Must the fixed bearing in a screw compressor be located at the intake end?

The statement that the fixed bearing in a screw compressor must be located at the intake end is not accurate; therefore, the correct answer is false.

In screw compressors, the design allows for flexibility in the placement of bearings. While it is common for the fixed bearing to be located at the discharge end of the compressor to support the rotor and manage the axial and radial loads created during operation, it is not a strict requirement for it to be at the intake end.

Bearings in this application serve primarily to support the rotors and maintain their alignment while allowing for the thermal expansion and operational dynamics of the compressor. The placement of the fixed bearing can also be influenced by other factors, such as space constraints, the overall compressor design, and operational efficiencies. Thus, while positioning the fixed bearing at the intake end may be viable in certain designs, it is not a standardized rule across all screw compressors.