What are the different types of refrigeration compressors?

There are several types of compressors, the most common type are Reciprocating or piston type, Screw, and scroll. They are configured as hermetic, semi-hermetic, and open types. 

Compressor types

Hermetic Compressors
Semi-hermetic compressor
Open-type compressor

What are the Advantages of these configurations?

There are many advantages and disadvantages of these configurations. We will go by them one by one

Hermetic Compressors 
these are fully sealed compressors. they normally come as scroll or reciprocating. 
Advantages
They are cheap
They are easily replaced
They are widely available and quick to swap out
Disadvantages 
They have short lifespan 
They come in small capacities
If they burn out, they can contaminate the refrigeration system
Cannot be serviced, and will end up in a landfill

Semi-hermetic Compressors 
These are semi-sealed compressors, they come as reciprocating and screw variants normally.
Advantages 
They come in all different types of sizes and capacities 
They are more sturdy and durable
A wide variety of Refrigerants and gases can be used, such as CO2 and Ammonia
They can provide Very low temperatures and high capacities. 
They are serviceable
Offer longer life spans than hermetic units, sometimes as much as 5 times more. 
Disadvantages 
They are more expensive than hermetic compressors
They require a skilled technician to maintain 
They are heavy 
Parts have to be ordered, and rarely are stocked locally

Open-type Compressors
These compressors are open and come as either reciprocating or screw types
Advantages 
They are super heavy duty 
They provide massive capacity 
Most reliable compressor available 
Can last a lifetime
Can operate on any refrigerant, including Ammonia 
The refrigeration system is protected if the motor burns. 
Disadvantages 
Requires a skilled technician to maintain
Very expensive to purchase compared to semi-hermetic. 
Parts need to be shipped, therefore best to keep maintenance parts stored

How do i buy the right type of compressor?

You must decide on your budget and your requirements. If you need a long-term solution and large capacity its bit'ser to use a semi-hermetic or open-type compressor. If you want to retrofit a better compressor to an existing system, you must make sure the piping and electrical can accommodate the new unit. A Refrigeration Engineer or specialist will be able to help you select the right system. 

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