In the modern industrial and commercial sectors, chillers are indispensable devices used to provide coolant to maintain stable temperatures in equipment and production processes. When it comes to choosing the right chiller, screw chillers and scroll chillers are often the two most popular choices. They each utilize different operating principles and technologies that offer unique advantages and features. In this article, we will delve into the performance, applications, and selection considerations of screw chillers and scroll chillers to help readers better understand the differences between the two so they can make an informed decision based on their specific needs.
Table of Contents
I.What is a screw chiller?
1.1How does the screw chiller work?
1.2What are the advantages of screw chillers?
II. What is a scroll chiller?
2.1 What are the advantages of scroll chillers?
III. Screw chiller vs. scroll chiller, which is better?
I.What is a screw chiller?
A screw chiller is a refrigeration unit consisting of a semi-hermetic screw compressor, motor, suction pipe, discharge pipe, evaporator, condenser, electrical control cabinet, and cooling water flow switch light components.
1.1 How does the screw chiller work?
Evaporator: in the evaporator, cooling water and refrigerant heat exchange, the refrigerant liquid absorbs heat after evaporation gasification for low temperature and low-pressure gas sent to the compressor
Screw compressor: At the heart of the refrigeration cycle, the screw compressor inhales low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and quickly compressed it into high-pressure gas sent to the condenser.
Slide valve mechanism: the screw compressor is equipped with a slide valve mechanism, which can control the suction flow of the compressor and the evaporation of the refrigerant, thus realizing the infinitely variable adjustment of the cooling capacity within a certain range.
Oil separator: separates the refrigerant gas from the refrigerant oil, and the separated refrigerant oil is directly returned to the compressor.
Condenser: In the condenser, the high temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas releases heat, which is cooled down by cooling water, and condenses into a normal temperature and high-pressure liquid state. The cooling water in the condenser absorbs the heat released by the refrigerant vapor, and the temperature change of the cooling water directly affects the efficiency of the condensation process and the performance of the refrigeration system.
Thermal Expansion Valve: Regulates the flow of room temperature and high-pressure liquid into the evaporator and makes it a low-temperature and low-pressure wet vapor after throttling. This throttling process enables the refrigerant to absorb enough heat when it evaporates in the evaporator to achieve the cooling effect. After evaporation, the refrigerant is sucked back into the compressor in the form of a vapor to participate again in the next refrigeration cycle. In the compressor, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, which again enters the condenser for cooling, forming a cycle.
1.2 What are the advantages of screw chillers?
High energy-efficiency ratio: the use of high-efficiency semi-hermetic twin-screw compressors can provide higher refrigeration capacity when consuming less electrical energy.
Long service life: Screw compressors usually have a longer service life. Due to their relatively simple structure and semi-hermetic nature, they are relatively easy to maintain, so even if problems occur, they can be repaired and their service life extended.
Infinitely adjustable: The screw chiller can adjust the cooling capacity in real time between 25%~100% according to the actual required cooling capacity to meet the changing load demand, thus improving the energy efficiency performance and operational flexibility of the system.
II.What is a scroll chiller?
A scroll chiller, similar to a screw chiller, is a common refrigeration equipment widely used in commercial and industrial applications. It consists of almost the same components as the screw chiller, but its working principle is mainly based on scroll compressor technology. The scroll compressor uses centrifugal force for compression, rapidly drawing in low-temperature, low-pressure gas through a rotating centrifugal shaft and then compressing it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas.
2.1 What are the advantages of scroll chillers?
Purchase cost: compared with screw chillers, scroll chillers are relatively inexpensive
Low noise: relatively simple structure, relatively low operating noise
Suitable for applications with small refrigeration demand: such as small storage facilities, offices, restaurants, etc.
III.Screw chiller vs. scroll chiller, which is better?
Many customers do not know how to choose between a screw chiller and a scroll chiller, and Kassel Machinery recommends that you consider the following dimensions:Cold capacity range: Scroll chillers are suitable for smaller-scale cooling needs, usually around 1 to 40 horsepower. For needs in this range, scroll chillers are an affordable option.
Screw chillers have a wider range of cooling capacity, usually starting at 40 horsepower, and can meet the needs of small to medium-sized to large refrigeration systems, even up to hundreds or thousands of horsepower.
Cost-effective considerations: With more than 40 horsepower of cold demand, scroll chillers may not be as cost-effective as screw compressors.
Screw chillers, on the other hand, have a better price/performance ratio in large refrigeration systems. It offers advantages such as high efficiency, reliability, and energy savings that can reduce costs in long-term operations.
Noise level: Scroll chillers typically produce less noise during operation than screw chillers. This makes scroll chillers more popular in environments that require higher noise control, such as offices, commercial spaces, etc.
Failure rate and maintenance cost: Scroll chillers usually have a lower failure rate and can operate stably for a longer period. However, once failure occurs, the shell needs to be disassembled for repair, which increases the difficulty and cost of repair, and the durability and performance after repair may not be guaranteed;
Screw chillers, on the other hand, are relatively easy to repair due to their relatively simple structure and semi-enclosure, so even if problems occur, they can be repaired and their service life extended
Cooling method: Setting Screw chillers as an example, they are divided into air cooled screw chillers and water screw chillers.
Kassel is a leading global chiller manufacturer specializing in providing high-quality and efficient refrigeration solutions. We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers by providing customized refrigeration equipment for a wide range of industries.
As an industry leader, we have the advanced production equipment and technical team to design and manufacture screw chillers and scroll chillers of all capacities. Whether you need a small commercial chiller or a large industrial-grade refrigeration plant, Kassel has the right solution for you.
Post time:Sep-25-2020
