Compressor
Claw rotors run without contact or chamber oil. Oil-free discharge, mid pressure.
Typical range
2–100 HP, to ~150 PSIG (staged oil-free)
Best for
Oil-free plant air, food/pharma, electronics mid-low flow.
Operating principle
Two claw rotors (like a dry claw vacuum pump) run without contact or oil in the chamber, compressing air. Timing gears synchronize the rotors. Discharge is oil-free.
Efficiency notes
Oil-free, mid pressure. Efficient for oil-free low-flow; staging reaches higher pressure.
Selection guidance
Oil-free air where a claw vacuum is already used; food/pharma/electronics low-flow.
Components
- Claw rotors
- Timing gears
- Interstage cooler
- Sealed bearings
- Cooling
Common issues
- Rotor damage → ingested particulate (always use inlet filter)
- Timing-gear oil leak → seal failure
- High temp → cooling loss
Maintenance
- Inlet filter is critical
- Gearbox oil per OEM
- Shaft seal inspection annually
Field tips
- Inlet filter is mandatory — claws have zero tolerance for solids
- Shaft-seal failure lets gearbox oil reach the chamber
- Pairs naturally with a claw vacuum in oil-free plants