Tag: Cabinet Cooler

Theory of a Dead Man

Published on by jasonkirbyLeave a comment

Georges-Joseph Ranque was born on February 7, 1898, in Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France, to Léon-Joseph Ranque, a railroad engineer. This familial background naturally fostered his passion for physics. He attended the esteemed Lycée Saint-Louis, a selective post-secondary institution, where he furthered his understanding of the subject. Subsequently, he gained admission to École Polytechnique, continuing his academic journey. During his work on an industrial pump, Ranque became intrigued by the Pantone carburetor and discovered what is now referred to as the Ranque effect. This phenomenon serves as the foundational principle behind industrial vortex tubes, where the tangential injection of compressed gas at high velocity results in the creation of two distinct streams: one hot and one cold.

The unique physical phenomenon of the Vortex Tube principle generates cold air instantly, and for as long – or short – a time as needed.

This cold airflow is effectively employed in various industrial applications for spot cooling and enclosure cooling, thanks to its straightforward and dependable nature. The only requirement is a source of compressed air. In 1931, Georges patented his vortex tube, but it did not gain much traction until physicist Rudolf Hilsch revisited the concept. Hilsch enhanced the design, which he referred to as the “Wirbelrohr,” or “whirl pipe” in English. Consequently, the term “Ranque-Hilsch tube” is often used interchangeably with “vortex tube” due to Hilsch’s contributions.

Compressed air enters the tube and flows through a series of nozzles positioned tangentially to the internal counter bore. This nozzle configuration induces the air to rotate in a vortex at speeds reaching up to 1,000,000 RPM. As the air spins, it makes a 90° turn, where a valve at one end permits a portion of the heated air to escape. The remaining air continues down the tube in the inner stream, losing heat before exiting as cold air at the opposite end.

How a Vortex Tube Works

Both streams in a vortex tube rotate in the same direction and at an identical angular velocity. According to the principle of conservation of angular momentum, the rotational speed of the inner vortex is expected to increase. This phenomenon can be effectively illustrated through Olympic figure skating: when a skater extends her arms, her spinning slows down, but as she pulls them in, her rotational speed increases significantly. In the case of a vortex tube, however, the inner vortex maintains a constant speed as it has lost angular momentum. The energy dissipated during this process is released as heat from the hot side of the tube. This heat loss facilitates the cooling of the inner vortex, enabling it to be harnessed for various industrial applications.

The theory behind Vortex Tubes is applied in standard Vortex Tubes as well as in a range of other products designed with specific features tailored to various applications. EXAIR offers a selection that includes Cabinet Coolers, Cold Guns, Adjustable Spot Coolers, Mini Coolers, and Vortex Tubes, all of which function based on this fundamental principle.

 If you have any questions about Vortex Tubes, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear from you!

Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: jasonkirby@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk

Comparing EXAIR’s Cabinet Coolers to an Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger

Published on by Al WooffittLeave a comment

At EXAIR we are confident in the many benefits and advantages of our products. We are aware that they are not the only possible solution. In such instances, it is always good to compare the differences between the relevant options, to make sure you are getting exactly what you need. In this blog, I am going to compare two different panel cooling solutions: our Cabinet Coolers and air-air heat exchangers.

An air-to-air heat exchanger does its job by swapping heat between the air inside the enclosure and the outside ambient air. For these systems to work well, there has to be a temperature difference between the two air volumes. A closed-loop system keeps exchanging heat to maintain a specific internal temperature. Most air-to-air units use a heat pipe for heat exchange, which is a device that transfers heat by turning a refrigerant liquid into vapor when one end of the pipe is in a hot area. The heated vapor then moves to the other end of the pipe, where it’s cooler. There, the vapor condenses back into a liquid (releasing latent heat) and heads back to the hot end of the pipe, repeating the cycle.

So, how does our system stack up against the exchanger? First off, as we mentioned, the efficiency of a heat exchanger is closely linked to the temperature difference (ΔT) between the cabinet’s interior and the surrounding environment. The smaller the ΔT, the less effective the cooling becomes. If the temperature in your facility starts to climb, like during the summer, you could face more problems. You can boost cooling with bigger air-to-air heat exchangers, but they might end up being larger than the enclosure itself!

How the EXAIR Cabinet Cooler System Works

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers work based on the temperature difference (ΔT) between the cold air they generate (usually around 20°F) and the target internal temperature of the enclosure (typically 95°F). Changes in the surrounding temperature won’t impact the cold air produced by the Cabinet Cooler. With our systems, the cooling power is solely determined by the amount of compressed air supplied, which in turn affects the volume of cold air generated. This allows us to significantly boost the cooling capacity without increasing the overall size, which is already much smaller compared to an air-to-air unit. Plus, our systems can operate at ambient temperatures that exceed the desired internal temperature. Our High Temp models can handle environments up to 200°F, something that an air-to-air heat exchanger simply can’t do.

