Magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors produce large flows of oil-free air with no mechanical contact between the rotor and the bearings. They suit plants needing hundreds of cubic metres per minute with high efficiency and low maintenance.
How they work
- Active magnetic bearings levitate the rotor
- No oil in the compression space
- Variable speed for wide turndown
- Digital control monitors the rotor
Advantages
The absence of gearboxes and oil bearings removes many wearing parts and the risk of oil carryover. Variable speed operation and aerodynamic impellers give high efficiency across a wide flow range, which suits plants with varying demand.
Considerations
These machines are capital-intensive and need clean, stable power plus qualified service. They pay back best in continuous, high-flow installations where energy dominates the cost of ownership and air quality requirements are strict.