20 HP Industrial Rotary Screw Compressors

kaeser compressors 20 hp rotary screw air compressors

Kaeser's 20 HP Screw Compressor Models

Kaeser's 20 hp industrial rotary screw air compressors deliver the sustained output, energy efficiency, and quiet operation that busy shops and production floors demand. Available in multiple configurations, including standard, integrated dryer, variable speed drive, and all-in-one AIRCENTER packages, our SK, AS, and SFC series give you the flexibility to match your compressed air system to your exact application and space requirements. From a multi-bay auto body shop to a woodworking facility or a light manufacturing operation, a Kaeser 20 hp air compressor keeps your tools and processes running without interruption, backed by factory-trained service and the reliability Kaeser has built since 1919.

Standard 20 HP Air Compressor

AS 20 - 20 hp screw compressors

Kaeser's standard 20 hp screw compressor models in the SK and AS series offer impressive performance and quiet operation. They feature a robust design with super-silenced, vibration-dampening, and powder-coated panels, suitable for ambient temperatures up to +115 °F. The unit is equipped with an IE3 premium efficiency motor (IP 54) and an innovative dual-flow fan with separate airflow channels for efficient cooling of the motor, fluid/compressed air cooler, and control cabinet. Key fluid and airflow features include a 'Honeycomb' air intake filter, pneumatic inlet and venting valves, a triple-separation system in the cooling fluid separator tank, and comprehensive pressure and fluid management components.

20 HP Air Compressors with Integrated Dryers

SK 20T - 20 hp screw compressor with dryer

The SK 20T and AS 20T are rotary screw compressors with integrated refrigerated dryers sized for the full flow of the compressor. The dryer is located in a separate cabinet so it is not exposed to preheated air or contaminants from the compressor package.

Energy-Saving Control:

The integrated refrigerated dryer in "T” units provides high efficiency performance thanks to its energy saving control. The dryer is active only when compressed air actually needs to be dried. This approach achieves the required compressed air quality with maximum efficiency.

Eco-Drain:

The integrated refrigerated dryer also features a zero loss Eco-Drain. The advanced level-controlled condensate drain eliminates the compressed air losses associated with solenoid valve control. This saves energy and considerably enhances the reliability of the compressed air supply.

Climate-Friendly Design:

In addition to energy-saving controls, our integrated dryers feature the new R-513A refrigerant with 56% lower global warming potential than common dryer refrigerants. Combined with our advanced heat exchanger design, we need only half the refrigerant — resulting in the most climate-friendly dryer possible.

 
 

20HP Rotary Screw Compressor with Variable Speed Drive

kaeser sfc series 20 hp variable speed drive rotary screw compressor

The SFC 15 20-hp rotary screw compressors is the perfect solution for smaller compressed air systems with varying air demand to achieve significant energy savings while maintaining stable pressure. KAESER SFC units are up to 18% more efficient than the competition. The SFC 15T model has an integrated dryer. Learn more about Kaeser's SFC series of compressors with variable speed drive.

power consumption vs flow rate

A variable speed screw compressor should be the most frequently loaded unit in a properly designed system. Each is optimized to deliver significantly more air with lower kW than comparable compressors.

 
 

Complete 20HP Compressed Air System

kaeser aircenter 20 hp compressed air system

To simplify your compressed air system, KAESER offers the AIRCENTER. This unit combines essential compressed air system components in one easy-to-install package. AIRCENTERS come completely assembled and include a refrigerated dryer with automatic condensate drain, receiver tank, and an optional filtration package. These super quiet and energy efficient units are compact and perfect for installations where space is limited. Learn about AIRCENTER compressed air packages here. The SK 20 AIRCENTER is also available with variable frequency drive: the AIRCENTER SFC 15.

 
 

AIRCENTER DUPLEX

kaeser aircenter duplex 20 hp compressor system with a tank and dryer

The 20-hp AIRCENTER DUPLEX includes two 10-hp rotary screw compressors mounted on a horizontal receiver tank, plus either a refrigerated KRYOSEC dryer, or a refrigerated SECOTEC dryer.

 
 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


20 hp Screw Compressors: SK Series
kaeser compressors 20 hp rotary screw air compressors
Model Flow (cfm) Dimensions W x D x H (in) Weight (lb) Noise level (dB(A))
125 psig 160 psig 217 psig
SK 20 88 77 65 30 x 35 x 50 703 68
SK 20T 30 x 49 x 50 869
SK 20 AIRCENTER 30 x 53 x 74 1292
  • Super silenced with vibration-dampening
  • All panels powder-coated
  • For ambient temperatures up to +115 °F
  • IE 3 premium efficiency motor
  • IP 54
  • Dual flow fan and separate air flow channels for cooling of the motor, the fluid/compressed air cooler and the control cabinet
  • Fluid and air flow: 'Honeycomb' air intake filter, pneumatic inlet and venting valves, cooling fluid separator tank with triple separation system
  • Pressure relief valve
  • Minimum pressure check valve
  • Thermostatic valve and fluid filter in coolant circuit
  • Fluid / compressed air combination cooler
20 hp Screw Compressors: AS Series
kaeser as series 20 hp rotary screw air compressors models
Model Flow (cfm) Dimensions W x D x H (in) Weight (lb) Noise level (dB(A))
125 psig 160 psig 217 psig
AS 20 97 83 67 32 x 44 x 60 1070 69
AS 20T 32 x 58 x 60 1279
  • Super silenced with vibration-dampening
  • All panels powder-coated
  • For ambient temperatures up to +115 °F
  • IE 3 premium efficiency motor
  • IP 55
  • Dry air filter
  • Pneumatic inlet and venting valves
  • Cooling fluid reservoir with three-stage separator system
  • Pressure relief valve
  • Minimum pressure check valve
  • Thermostatic valve and micro-filter in coolant circuit
  • Separate aluminum coolers for compressed air and fluid
20 hp Screw Compressors: SFC Series
kaeser sfc series 20 hp variable speed drive rotary screw compressor models
Model Flow (cfm) Dimensions W x D x H (in) Weight (lb) Noise level (dB(A))
125 psig 160 psig 217 psig
SFC 15 27-95* 30-84* 29-70* 30 x 35 x 50 741 69
SFC 15T 30 x 49 x 50 906
AIRCENTER SFC 15 30 x 53 x 74 1329

