Maintaining the right ambiance for equipment and operation safety must be given the highest priority. Hence, a cooling solution is pivotal in commercial and industrial units.
Two of the most common chillers used in industries for various purposes are screw chillers and scroll chillers.
The decision often comes down to selecting the right one for your specific needs.
What is a Screw Chiller?
A screw chiller uses a screw compressor to provide a continuous flow of chilled air at high efficiency. The screw compressor is designed to operate consistently throughout an industrial process. This compression process does not need a frequent ‘on and off’ cycle.
Screw chillers are suitable for heavy-duty applications and continuous usage. For example, Tempcon’s screw chillers are designed for durability and long-term service. Such chillers are used in food processing, PVC extrusion, and other industrial cooling requirements.
Key Features of Screw Chillers
- This semi-hermatic screw compressor uses R134a refrigerant for air cooling.
- This chiller comes in two versions: EC brushless and axial fans.
- A tube condenser is used in this chiller design.
- IP-54 electric panel with microprocessor control feature for easy operations.
- ECO-design-friendly CE-PED certified design
- 50 TR to 250 TR refrigeration capacity for any industrial purposes.
What is a Scroll Chiller?
As the name suggests, a scroll chiller uses a scroll compressor to provide chilled airflow. This scroll compressor uses R410a refrigerant along with microchannel condensers for better and faster cooling.
Tempcon’s scroll chillers are designed for durability. They consist of an epoxy-coated galvanized steel body for resilience. They can withstand any harsh industrial conditions and increase the longevity of the machine.
Key Features of Scroll Chillers
- This semi-hermetic scroll compressor uses R410a refrigerant for air cooling.
- This chiller comes in two versions: EC brushless and axial fans.
- Copper and stainless steel tube microchannel condenser versions are available.
- IP-54 electric panel with microprocessor control feature for easy operations.
- ECO-design-friendly CE-PED certified design
- 0.5 TR to 100 TR refrigeration capacity for any industrial purposes.
Screw Chillers vs. Scroll Chillers: A Comparative Overview
Now that we are aware of the features of screw and scroll chillers, let us do a comparative analysis to find a suitable choice.
| Chillers | Screw Chillers | Scroll Chillers |
| Industrial applications | Screw chillers are used in:Injection moldingPVC and HDPE manufacturingPipe extrusionAluminum extrusionGalvanizing plantsFood & beveragesEdible oil manufacturingBreweryIndustrial process cooling | Scroll chillers are used in:Injection moldingMRI machine and labsProcess coolingFilm extrusionBlow moldingIndustrial process coolingCompressed moldingOil coolingConcrete batching mixing |
| Capacity | 50 TR to 250 TR | 0.5 TR to 100 TR |
| Refrigerant | R134a | R410a |
| Option for Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controller | No | Yes |
| Compressor type | semi-hermetic screw | semi-hermetic scroll |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Customizable configuration | Yes | Yes |
| Fans | EC or Axial | EC or Axial |
| Evaporator | Shell & tube | Copper-brazed stainless steel tubeShell & tube |
| Microchannel condenser | No | Yes |
Screw Chillers vs. Scroll Chillers: Which One is it?
Still can’t decide? Well, here is a short analysis to consider.
Screw chillers do not need cycling and can operate continuously. Its heavy-duty performance is ideal for industrial environments that need constant air cooling. Hence, it can perform equally with start-stop cycles.
Scroll chillers, on the other hand, are more energy efficient as they use VFDs. Scroll chillers have microchannel condensers that can save at least 30% on energy costs. These chillers also run on R410a refrigerant. It is more eco-friendly and complies with the latest environmental regulations. However, a screw chiller can be customized to use the same refrigerant.
Both have robust designs that can tolerate harsh industrial conditions.
Takeaway: Screw Chillers Vs. Scroll Chillers
Forget the hassle of choosing between a screw chiller and a scroll chiller. Consult Tempcon to know your air-cooling requirements well. Identify the right air cooling requirements with our free heat calculator.
Get in touch with us and let us help you decide how to beat the heat with our industrial chillers!
