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5.5 kW Direct-Drive Variable-Speed Screw Compressor

Tanair TAN-S 5.5 VSD: 19 CFM at 10 Bar

A compact direct-drive permanent-magnet VSD screw compressor for correctly sized workshops and light industrial systems where compressed-air demand changes during the working day.

5.5 kW
19 CFM
10 Bar
415V Three Phase
Direct-Drive PM VSD

What the TAN-S 5.5 VSD Is Designed to Do

The Tanair TAN-S 5.5 VSD is a 5.5 kW oil-injected rotary screw compressor with permanent-magnet variable-speed control. Its current published output is 19 CFM (0.55 m³/min) at up to 10 bar on a 415V, 50 Hz, three-phase supply.

It is most relevant where compressed-air demand rises and falls through the working day. In those conditions, the variable-speed drive can reduce motor speed when demand falls rather than repeatedly operating at full output or spending long periods unloaded.

Size from real demand: 5.5 kW and 19 CFM are useful specifications, but suitability depends on your actual peak and average airflow, pressure, duty, operating hours and downstream air-treatment requirements.

Current Technical Specification

SpecificationTAN-S 5.5 VSD
Motor power5.5 kW / 7.5 HP
Published airflow19 CFM / 0.55 m³/min
Maximum operating pressure10 bar
Electrical supply415V / 50 Hz / 3 phase
DriveDirect-drive permanent-magnet VSD
CoolingAir cooled
Motor protectionIP55
Outlet connection1/2" BSP
Current published dimensions1337 × 460 × 990 mm
Published weight260 kg
Tanair TAN-S 5.5 VSD 5.5 kW direct-drive variable speed screw air compressor
Specification update: the older article showed different dimensions. The figures above use the current live product page and should be rechecked before planning a tight installation space.

Where Variable Speed Can Help

Changing Air Demand

The inverter changes motor speed as demand rises and falls, allowing the compressor to reduce output when the site does not need the full 19 CFM.

Reduced Unloaded Running

Where the alternative fixed-speed compressor would spend meaningful time unloaded, demand-matched operation can reduce unnecessary energy use.

About “up to 35%”: the product marketing references potential energy savings up to 35% versus fixed speed. That should be treated as a possible outcome under suitable variable-demand conditions, not a guaranteed result for every installation.

Direct Drive: What It Actually Changes

No Drive BeltsThere are no drive belts to inspect, retension or routinely replace.
Simpler TransmissionThe motor connects directly to the compression element instead of using a belt transmission stage.
Still Needs ServicingOil, filters, separator elements, coolers, drains and other compressor service items remain.

Is 19 CFM Enough for Your Site?

That depends on the equipment that can operate at the same time. A 19 CFM compressor should not be described as suitable for a fixed number of workshop bays, spray guns or machines without checking their actual simultaneous consumption.

Automotive WorkshopsPotentially suitable where the combined demand of tyre equipment and pneumatic tools remains within the compressor's usable airflow.
Spray PreparationMay support suitable air tools, but spraying and sanding can create sustained demand and require properly treated air.
CNC EquipmentCan suit CNC or automated machinery where manufacturer airflow, pressure and air-quality requirements fit within the system.
Assembly & PackagingUseful where several lower-consumption pneumatic users create a changing demand profile.
Light ProductionMay suit production equipment where the calculated simultaneous demand remains comfortably inside the compressor's output.
Replacement ProjectsCompare the existing machine's delivered airflow and operating behaviour rather than assuming motor kW alone makes it a like-for-like replacement.

When the 5.5 kW VSD May Not Be the Right Choice

  • Your peak demand regularly exceeds 19 CFM at the required working pressure.
  • Your demand is consistently high and steady, where a correctly sized fixed-speed compressor may be commercially appropriate.
  • The compressor would be substantially oversized for normal demand.
  • Your site only has 230V single-phase power.
  • Leaks, pressure loss or undersized pipework are the main reason the current system struggles.

Electrical Supply and Installation

The TAN-S 5.5 VSD requires a 415V, 50 Hz, three-phase electrical supply. Cable sizing, protective devices, local isolation and the final connection should be selected from the exact compressor data and site installation conditions by suitably competent personnel.

  • Confirm the exact current and manufacturer electrical requirements before installation.
  • Provide suitable local isolation and electrical protection.
  • Allow adequate access for servicing and cooler cleaning.
  • Provide sufficient ventilation so hot discharge air is not recirculated into the compressor.
  • Use correctly sized pipework to avoid unnecessary pressure loss.

Air Receiver, Dryer and Filtration

The TAN-S 5.5 VSD is supplied as a standalone compressor, so the receiver and air-treatment system can be selected around the actual application.

Maintenance Requirements

The direct-drive arrangement removes belt-related service work, but the compressor remains an oil-injected rotary screw machine and needs planned servicing according to operating hours and manufacturer requirements.

Compressor Service Items

  • Compressor oil
  • Oil filter
  • Air intake filter
  • Oil separator element
  • Coolers and ventilation path

System Service Items

  • Automatic drains
  • Dryer servicing
  • Downstream filter elements
  • Air receiver inspection requirements
  • Condensate-treatment equipment

ROI: Do Not Assume 12–24 Months

Payback cannot be predicted from compressor kW alone. It depends on the existing system, operating hours, electricity tariff, demand profile, installation cost and measured energy-saving opportunity.

A meaningful ROI comparison needs the current compressor's energy use and operating behaviour, together with your real electricity tariff and proposed installation cost.

  • Annual operating hours
  • Loaded and unloaded hours where available
  • Peak, average and minimum air demand
  • Current working pressure
  • Leakage and artificial demand
  • Current electricity price and maintenance cost

Compare the Tanair VSD Range

Related Guides

TAN-S 5.5 VSD FAQs

How much air does the TAN-S 5.5 VSD deliver?

The current published output is 19 CFM (0.55 m³/min) at up to 10 bar.

What electrical supply does it require?

It requires a 415V, 50 Hz, three-phase supply. Cable size, protective devices and isolation should be selected from the exact machine data and site conditions.

Will the TAN-S 5.5 VSD save 35% energy?

Potential savings up to 35% are referenced in the product marketing, but that is not guaranteed. Actual savings depend on the site's load profile, operating hours, pressure, leakage and correct compressor sizing.

Is 19 CFM enough for a workshop?

It can be, but workshop size or number of bays is not a sizing method. Add the airflow of tools and processes that can operate simultaneously and compare that figure with the compressor's usable output.

Is direct drive maintenance-free?

No. Direct drive removes belts and belt tensioning, but oil, filters, separator elements, coolers and other routine service items remain.

Is it suitable for continuous use?

Rotary screw compressors are commonly used for sustained industrial compressed-air duty, but the exact operating requirements should still be checked against the manufacturer's instructions, site conditions and actual load profile.

Can I buy it as a complete package?

Yes. Tanair currently offers a grouped 5.5 kW VSD package with receiver, refrigerated dryer, three-stage filtration and oil-water separation.

How much does the TAN-S 5.5 VSD cost?

Use the live product page for current pricing and availability rather than relying on a price embedded in an advice article.

Is 19 CFM the Right Size for Your Site?

Tell us your current compressor, required pressure, operating hours and which tools or machines run together. We can help assess whether the TAN-S 5.5 VSD is correctly sized and what receiver, dryer and filtration may be needed around it.

Compressed Air Systems UK · Unit 15, Fortnum Close, Birmingham, B33 0LG

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