CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1
1.1 INTRODUCTION:

The vortex tube is a device which separates a high pressure flow entering tangentially into two low
pressure flows, there by producing a temperature change. The vortex tube has no moving parts and
generally consists of a circular tube with nozzles and a throttle valve. High pressure gas enters the vortex
tube tangentially through the nozzles which increases the angular velocity and thus produces a swirl
effect. There are two exits in the vortex tube. The hot exit is located in the outer radius near the far end
of the nozzle and the cold exit is in the centre of the tube near the nozzle. The gas separates into two
layers. The gas closer to the axis has a low temperature and comes out through the cold exit and the gas
near the periphery of the tube has a high temperature which comes out through the hot exit. The
difference in the temperature produced due to the swirl flow was first observed by Ranque during the
study of dust separation cyclone and he referred it as temperature separation. Other investigator has
proposed the idea that the energy transfer is due to compression and expansion during the flow. The
proposed mechanism includes turbulent eddies, embedded secondary circulation and vortices. Gutsol
proposed that the energy separation is due to the centrifugal separation of micro volumes with different
azimuthally velocity in the vortex tube.

The vortex tube was first observed by Ranque. Later, Hilsch did some experimental and theoretical
studies to increase the efficiency of the vortex tube. Fulton explained the energy separation. He proposed
that the inner layer heat the outer layer meanwhile expanding and growing cold. Reynolds did the
numerical analysis of vortex tube. Lewellen arrived at the solution by combining the three Navier-stokes
equations for an incompressible fluid in a strong rotating axisymmetric flow with a radial sink flow.
Linderstorm-lang examined the velocity and thermal fields in the tube. He calculated the axial and radial
gradients of the tangential velocity profile from prescribed secondary flow functions on the basis of a
zero-order approximation to the momentum equations developed by Lewellen for an incompressible
flow.

Schlenz investigated numerically in a uni-flow vortex tube, the flow field and the process of energy
separation. Calculations were carried out assuming a 3D axisymmetric compressible flow and using the
Galerkin's approach with a zero-equation turbulence model to solve the mass, momentum, and energy
conservation equations to calculate the flow and thermal fields. Amitani used the mass, momentum and
energy conservation equation in a 3D model of a counter flow vortex tube with a short length, with an

2
assumption of a helical motion in an axial direction for an invicid compressible perfect fluid.
Flohlingsdorf and Unger used the CFX system with the k- model to study the velocity profile and
energy separation in a vortex tube. Aljuwahel reported that RNG k- is better than k- when he studied
the energy separation and the flow phenomenon in a counter flow vortex tube using CFD in Fluent. T.
Farouk and B. Farouk introduced the large eddy simulation (LES) technique to predict the flow fields
and the associated temperature separation within a counter-flow vortex tube for several cold mass
fractions. However, most of the computations found in the literature used simple or the first-order
turbulence models which are considered unsuitable for complex, compressible vortex tube flows. The
present work presents a two-dimensional numerical investigation of flow and temperature separation
behaviors inside a flow vortex tube.

1.2 Important definition:

A few important terms related to vortex tube has been discussed.

1. Cold mass fraction:

The cold mass fraction defines the ratio between the mass of air moving out through the cold exit to the
actual mass of air entering the vortex tube through the inlet. It is an important parameter which defines
the performance and the temperature separation of a vortex tube. This is expressed by

c = Mc/Mi,

Where Mc is the mass flow rate of cold air and Mi is the mass flow rate through the inlet.

2. Cold air temperature drop:

Cold air temperature drop is the difference between the temperatures of air at inlet to that of the
temperature of air at cold exit. It is denoted by

Tc = Ti Tc;

Where Ti is the temperature of air at inlet and Tc is the temperature of air at cold outlet.

3
3. Cold orifice diameter ratio:
Cold orifice diameter ratio is the ratio between the diameters (d) at the cold exit to that at the inlet (D).

=d/D

4. Coefficient of performance :
It is defined as defined as a ratio of cooling rate to the energy used in cooling. It is given by

COP=Qc/W

Where Qc is the cooling rate per unit of air in the inlet vortex tube, and W is mechanical energy used in
cooling per unit of air inlet.

