Screw Chiller Vs Scroll Chiller: Which Is Right for Your Needs?

August 9, 20240

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.

Each of these chillers has unique specifications and advantages that must be scouted. Let us find out what these chillers are and how you can select the best fit.

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 molding
  • PVC and HDPE manufacturing
  • Pipe extrusion
  • Aluminum extrusion
  • Galvanizing plants
  • Food & beverages
  • Edible oil manufacturing
  • Brewery
  • Industrial process cooling
Scroll chillers are used in:

  • Injection molding
  • MRI machine and labs
  • Process cooling
  • Film extrusion
  • Blow molding
  • Industrial process cooling
  • Compressed molding
  • Oil cooling
  • Concrete 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 tube
  • Shell & 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!

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