The vortex tube was discovered in 1930 by French physicist Georges Ranque. Vortec was the first company to develop this phenomenon into practical, effective cooling solutions for industrial applications. Here’s how it works.
Fluid that rotates about an axis – like a tornado – is called a vortex. A vortex tube creates a vortex from compressed air and separates it into two air streams – one hot and one cold. Compressed air enters a cylindrical generator which is proportionately larger than the hot (long) tube where it causes the air to rotate. Then, the rotating air is forced down the inner walls of the hot tube at speeds reaching 1,000,000 rpm. At the end of the hot tube, a small portion of this air exits through a needle valve as hot air exhaust. The remaining air is forced back through the center of the incoming air stream at a slower speed. The heat in the slower moving air is transferred to the faster moving incoming air. This super-cooled air flows through the center of the generator and exits through the cold air exhaust port.
Vortex Tubes have many applications:
- Cool machine operations
- Dry ink on labels and bottles
- Temperature cycle parts
- Keep electronics cool
- Set solders and adhesives
- Dehumidify gas samples
- Cool cutter blades
- Thermal test sensors
- Cool heat seal operations
- Cool plastic injection molds
Features:
- Cool without refrigerants (CFCs/HCFCs) or moving parts for reliable, trouble- free operation.
- Use no electricity – intrinsically safe, no RF interference.
- Compact and lightweight for easy installation – even in tight areas.
Item # |
Air Consumption |
Inlet |
Capacity |
| 106-2-H | 2 SCFM | 1/8″ NPT(F) | 100 Btu/hr |
| 106-4-H | 4 SCFM | 1/8″ NPT(F) | 200 Btu/hr |
| 106-8-H | 8 SCFM | 1/8″ NPT(F) | 400 Btu/hr |
| 208-11-H | 11 SCFM | 1/4″ NPT(F) | 640 Btu/hr |
| 208-15-H | 15 SCFM | 1/4″ NPT(F) | 900 Btu/hr |
| 208-25-H | 25 SCFM | 1/4″ NPT(F) | 1500 Btu/hr |
| 308-35-H | 35 SCFM | 1/4″ NPT(F) | 2650 Btu/hr |
| 328-50-H | 50 SCFM | 1/2″ NPT(M) | 3000 Btu/hr |
| 328-75-H | 75 SCFM | 1/2″ NPT(M) | 4500 Btu/hr |
| 328-100-H | 100 SCFM | 1/2″ NPT(M) | 6000 Btu/hr |
* All Tubes are 100 PSIG & have a recommended air temperature of 70°F
Airflow temperature can be dropped up to an additional 20ºF (11ºC). Colder airflow temperatures are produced by adjusting the needle valve to increase the hot airflow. The needle valve is located in the hot exhaust. Vortex Tubes produce less airflow at colder temperatures and have less BTUH (kcal/H) capacity.
Accessories:
Model No. |
Description |
| 106GEN | Individual Generator for 106 Vortex Tube — specify 2, 4 or 8 SCFM |
| 106MC | Cold End Muffler for 106 Vortex Tube |
| 208GEN | Individual Generator for 208 Vortex Tube — specify 11, 15, 25 or 35 SCFM |
| 208MC | Cold End Muffler for 208 or 308 Vortex Tubes |
| 208MH | Hot End Muffler for 106 or 208 Vortex Tubes |
| 308MH | Hot End Muffler for 308 Vortex Tube |
| 328M | Cold or Hot End Muffler for 328 Vortex Tube |
| 328XB | Individual Generator for 328 Vortex Tube — specify 50, 75 or 100 SCFM |
