costly oil changes and filter maintenance, the company saves around EUR 7,000 a year in maintenance costs. At the same time, process reliability has improved considerably thanks to the constant compressed air quality. The 5-year warranty from SCC offers additional planning security.
Why is silicone-free air important?
In chemical processes, even the smallest traces of silicone can lead to product contamination or catalytic converter damage. Silicone compounds from conventional seals or lubricants are deposited on catalytic converter surfaces and reduce their effectiveness. The water-based compression of the AQUARIUS oil-free screw compressor completely eliminates these risks and guarantees class 0 according to ISO 8573-1.
What is the difference between water-flooded compressors?
Water-flooded compressors such as the AQUARIUS use water instead of oil to lubricate and cool the compressor stage. This enables lower operating temperatures of below 70 °C, longer maintenance intervals and absolutely oil-free compressed air. The water also binds dust particles and ensures that the air is cleaned naturally.
What are the advantages of inverter control?
The variable speed control automatically adjusts the compressor output to the actual demand. This reduces energy consumption by up to 35 percent compared to fixed systems and extends the service life thanks to fewer load changes. The IE4 motor operates in the optimum efficiency range.
With the AQUARIUS 22 kW oil-free screw compressor, SCC air compressors has created a long-term, energy-efficient solution that combines the highest process quality with economical operation – a convincing example of German engineering in the service of demanding industrial applications.
Are you interested in an oil-free screw compressor for your workshop?
Let our experts advise you and request a customized offer for your application. Benefit from the proven SCC technology and reduce your operating costs sustainably.