1.3 Types of Vortex tube

The vortex tube is generally classified into two types. They are uniflow type or parallel type and counter
flow type.

Uniflow type
This type of vortex tube has both the cold and hot exit at the far end of nozzle in the same side. In this
type the vortex tube consist of a nozzle, vortex tube and the cold exit present concentrically with the
annular hot exit. The main applications of the vortex tube are in those areas where compactness,
reliability, and low equipment costs are the major factors and the operating efficiency is of no
consequence. Some typical applications are cooling devices for airplanes, space suits and mines;
instrument cooling; and industrial process coolers.

4
 Fig 1(a) Ranque-Hilsch counter flow vortex tube.Fig1(b) Ranque-Hilschuniflow vortex tube

Counter-flow vortex tube:

The counter flow vortex tube consists of a nozzle, vortex tube, and hot outlet with a cone shaped valve
which controls the output. The cold exit is present centrally near the nozzle end. A source of compressed
gas (e.g. air) at high pressure enters the vortex tube tangentially through one or more inlet nozzles at a
high velocity. The expanding air inside the tube then creates a rapidly spinning vortex. The length of the
tube is typically between 30 and 50 tube diameters. As the air expands down the tube, the pressure drops
sharply to a value slightly above atmospheric pressure,. Centrifugal action will keep this constrained
vortex close to the inner surface of the tube. The air that escapes at the other end of the tube can be
varied by a flow-control valve, usually shaped as a cone. The amount of air released is between 30% and
70% of the total airflow in the tube. The remainder of the air is returned through the centre of the tube,
along its axis as a counter-flowing stream. Once a vortex is set up in the tube, the air near the axis cools
down while the air at periphery heats up in comparison with the inlet temperature. This phenomenon is
known as temperature separation effect.

5
 CHAPTER 2
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID
DYNAMICS

6
2.1 Definition of Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational mathematical analysis, computing

Fluid Dynamics - the dynamics of things that flow

CFD - a computational technology that enables one to study the dynamics of things that flow. CFD is
concerned with numerical solution of differential equations governing transport of mass, momentum and
energy in moving fluid. Using CFD, one can build a computational model on which physics can be
applied for getting the results. The CFD software gives one the power to model things, mesh them, give
proper boundary conditions and simulate them with real world condition to obtain results. Using CFD a
model can be developed which can breed to give results such that the model could be developed into an
object which could be of some use in our life.

The Benefits of CFD

There are three reasons to use CFD software: insight, foresight, and efficiency.

Insight

Think of an object which is difficult to produce practically and do some experiment on it. CFD provides
the break through. Using the CFD software, one can easily design the object and use the boundary
conditions to get output. The simulation thus helps in getting results much easily than constructing the
real object.

Foresight

In CFD first we make the model then use certain boundary conditions to get the output. Thus using
CFD we can give some real world condition say as pressure or temperature and simulate things to get
the output. Many variations can be adopted till an optimal result is reached. All of this can be done
before physical prototyping and testing.

7
Efficiency

The analysis gives better idea of, how the object works. So necessary changes could be brought about
to facilitate better production of the product. Thus CFD helps to design better and faster bringing about
improvement in each step.

2.2 The CFD Process

In the past decades many modeling and simulation software have been developed like PHONICS,
FLUENT, SRAT-CD, CFX, FLOW -3D and COMPACT. Generally this softwares are based on finite
volume method. FLUENT is one of the major software which has helped a lot in modeling fluid and
heat transfer problems. Complex geometries can be meshed in 2D triangular or quadrilateral, 3D
tetrahedral, hexahedral, pyramid, wedge and mixed meshes. Fluent thus help in simulating the
unstructured mesh geometries.

CFD Methodology
CFD can be used to determine the performance of a component at the design stage, or it can be used
to analyze difficulties with an existing component and lead to its improved design.
For example, the pressure drop through a component may be considered excessive:

8
The first step is to identify the region of interest:

The geometry of the region of interest is then defined. If the geometry already exists in CAD, it can be
imported directly. The mesh is then created. After importing the mesh into the pre-processor, other
elements of the simulation including the boundary conditions (inlets, outlets, and so on) and fluid
properties are defined.

