Vortex Tubes

The vortex tube is also known as the Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube. These are mechanical devices that consist of no moving parts and effectively separate compressed gas from the hold and cold streams. The gas that comes out of the hot end can even reach temperatures of 200 °C, and the emerging gas from the cold end can go down as much as −50 °C. The vortex tubes are mainly made from stainless steel, protecting them from snow, rain, humidity, and other corrosive environments. 

Vortex tubes are more commonly used for cooling applications than heating applications. Therefore, they can convert compressed air into as low as −50 °C. Vortex tubes are generally used when no other cooling tools can cool a particular area to the required amount. The vortex tube-operated panels are placed or fitted on top of the electrical and electronic cabinets so that they can pass cool and clean air to the panel, getting rid of hot air around sensitive electronics.

How Do Vortex Tubes Work?

As already mentioned above, Vortex tubes are mechanical devices capable of separating hot and cold streams. Vortex tubes are most commonly used for cooling or converting compressed air into cool air. They are generally used for cooling sections or enclosures to the desired amount when other tools fail. 

Pressurized gas will be inserted tangentially into a swirl chamber, then accelerated to a high amount for rotation. As the vortex tube consists of a conical nozzle at the end of it, only the outer shell of the compressed gas will be able to leave at the end. Whatever amount of the gas is left will be forced to return to an inner cortex with reduced diameter and inside the outer cortex.

Types of Enclosures to be Used with Vortex Tubes

The correct enclosure can be identified by solving the overheating internal panel heating problem. Following are some of the panels in which Vortex tubes can be installed:

NEMA Type 12

This enclosure is appropriate for environmental settings where no corrosive materials or liquid are present. This is mainly used in industrial applications where the enclosure must keep the dust away from electronics and protect the equipment against falling dirt and electrical dust.

NEMA 3R

This is a weatherproof enclosure quick release lockable latches and gasketed raised liquids. They are commonly used for protecting electrical panels in outdoor settings. If the enclosure is strong enough, it will not be damaged even if ice forms on the exterior of the enclosure. It can protect the equipment from any damage caused by water, sleet, snow, etc.

Patented NEMA Type 4-4x

This is a patented designed and watertight enclosure that mainly provides personal protection against dangerous parts. This is splash resistant and is commonly used to protect outdoor equipment. It can protect instruments from water, ice, snow, sleet, splashing water, and even hose-directed water. Even if ice is formed on the exterior of the enclosure, no damage will be caused to the equipment inside. The use of Patented watertight compartments provides additional protection against corrosion.

Patented NEMA Types 4x-4-316L

The 316L enclosures are made from stainless steel and are sealed, spray-resistant, oil-tight, and are primarily used in humid or wet environments. It is generally used in pharmaceutical, food service, and highly corrosive environments, where 303/304 stainless steel is insufficient.