* Min and max flow range

20 hp Screw Compressors: AIRCENTER DUPLEX
kaeser aircenter duplex 20 hp compressor system with tank and dryer configuration options
Model Flow (cfm) Dimensions W x D x H (in) Weight (lb) Noise level (dB(A))
125 psig 160 psig 217 psig
AIRCENTER DUPLEX SM 10 (KRYOSEC) 90 74 56 85 x 36 x 68 1593 67
AIRCENTER DUPLEX SM 10 (SECOTEC) 1417
 
 

Where a Kaeser 20 HP Air Compressor Earns Its Place

A 20 hp rotary screw air compressor is ideal for small- to mid-size industrial operations, with enough output to run multiple tools or workstations simultaneously in a footprint that fits a shop or production floor without a dedicated compressor room.

Auto Body and Collision Repair

Body shops run a demanding mix of pneumatic tools, including spray guns, DA sanders, air hammers, and blow-off wands, often across several bays at once. At 88 cfm (SK 20) to 97 cfm (AS 20) at 125 psig, Kaeser's 20 hp air compressors provide the sustained flow these environments require without the pressure fluctuations that disrupt finish quality. The SK and AS series operate at 68–69 dB(A), keeping the shop quieter than comparable older reciprocating units.

Woodworking and Fabrication

Cabinet shops, millwork operations, and metal fabrication facilities depend on consistent air pressure for CNC pneumatic feeds, clamps, nailers, and surface finishing. A 20 hp rotary screw air compressor meets the simultaneous demands of multiple stations that a smaller machine cannot, and the AIRCENTER configuration, with an integrated dryer, receiver tank, and optional filtration, keeps moisture out of the lines and maintains clean finished surfaces.

Light Manufacturing and Assembly

Production lines running pneumatic actuators, air-powered torque tools, or automated packaging equipment need an air supply that keeps pace with the process. Kaeser's 20 hp compressors run at 100% duty cycle, unlike reciprocating units that require rest intervals, making them the right fit for continuous shift operations.

Plastics, Printing, and General Industrial

Plastics processing, commercial printing, and general manufacturing shops often need pressure flexibility. The SK 20 and AS 20 series cover pressure ranges from 125 to 217 psig, giving operators options across applications without requiring equipment changes. For operations where demand fluctuates throughout the shift, the SFC 15 variable speed model adjusts output to match consumption rather than cycling on and off at a fixed speed.

 
 

What Separates a Kaeser 20 HP Rotary Screw Compressor from the Competition

Choosing the right 20 hp rotary screw compressor comes down to what happens after the purchase: how much it costs to run, how long it runs without issue, and how fast it gets back online when service is needed. We engineer our SK, AS, and SFC series to address all three realities, with measurable efficiency gains, a service-friendly design, and intelligent controls that protect your investment for the long term.

The SIGMA PROFILE Airend

The airend is where efficiency is won or lost. Kaeser's SIGMA Profile rotors require approximately 10 to 20 percent less energy than conventional rotors of the same air delivery capacity. This is not a marginal gain. Over the lifecycle of a 20 hp air compressor running one or two shifts daily, that difference adds up significantly on the power bill.

Proven Efficiency Advantage

In our systems design approach, KAESER chooses the components that work together in the most energy efficient way possible. Each and every component — from inlet filter to discharge connection — has been carefully designed with performance in mind. In fact, both the SK and AS series are up to 30% more efficient than the competition. With KAESER’s superior system controls, we guarantee an effective system with lower operating costs.

Serviceability by Design

We build every Kaeser compressor with technicians in mind. All maintenance points on the SK and AS series are accessible from a single side, and windows in the access panel let operators check fluid levels and belt tension without opening the machine. The drive belt uses an automatic tensioning device that maintains consistent power transfer throughout its service life without re-tensioning adjustments. Fewer maintenance steps and longer service intervals mean less scheduled downtime and lower total cost of ownership.

SIGMA Control

SIGMA CONTROL monitors more than 20 critical operating parameters, shuts the unit down to prevent damage, signals when immediate service is required, tracks preventative maintenance intervals, and provides notice when PMs are due. Remote access via Ethernet and the built-in web server allows operators to check status and review operating data without walking to the machine. For multi-compressor installations, SIGMA CONTROL integrates directly with Kaeser's SIGMA AIR MANAGER 4.0 master controller for coordinated system-wide efficiency.

Climate-Conscious Dryer Design

On T model units with integrated refrigerated dryers, Kaeser uses R-513A refrigerant, a modern refrigerant with 56% lower global warming potential than common dryer refrigerants, and an advanced heat exchanger design that requires only half the refrigerant charge of conventional units.

 
 

Get a 20 HP Rotary Screw Air Compressor Sized for Your Operation

Kaeser's 20 hp rotary screw air compressors are available in multiple configurations, so the right fit for your shop or facility exists without compromise. Our compressed air system experts will assess your demand profile and installation conditions to identify the most efficient solution for your specific situation. Request a quote today or find your local Kaeser distributor to get started.

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