Vortex Tubes are the ideal solution for a variety of spot cooling applications. The Vortex Tube utilizes a compressed air source to produce both a cold air stream and a hot air stream. The Vortex Tube is capable of achieving a temperature drop of as low as -50°F or temperature rise of up to +260°F from the temperature of the compressed air supply. You can find more information about the history of the Vortex Tube here.
EXAIR has (2) different distinct styles of Vortex Tubes, those for maximum refrigeration and maximum cold temperature. The (C) generators are installed in our 34xx series Vortex tubes and are used to achieve the maximum cold temperature. (R) generators are installed in our 32xx series Vortex Tubes and are used for maximum refrigeration up to 10,200 Btu/hr. The generator can be identified by the stamp located on the shoulder. For example, a 3240 Vortex Tube will have a 40-R generator installed. This “40-R” will be stamped onto the generator. The number of the generator also indicates the total compressed air consumption at 100 PSIG (6.9 BAR). A 3240 will consume 40 SCFM of compressed air when operated at this pressure. The larger the flow rate, the greater cooling power that can be created.
The “R” generators are most commonly used for industrial cooling applications and are also installed in our Cabinet Cooler systems. These are referred to as maximum refrigeration generators. For general cooling applications, this should be the generator of choice. The “C” generators are used for achieving a maximum cold temperature. This style generator is needed most often in “cryogenic” applications such as cooling lab samples and circuit testing.
EXAIR offers a cooling kit for each size Vortex Tube that contains each of the different generators for that style. Here’s a video blog by Brian Bergmann that gives an overview of the Model 3930 Cooling Kit.
If you have a spot cooling application that requires a Vortex Tube, give us a call. We have a team of Application Engineers ready to work with you on the application and help recommend the most suitable model number. If you’d like to conduct your own testing, we offer an Unconditional 30 Day Guarantee for all stock products.
Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD