Refrigeration Compressor Aggregates

Do we consider our purchase in all aspects? 

If we need an extension in our cooling capacity, there are many questions to answer: Which compressor unit, besides the refrigerant, we are going to use ? How are we  going to design the unit: with piston compressors or screw compressors ? Which brand ?

What is the difference between roller/ball bearing compressor and a combination compressor with journal / ball bearings? 

If we choose for screw compressors,  we are looking for the purchase price, but not always to other aspects like service costs and interval time. Is the chosen compressor unit suitable for our operational situation?In the most cases we select on price and power consumption.  The human way is in general curious, because if we buy a new car we want to know a lot of information besides the color. We want to know  the purchase price, the fuel consumption, service interval, budget prices, options, speed, and all information about the cost like weight, road tax, how are we going to use the car: mostly city or high way etc. All these information can help us by the final decision. If the wanted car has not our budget, we switch to a used car with warranty and we trade in our existing car. 

Why not by the capital equipment, who help us to make it possible to earn our living each day? Unfortunately our field experience shows, that some related information was missing during purchases. The responsible technical staff has mostly some budget problems and time limitations for the correct maintenance. In general you find two kind screw compressors in compressor units:   

- Roller/ball bearing compressors, these are compressors  where we find  roller bearings on the radial side and  ball bearings on the trust side. If a roller/ball bearing machine needs service, like overhaul, the compressor needs to be complete dismantled . The benefit is the purchase price. (advised overhaul time approx. 25000 working hours) 

- Journal/ ball bearing compressors: The radial bearings are of the journal type and the thrust bearings are ball type. (with of without pre-load). Service interval between 6000 and 12500 working hours. (takes one day)  The thrust bearings can be exchanged on site. ( life span approx. 30000 working hours and more).

By carrying out this annual inspections, the technical staff is aware of the state of the compressor. In general  the overhaul can be delayed till 80.000 - 100.000 working hours. The down-site is the purchase price. 

We hope that service contractors and users will be open in communications about whishes, demands and expectations in there new investments in capital equipment, because investment in refrigeration can have a lifespan of 35 years.

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