The design of a vortex tube of good efficiency in which the expansion of a gas in a centrifugal field produces cold is described. The important variables in construction and operation are discussed and data for several tubes under various operating conditions are given. Low pressure gas, 2 to 11 atmospheres, enters the tube and two streams of air, one hot and the other cold, emerge at nearly atmospheric pressure. The cold stream may be as much as 68°C below inlet temperatures. Efficiencies and applications are discussed.

Topics
Vortex tube
1.
M. G.
Ranque
,
J. de. Phys. et Rad.
[7],
4
,
112
(
1933
).
2.
Literal translation of the German word “Wirbelröhre.”
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© 1947 American Institute of Physics.
1947
American Institute of Physics
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