9
The flow solver is run to produce a file of results that contains the variation of velocity, pressure and
any other variables throughout the region of interest.
The results can be visualized and can provide the engineer an understanding of the behavior of the
fluid throughout the region of interest.

ANSYS CFX

ANSYS CFX is a high-performance computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software tool that delivers
reliable and accurate solutions quickly and robustly across a wide range of CFD and multi-physics
applications. CFX is recognized for its outstanding accuracy, robustness and speed with rotating
machinery such as pumps, fans, compressors, and gas and hydraulic turbines.

ANSYS CFX is a general purpose Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software suite that combines
an advanced solver with powerful pre- and post-processing capabilities. It includes the following
features:
An advanced coupled solver that is both reliable and robust.
Full integration of problem definition, analysis, and results presentation.
An intuitive and interactive setup process, using menus and advanced graphics.

10
ANSYS CFX is capable of modeling:

Steady-state and transient flows

Laminar and turbulent flows
Subsonic, transonic and supersonic flows
Heat transfer and thermal radiation
Buoyancy
Non-Newtonian flows
Transport of non-reacting scalar components
Multiphase flows
Combustion
Flows in multiple frames of reference
Particle tracking.

STRUCTURE OF CFX

CFX-Pre

The next-generation physics pre-processor, CFX-Pre, is used to define simulations. Multiple meshes
may be imported, allowing each section of complex geometries to use the most ap-propriate mesh.
Analyses, which consist of flow physics, boundary conditions, initial values, and solver parameters, are
also specified. A full range of boundary conditions, including inlets, outlets and openings, together with
boundary conditions for heat transfer models and periodicity, are all available in ANSYS CFX through
CFX-Pre;for details, see CFX-Pre Basics in the CFX-Pre User's Guide.
Complex simulations are assembled from one or more configurations, each of which combines an
analysis definition with other related tasks such as remeshing. Control over the configuration execution
order and inter-configuration solution dependencies then facilitates the setup of relatively common
simulations, such as those involving the initialization of a transient analysis using results from a steady-
state analysis. Use of multiple configurations and control also facilitates the setup of increasingly
complex simulations of , for example, performance curves for turbo-machines or internal combustion
engines with evolving geometry and physics.

11
CFX-Solver

CFX-Solver solves all the solution variables for the simulation for the problem specification generated
in CFX-Pre.
One of the most important features of ANSYS CFX is its use of a coupled solver, in which all the hydro-
dynamic equations are solved as a single system. The coupled solver is faster than the traditional
segregated solver and fewer iterations are required to obtain a converged flow solution. Additional
information on the CFX-Solver models is available; for details, see Basic Capabilities Modeling in the
CFX-Solver Modeling Guide.

CFX-Solver Manager

The CFX-Solver Manager module provides greater control to the management of the CFD task. Its
major functions are:

Specify the input files to the CFX-Solver.

Start/stop the CFX-Solver.
Monitor the progress of the solution.
Set up the CFX-Solver for a parallel calculation.

CFD-Post
CFD-Post provides state-of-the-art interactive post-processing graphics tools to analyze and present the
ANSYS CFX simulation results.

Important features include:

Quantitative post-processing
Report generation (see Report in the CFD-Post User's Guide)
Command line, session file, or state file input
User-defined variables
Generation of a variety of graphical objects where visibility, transparency, color, and line/face
rendering can be controlled

12
 Power Syntax to allow fully programmable session files

2.3 PROBLEM SOLVING STEPS

After determining the important features of the problem following procedural steps are followed for
solving it

1. The geometry model was created and meshing was done.

2. The appropriate solver was started for 2D or 3D modeling.

3. The grid was checked.

4. The solver formulation was selected.

5. The basic equation to solve: laminar or turbulent was selected.

6. The material properties were specified.

7. The boundary properties were specified.

8. The solution control parameter was adjusted.

9. The flow field was initialized.

10. The solution was calculated.

11. The results were examined.

12. The results were saved.

13. If necessary, refine the grid or consider revisions to the numerical or physical model.

13
 CHAPTER 3
GEOMETRY MODELING

14
GEOMETRY MODELING
The geometry of the vortex tube is made in the solid works. The 3-D Model geometry is developed in
the solid works.

