VORTEX TUBE Meaning and
Definition
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A vortex tube is a mechanical device that separates a compressed gas stream into two distinct airstreams, one hot and the other cold, without requiring any external energy input. Also known as a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube, it operates based on the principle of vortex dynamics and the conservation of angular momentum.
The vortex tube consists of a cylindrical chamber with tangential inlets for the compressed gas and a central outlet. As the gas enters the chamber, it starts to rotate due to its tangential intake, forming a swirling vortex along the inner wall. The high-speed rotating gas then divides into two separate streams: an inner core and an outer shell. The inner core, moving in a helical flow pattern, is expelled through the central outlet as the cold airstream, while the outer shell streams out through the cylindrical chamber wall as the hot airstream.
The separation of the hot and cold streams is achieved through a complex interaction of radial and axial flow velocities within the vortex tube. As the high-velocity gas runs closer to the center, it loses kinetic energy and cools down, converting some of its heat into potential energy. In contrast, the low-velocity gas on the outer layer gains kinetic energy and is heated up. This phenomenon allows the vortex tube to exhibit a remarkable internal energy division, generating temperature differentials of up to 70°C between the hot and cold airstreams.
Vortex tubes have various industrial applications, such as spot cooling electronic components, cooling cutting tools, separating gas mixtures, and providing temperature-controlled cooling in various manufacturing processes.
Common Misspellings for VORTEX TUBE
- cortex tube
- bortex tube
- gortex tube
- fortex tube
- virtex tube
- vkrtex tube
- vlrtex tube
- vprtex tube
- v0rtex tube
- v9rtex tube
- voetex tube
- vodtex tube
- voftex tube
- vottex tube
- vo5tex tube
- vo4tex tube
- vorrex tube
- vorfex tube
- vorgex tube
- voryex tube
Etymology of VORTEX TUBE
The etymology of the word "vortex tube" can be broken down as follows:
1. Vortex: The word "vortex" comes from the Latin term "vertex", meaning "whirlpool" or "eddy". It is derived from the verb "verto", meaning "to turn" or "to whirl". The concept of a vortex describes the motion of a fluid or gas in a rotating, spiral manner.
2. Tube: The word "tube" comes from the Latin term "tubus", meaning "pipe" or "hollow cylinder". It refers to a cylindrical or tubular structure that can contain or transfer fluids, gases, or other substances.
When these two words are combined, "vortex tube" refers to a specific device or apparatus that uses the principles of a vortex to separate a compressed gas stream into hot and cold streams.
