Energy separation for Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube: A short review

Abstract

In this article, the development of the energy separation for the vortex tube has been briefly reviewed. This review mainly focuses on three aspects, they are the energy separation principle, the design criteria of vortex tubes, and practical application. First, the research progress on the energy separation principle of the vortex tube from several aspects has been introduced, such as friction, pressure gradient, acoustic streaming, secondary circulation and multi-circulation theory. In addition, the control factors that affecting the performance of the vortex tube were summarized. Furthermore, due to its simple structure, safety and stability, the vortex tube is widely used in the field of refrigerating and heating, mixture separation. This survey, while extensive cannot cover all papers, some selection is necessary. The purpose of this review aims to summarize the important works of literature on the energy separation of vortex tube as well as identify limitations to existing studies and directions for future research.

Evaluation of an Energy Separation Device for the Efficiency Improvement of a Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System with an External Reformer

“…This study considered various layouts for the optimum combination of the vortex tube with other components. The flow rate of the vortex tube at the hot-fluid exit was maximized when the cold mass ratio was 0.7-0.8 [20][21][22][23][24][25]. The isentropic efficiency of the vortex tube was set to 30%, the cold mass ratio was 70%, ∆T = 50 • C, and the operating pressure was 2 bar.…”

Fluid properties impact on energy separation in Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube

“…Vortex tube is a durable device since (1) it needs little maintenance as it has no moving parts, (2) it does not need special working fluid (Freon or other refrigerants), ( 3) it has light weight and (4) its outlet temperatures are easily adjustable. Despite being used in various industrial applications [8,23], the working mechanism of vortex tube is still contentious [27]. In 1933, Ranque [35] argued that the energy separation is due to the adiabatic expansion in the near axis region and adiabatic compression in the peripheral region.…”

Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Different Numbers of Inlet Nozzles on Vortex Tubes

“…The vortex tube (VOTU) is a particularly mechanical refrigeration unit, where temperature separation is a unique phenomenon in the production of hot and cold air streams [1]. The compressed gas enters the vortex chamber through one or more nozzles, the gas rotates at high speed and, due to the energy separation effect, the hot gas flow flows out from the hot end control valve, the cold gas flow flows in the opposite direction of the hot gas flow through the cold end tube and the cold end control valve [2]. The VOTU itself is simple in structure, without any moving parts, not easily damaged, light in mass.…”