CLAW COMPRESSORS

Claw compressors were developed specifically for industrial applications in which constant vacuum, high pumping speed and completely oil-free compression are essential. Compared with the traditional rotary lobe pump design, air is compressed with considerable energy savings, thanks to the contact-free rotor design and to operation without oil or other operating fluids. Explosion-proof versions with reduced run-down time are also available, as are ATEX-compliant compressors.

Operating principle

Like rotary vane and rotary lobe blowers, the claw compressor is based on a static compression system. Inside the compressor housing (C), two rotors (E, F) rotate in opposite directions without contact and with very narrow clearances. They are synchronised by a precision gearbox. When the claw moves over the inlet connection (B) and the axial inlet channel opening (D), the gas is drawn into the compression chamber. As the rotors turn, the gas is transported from the inlet side to the discharge side, where it is compressed by reducing the volume between the rotors until the lower rotor uncovers the opening of the discharge channel (G). The pre-compressed gas is expelled through the discharge connection (H). The heat generated by the compression process is dissipated by cooling air, which is drawn through between the pump housing (C) and a sound-insulating hood (A).
* This description does not take into account each manufacturer’s approach to the technology, but is a general description that attempts to cover the basic operating principle.