How to Choose A Screw Compressor

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Screw Compressor Comparison Table (15–90 kW | 10 Bar)

Specification15 kW22 kW38 kW75 kW90 KW
Power (kW / HP)15 kW / 20 HP22 kW / 30 HP38 kW / 50 HP75 kW / 100 HP90 kW / 120 HP
Working Pressure10 Bar10 Bar10 Bar10 Bar10 Bar
Air Flow (FAD)≈ 2.0 m³/min≈ 3.2 m³/min≈ 6.0 m³/min≈ 12.5 m³/min≈ 15 m³/min
Air Flow (L/min)≈ 2,000 L/min≈ 3,200 L/min≈ 6,000 L/min≈ 12,500 L/min≈ 15000 L/min
Operating ModeContinuous DutyContinuous DutyContinuous DutyContinuous DutyContinuous Duty
Control TypeFixed Speed / VSDFixed Speed / VSDFixed Speed / VSDFixed Speed / VSDFixed Speed / VSD
Application TypeWorkshopsMedium FactoriesHeavy IndustryLarge Industrial PlantsVery Large / Critical Industries
Energy EfficiencyHighVery HighExcellentExcellentExcellent
Noise LevelLowLowLowLowLow
Upgrade from Piston✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes
Integration with Dryer & Filters✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes✔ Yes
Recommended UseLight IndustrialProduction Lines24/7 OperationCentral Air SystemsHigh-Capacity Central Systems
Service Coverage (KSA)NationwideNationwideNationwideNationwideNationwide

Technical Note:

Air flow values are approximate FAD values at 10 Bar. Exact performance may vary slightly depending on configuration (Fixed Speed or VSD), ambient conditions, and system design.


Technical Selection Guide

How to Choose the Right Screw Compressor (15–90 kW | 10 Bar)

Selecting the correct screw compressor size is critical to ensure efficient operation, stable air supply, and low energy cost. This guide helps workshops, factories, and industrial clients in Saudi Arabia choose the right compressor between 15 kW and 90 kW, all operating at 10 Bar.

Step 1: Define Your Air Demand (FAD)

Compressed air demand is measured in Free Air Delivery (FAD), usually expressed in m³/min or L/min.

Typical Air Demand by Compressor Size

Compressor Size15 kW22 kW38 kW75 kW90 kW
Approx. Air Flow (10 Bar)≈ 2.0 m³/min≈ 3.2 m³/min≈ 6.0 m³/min≈ 12.5 m³/min≈ 15000 m³/min

Rule of Thumb:

Always select a compressor with 10–25% higher capacity than your actual air consumption to allow for future expansion and avoid overload.

Step 2: Identify Your Application Type

Different industries require different duty cycles and air stability.

Recommended Selection by Application

  • 15 kW : Workshops, tire shops, car washes, light pneumatic tools
  • 22 kW : CNC machines, medium fabrication shops, packaging lines
  • 38 kW : Continuous industrial production, food & beverage plants
  • 75 kW : Large factories, central air systems, government & infrastructure projects
  • 90 kW : Heavy industrial plants, central compressed air stations, multi-line production facilities

Step 3: Operating Hours per Day

Operating hours significantly affect compressor selection.

Operating HoursRecommendation
Up to 6-8 hours/dayFixed Speed Screw Compressor
6-16 hours/dayScrew Compressor with Dryer
16-24 hours/dayVSD Screw Compressor

For 24/7 operation, 38 kW and 75 kW models with VSD are strongly recommended.

Step 4: Fixed Speed vs VSD (Variable Speed Drive)

Choosing between fixed speed and VSD depends on your air demand pattern.

ConditionBest Choice
Stable air demandFixed Speed
Fluctuating air demandVSD
High energy cost concernVSD
Long operating hoursVSD

VSD compressors can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% in variable-load applications.

Step 5: System Accessories (Do Not Ignore)

To protect your compressor and equipment, consider:

  • Air Dryer – prevents moisture damage
  • Line Filters – improves air quality
  • Air Receiver Tank – stabilizes pressure and reduces load cycles

Proper system design can extend compressor life by 30–40%.

Quick Selection Table (At a Glance)

RequirementRecommended Size
Small workshop / tools15 kW
Medium production line22 kW
Heavy industrial use38 kW
Central air system75 kW

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

  • Selecting based on HP only
  • Ignoring future expansion
  • Underestimating air leaks
  • Skipping dryer and filtration
  • Choosing piston compressor for continuous duty

Contact our technical team:

Our screw compressors are supplied with Italian technology and supported by nationwide service coverage across Saudi Arabia, ensuring correct selection, installation, and long-term reliability.

Need help choosing the right size?

Contact our technical team for a free site assessment and professional recommendation.