A simple fan will produce cool air at the centre of the flow, with hotter air at the periphery.askingask said:I wondered how crude can a vortex tube be build?
Thank you!Baluncore said:Welcome to PF.
A simple fan will produce cool air at the centre of the flow, with hotter air at the periphery.
Small and efficient vortex tubes are used for cooling cutting tools. They cost less than $100 from China. (eBay "Small Vortex Tube Cooler SE-WLG08 Vortex Tube + Joint Universal Tube 4150")
Search eBay for "vortex tube" and you will find "Vortex Tube Air Conditioner Waistcoat Compressed Air Cooling" below $100.
A bicycle pump immediately produces hot air. You can use a vortex tube to increase that temperature.
If you want to produce cold air from a vortex tube, you will need an intercooler or storage reservoir to pre-cool the compressed air.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_tube
It depends on what exactly you mean, but probably not.askingask said:So if I place the fan at the opening of a tube, so that the vortex can travel a longer distance, will that increase the temperature difference?
I‘ve seen a few of these videos. I just want to replicate the basic principle with simple materials and experiment with different designs. And see how I can maximise the effect.Baluncore said:I think your next step should be the YouTube videos about making DIY vortex tubes, (they include warnings of burns and frost bite). Your "literal cardboard" may burn.
It takes pressure to blow high speed air.askingask said:Is pressure necessary or would it be enough to blow high speed air?
As you might have seen in the other thread I made, I‘m trying to get all the knowledge needed to make a very primitive cooling system. I‘m very limited in my environment. I‘m not really looking to build an efficient system, but rather my goal is to get at least a proof of concept.Baluncore said:Your experimentation will depend on your environment and your creativity. Do you live on the top floor of a tower block, or in a cave at the bottom of a 100-metre-high waterfall? Is there a small mechanical workshop nearby?
A Hilsch vortex tube is a device that separates a compressed gas into hot and cold streams without any moving parts. It works by forcing compressed air into a tube where it is spun in a vortex. The centrifugal force causes the heavier, colder air to move towards the outer wall, while the lighter, hotter air moves towards the center. The two streams can then be extracted at opposite ends of the tube, resulting in one stream being significantly cooler than the other.
To build a Hilsch vortex tube, it is best to use materials that can withstand high pressures and temperatures. Common materials include aluminum for the body of the tube due to its lightweight and good thermal conductivity, and brass or stainless steel for the inlet and outlet fittings. Ensure that all materials are compatible with the gas being used, typically air, to prevent any chemical reactions or degradation.
The ideal dimensions of a Hilsch vortex tube can vary depending on the application, but a common starting point is a length-to-diameter ratio of around 10:1. For example, a tube with a diameter of 1 inch could be approximately 10 inches long. Experimenting with different diameters and lengths can help achieve the desired temperature separation and flow rates for specific applications.
The temperature difference between the hot and cold streams can be adjusted by changing the input pressure and the length of the vortex tube. Increasing the input pressure generally increases the temperature difference, while adjusting the length of the tube can optimize the separation efficiency. Additionally, altering the size of the outlet openings can also affect the flow rates and thus the temperatures of the streams.
When building and using a Hilsch vortex tube, it is important to take several safety precautions. Always ensure that the materials used can handle the pressures involved to prevent ruptures. Wear safety goggles and gloves when working with compressed gases. Additionally, ensure that the setup is secure and stable to prevent accidental disconnections or leaks. It is also advisable to use pressure relief valves to avoid over-pressurization.