Parametric Review of Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube

Abstract

Vortex tube is the device that separates pressurized fluid into hot and cold fluid streams simultaneously. The scientific community has done extensive experimental and theoretical studies since invention of vortex tube to augment the performance of the tube by varying geometrical and operational parameters; the paper deals with parametric review of all such work. The review takes into account effect of almost 14 parameters on performance of vortex tube. It includes developments in tube geometry like L/D ratio, number of nozzles; hot end valve angle and cold orifice diameter etc. are discussed along with different fluids and operational parameters like CMF and stagnation point etc. The focus of most of the theoretical and experimental studies was to investigate mechanism of thermal separation and geometry optimization. The main objective of this review is to discuss efforts made in order to enhance the refrigeration effect so that, missing links could help for future research.