{"id":7594,"date":"2021-06-17T09:00:30","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T17:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/?p=7594"},"modified":"2022-12-14T02:32:02","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T10:32:02","slug":"the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/","title":{"rendered":"The Differences Between Rotary &#038; Reciprocating Compressors"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Rotary_Compressor\" >Rotary Compressor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Reciprocating_Compressor\" >Reciprocating Compressor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Rotary_compressor_VS_Reciprocating_compressor\" >Rotary compressor VS. Reciprocating compressor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Operation_Speed\" >Operation Speed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Size\" >Size<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Efficiency\" >Efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Compressed_Efficiency\" >Compressed Efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Compression_Operation\" >Compression Operation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Mechanical_Efficiency\" >Mechanical Efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Efficiency_Calculation\" >Efficiency Calculation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Initial_Cost\" >Initial Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Maintenance\" >Maintenance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Suitability\" >Suitability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Flexibility\" >Flexibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Space_Requirement_for_Installation\" >Space Requirement for Installation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Pressure_Ratio\" >Pressure Ratio<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Maximum_Free_Air_Discharge_Rate\" >Maximum Free Air Discharge Rate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Coupled_to_Prime_Mover\" >Coupled to Prime Mover<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Lubrication_System\" >Lubrication System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Handled_Volume\" >Handled Volume<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Cycle_of_Operation\" >Cycle of Operation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Air_Supply\" >Air Supply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Balancing\" >Balancing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Maximum_Delivery_Pressure\" >Maximum Delivery Pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Cleanliness_of_Delivered_Air\" >Cleanliness of Delivered Air<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/the-differences-between-rotary-reciprocating-compressors\/#Working_Fluid\" >Working Fluid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The positive displacement air compressor is the most common type of air compressor in use today and it is classified into two types: rotary and reciprocating compressors. These types of compressors are both components of gas transfer systems. They have the same purpose to bring gas into the system, exhale exhaust, then repeat the process. They both do this by changing the pressure at certain points to force gas in and exhaust out. Although they have things in common, they differ in several factors. In this article, we discuss the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">differences between rotary &amp; reciprocating compressors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Follow this new blog in Linquip to find out more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7603 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6.jpeg\" alt=\"Differences Between Rotary &amp; Reciprocating Compressors\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-696x522.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-1392x1044.jpeg 1392w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-1068x801.jpeg 1068w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-560x420.jpeg 560w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-80x60.jpeg 80w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-160x120.jpeg 160w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/rotary13181334N9F6-265x198.jpeg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rotary_Compressor\"><\/span>Rotary Compressor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor producing compressed fluid\/refrigerant by the rotary movements of blades or the movement of eccentric roller connected to the motor shaft. There are mainly two types of rotary compressor<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stationary blade type rotary compressor<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotating blade type rotary compressor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The rotary compressor, generally finds use in large industrial applications, high-power air tools like jackhammers and impact wrenches, pneumatic pumps, sandblasting operations. It is used where continuous fluid flow is required, such as automated manufacturing, food packaging plants.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7599\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating_Compressor-1024x768-1-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reciprocating_Compressor\"><\/span>Reciprocating Compressor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reciprocating_compressor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">Reciprocating compressors<\/a> are the other type of positive displacement compressors in which the compressing and displacing element is a piston having a reciprocating motion within a cylinder. There are two types of reciprocating compressors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High speed (separable)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low speed (integral)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Reciprocating compressors are used to compress natural gas (gas transmission pipeline applications), supply high-pressure gas for oil well drilling for gas lift, as well as in various industrial or chemical applications involving air and refrigerant compression, for example in refrigeration plants.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rotary_compressor_VS_Reciprocating_compressor\"><\/span>Rotary compressor VS. Reciprocating compressor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a description of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">differences between rotary &amp; reciprocating compressors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by considering several factors. Various factors, like those mentioned further, are taken into account while selecting a compressor for a particular application. The following factors show the main differences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Operation_Speed\"><\/span>Operation Speed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The speed of the rotary compressor is high.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The speed of the reciprocating compressor is low.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Size\"><\/span>Size<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of the rotary compressors is smaller than the reciprocating compressor for the same discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of the reciprocating compressor is bulky and larger than the rotary compressor for the same discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efficiency\"><\/span>Efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The efficiency of the rotary compressor is nearly 100%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The efficiency of the reciprocating compressor is less than 100%.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compressed_Efficiency\"><\/span>Compressed Efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor has higher efficiency with a compression ratio of less than 2.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor has higher efficiency with a compression ratio of less than 2.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compression_Operation\"><\/span>Compression Operation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the rotary compressor, the compression takes place due to the rotary motion of the blade.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the reciprocating compressor, compression takes place with the help of piston and cylinder arrangement and also the reciprocating motion of the piston.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1705\" height=\"1194\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea.jpg 1705w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-1536x1076.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-696x487.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-1392x975.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-1068x748.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-600x420.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/ec79caea-100x70.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1705px) 100vw, 1705px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mechanical_Efficiency\"><\/span>Mechanical Efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor has higher mechanical efficiency due to fewer sliding parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor has lower mechanical efficiency due to several sliding parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efficiency_Calculation\"><\/span>Efficiency Calculation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the rotary compressor, Isentropic efficiency is used for all sorts of calculations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the reciprocating compressor, Isothermal efficiency is used for all sorts of calculations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Initial_Cost\"><\/span>Initial Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor has a lower initial cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor has a higher initial cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintenance\"><\/span>Maintenance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor requires lower maintenance due to fewer sliding parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor requires higher maintenance due to the reciprocating engine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suitability\"><\/span>Suitability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor is suitable for the large volumes discharges of air at low and medium pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor is suitable for the low discharge of air at medium and high pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexibility\"><\/span>Flexibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No flexibility in capacity and pressure range in the rotary compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor has greater flexibility in capacity and pressure range.