Use of Vortex tubes
Use of Vortex tubes
(OP)
I was doing research into 'cooling' systems when I saw vortex tubes- although most of them are quite small, I was wondering if they have any applications for using them to cool a room? I have an abundance of compressed air-would rather not use standard air conditioners(as in a house)-
(drop in temperature not important right now, as any drop is beneficial)- I can size a tube(s) later if they would work- I can post room sizes, air supply etc later; right now just looking for comments
(drop in temperature not important right now, as any drop is beneficial)- I can size a tube(s) later if they would work- I can post room sizes, air supply etc later; right now just looking for comments





RE: Use of Vortex tubes
From a practical standpoint compressed air is pretty much the most expensive untility available.
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
Additionally, you'll still need an air handler, since the tubes will not get much air mixing to efficiently cool large volumes.
TTFN
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
If you have that much free air available you would be better off running it through a turboexpander and using the shaft work to run a compressor.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
They aren't really very effecient, but if you can find a synergistic way to take advantage of a dT that is happening anyway then a waste-heat stream can become a valueable resource - that is just good engineering.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
The Plural of "anecdote" is not "data"
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
for end result, which is cooling a hot & humid working environment ( we're looking for a place where they can go to 'cool' down if they becomes heat stressed)- if I could find a use for the hot air stream it would be even better but there are no practical uses for hot water underground -I looked at the turboexpander but don't think the cost would be justified ( may be able to use them to generate power since the other big issue here is a lack of electric power)
The research never ends!
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
TTFN
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
I see that you are in mining. I thought that they pumped chilled water down the shaft for just these types of things. Cold air radiators, cold vests for the workers etc. You can get the vests that incorporate the cooling effect right into the vest and run on air. That would be smarter than trying to cool the whole room with air, besides, as mentioned above you have to push the heat somewhere else it does not just go away.
Just my thoughts
StoneCold
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
(IR Stuff- I was being facetious when I said about using compressed air to run generator-my compressed air plant is 6000+ feet from the rooms I'm trying to cool)-since the rooms are supplied with a compressed air line (normally closed) I thought I could mount the tube out in the drift & plumb the cold air into the room- I think for now the best option is cracking the air line, reduce the humidity & see what happens
Thanks
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
I recently read a theory that claims that the continuity equation requires conservation of angular momentum. Since the Vortex tube has a nearly constant angular velocity (between the inner and outer streams) and a smaller moment on the inner stream it is reasonable for the energy "imbalance" to be made up in heat passing to the higher-momentum stream.
I'm not 100% confident that this theory adequately explains all of the components of the various flow streams, but it is certainly worth further study. I just wasn't buying the "magic" explaination.
I've never heard any claim these widgets are very effecient as a heater/cooler - the niches where they are working well are all things that lack economies of scale for more effecient methods to be worth the cost of installation.
I've looked at a couple of applications recently (details are restricted by a confidentiality agreement) that may be commercial for some very specific and focused niches.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
The Plural of "anecdote" is not "data"
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
one simplified explanation is an adiabatic expansion to a low velocity condition at the fluid pick-off in the vortex chamber. this is just the opposite what occurs in the usual expansion process where the velocity reduction (stagnation) reheats the gas.
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
David
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
RE: Use of Vortex tubes
http://www.twisterbv.com/