Every technology. One single brand.
Seven compression and air treatment technologies, selected for their real-world industrial performance. For each need — continuous operation, intermittent use, ultra-pure air, high pressure, massive flow — there's a fitting technology. Here's how each works, what each does well, and what each does less well.
Lubricated screw compressors.
The industrial workhorse. Two counter-rotating helical rotors compress air in a chamber sealed by oil injection. The oil also handles cooling and bearing lubrication. The most widely deployed technology for continuous compressed air production, in the 4 to 350 kW range.
- Constant stable flow without pulsation
- Heavy-duty bearings: 80,000 to 100,000 h service life
- Air-end (screw block) typical service life: 200,000 h
- Multi-stage oil separator: residual < 3 ppm
- Air inlet filtration 99.5 % at 0.01 µm
- Motor class F, IP55, +5 to 7 % efficiency vs standard
- Permanent-magnet VSD variants: −30 to −35 % consumption at variable load
- Air contains oil traces (downstream filtration required)
- Oil + filter maintenance every 4,000 to 8,000 h
- Sensitive to environment quality (dust, humidity)
Oil-free screw compressors.
For processes where no oil trace is tolerated. Two variants: dry (PTFE-coated rotors, no contact, no oil in the compression chamber) and water-injected (water replaces oil for sealing and cooling). Output complies with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 — zero oil contamination.
- Air ISO 8573-1 Class 0 — certified zero oil (pharmacopoeia compliant)
- High-temperature PTFE coatings on contactless rotors
- Dynamic frictionless sealing: no mechanical wear
- Integrated intercooler between compression stages (air or water cooled)
- No downstream oil filtration required (maintenance cost −40 %)
- Compliant with FDA, HACCP, GMP Annex 1 standards
- Water-injected variant: near-isothermal compression, excellent efficiency
- Initial investment 50 to 100% higher than lubricated
- More technical maintenance (coatings, specific seals)
- Narrower power range (typically 7.5 to 250 kW)
Two-stage screw compressors.
Our strength. Compression happens in two successive stages, with intercooling between stages. The result: we approach isothermal compression — the theoretical maximum efficiency. For continuous use (16 to 24 h/day), this is the most energy-efficient technology available today.
- Energy savings 18 to 22 % vs single-stage at constant load
- Up to −40 % total consumption with permanent-magnet VSD
- Cooled intercooler between stages: 60 to 80 °C temperature drop
- Near-isothermal compression: isentropic efficiency close to theoretical
- Reduced bearing load → air-end service life doubled
- Typical ROI < 24 months on continuous 16-24 h/day operation
- Reference solution for sites > 4,000 h/year operation
- Initial investment 15 to 25% higher than single-stage
- Slightly larger footprint
- Economic relevance tied to annual operating hours
Piston compressors.
The historic technology, still relevant for specific use cases. One or several cylinders with reciprocating pistons draw in then compress air. Ideal for intermittent needs, small flow rates, or very high pressures (up to 40 bar). Oil-free variants available (diaphragm or scroll) for clean applications.
- Lowest market investment cost
- Reaches very high pressures (up to 40 bar)
- Excellent for intermittent use (frequent starts)
- Simple maintenance, accessible parts
- Portable and single-phase versions available
- Noisy (vibration + reciprocating motion)
- Pulsed flow → buffer tank required
- Lower energy efficiency in continuous service
- Shorter service life than rotary technologies
Rotary vane compressors.
An often-overlooked but remarkably reliable technology. A single rotor spins inside an eccentric stator; sliding vanes form the compression chambers. Slow rotation speed (1,480 rpm vs 3,000+ for screw), far fewer moving parts, and no main bearings to replace. Real-world service life exceeds 25 years.
- Service life over 25 years (≥ 100,000 h)
- 1 rotor only → fewer moving parts, more reliability
- Slow speed 1,480 rpm → minimal wear
- Maintenance cost 50 to 70% lower than screw over 10 years
- 24/7 continuous operation, no break
- No main bearings to replace periodically
- Higher initial investment (long-term quality)
- Smaller specialist technician network
- Narrower power range (typically 5.5 to 90 kW)
Refrigerant dryers.
The most widespread drying technology, sufficient for 90% of general industrial applications. Compressed air is cooled by a refrigeration cycle to around +3°C: water condenses, is evacuated, then the air reheats before exit. Simple, efficient, low energy. Guaranteed dew point: +3°C.
- Economical investment and operation
- Minimal maintenance (refrigerant + filters)
- Low power consumption (1 to 3% of compressor)
- Proven reliability, mature technology
- No compressed air consumption (vs adsorption)
- Dew point limited to +3°C (no lower)
- Unsuitable for outdoor cold climates (freeze risk)
- Insufficient for class-1 pharma or long-distance networks
Adsorption dryers.
For applications where +3°C dew point isn't enough. Two towers filled with desiccant (alumina, silica gel, molecular sieve) operate alternately: while one dries the air, the other regenerates. Dew point down to −70°C. Heatless or micro-heat variants depending on energy needs.
- Extreme dew point: −40°C or −70°C
- Essential for pharma, electronics, critical food
- Suited to outdoor cold climates (no network freeze)
- Ultra-dry air for long-distance networks
- Energy-efficient variants (micro-heat, heat-of-compression)
- Initial investment higher than refrigerant
- Compressed air consumption for regeneration (15 to 20% for heatless)
- Desiccant replacement every 3 to 5 years
- Larger footprint (2 towers + piping)