Vortex tube: effect of cooling

In summary, a vortex tube is a device that separates compressed gas into hot and cold streams without using any moving parts. The cooling effect is typically measured by the temperature difference between the hot and cold streams. Factors such as inlet pressure and gas temperature can affect its performance. Vortex tubes have various applications, including cooling electronics and spot cooling in industrial processes. However, they have limitations in terms of temperature separation and cooling capacity, and may not be suitable for large-scale cooling due to their low efficiency.
  • #1
Nolgosphere
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To anyone familiar with the Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube:

Say if the cooled air is allowed to pass over the vortex section of this tube, what would happen?

Would the effect of cooling be the destruction of the vortex? or would it act to further decrease the temperature of the cold exhaust?
 
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  • #2
My engineering sense tells me that it would just aid in cooling. However, I don't know how vortex tubes actually work nor have I seen a sound theory that can explain them. They are very mysterious devices.

BTW, welcome to the forum.
 
  • #3


The effect of cooling in a vortex tube is achieved through the separation of hot and cold air streams. As the compressed air enters the vortex tube, it is forced to spin rapidly, creating a vortex. This spinning motion causes the air to separate into hot and cold streams, with the hot air exiting through the outer vortex and the cold air exiting through the inner vortex.

If the cooled air is allowed to pass over the vortex section of the tube, it would not necessarily destroy the vortex. However, it could disrupt the separation of the hot and cold air streams, resulting in a decrease in the cooling effect. This is because the cooled air passing over the vortex may mix with the hot air, reducing the temperature difference between the two streams and decreasing the overall cooling effect.

On the other hand, allowing the cooled air to pass over the vortex section could also potentially further decrease the temperature of the cold exhaust. This is because the cooled air passing over the vortex may absorb more heat from the hot air, resulting in a greater temperature difference between the two streams and a more efficient cooling process.

Ultimately, the exact effect of cooling on the vortex tube will depend on various factors such as the temperature and pressure of the compressed air, the design of the vortex tube, and the flow of air through the tube. However, it is important to carefully consider the impact of cooling on the vortex tube in order to achieve the desired cooling effect.
 

1. What is a vortex tube and how does it work?

A vortex tube is a device that separates a compressed gas into hot and cold streams without using any moving parts. It works by creating a vortex within the tube, which causes the gas to spin and separate into hot and cold streams due to a difference in molecular weight and centrifugal force.

2. How is the cooling effect of a vortex tube measured?

The cooling effect of a vortex tube is typically measured by the temperature difference between the hot and cold streams. This is known as the temperature separation or the cooling capacity of the vortex tube.

3. What factors affect the cooling performance of a vortex tube?

The cooling performance of a vortex tube can be affected by several factors, including the inlet pressure, the temperature and pressure of the compressed gas, the size and design of the tube, and the temperature and flow rate of the ambient air around the tube.

4. What are some common applications of vortex tubes?

Vortex tubes have a variety of applications, including cooling electronic components, cooling machining and cutting tools, and spot cooling in industrial processes. They can also be used for heating, such as in heating small spaces or warming up gases for chemical reactions.

5. Are there any limitations to the cooling effect of a vortex tube?

While vortex tubes can achieve significant cooling effects, there are some limitations to their performance. For example, the temperature separation between the hot and cold streams is limited by the properties of the compressed gas used, and the cooling capacity of the tube is limited by the inlet pressure and flow rate. Additionally, vortex tubes may not be suitable for large-scale cooling applications due to their low efficiency compared to traditional refrigeration systems.

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