Encapsulated vs Standard Screw Compressors: What’s Right for Your Operation?

Encapsulated vs Standard Screw Compressors: What’s Right for Your Operation?

When choosing an air compressor for your business, design and reliability are key considerations. Encapsulated air compressors have grown in popularity because of their compact build and dependable performance. For many businesses across Western Australia, they present a practical and efficient alternative to traditional screw compressors. 

What is an Encapsulated Air Compressor? 

An encapsulated air compressor integrates the motor and air end into a single, enclosed unit. This differs from conventional screw compressors, which typically use separate assemblies. By bringing these major components together, encapsulated compressors deliver a simpler, more robust design. 

Benefits of Encapsulation 

Encapsulation offers clear advantages for workshops and industrial facilities: 

  • Factory-assembled and tested, reducing installation complexity. 
  • A compact footprint, perfect for plants with limited floor space. 
  • Reduced vibration and alignment issues, improving overall reliability. 
  • Higher energy efficiency, lowering operational costs. 
  • Fewer maintenance requirements compared with separate systems. 

 

In an encapsulated compressor, the motor and air end are part of a single enclosed unit

Where They Fit Best 

Encapsulated air compressors are well suited to smaller and mid-sized operations, such as workshops, food and beverage facilities, and regional manufacturing sites. They are particularly effective in environments that require continuous duty cycles, where downtime must be kept to a minimum. 

Why the ELGi EN Series Stands Out 

The ELGi EN Series is designed to deliver uncompromising performance with features that set it apart from other encapsulated compressors: 

  • Best-in-class reliability and warranty for long-term peace of mind. 
  • Energy-efficient encapsulated air ends, engineered to lower operating costs. 
  • Lowest noise levels on the market (as low as 61 dBA), making them ideal for workshops and facilities where a quieter environment matters. 
  • Compact and elegant design, maximising floor space without sacrificing power. 
  • Efficient air-oil separation, ensuring clean, high-quality compressed air. 
  • Optional Variable Speed Drive (VSD) for added energy savings and flexibility in fluctuating demand conditions. 
  • Neuron control system, providing easy access to operating data and built-in safety features. 
  • Efficient belt drive transmission, designed for consistent and reliable performance. 
  • Backed by proven ELGi quality, trusted in some of the world’s most demanding industries, including mining. 

When sourced through Pneumatic Engineering, the EN Series comes with the added benefit of WA-based servicing, 24/7 support, and access to spare parts — ensuring that your equipment remains reliable and compliant for years to come. 

 

 

The ELGi EN Series

Encapsulated vs Standard Screw Compressors 

While encapsulated compressors like the ELGi EN Series are excellent for small to medium facilities, there are cases where a larger standard screw compressor may be more appropriate. In large-scale mining or heavy industrial operations, for example, the capacity and customisation offered by standard systems can be the better fit. The decision comes down to aligning compressor design with the specific demands of your operation. 

Why Buy Locally 

Some businesses are tempted by cheaper imported compressors, but this can carry risks. Many low-cost imports lack compliance with essential standards such as AS 4343, AS 3788, and international ISO certifications. Without this compliance, you face greater downtime risks, higher long-term costs, and limited support. 

By partnering with Pneumatic Engineering, you gain more than just a machine. You access WA-based expertise, reliable servicing, a dedicated support team, and the assurance that your equipment is compliant and built to last. 

 

Encapsulated air compressors provide a compact, efficient, and reliable solution for many businesses. With the ELGi EN Series, Pneumatic Engineering offers a world-class option backed by local service and compliance expertise. 

Contact Pneumatic Engineering today for advice, installation, and ongoing servicing to ensure your operation runs smoothly with the right compressor solution. 

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