The major parts of the vortex tubes are as follows:

1.Body(Tube)

2.Vortex generator

3.Stopper

4.Washer

5. Control Valve

PARTS DESCRIPTION:

1. Body(Tube)

Body or Tube is the main part of the vortex tube, it can be calledas a casing of the vortex tube as it
support and help fluid to flow inside into it.

Fig 3.1. Main Body (Tube)

15
2. VORTEX GENERATOR

It is the device due to which swirling of air occurs. Air enters tangentially to the tube through the nozzle
incorporated in it. Due to these tangential nozzles only, pressurized air is forced to form vortex inside
the tube.
It is very important to have vortex formation and therefore vortex generator should be designed in
proper way. And also number of nozzles plays an important role in vortex generation.

Fig 3. 2. Vortex Generator

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3. STOPPER
Stopper provides the flow of tangential air to one side only. That is it transfer the air towards hot outlet

Fig 3.3. Stopper

4. Washer
Washer provides sufficient support to the vortex generator and also it provides protection from the air
leakage.

Fig 3.4. Washer

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5. CONTROL VALVE
It regulate the hot air flow and also depending upon the opening of control valve, the mass flow rate of
cold and hot air depends.

Fig 3.5. Control Valve

ASSEMBLY

Fig 3.6. Assembly

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 CHAPTER 4
CFD ANALYSIS

19
4.1 CFD MODEL:
A three dimensional model is made in solid works and then Imported in Ansys work bench.

Fig 4.1 shows the 3D CFD model of vortex tube.

The above model was designed in Solid Works with the proper dimensions. The base of the model is the
base line or the centre line of the tube. The length of the tube is of 300mm. The inlet is of 4mm diameter.
The cold flow outlet is of 8mm. The boundary at the other end holds the hot exit which is of 19 mm. Air
is used as the material to be used in the vortex tube.

20
4.2 PROCEDURE FOR MODELING

STEP 1:

Specify that the FLUID to be created is for use with CFX 14.5:

Fig 4.2 shows the fluid part model of vortex tube.

Main menu>Create>Boolean
Boolean all the fluid parts(the parts through which fluid passes) and name it as FLUID.

21
STEP 2: MESH

The element is of Tri and the type is pave. Number of triangular cells= 1309

Fig 4.3 shows the meshing of vortex tube.

STEP 3 :( set boundary types)

Solver settings :

Assumptions :

[1] The working medium is ideal gas-air

[2] There is no heat interaction of the computation domain with the surroundings.

[3] Flow is steady, turbulent and compressible.

[4] Body force is negligible .

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Boundary conditions :

Inlet :

Mass flow rate = 0.03 kg/s

Inlet temperature = 300k

Static relative pressure

Hot outlet :

Pressure = 1.2 bar (relative)

Cold outlet :

Pressure = 0 bar(relative)

Relative pressure is 1 atm.

The solver was set for a three dimensional steady, compressible pressure based SIMPLE scheme with
SECONDORDER UPWIND scheme for convective terms and standard k model to capture
turbulence. Ideal gas equation has been activated to capture temperature redistribution occurring due to
energy separation. 100 iterations were carried out on this setup. It shows that the solution had almost
converged for momentum and not for energy. This situation still satisfies the analysis.

(Materials)
By default the material selected was air with properties.
Viscosity, = 1.7894 x 10-5 kg/ms
Density, r= 1.225 kg/ m3.
Thermal Conductivity, K=0.0242 W/mK
Specific heat, Cp= 1.00643kJ/kg K
Molecular weight= 28.966

23
4.3 ANALYSIS IN CFX

STEP4: SETUP

1. Defining problem type

2. Defining data

24
3.Data at Inlet

25
4.Data at Cold Outlet

26
5. Data at Hot Outlet

6. Solver Control

27
7. Solver Control

28
STEP 5: (Solution)

29
SOLVE > CONTROLS>SOLUTIONS

All flow, turbulent and energy equation used.

Flow in the vortex tube is highly turbulent. The steady state assumption and practical considerations
indicate that a turbulence model must be employed to represent its effects. The turbulence kinetic
energy, k and its rate of dissipation, is obtained from the following transport equations:

In these equations, Gk represents the generation of turbulence kinetic energy due to the mean velocity
gradients, Gb is the generation of turbulence kinetic energy due to buoyancy, YM represents the
contribution of the fluctuating dilatation in compressible turbulence to the overall dissipation rate, C1,
C2 and C3 are constants. k and are the turbulent prandtl numbers for k and , respectively. The
turbulent (or eddy) viscosity, t is computed by combining k and as follows:

Where, C is a constant.

Analysis Run

30
SOLVE>MONITOR>SURFACE SOLVE>ITERATE

31
Convergence was noticed at 45 iterations

Fig. 4.4 iteration curve

Temperature at inlet, hot exit and cold exit was noted by taking the area weighted average. The data was
saved.

32
STEP 6: (Displaying the preliminary solution)

DISPLAY>CONTOURS
Display of filled contours of velocity magnitude

~ Velocity was selected and then velocity magnitude in the Drop down list was selected. ~filled under

option was selected.

~Display was clicked.

Display of filled contours of temperature

DISPLAY>CONTOURS

~Temperature was selected and then Static temperature in the drop down list was selected.

~Filled under option was selected.

~Display was clicked.

Display of filled contours of pressure

DISPLAY>CONTOURS
~ Pressure was selected along various planes

~filled under option was selected.

~Display was clicked.

Display velocity vector.

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DISPLAY>VECTOR

~Display was clicked to plot the velocity vectors.

PLOT>XY PLOT

~ Three graphs were plotted.

~ One was Static temperature v/s position, another was static pressure v/s position and the third one was

velocity magnitude v/s position.

~ The graphs give the magnitude of each at inlet, hot exit and cold exit.

SOLUTION OBTAINED FROM CFD

For close control valve position,

At cold outlet,

Tc = 263 K

Ti = 300 K

Tc = Ti Tc = 37 K

At hot outlet,

Th = 303 K

Ti = 300 K

Th = Ti Th =3k

34
 CHAPTER 5
EXPERIMENTAL MODEL

35
5.1 EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF VORTEX TUBE

Six holes were first made at tangent to the PVC Coupler tube. These six holes acted as a vortex
generator and created a vortex flow when pressurized air was passed through them. Two rubber seals are
mounted over the PVC Coupler. Second PVC Coupler is then mounted over the rubber seals. A hole is
drilled over the bigger PVC coupler for providing compressed air into the tube. The two PVC tubes, cold
tube & hot tube were then assembled together and attached to one end of the PVC Coupler tube. This
acted as the cold end and hot end of the vortex tube. The conical valve was then made on a lathe with a
taper of 30.
Parts used for making experimental model:

1. COUPLER

Fig 5.1. Coupler with tangential nozzles

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2. BIGGER COUPLER
In bigger coupler hot tube, cold tube, seals and washer are inserted. A hole is to be made in this for the
provision of inserting compressed air.

Fig 5.2. Bigger coupler

3. SEALS AND WASHER

37
Seals is to be mounted in between smaller and bigger coupler. It helps in protection from leakages.

Fig 5.3. Seals and washer

4. CONTROL VALVE
Control valve is used to control the mass flow rate of cold and hot outlet air.

Fig 5.4. Control valve

5.2 DIMENSIONS USED FOR MAKING VORTEX TUBE

38
1. EXPERIMENTAL MODEL

Sr.no. Element Dimension(mm)

1. Tube diameter 19
2. Tube Length 300
3. Cold exit length 190
4. Nozzle Diameter 4
5. Cold Exit Diameter 8
Table 5.1 dimension of experimental model

2. ANSYS MODEL

Sr.no. Element Dimension(mm)

1. Tube diameter 19
2. Tube Length 300
3. Cold exit length 190
4. Nozzle Diameter 4
5. Cold Exit Diameter 8
Table 5.2 ansys model dimensions

EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATION:

39
 Close
valve Tc Th Tc Th Vc Mc c COP
position

1 294 - 6 - 466.27 0.03 1 0.044

3/4 291 311 9 11 401 0.0258 0.86 0.056

1/2 295 309 5 9 298.4 0.0192 0.64 0.023

1/4 296 307 4 7 149.2 0.00963 0.32 0.009

Table 5.3 Observation Table of Experimental Model

CALCULATION:
For closed valve position,

Coefficient of Performance = Qc / w

Where Qc is cooling effect and w is work input.

