Scroll compressors are powering the future of clean air

From sterile hospital hallways to precise semiconductor labs, industries today run on air, but not just any air. They need clean, oil-free, and consistently pressurized air delivered silently and reliably. For decades, large industrial compressors like piston and screw types dominated this landscape. But today, more and more engineers and facility managers are turning to a technology that combines performance with simplicity: the scroll compressor.

This blog unpacks why scroll compressors are growing in popularity, how they work, and why they’re perfectly engineered for the quiet, clean, compact air systems of tomorrow.

The Demand for Quiet, Clean Air: More Than a Luxury

Industrial air compression has long been associated with bulky equipment and persistent noise, a necessary nuisance in manufacturing plants, workshops, and garages. But in today’s high-precision sectors, that’s no longer acceptable.

• Healthcare and dental facilities must protect patient comfort and safety — a noisy compressor disrupts treatment and risks contamination.
• Electronics manufacturing demands uncontaminated, particle-free air to prevent defects in microchips and circuits.
• Food & beverage processing relies on clean compressed air to avoid spoiling, contamination, or failing food safety audits.

What Is a Scroll Compressor and How Does It Work?

A scroll compressor is a positive displacement compressor, meaning it compresses air by reducing its volume in a sealed chamber. Unlike piston compressors that rely on multiple moving components, the scroll compressor’s genius lies in its simplicity:

• It consists of two spiral scrolls: one fixed, one orbiting.
• As the orbiting scroll moves in a precise circular path, it traps pockets of air and pushes them towards the center.
• This action steadily compresses the air to the desired pressure, then releases it through a discharge port.

• No metal-to-metal contact inside the compression chamber means less friction, so no lubrication is required for oil-free models.
• Minimal moving parts reduce wear, maintenance, and the risk of leaks.
• The continuous, smooth motion produces steady, pulsation-free air with lower noise and vibration.

Atlas Copco’s SF and SF+ oil-free scroll compressors and SFR series embody these engineering principles, delivering pure, reliable air to critical environments worldwide.

Scroll Compressor Advantages That Often Go Unnoticed

While scroll compressors are praised for their oil-free design, they have a host of practical benefits that make them indispensable in sensitive industries:

Near-Silent Operation

Let’s clear the air: no compressor is truly silent, but scroll compressors come exceptionally close. With noise levels as low as 53 dB(A), they run at volumes comparable to a quiet conversation. This is a game-changer in clinics, labs, and offices where patient comfort and focus are crucial.

Low Maintenance, High Reliability

Because there are so few moving parts, scroll compressors have fewer points of failure than piston or rotary compressors. There’s no need for frequent oil changes, and there’s no oil to contaminate the system or require costly filtration downstream.

Atlas Copco’s scroll models also use premium IE3 efficiency motors and intelligent controllers like the Elektronikon®, which monitor performance and optimize efficiency automatically.

Compact, Flexible Installation

Space is a premium in modern facilities. Scroll compressors have a small footprint and can be installed close to the point of use, under a counter, in a treatment room, or integrated into mobile units. The SFR series, for instance, can be mounted on top of, inside, or under electric and hybrid buses, proving their versatility even in mobility applications.

Vibration-Free Performance

No crankshaft or pistons means minimal vibration. This not only extends the compressor’s life but also protects sensitive instruments and equipment in your facility from harmful resonance.

Where Scroll Compressors Excel

Scroll compressors truly shine in industries where performance, purity, and peace of mind are non-negotiable:

• Healthcare & Dental Clinics: Powering surgical tools, ventilators, and dental instruments with clean, oil-free air — ensuring patient safety and comfort.
• Electronics Assembly & Cleanrooms: Preventing dust, oil, or particulates from compromising delicate microelectronics.
• Precision Painting & Printing: Supplying clean, dry air that prevents imperfections in paint jobs and high-resolution print runs.
• Laboratories & research facilities: supporting controlled environments for sample testing, instrument calibration, and climate-sensitive experiments.

Compliance & Air Purity: How Scroll Compressors Meet the Highest Standards

Modern industries can’t afford to gamble with air quality. Atlas Copco’s oil-free scroll compressors are ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified, the strictest standard for air purity, guaranteeing zero oil contamination.

This certification means:

• No risk of oil carryover in your process.
• Lower environmental impact — no oil treatment or condensate handling needed.
• Full compliance with industry-specific regulations and audits.

Learn more about oil-free compressor standards and how Atlas Copco supports your sustainability goals.

Scroll vs. Rotary Screw Compressors: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a scroll and a rotary screw compressor depends on your specific needs. Here's a side-by-side look:

If you need whisper-quiet, ultra-clean air at moderate flow rates, scroll is the clear winner. For large-scale industrial output, a rotary screw might be more economical. Explore our detailed Scroll vs Screw compressor guide to learn more. 

Future-Ready Solutions: Atlas Copco Scroll Compressors

In an era where regulations are tightening and efficiency is king, scroll compressors check every box:

• They deliver pure air without oil contamination.
• They operate so quietly that they can work next to patients or precision instruments.
• They fit into tight spaces and adapt to mobile or modular setups.
• They help businesses reduce total cost of ownership through low maintenance and energy savings.

Atlas Copco continues to lead the way with innovative scroll compressor designs like the SF+ series, offering modular configurations and advanced smart controllers for maximum uptime and efficiency.

Ready to Upgrade to a Scroll Compressor?

If you’re planning a facility upgrade or building a new lab, hospital, or production line, choosing the right compressor is mission critical. Let Atlas Copco USA help you achieve cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective operations.

Explore our full range of oil-free scroll compressors here

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