Difference between reciprocating and rotary compressors should be possible in perspectives like pressing factor proportion, dealt with volume, speed of the blower, vibrational issue, size, air supply, the virtue of packed air, pressure effectiveness, upkeep, mechanical productivity, oil, introductory expense, adaptability, and reasonableness.
| Reciprocating Compressors | Rotary Compressors |
|---|---|
| The discharge pressure of the air is high. The pressure ratio per stage will be in the order of 4 to 7. | The discharge pressure of air is low. The pressure ratio per stage will be in the order of 3 to 5. |
| The quantity of air handled is low and is limited to 50m3/s. | A large measure of air handled can be handled and it is about 500 m3/s. |
| Low speed of the compressor. | High speed of the compressor. |
| Due to the reciprocating section, greater vibrational problem, the components of the machine are poorly balanced. | Rotary parts of the machine, hence, have fewer vibrational problems. The machine parts are fairly balanced. |
| The size of the Compressor is bulky for the given discharge volume. | The compressor size is small for a given discharge volume. |
| The air supply is intermittent. | The air supply is steady and continuous. |
| Air delivered from the compressor is dirty since it comes in contact with lubricating oil and cylinder surface. | Air delivered from the compressor is clean and free from dirt. |
| Higher with pressure ratio more than 2. | Higher with compression ratio less than 2. |
| Higher due to reciprocating engine. | Lower due to fewer sliding parts. |
| Lower due to several sliding parts. | Higher due to fewer sliding parts. |
| Complicated lubrication system. | Simple lubrication system. |
| Enhanced flexibility in capacity and pressure range. | No flexibility in capacity and pressure range. |
| For medium and high-pressure ratios. | For low and medium pressures. |
| For low and medium gas volume. | For large volumes. |