Now, Qc = Mc * Cp * Tc = 0.0258 * 1.005 * 9 = 0.233 kw.

W= Mi * R * Ti * ln(Patm / Pi) = 0.03 * 0.287 * 300 * ln(1.013/5) --- [Patm = 1.013 bar & Pi = 5 bar]

W= 4.124 kw.

So, COP = 0.056

40
 CHAPTER 6
RESULT & DISCUSSION

41
6.1 ANSYS RESULTS

GRID DISPLAY

Fig 6.1 Grid display showing hot outlet, cold outlet and pressure inlet.

The above figure shows the gird pattern of the 3D axisymmetric model. The Grid pattern is created with
the CFX software. The figure shows the mass flow inlet, hot pressure outlet and cold pressure outlet.
The lower yellow line is the tube centre line. The fluid flowing in the tube is air. The fluid entered the
tube through the inlet. The fluid stream got separated into the hot part which exit through the far end and
the cold part which exit through the opening in the near end.

42
ITERATION CURVE

Fig 6.2 Graph shows iteration and convergence.

The above figure shows the iteration curve. The solution converges in 152 iterations. The curve shows
convergence of various scaled residuals consisting of continuity, x velocity, y velocity, swirl, energy, K
and epsilon.

43
CONTOURS

PRESSURE CONTOURS

Fig 6.3. Pressure contour

44
VELOCITY CONTOUR

Fig 6.4 Contour showing the velocity variation along inlet, cold outlet and hot outlet.

45
TEMPERATURE CONTOUR

Fig 6.5 Contour showing the temperature variation along inlet, cold outlet and hot outlet.

46
EDDY VISCOSITY CONTOUR

Fig.6.6. Eddy viscosity contour

47
6.2 GRAPHS

Fig 6.7: Graph showing the Temperature distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the
outlets.

Fig 6.8: Graph showing the Pressure distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the outlets.

48
Fig 6.9: Graph showing the Velocity distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the outlets.

COP VS CLOSE VALVE POSITION

0.06

0.05

0.04

COP 0.03 Series 1

0.02

0.01

0
0 0.75000000000000178 0.5 0.25

CLOSE VALVE POSITION

Fig. 6.10 graph between cop and close valve position

49
DISCUSSION

PRESURE CONTOUR

FIGURE 6.3

The figure shows pressure variation along inlet, hot and cold outlet. The fluid enters the vortex tube
through the inlet with swirl motion and a high pressure. The fluid loses pressure as it moves in the axial
direction and reaches a point where the pressure becomes very less. The fluid which moves forward in
the axial direction moves out though the hot exit.

VELOCITY CONTOUR

FIGURE 6.4

The figure shows the contour of velocity along inlet, hot and cold outlet. The fluid entering the vortex
tube has a very low radial component of velocity. The contour of velocity clearly indicates the stagnation
point. From the contour it can be inferred that velocity at hot outlet is very low compared to that at cold
outlet.

50
TEMPERATURE CONTOURS

FIGURE 6.5

The figure shows contours of temperature variation along inlet, hot and cold outlet. Due to cooling effect
of inlet air from inlet, the temperature of the fluid increases as we move from left to the right. This can
be represented by yellow color which changes to red as we move left. The fluid moving out through the
cold outlet has a low temperature compared to both inlet and hot outlet and is marked with a blue color
in the contour display.

EDDY VISCOSITY CONTOUR

FIGURE 6.6

51
The figure shows contours of eddy viscosity variation along inlet, hot and cold outlet. Eddy viscosity
varies at different region according to the area. Due to boundary of tube there exist a resistance to the
motion of air and hence eddy viscosity increases.
GRAPHS

FIGURE 6.7

The graph in figure shows the temperature distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the outlets.
As we see, the maximum temperature is observed at the hot outlet. The fluid moving out through the
cold outlet has the lowest temperature in the vortex tube. Hence we observed a refrigeration effect when
a fluid is tangentially introduced into the vortex tube.

