Mattei BLADE SE 12 i Rotary Vane Compressor — 11 kW, 7–10 bar, 270 L Receiver, Dryer, Inverter

1. Purpose and operating principle

Operating principle: an eccentrically mounted rotor turns inside a cylinder. The vanes move freely in the rotor slots and are pressed against the cylinder wall by centrifugal force. The volume between the vanes increases at the intake and then decreases, compressing the air and delivering it to the oil-air separator. Oil lubricates, cools and seals the working chamber. Multi-stage separation in the receiver and coalescing filter keeps residual oil in the air below 3 mg/m³, according to Mattei.

The inverter adjusts the rotational speed to match air demand, across approximately 40–100% of capacity. This allows the compressor to vary output smoothly instead of running unloaded unnecessarily. The receiver-and-dryer package allows connection to a compressed-air network without purchasing these components separately.

2. Technical specifications

⚠️ Confirm against the SE 12 i datasheet: dimensions and weight (base BLADE 12 i: 1180 × 760 × 990 mm and 311 kg), the +3 °C dew point (not listed on the referenced Mattei page), outlet thread type, flow rate at each individual pressure, and warranty terms.

3. Design features

Construction features:

• The air end has no roller bearings; the rotor turns on plain bushings, with no axial loads. Mattei states more than 100,000 operating hours before air-end replacement when the maintenance schedule is followed.
• Direct 1:1 drive through a coupling, with low air-end rotational speed.
• Cooling fan with its own inverter, controlled according to oil temperature.
• Sound insulation inside the enclosure, hinged doors and removable service panels.
• Base with openings for lifting and handling; corrosion-resistant epoxy powder coating.
• Multi-stage oil separation: mechanical separation in the receiver plus a coalescing filter.

4. Installation recommendations

• Install the compressor on a level, rigid base in a dry, well-ventilated room. Leave enough clearance for the doors and service panels to open fully.
• Provide cooling-air intake and hot-air exhaust; prevent hot exhaust air from recirculating into the intake. Check the permitted ambient temperature in the manual.
• Electrical connection must be carried out by a qualified electrician: 400 V / 50 Hz, three-phase. Cable sizing and protective devices must follow the datasheet.
• Route condensate from the dryer and receiver to a suitable drain or oil-water separator. Do not discharge condensate directly into the sewer.
• The outlet is listed as 1 inch, but its thread type is not specified. Identify the thread before selecting a fitting: BSPP (G, parallel) seals with a flat gasket and does not require PTFE tape; BSPT (R, tapered) seals on the thread and may require PTFE tape; a metric parallel thread typically seals with a rubber O-ring at the base and does not require PTFE tape.
• Fit a shut-off valve at the outlet and add line filters where required. The integrated dryer does not replace filtration needed by sensitive pneumatic equipment.
• Before the first start, check the oil level and direction of rotation. Follow the manufacturer’s manual and, if possible, have a service specialist present for commissioning.
• Record running hours and maintenance work to plan oil changes, air-filter replacement and radiator cleaning.

5. Equivalents and comparison

Cross-references: no verified equivalent part numbers from other manufacturers are available for the SE 12 i. It is an integrated package with a receiver, dryer, inverter and Mattei air end. Compare the following specifications before choosing an alternative:

Comparison with nearby models in the Mattei BLADE i range (base-version data from the Mattei page):

Mattei’s E / S / SE versions differ in configuration: E includes a dryer; S is mounted on a 270 L receiver (an AD 2000 certificate for pressure vessels may be available); SE combines both. An IE4 motor version is also available. Other sizes in the range (15, 18 and 22 i) are listed in the Acvatron catalogue.

6. Common mistakes

• Choosing by motor power without calculating air demand. 11 kW and 1060–1680 L/min will not suit every application. Add up the consumption of tools and equipment and allow for future expansion.
• Installing in a cramped space without ventilation. This can cause oil overheating, protective shutdowns and reduced output.
• Using the base BLADE 12 i dimensions and weight. The SE 12 i with receiver and dryer is larger and heavier; check access openings and floor load capacity.
• Connecting the unit without condensate drainage from the dryer and receiver.
• Ignoring the maintenance schedule. The stated 100,000+ hours before air-end replacement depends on proper maintenance, including oil changes, air-filter replacement and radiator cleaning.
• Sealing the outlet thread incorrectly. PTFE tape is not required for BSPP but may be required for BSPT. Confusing thread types can cause leaks or thread damage.
• Assuming 35% energy savings without measurements. Mattei states more than 15% savings compared with other rotary compressors; actual results depend on the load profile.

7. Applications

Suitable for workshops, automotive service centres, production areas, food processing, woodworking, printing, packaging, laboratories and installations with variable air demand — particularly where low noise (65±2 dB), dry compressed air and energy efficiency are important, without separate receiver and dryer installations. The 11 kW motor and flow rate up to 1680 L/min may support several workstations or a production line, depending on actual demand.

8. Expert opinion

“The SE package simplifies installation: the receiver and dryer are already integrated under the enclosure, leaving the air network, electrical supply and condensate drain to be connected. However, choose the compressor according to the air-demand profile, not just motor power. An inverter is useful where the load varies throughout the shift. Verify the exact dimensions and weight of the SE 12 i: they are significantly greater than those of the base BLADE 12 i, so allow sufficient room for servicing.”

— Vitali Boluchevski, Lead Engineer, Acvatron SRL, 18 years of experience

9. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How does the BLADE SE 12 i differ from the BLADE 12 i?
The BLADE 12 i is the base version. The SE 12 i has a sound-insulated enclosure, a 270 L receiver and a refrigerated dryer. Its dimensions and weight are therefore greater than those of the base version.

What flow rate does the compressor deliver?
Mattei lists 1060–1680 L/min (1.06–1.68 m³/min) across the 7–10 bar pressure range. The exact flow depends on the set pressure; ask Acvatron for the flow at each pressure.

Do I need to buy the receiver and dryer separately?
No. Both are included in the SE configuration: a 270 L receiver and a refrigerated dryer. Line filters may still be needed for sensitive applications.

What is the service life of the air end?
Mattei states more than 100,000 operating hours before air-end replacement when the maintenance schedule is followed. The air end has no roller bearings; the rotor turns on plain bushings.

What does the inverter do?
It smoothly adjusts speed to match demand across approximately 40–100% of capacity. According to Mattei, energy savings can exceed 15% compared with other rotary compressors; actual savings depend on the load profile.