UK's Vert Rotors hails portable air compressor breakthrough

The UK developer of a newly launched portable air compressor technology claims that it could help combat one of manufacturing’s most enduring health and safety problems.

Developed by Edinburgh firm Vert Rotors, the Nautilus is a lightweight, portable air compressor claimed to deliver pressure on demand that was previously only achievable using large, static compressors.

What’s more, whilst existing compressors typically operate at very high noise levels, which have been shown to cause damage to employee hearing, the Nautilus is claimed to be much quieter, and therefore safe to use in any working environment.

The key to Vert Rotors technology is an innovative conical screw compressor – a new type of gas compressor, where the inner screw works inside the outer screw, and not side-by-side.

The system produces compressed air at 300psi but generates noise levels of just 65dB(A), about the same as an air conditioner. Conventional piston compressors are not only larger, but operate at high noise levels, typically around 100dB(A), which have been shown to damage hearing and lead to other workplace conditions.