Secondly, dirt in the surrounding environment can affect the cooling efficiency of an air-to-air heat exchanger. For the air-to-air unit to effectively dissipate heat, the heat pipe needs to connect with the outside environment. This opens up the chance for the ambient end of the heat pipe to get covered in contaminants like dust. This dust acts as an insulation barrier between the heat pipe and the surrounding air, which reduces the heat pipe’s ability to condense the vapors inside. Because of this, most air-to-air systems utilize filters to keep the heat pipe separate from the ambient environment. However, when these filters get clogged, it limits access to ambient temperatures, which in turn decreases the cooling capacity of the air-to-air unit.

From right to left: Small NEMA 12, Large NEMA 12, Large NEMA 4X

EXAIR’s NEMA 12 and NEMA 4/4X Cabinet Coolers are designed to be dust and oil-tight. Plus, since there are no moving parts that can wear out, and no need for direct contact with the ambient air for cooling, dirty environments are not an issue. As long as clean, moisture-free compressed air is provided (which can be ensured with a filter separator), EXAIR Cabinet Coolers can operate maintenance-free for many years.

Lastly, air-to-air heat exchangers can be quite large. These bulky systems can be a hassle when space is limited around the enclosure. Additionally, the time and modifications needed to install a large air-to-air unit can lead to further complications. As previously mentioned, EXAIR’s Cabinet Coolers have a small footprint that remains consistent regardless of cooling capacity, and the installation process is also very simple.

As you can see, there are many advantages to choosing an EXAIR Cabinet Cooler over an air-to-air heat exchanger. If you have any questions about how an EXAIR Cabinet Cooler can solve problems in your facility, feel free to give me a call!

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

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Stay Safe!!! Hazardous Location Cabinet Coolers

Published on by jasonkirbyLeave a comment

HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems are specifically designed and certified for use in purged electrical enclosures located in classified environments. These systems are approved for Class I Division I, Groups A, B, C, and D, as well as Class II Division I Groups E, F, and G, and Class III areas. EXAIR’s HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems have undergone rigorous testing by UL, ensuring compliance with the strict UL standards applicable to these environments.

Cabinet Cooler Systems offer an economical and dependable solution for cooling purged electric control panels in various environments. Utilizing Vortex Tube technology, these systems can generate up to 5,600 Btu/Hr without any moving parts, resulting in a low-maintenance option for cooling HazLoc purged cabinets.

EXAIR’s HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems distinguish themselves from competitors by receiving UL classification for Division I environments. These systems, which are thermostatically controlled for optimal efficiency, also feature UL-listed solenoids suitable for hazardous settings. Designed for quick installation on purged enclosures, EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems require minimal maintenance and are built to perform reliably in the most challenging industrial conditions.

EXAIR offers Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler Systems in eight distinct cooling capacities, ranging from 1,000 Btu/Hr to 5,600 Btu/Hr. This variety enables you to select the optimal system tailored to your cooling requirements while minimizing compressed air waste. These Cabinet Cooler Systems effectively shield your electronic equipment from heat, dirt, and moisture, ensuring uninterrupted operation of your processes. They present a cost-effective alternative to cumbersome, high-maintenance coolant-based air conditioning systems and are designed for straightforward installation.

Components are prone to failure, sensors may provide inaccurate readings, controls can drift, and displays can become unreliable. EXAIR HazLoc Cabinet Coolers effectively address these issues, helping to maintain productivity and prevent costly shutdowns and the need for new components. If you have questions about HazLoc Cabinet Cooler Systems, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: jasonkirby@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk

The 30-Day Guarantee Gives You Confidence.

Published on by Al WooffittLeave a comment

When you make a purchase, you want to have confidence that the solution that you’ve spent money on is going to work. With many of the applications that we discuss with customers, the solutions are tried and tested. If your electrical panel is getting too hot, then an EXAIR Cabinet Cooler is exactly what you need. If there’s static on your assembly line, a Gen4 Static Elimination product is the way to go. And if you need to blow off excess water from an extruded pipe, a Super Air Wipe is the perfect fix.

There are plenty of situations where the solution isn’t clear-cut. We believe our products can make a difference, but with so many variables, it’s impossible to just plug everything into a formula and predict the exact outcome. The only way to know for sure is to test. That’s where EXAIR’s 30-day unconditional guarantee comes into play. Every one of our cataloged products is covered by this guarantee. Once you buy one of these items, you have a month to really test it out; change the angle, tweak the operating pressure, or swap out shims. If you manage to find the right setup to fix your issue, awesome! If not, we’ll gladly take it back and give you a full refund! The only thing you need to cover is the shipping to return it to us.

A great example of where testing is key is our Line Vacs. There are several factors to consider: the bulk density of the material, its size, whether it’s abrasive, the desired conveyance rate, and the distance for conveyance – both vertical and horizontal. By using the data we’ve gathered from our controlled in-house tests, we’re going to be able to give you a solid recommendation on which model will suit you best. However, to truly understand how our Line Vac will perform with your specific material and operational conditions, it needs to be put through its paces at your facility. When you buy from us, you get 30 days to try it out risk-free.

At EXAIR, we want to ensure you are getting the best possible solution. Our 30-day unconditional guarantee is one way that we make that a reality. If you would like to discuss how our products can help with your application, give us a call!

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

Send me an Email
Find us on the Web
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Twitter: @EXAIR_AW

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