A Vortex Tube uses an ordinary supply of compressed air as a power source, creating two streams of air, one hot and one cold – resulting in a low cost, reliable, maintenance free source of cold air for spot cooling solutions.
The EXAIR Vortex tubes are made of stainless steel, which provides resistance to wear, corrosion and oxidation – ensuring years of reliable, maintenance free operation
The cold air flow and temperature are easily controlled by adjusting the slotted valve in the hot air outlet. Opening the valve reduces the cold air flow and the cold air temperature. Closing the valve increases the cold air flow and and the cold air temperature.
EXAIR Vortex Tubes come in three sizes. Within each size, a number of flow rates, which are dictated by a small internal generator, are available. Selection of the appropriate Vortex Tube can be achieved either by knowing the BTU/hr (Kcal/hr) requirements or the desired flow and temperature requirements. Selection is then based on the specification table (BTU/hr or Kcal/hr is known) or the performance tables (flow and temperature is known.)
The performance of a Vortex Tube is reduced with back pressure on the cold air exhaust. Low back pressures up to 2 PSIG ( 0.1 Bar) will not change performance and a 5 PSIG (0.3 Bar) will change the temperature drop by approximately 5°F (2.8°C)
The use of clean air is essential, and filtration of 25 microns or less is recommended. EXAIR offers filters with 5 micron elements and properly sized for flow.
A Vortex Tube provides a temperature drop to the incoming supply air. High inlet temperatures will result in a corresponding rise in the cold air temperature.
EXAIR offers mufflers for both the hot and cold air discharge. If the cold air is ducted, muffling may not be required.
For best performance, operation at 80 to 110 PSIG (5.5 to 7.6 Bar) of supply pressure is recommended. The Vortex Tubes have a maximum pressure rating of 250 PSIG (17.2 Bar) and a minimum requirement of 20 PSIG (1.4 Bar)
To discuss your application and how a Vortex Tube or any EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air Product can improve your process, feel free to contact EXAIR, myself, or one of our other Application Engineers. We can help you determine the best solution!
Brian Bergmann
Application Engineer
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