Mattei ERC / Optima Rotary Vane
10–150 hp direct-drive rotary vane compressor. Air- or water-cooled. Low RPM for long service life.
Type
Rotary vane
Power
10–150 hp
Flow
35–650 cfm
Pressure
100–175 psig
Cooling
air-or-water
Drive
direct
Lubrication
oil-flooded
Models
ERC 1022–15022, Optima 22–150
Years produced
Mattei rotary vane in continuous production since 1919 (Italy).
Sound level
~63–72 dB(A) @ 1 m enclosed — notably quiet due to low RPM.
Ambient range
40–115 °F.
Motor efficiency
IE3 standard.
Warranty
Long-warranty programs — some frames advertised 10-year vane warranty under contract.
Control modes
- Load/Unload
- Modulation
- VSD variants
Typical applications
- Continuous-duty base-load
- Textile
- Food & bev
- Where quiet operation matters
Specs & intervals below are from publicly published OEM literature and long-standing field practice. Torque values, exact revision-dated part numbers, and safety-critical settings vary by serial number — always cross-check the unit’s OEM manual and nameplate before ordering parts or performing service.
Fluid
Spec: Mattei Rotorlube fluid — very long change interval (up to 20,000 hr)
Change interval: 8,000–20,000 hr per fluid & duty
Wear parts
| Category | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Air filter | 2,000 hr | |
| Oil filter | 4,000 hr | |
| Separator element | 4,000–8,000 hr | |
| Vane inspection | Long — vanes are wear-tolerant carbon composite | |
| Motor bearings | Per motor plate |
Consumable part numbers change by revision and region — pull the current number from the OEM portal.
Preventive maintenance
Daily
- Check fluid level in sight glass at running temp
- Listen for unusual noise / vibration
- Check discharge pressure & temperature vs baseline
- Verify condensate drain function
- Log package amps if metered
Weekly
- Blow down receiver and drain traps
- Check for oil carryover at first drop leg
- Inspect for fluid or air leaks around airend and separator tank
- Verify safety valve is not weeping
Every 2,000 hr / 6 mo
- Change fluid filter
- Change air filter (or sooner per ΔP)
- Sample fluid for TAN / metals / water
- Clean cooler exterior with low-pressure air (never > 30 psi against fins)
Every 4,000 hr / 12 mo
- Change separator element
- Change fluid
- Inspect scavenge line & orifice for coking
- Check coupling / belt alignment & wear
- Torque electrical lugs to spec (typ. 45–75 in-lb #4–2/0 AWG)
Every 8,000 hr
- Rebuild inlet valve
- Rebuild minimum-pressure check valve
- Regrease or replace motor bearings per OEM interval
- Verify safety valve setpoint against gauge
Common faults & first checks
- High temp on cooler pluggage
- Rare vane wear only past ~80,000 hr
Known issues & field notes
- Long fluid change intervals require clean, dry inlet air — check filtration religiously
Strengths
- Low RPM (typically ~1,450 rpm) — long life
- Very high efficiency at partial load
- Compact
- Quiet
Weaknesses
- Higher up-front cost
- Vane technology less familiar to some techs
Field notes
Mattei rotary vane is a compelling alternative to rotary screw for continuous-duty applications where longevity matters.