FIGURE 6.8

The graph in figure shows the pressure distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the outlets. A
sinusoidal pressure function was provided at the inlet. The pressure at both the cold and hot outlet was
fixed. The pressure at the hot outlet was more than that of the cold outlet.

FIGURE 6.9

The graph in figure shows the velocity distribution along the vortex axis, inlet and both the outlets. The
velocity is almost zero at hot outlet. As the fluid moves from inlet to hot outlet in the axial direction it
loses it speed and drops to zero. Reverse flow occurs and hence the velocity increases as it moves
towards the cold outlet. Thus the velocity at cold outlet is high.

FIGURE 6.10

The graph in figure shows the COP distribution along the position of control valve. COP value is
dependent on the position of control valve. When control valve is closed the COP comes is 0.02, which
is less than the COP comes in close control valve as when valve is completely off in that condition
some hot air mixes with cold air which reduces refrigerating effect. Now at close control valve the

52
COP comes is maximum as at this position the mass flow rate of hot and cold air is perfect. If position of
control valve is further change than again COP will reduces.

6.3 FINAL RESULT

Sr. Parameter Experimental Value CFX Value

No.
1 Inlet Pressure 5 bar 5 bar
2 Inlet Temperature 300 K 300 K
3 Cold Outlet Temperature 291 K 263 K
4 Cold Temperature Drop 9 37
5 Hot outlet Temperature 306 K 303 K
6 Hot temperature Rise 6 3

Table 6.1. Final result

53
 CHAPTER 7
APPLICATION & FUTURESCOPE

54
7.1 APPLICATIONS

1. CONVEYOR CLEANER
Vortex tube can be used for cleaning small conveyors dust& debris.

Fig 7.1. vortex use for cleaning conveyors

2. COOLING ELECTRONIC CIPS

It can be used for cooling electronic chips and micro controllers. As it is compact in size and therefore
it is convenient to use.

Fig 7.2. vortex use for cooling electronic chips

55
3. Water droplets remover
It is important to keep the air supply clean and dry. We can use as a water removal filter with a float
type automatic drain with a minimum filtration of 5 micron. If there is a chance of oil in the lines, we
can use an oil removal filter as well with a minimum filtration of 0.3 micron, also with an automatic
drain. To minimize air use, we can use a regulator with gauge to set the minimum pressure necessary to
operate the system. If the system can be turned on and off as necessary, we can use a system such as
our PLCFC System.

Fig 7.3. vortex tube use for removing water droplets

4. Washing vegetables

Fig 7.4. vortex tube use for Washing vegetables

56
5. COOLING OF MOLDED PLASTIC
Vortex tube can be used to shorten the cooling cycle of moulded plastic tanks, by providing cool air into
the molded plastic tanks.

Fig 7.5. Vortex tube used in molded plastic tanks

6. Spot cooling
vortex tube provide the cool air at a spot, and hence can be used in cooling of needles in textile industry.

Fig 7.6. Spot cooling of needle in textile industry

57
7. COOLING AT SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE
Many time it is needed to provide exact cooling temperature to the material being machined. We can
make a vortex tube to give the desirable cooling temperature.

Fig7.7. Vortex tube used for cooling at specific temperature

8. COOLING AT PARTICULAR TEMPERATURE RANGE

Many times it is needed to cool the things at tightly controlled temperature at that time vortex tube is
preffered as it work at controlled temperature.

Fig 7.8. Cooling at controlled temperature

58
9. COOLING CAMERAS
Vortex tube can be used to cool the cameras which have to work at hot temperatures like filming
furnace. It makes cameras able to work at hot conditions. Also it helps for cleaning the lenses.

Fig 7.9. Vortex tube used in cooling camera

59
10. CREATING VACUUM

Two Vortex tube can be installed in a single duct, one on top and one in bottom, to draw in waste fumes
& exhaust. It work as an excellent vacuum.

