The Rotary Vane Principle
What Are Rotary Vane Compressors & How Do They Work?
Rotary vane air compressors are a type of positive displacement system, meaning that they draw air or gas into a compression chamber before reducing the size of the chamber to increase the pressure. This is what compresses the air or gas. Using this working principle as the foundation for its operation, rotary vane compressors utilise a cyclical rotor with slots containing vanes that are able to slide in and out. The rotor sits within the system slightly off-centre, which means that as it spins, the vanes are moved with centrifugal force until they touch the compression chamber. As air enters the chamber, it becomes trapped by the vanes, meaning that as the rotor continues to spin with centrifugal force, the volume of air trapped in the chamber gradually decreases. It's this decrease in volume that increases the pressure of the now-compressed air.
Advantages of Rotary Vane Compressors:
- Durable Solutions That Require Minimal Maintenance - This is due to their fewer moving parts in comparison to other types of compressors, such as reciprocating systems. For example, our Champion rotary vane technologies have no gears or belts, meaning there are fewer components susceptible to wear or friction. This, in turn, reduces the need for continuous replacement of moving parts and the unwanted downtime this requires.
- Low Noise Levels - This is again made possible through their innovative design and few moving parts, which allow for less vibration and noise, creating a quieter working environment.
- Long Life Expectancy - Rotary vane compressors are often praised for their long life expectancy, especially in comparison to other alternatives. With the aforementioned fewer moving parts, combined with a robust and durable design, rotary vane solutions are the perfect long-term investment to fulfil your compressed air needs.
This animation shows the rotary vane principle in action:
