Overview of Sumitomo Air Compressors: Applications, Working, Types

Introduction to Sumitomo Compressors

Sumitomo compressors are widely used across various industries for their reliability, efficiency, and innovative technology. As a leading manufacturer of rotary and scroll compressors, Sumitomo has built an excellent reputation over the years.

This article provides an overview of Sumitomo compressors, their applications, working, types, features, and more useful information for those looking to learn more about these industrial workhorse units.

Applications of Sumitomo Compressors

Sumitomo compressors are utilized in a diverse range of industries including:

• Refrigeration
• Air conditioning
• Chemical and petrochemical plants
• Food and beverage production
• Automotive industry
• General manufacturing
• Electronics production
• Textile industry
• Paper and printing applications
• Pharmaceuticals

They are used in varied applications for compressed air supply in production lines, machines, tools, and equipment across industrial facilities, commercial complexes, and buildings.

Working of a Sumitomo Compressor

Sumitomo compressors work by drawing air at atmospheric pressure into a chamber and reducing its volume to increase the pressure. This is based on Boyle's law that states the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume, at a constant temperature.

Inside the compressor unit, pistons or rotors move back and forth or spin inside a casing to compress the gas to the desired outlet pressure. An electric motor or gas engine provides the power required for this cyclic compression process.

After compression, the pressurized air flows through piping to reach the point of usage in the production process or industrial application.

Types of Sumitomo Compressors

Sumitomo manufactures three major types of air compressors:

• Rotary screw compressors - These popular units use twin helical rotors to trap and compress air.
• Scroll compressors - Based on the unique scroll design with intermeshing spiral vanes for 100% oil-less air.
• Reciprocating compressors - Employ back and forth movement of pistons for air compression.

Key Features of Sumitomo Compressors

Some outstanding features that distinguish Sumitomo's range of compressors include:

• Advanced airends - Optimized for greater efficiency and reliability.
• Energy efficiency - High-performance design to save on energy costs.
• Low noise - Quiet operation for noise-sensitive applications.
• Compact size - Space-saving units with a small footprint.
• Air cooling and filtration systems - For supply of clean, dry air.
• Advanced controllers - For intelligent compressor control and system integration.
• Remote monitoring - 24x7 monitoring of key compressor parameters.

Sumitomo Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors form a major part of Sumitomo's product portfolio. They have over 90 years of experience in manufacturing these versatile and reliable compressors.

The Sumitomo rotary screw airend uses asymmetric profile rotors that are precisely engineered for optimal intermesh clearance. This results in high output, trouble-free performance and better energy efficiency.

Sumitomo's popular Sullair brand compressors utilize these airends that balance rotor clearances across the operating range while minimizing blow-by losses and turbulence.

Sullair screw compressors are available in capacities from 10 hp to 500 hp. They can achieve pressures between 80 to 145 psig and deliver capacities up to 5500 cfm.

These compressors are designed for ISO Class 1 to Class 4 air quality depending on the application requirements.

Sumitomo Scroll Compressors

Sumitomo is also a pioneering manufacturer of scroll compressors using a patented scroll wrap design for 100% oil-less air. With only two moving parts, they offer outstanding reliability with minimal maintenance.

The proprietary scroll airends provide continuous and pulse-free compressed air with 100% duty cycles, unlike alternate designs.

Sumitomo scroll compressors are available from 2 hp to 60 hp and designed for pressures between 50 to 145 psig. Quieter operation, compact size, and lower costs make them an excellent choice for low duty cycle applications.

Being oil-less, these compressors can directly provide Class 0 clean air for critical applications in food processing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, healthcare, laboratories, etc.

Conclusion

With their extensive industry experience and technological innovation, Sumitomo offers one of the most diverse and comprehensive range of compressor solutions.

Their high-quality, reliable and energy efficient rotary screw and scroll compressors deliver optimized performance for the most demanding industrial air applications.

FAQs

What are the typical applications of Sumitomo compressors?

Sumitomo compressors are widely used across industries like manufacturing, food and beverage, petrochemicals, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive, etc. They provide compressed air for powering production machinery, tools, equipment, and automated systems in plants and facilities.

What makes Sumitomo compressors energy efficient?

Sumitomo utilizes high-efficiency airends, motors, and advanced controllers to maximize compressor performance while saving energy. The innovative design and precision manufacturing of rotors result in optimal intermesh clearances for better efficiency.

How often do Sumitomo compressors require maintenance?

Sumitomo compressors are designed for reliable, trouble-free operation backed by over 90 years of manufacturing expertise. The maintenance needs vary by model, duty cycle and operating conditions. Typically, changing fluids/filters every 4000-8000 hours and inspection at 12-15 months interval should suffice.

What types of compressors does Sumitomo manufacture?

Sumitomo is renowned for their advanced rotary screw and scroll type compressors. Screw compressors from Sumitomo consist of asymmetric profile rotary screws and achieve pressures between 80 to 145 psig. Their scroll compressors utilize proprietary scroll wrap technology to deliver 100% oil-less air up to 145 psig.