Fig 7.10. Vortex work as an exhaust

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7.2 ADVANTAGE OVER C ONVENTIONAL SYSTEM

Example 1
Assume an existing blowoff of a 24 long pipe with 3/32 holes spaced inches apart for a total of 32
holes. At 80 PSIG from the graph each hole consumes about 9.4 SCFM for a total of 32 X 9.4 = 300.8
SCFM
TM TMAt 80 PSIG a 24 Standard Air Blade Air Knife consumes
24 X 3.8 SCFM/inch = 91.2 SCFM
Compressed air saved is 300.8 91.2 = 209.6 SCFM
Using actual air costs if known (or assuming a reasonable cost of $.30 US per 1000 cubic feet) the
dollars saved is 209.6 X 60 X 0.30/1000 = $3.77/hr
or assuming an 2000 hour working year = $7450.00 SAVED PER YEAR.

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EXAMPLE 2

Assume an existing blowoff of a 24 long pipe with 3/32 holes spaced inches apart for a total of 32
holes.
At 80 PSIG from the graph each hole consumes about 9.4 SCFM for a total of
32 X 9.4 = 300.8 SCFM TM TM At 80 PSIG a 24 X-Stream Air Blade Air Knife consumes 24 X 2.9
SCFM/inch = 69.6 SCFM
Compressed air saved is 300.8 - 69.6 = 231.2 SCFM Using actual air costs if known (or assuming a
reasonable cost of $.30 US per 1000 cubic feet) the dollars saved is 231.2 X 60 X 0.30/1000 = $4.16 /hr
or assuming an 2000 hour working year = $8320.00 SAVED PER YEAR.

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7.3 FUTURE SCOPE

Vortex tube has very less COP, which has to be improved by increasing refrigerating effect or by
reducing work done on compressor. If some other alternative equipment of compressor is used which
run on less power consumption, then we can increase its COP significantly.

Shape of the tube can be modified to provide better vortex so that we get better COP. There are different
shapes of tubes are possible to make. A study can be conducted and according to several studies different
possible shapes like tapered shape or others can be used.

Number of inlets can be increased for providing force vortex which can be more continuous up to the
entire tube.

Vortex tube with variable length can be made, that is it has a functional ability to change its length
according to our need.

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CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION

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CONCLUSION

Cold end temperature obtained by CFD = -10 C

Cold end temperature obtained through the model = 18 C
Thus the results obtained through CFD are near to that obtained experimentally
The temperature plot obtained through CFD is same as that obtained through the model
experimentally
The temperature and pressure plot obtained though CFD analysis shows that the stagnation
point inside the tube and far away from the hot end.

This analysis shows a comparison of the cold exit temperature drop values obtained from CFD analysis
and experimentally. The CFD values are higher as it accounts ideal conditions, while the experimental
values differ on account of immeasurable uncertainties inherent in the setup and due to limitations of the
measuring instruments. Both the results obtained are within satisfactory limits. Thus CFD analysis is a
better way of analyzing the Vortex tube.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We hereby take this opportunity to present our project named Dent damage and remedies. We are grateful
to those who have helped us in our project.
We are out of words in expressing thanks to our guide PROF.G.S. SONAR, college project coordinator
PROF. Mrs S.D. KHETREE. Special thanks to PROF. GANESH KATKE sir for helping us for working
in ANSYS WORKBENCH.
We would also like to tender our sincere thanks to the collegefaculty members and the non-teaching staff for
their co-operation. We would like to express our deep regards and gratitude to the HOD PROF. Mrs
SANDHYA JADHAV and our Respected Principal DR. M.Z. SHAIKH.
We feel it is impossible to repay this debt of all those who have directly or indirectly helped us for
compiling the project.

REFERENCES
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[1]. BeheraUpendra, Paul P.J, Dinesh K, Jacob S., Numerical investigation on flow behavior and energy
separation in Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube.

[2]. Eiamsa-ard Smith, PromvongePongjet, Numerical investigation of the thermal separation in a

Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube.

[3]. Aljuwayhel N.F, Nellis G.F, Klein S.A, Parametric and internal study of the vortex tube using a CFD
model.

[4]. Study and Analysis of Vortex Tube by, Prof. Uday V. Aswalekar , Ritesh S. Solanki Vedang S.
Kaul , Shrutika S. Borkar , Shankar R. Kambale

[5]. Youtube

[6]. Solidworks 2015 and Ansys tutorials.

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