Control Port Influence on Swirl, Operating, and Flow Characteristics of a Mini-Vortex Amplifier on Glove Box Service

Abstract

Vortex amplifiers (VA) use fluidic phenomena to modify flow through a containment breach, when used to protect glove box workers from exposure to the contents. The influence of control port geometry on swirl, operating characteristics, global flow, and momentum characteristics is studied experimentally. Shape and size of the control flow channels and the pressure applied at the tangential ports are critical in determining the trajectory of the jet issuing from the tangential ports and deflection of radial flow and vortex strength. Dominance of control-to-exit area ratio is confirmed. A clear improvement in performance is noted for a practical geometry derived from shaped passages of the device. Flow and momentum characteristics provide additional design data. The relationship of swirl number to output flow is demonstrated. Global flow and momentum characteristics provide insight into design and operation that is useful when avoiding back diffusion.