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Space_Requirement_for_Installation\"><\/span>Space Requirement for Installation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The installation space requirement is less in a rotary compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The installation space requirement is more in a reciprocating compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7596\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-696x522.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-1392x1044.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-1068x801.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/atlas-copo-rotary-air-compressor-11190-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pressure_Ratio\"><\/span>Pressure Ratio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The discharge pressure of air in the rotary compressors is low. The pressure ratio per stage will be in the order of 3 to 5.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The discharge pressure of the air in the reciprocating compressor is high. The pressure ratio per stage will be in the order of 4 to 7.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maximum_Free_Air_Discharge_Rate\"><\/span>Maximum Free Air Discharge Rate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum free air discharge rate in the rotary compressor is as high as 3000 m3 per minute.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum free air discharge rate in the reciprocating compressor is as low as 300 m3 per minute.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coupled_to_Prime_Mover\"><\/span>Coupled to Prime Mover<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor can be directly coupled to the prime mover.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to the low speed of rotation, the reciprocating compressor can\u2019t be directly coupled to prime mover but it requires a reduction of speed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lubrication_System\"><\/span>Lubrication System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, the rotary compressor has simple lubrication compare to the reciprocating compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor contains a complicated lubrication system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Handled_Volume\"><\/span>Handled Volume<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A large measure of air handled can be handled in the rotary compressor and it is about 500 m3\/s.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quantity of air handled in the reciprocating compressor is low and is limited to 50 m3\/s.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7598\" src=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating-compressor1154.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"483\" height=\"175\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating-compressor1154.jpg 373w, https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Reciprocating-compressor1154-300x109.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cycle_of_Operation\"><\/span>Cycle of Operation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rotary compressor executes one step of the Rankine cycle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressor executes the whole Brayton cycle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Air_Supply\"><\/span>Air Supply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The air supply in the rotary compressor is steady and continuous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The air supply in the reciprocating compressor is intermittent.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Balancing\"><\/span>Balancing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the rotary compressor, balancing is not a problem. It contains less vibration due to rotary mass.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the reciprocating compressor, balancing is a major problem due to cyclic vibration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maximum_Delivery_Pressure\"><\/span>Maximum Delivery Pressure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum delivery pressure for the rotary compressor is 10 bar by multistage up 40 bar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maximum delivery pressure for the reciprocating is as high as 1000 bar.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cleanliness_of_Delivered_Air\"><\/span>Cleanliness of Delivered Air<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The delivered air in the rotary compressor is cleaner because it does not come in contact with the lubricating oil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The delivered air in the reciprocating compressor is less clean because it comes in contact with the lubricating oil.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working_Fluid\"><\/span>Working Fluid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air or some other gases are working fluid in the rotary compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressurized steam is the working fluid in the reciprocating compressor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Few more points about the differences between rotary &amp; reciprocating compressors to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotary compressors are lighter weight and provide more capacity in a smaller package than reciprocating compressors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reciprocating compressors use pistons while rotary compressors use rollers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotary compressors last longer than reciprocating air compressors and maintain the same performance throughout their long life.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, now you know everything you needed to know about the differences between rotary and reciprocating compressors. Do you think there are other more differences than what we mentioned above? Share your thoughts with Linquip in the comment section. And feel free to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/sign-up?client_redirect=\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-schema-attribute=\"\">sign up<\/a> on our website if you want our experts to answer your most complicated questions regarding this field.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Buy Equipment or Ask for a Service<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>By using Linquip RFQ Service, you can expect\u00a0to receive quotations from various suppliers across multiple industries and regions.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/linquip.com\/get-quote?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_campaign=product_list&amp;utm_term=product_list&amp;utm_content=rfq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click Here to Request a Quotation From Suppliers and Service Providers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read More on Linquip<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/rotary-vane-compressors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rotary Vane Compressors 101: The Essential Intro<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/reciprocating-compressor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reciprocating Compressor: Introduction, Efficiency &amp; Types<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/reciprocating-compressor-parts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reciprocating Compressor Parts: A Simple, Yet Useful Guide<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/differences-between-axial-compressor-centrifugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Differences Between Axial Compressor &amp; Centrifugal Compressor<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/rotary-vane-compressors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rotary Vane Compressors 101: The Essential Intro<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The positive displacement air compressor is the most common type of air compressor in use today and it is classified into two types: rotary and reciprocating compressors. These types of compressors are both components of gas transfer systems. They have the same purpose to bring gas into the system, exhale exhaust, then repeat the process. &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7600,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,1444,1443],"tags":[335],"class_list":["post-7594","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-compressor","category-reciprocating-compressor","category-rotary-vane-compressor","tag-device-differences"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7594"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7594\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24860,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7594\/revisions\/24860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7594"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7594"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.linquip.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}