TURBO VS SCREW
Compressed air is essential in most industrial sectors, and today two oil-free technologies dominate the field: oil-free screw compressors and high-speed turbo compressors. Screw compressors have been the standard for decades because they are robust and familiar to operators. High-speed turbo compressors are increasingly selected where lower energy consumption and reduced lifecycle cost are the main priorities.
01. Technical Comparison
Oil-free screw compressors use positive displacement: air is trapped between two rotors and compressed as volume decreases. This introduces friction losses, mechanical wear and higher heat generation.
Turbo compressors use dynamic centrifugal compression: air is accelerated to high velocity and converted into pressure. With no mechanical contacts, friction and wear are minimal. These technical differences become financially significant in continuous-duty installations.
Oil-free screw
Positive displacement compression
Moderate efficiency
Good part-load performance (VSD)
Wear parts and replaceable elements
Higher heat load
Higher noise and vibration
Larger footprint
Typical lifetime ~10 years
Turbo
Centrifugal compression
Higher efficiency
Very good part-load performance
Minimal wear (no screw element)
Lower heat load
Lower noise and vibration
Smaller footprint
Longer service life
02. The real cost of compressed air
Over the full lifetime of a compressor, energy typically represents the largest share of cost. Depending on duty cycle, electricity price and heat integration, energy can represent 70–80% of the total cost of compressed air.
The remaining cost comes from service, consumables, spare parts and periodic overhauls.
Turbo compressors are selected where the goal is to minimize the cost of compressed air. Higher efficiency, minimal mechanical wear and much lower maintenance requirements reduce operating expenses, especially in continuous-duty applications.
No screws. No oil. Virtually no maintenance. The turbo compressor needs only an air filter and delivers AI-assisted, predictable operation with continuous performance monitoring.
In food, dairy, pharmaceutical, paper and chemical plants, compressors often operate 24/7 at 6–8 bar with annual consumption above 4,000–8,000 hours. In these environments, energy dominates total cost and turbo compressors are typically preferred.
03. Specific energy consumption vs Load
Specific energy consumption (kWh/Nm³) directly determines the cost of producing compressed air over the full duty cycle.
Turbo compressors operate with lower specific energy at full load and maintain favourable efficiency as load decreases when equipped with VSD and inlet control. Oil-free screw compressors show higher specific energy due to mechanical losses, internal leakage and screw element wear over time.
04. Operational Considerations
Both technologies are mature and proven. Screw compressors are robust and familiar. Turbo compressors deliver lower cost of compressed air where duty cycle and energy justify investment.
Turbos are preferred when:
• continuous or high-duty operation
• high electricity prices
• oil-free environments
• heat recovery is utilized
Screws are preferred when:
• low annual running hours
• highly intermittent use
• simple installations
For replacement projects or new installations requiring oil-free compressed air, we support technical inquiries related to:
• compressor selection and specification
• performance and efficiency requirements
• lifecycle cost and operating economics
• heat recovery integration and cooling
• installation and commissioning planning
© 2026 Jager. All rights reserved