ESD series screw compressors

ESD Series Rotary Screw Compressors (250 & 350 HP)

True 1:1 direct drive, high volumetric efficiency, and continuous 24/7 reliability for heavy industrial utilities.

The Kaeser ESD Series provides continuous-duty compressed air for heavy industrial manufacturing facilities requiring 842 to 1,572 acfm at working pressures from 125 to 217 psig. Engineered with oversized, low-speed SIGMA PROFILE® airends, true 1:1 direct coupling, and super-premium efficiency IE4 drive motors, the ESD Series is built to deliver low specific power consumption under continuous full-load operating conditions.


Request a Quote | Find a Local Distributor | Download ESD Series Specifications (PDF)

 
 

Why Choose the Kaeser ESD Series?

ESD compressor - drive

Intelligent Automation & Factory Network Integration

  • SIGMA CONTROL Automation: The SIGMA CONTROL continuously tracks operating metrics, predicts maintenance needs, and integrates with factory management systems or the SIGMA AIR MANAGER 4.0 master controller.
    Standard Anybus Interface: It connects to your PLC or SCADA network via interchangeable communication modules.
    Supported Protocols: Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, BACnet/IP, and OPC UA. 
  • Large, Low-Speed SIGMA PROFILE® Airends: By turning a larger rotor profile at reduced RPMs, the ESD Series minimizes internal slip and heat generation, delivering maximum air output per kilowatt.
  • IE4 Super-Premium Efficiency Motors: Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) motors with Class F insulation protect electrical components in harsh industrial environments while minimizing lifecycle utility costs.
  • CAGI Performance Verified: Flow and power ratings are tested and certified under the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) Performance Verification Program.

Gearless Direct-Drive Engineering & Heavy Industrial Construction

  • True 1:1 Direct Drive Coupling: Connects the drive motor directly to the airend shaft without step-up gears or drive belts. This eliminates transmission power losses, gear wear, and regular belt tensioning maintenance. 
  • Innovative Split Cooling Zones: Independent air intake zones cool the heat exchangers, drive motor, and electrical enclosure separately. This prevents air preheating, lowers operating temperatures, and extends lubricant service life.
  • Exterior Cooler Maintenance Access: High-performance cooling bundles are accessible on the exterior face of the cabinet, allowing quick visual inspection and washdown without disassembling the cabinet.

Thermal Heat Recovery & Flexible Cooling Options

  • Air- or Water-Cooled Options:
    Air-Cooled: Variable-speed radial fans pull ambient intake air across exterior coolers and exhaust through the cabinet roof with high static pressure, eliminating the need for auxiliary booster fans in plant ducting. Sound levels remain at 76 to 77 dB(A).
    Water-Cooled: Equipped with corrosion-resistant stainless steel plate-type heat exchangers as standard equipment (with mechanically cleanable, seawater-resistant CuNi10Fe shell-and-tube heat exchangers available for process water loops).
  • Recover Up to 96% of Input Energy: Continuous baseload compressors generate substantial thermal energy. With optional factory-installed plate-type heat exchangers, up to 76% of electrical input energy can be recovered from the compressor fluid to heat water up to 160°F for boiler feed, sanitization, or facility washing. Combined with ducted warm exhaust air, up to 96% of total input energy can be reused.

Available Configurations & Package Options

  • Standard ESD Models (ESD 250, ESD 300): Standalone base machines available in air-cooled or water-cooled variants. 
  • Variable Speed (SFC) Drive Option: Available as an SFC configuration to match fluctuating plant air demand. Learn more on our Variable Speed Drive (SFC) Page.

Technical Specifications

Model Rated Motor Power [hp] Operating Pressure Range [psig] Capacity Range [cfm] Sound Level [dB(A)] Dimensions W x D x H [in.] Base Unit Weight [lb.]
ESD 250 250 hp 80 - 217 psig 842 - 1296 cfm 76 dB(A) 116 1/2" x 79 7/8" x 84 1/4" 10,759 lb.
ESD 300 350 hp 80 - 217 psig 1020 - 1593 cfm 77 dB(A) 11,155 lb.
Note: Consult the full product brochure for detailed specifications on all configurations. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Typical Applications & Operating Environments for the ESD Series

  • Central Plant Air for Large Manufacturing: Supplies continuous, plant-wide compressed air networks across multi-acre aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery fabrication plants.
  • Primary Baseload Utility: Functions as the constant-output foundation in centralized compressor rooms, designed to operate at 100% load while paired with a variable-speed (SFC) trim unit under SIGMA AIR MANAGER 4.0 sequencing. 
  • Pulp, Paper, & Timber Processing: Delivers high CFM under continuous, harsh duty cycles where ambient dust and operating run hours demand heavy-duty filtration and robust internal component cooling. 
  • Chemical, Refining, & Industrial Process Air: Provides dependable, continuous air supply for material transfer, instrumentation systems, and valve actuation.

Browse rotary screw compressors by rated horsepower (HP)

horsepower icon

Our 3-30 hp compressors use a space-savings v-belt drive design and many are available as complete compressed air systems with receiver tanks and integrated dryers. On larger units we use only true direct drive, providing maximum power transfer and efficiency from motor to airend. Options include integrated refrigerated dryers and variable speed drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What horsepower ratings do the ESD 250 and ESD 300 carry?

The ESD 250 is powered by a 250 HP motor. The ESD 300 is powered by a 350 HP motor, delivering up to 1,572 acfm at 125 psig

How does the ESD 250 differ from the DSD 250?

Both units use 250 HP motors. The ESD 250 is built on a larger chassis with a larger, slower-turning airend that produces 1,278 acfm at 125 psig—delivering 203 additional cfm compared to the DSD 250 (1,075 acfm) for the exact same motor rating. Facilities seeking maximum energy efficiency on continuous base loads typically choose the ESD 250, while plants with tight room dimensions favor the smaller footprint of the DSD 250

Are ESD compressors available with integrated dryers?

Due to equipment size, air volume, and thermal discharge requirements, ESD units are not configured with built-in dryers. Instead, they pair with standalone air treatment packages, such as Kaeser high-capacity cycling refrigerated dryers, desiccant dryers, and receiver tanks.

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