vortex tubes
vortex tubes
(OP)
hi there
a student of mine did a summer project on vortex tubes, and that was my first (and only) exposure to the topic. i did do some reading and scanned the internet (not extensively) because these are really interesting devices.
does anyone know what industries actually use vortex tubes in there processes (manufacturing or design or whatever) they look like interesting but really impractical curiosities....? he (the student) built one to cool a toolbit during a machining process.....neat idea on his part....but what else is it practical for?
thanks
daveleo
a student of mine did a summer project on vortex tubes, and that was my first (and only) exposure to the topic. i did do some reading and scanned the internet (not extensively) because these are really interesting devices.
does anyone know what industries actually use vortex tubes in there processes (manufacturing or design or whatever) they look like interesting but really impractical curiosities....? he (the student) built one to cool a toolbit during a machining process.....neat idea on his part....but what else is it practical for?
thanks
daveleo





RE: vortex tubes
RE: vortex tubes
http://www.exair.com/misc/product_applications.htm
I have also heard of the "cool suit" application.
RE: vortex tubes
done at Cambridge in the UK. It is very well written and has very solid references.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
RE: vortex tubes
70 years have past since Ranque revealed it - and not a drop of useful, competitive work from it. Only the usual side-show curiosities that come up from time-to-time. The apparatus is so inefficient that I personally prefer to forget about it, now that the fad has had more than sufficient time to subside. As most old-time engineers would say in between yawns: "So what else is new....?"
Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
RE: vortex tubes
Our main use was in the manufacture of HSS miniature broaches, drills and plugs (<0.0090") used in an in-house manufacturing process. For some unknown reason, it just worked, we could produce far more parts with less wheel dressing when using cold air rather than coolant.
Being a 24/7/365 operation in part of our plant they were a great help in keeping equipment on line until we could plan an outage where we had problems with bearings. If fact every lead shift mechanic had one for use if needed, still do.
Another use, still in service, is a very exotic setup where a Vortec cooling tube is cooling a heat pipe in the base of large pillow block bearing. The bearing is on the shaft of very hot (550°F, designed for 250°F ) recirculating blower. This was an emergency fix but worked so well it was left in and is still working.
RE: vortex tubes
if compressed air is already available and you need to heat or cool something (and can stand the noise)...a vortex tube would be something to look at....but if the air isn't there, i don't know....
daveleo
RE: vortex tubes
Hope this helps.
saxon
RE: vortex tubes
David
RE: vortex tubes
The tubes are commonly available. They come in different sizes and some are even adjustable, yawn...they are used where you need cooling and have as good air supply.
Believe first use was with hard-rock mining suits.
RE: vortex tubes
RE: vortex tubes
www.itvortec.com
RE: vortex tubes
rmw
RE: vortex tubes