A roots blower, also known as a roots-type supercharger or simply a roots supercharger, is a type of positive displacement compressor. It is primarily used to force air or other gases into an engine or a process that requires increased airflow or pressure.
The roots blower consists of two rotors, typically called lobes or impellers, that are counter-rotating and synchronized with each other. These rotors have a complex shape with multiple lobes, resembling a set of interlocking figure eights. The lobes trap and move the air or gas from the inlet side to the outlet side.
The main purpose of a roots blower is to increase the amount of air or gas flow into an engine’s combustion chamber. By compressing the incoming air or gas, the roots blower helps to improve the engine’s performance by increasing the volumetric efficiency. This results in a higher power output because it allows more air and fuel to be burned during the combustion process.
Roots blowers have a wide range of applications across various industries. Some common uses include:
- Automotive and Racing: Roots blowers are often used in high-performance engines, particularly in drag racing and some street performance applications. By forcing more air into the engine, they can significantly increase horsepower and torque output.
- Industrial Processes: Roots blowers are employed in various industrial processes that require the movement or compression of gases. They are used in wastewater treatment plants, pneumatic conveying systems, aeration systems, and other applications where high-volume airflow or pressure is needed.
- Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, roots blowers are utilized for applications such as flare gas recovery, vapor recovery, and fluid catalytic cracking units. They help to maintain pressure levels, transport gases, and optimize the efficiency of different processes.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: Roots blowers find applications in chemical plants and refineries for fluidization, combustion air supply, aeration, and other processes that require the movement of gases.
- Pneumatic Conveying: Roots blowers are commonly used in pneumatic conveying systems to transport granular materials, powders, or bulk solids through pipelines.
It’s important to note that the design and specifications of roots blowers can vary depending on the specific application and requirements.
