The Vortex tube is probably the most popular tool used today for spot cooling in many industrial applications
. Discovered in 1930, its performance is based on the simple phenomenon of using compressed air for both cooling and heating. Though its function is similar to Air Knives, yet its workings are quite different from them.
How does a vortex tube work?
Vortex is referred to the fluid that rotates about an axis just like a tornado. This phenomenon of vortex is used in the workings of a vortex tube. What is done is that compressed air is entered through a cylindrical generator and separated into two air streams- one hot and one cold. As the cylindrical generator is proportionately larger than the hot (long) tube, the air begins to rotate vigorously. The rotating air is then forced down the inner walls of the hot tube at speeds up to 1,000,000 rpm. A small portion of this air is allowed to exit through a needle valve as hot air exhaust from the end of the hot tube. The rest of the air is forced back through the core of the incoming air stream at a much slower speed. The heat in the slower moving air is then shifted to the faster moving incoming air. This super-cooled air flows further through the center of the generator and exits through the cold air exhaust port which is used in spot cooling.
How does Vortex tube save energy?
The Vortex Tube is today the easiest and most economic solution for all industrial spot cooling needs. This is because it uses only filtered factory compressed air as power source saving lots of energy. This compressed air is converted to hot and cold air streams respectively. It has been found that at 100 PSIG (6.9 Bar) and 70 F (21 C) inlet temperature, a vortex tube can produce refrigeration up to 6000 BTUH (1512 kcal/H) or temperatures to -40 F (-40 C).
So, now you know that you should indeed go for only the air knife system and vortex tube all your spot cooling requirements.