Compressor — Howden Screw

First cost is your primary metric, or your application is light-duty (less than 4,000 hours/year).

Unlike many competitors, Howden screw compressors handle dirty or corrosive gases well (with proper materials selection). We’ve compressed hydrocarbon mixtures with liquid carryover and minor particulates without rotor seizure. The robust bearings (SKF/FAG) are designed for thrust loads common in gas duty. howden screw compressor

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). First cost is your primary metric, or your

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 robust bearings (SKF/FAG) are designed for thrust

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.