The cast-iron casing makes these compressors significantly heavier than rotary vane or scroll alternatives. For mobile or space-constrained installations (e.g., offshore platforms), this is a real issue.
Rating: 4.6/5 Best for: Heavy industrial continuous duty, process gas compression, and large-scale refrigeration. Overview Howden is a legacy brand in the compressor world (founded in 1854), and their screw compressor range—including the WRV, H系列, and twin-screw oil-injected models—is considered a benchmark for durability. This review is based on field performance of a typical Howden twin-screw compressor (e.g., WRV 255) operating in a petrochemical plant over 18 months. The Good (Pros) 1. Unmatched Build Quality The casing and rotors are machined from high-grade cast iron or forged steel. There’s no flex under load. The rotor profile (Howden’s proprietary “X” profile) is precision-ground, resulting in minimal internal leakage. In our plant, vibration levels remained consistently below 2.0 mm/s even at 100% load.
The slide valve and stepless capacity control are smooth. From 100% down to 25% load, the compressor maintains stable discharge pressure without surging. The Vi (volume ratio) adjustment is also effective for varying suction pressures. howden screw compressor
While service intervals are long, when something breaks, parts are expensive. A set of main bearings can cost $3,000–$5,000, and an OEM rotor replacement is nearly the cost of a new unit. Additionally, servicing requires specialized tooling and Howden-trained technicians—local general mechanics cannot handle it.
The Howden screw compressor is the “Mercedes G-Wagon” of rotary screws: over-engineered, expensive to buy and fix, but nearly unstoppable when properly maintained. It’s not for everyone, but for critical process applications, it’s a justifiable investment. Overview Howden is a legacy brand in the
Compared to older screw compressors, the Howden delivered a 12-15% reduction in specific power (kW per CFM). The asymmetric rotor profile minimizes blow-hole losses. For a 500 kW motor, this saves roughly $15,000–$20,000 annually in electricity.
First cost is your primary metric, or your application is light-duty (less than 4,000 hours/year). Unmatched Build Quality The casing and rotors are
Oil-injected Howdens require strict oil quality (typically synthetic, ISO VG 68–100). Using non-approved oil degrades performance and voids the warranty. The oil separator elements are effective but expensive ($800–$1,500 each).