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Vortex Tubes

Cold air to -50°F (-46°C) from your compressed air supply - with no moving parts!

What Is A Vortex Tube?
A low cost, reliable, maintenance free solution to a variety of industrial spot cooling problems. Using an ordinary supply of compressed air as a power source, vortex tubes create two streams of air, one hot and one cold, with no moving parts. Vortex tubes can produce: Temperatures from -50° to +260°F (-46° to +127°C) Flow rates from 1 to 150 SCFM (28 to 4248 SLPM) Refrigeration up to 10,200 Btu/hr. (2571 Kcal/hr.) Temperatures, flows and refrigeration are adjustable over a wide range using the control valve on the hot end exhaust.	A Model 3225 Vortex Tube keeps plastic dishwasher arms cool during ultrasonic welding.

Why EXAIR Vortex Tubes?
EXAIR Vortex Tubes are constructed of stainless steel. The wear resistance of stainless steel, as well as its resistance to corrosion and oxidation, assures that EXAIR Vortex Tubes will provide years of reliable, maintenance-free operation.
A Model 3215 Vortex Tube cools a die on a medical tube forming machine.	(4) Model 3250 Vortex Tubes cool the cutting knives in this pelletizer to prevent irregular shapes.	A Model 3215 Vortex Tube cools a die on a medical tube forming machine.

Applications Cooling electronic controls Cooling machining operations Cooling CCTV cameras Setting hot melts Cooling soldered parts Cooling gas samples Electronic component cooling Cooling heat seals Cooling environmental chambers	Advantages No moving parts No electricity or chemicals Small, lightweight Low cost Maintenance free Instant cold air Durable - stainless steel Adjustable temperature Interchangeable generators
		A 1/4 ton of refrigeration in the palm of your hand!

How the Vortex Tube Works

Compressed air, normally 80-100 PSIG (5.5 - 6.9 BAR), is ejected tangentially through a generator into the vortex spin chamber. At up to 1,000,000 RPM, this air stream revolves toward the hot end where some escapes through the control valve. The remaining air, still spinning, is forced back through the center of this outer vortex. The inner stream gives off kinetic energy in the form of heat to the outer stream and exits the vortex tube as cold air. The outer stream exits the opposite end as hot air. Read the History of the Vortex Tube for more information.

Controlling Temperature and Flow in a Vortex Tube

Cold airflow and temperature are easily controlled by adjusting the slotted valve in the hot air outlet. Opening the valve reduces the cold airflow and the cold air temperature. Closing the valve increases the cold airflow and the cold air temperature. The percentage of air directed to the cold outlet of the vortex tube is called the "cold fraction". In most applications, a cold fraction of 80% produces a combination of cold flow rate and temperature drop that maximises refrigeration, or Btu/hr. (Kcal/hr.) output of a vortex tube. While low cold fractions (less than 50%) produce lowest temperatures, cold airflow rate is sacrificed to achieve them. Most industrial applications, i.e., process cooling, part cooling, chamber cooling, require maximum refrigeration and utilize the 3200 series Vortex Tube. Certain "cryogenic" applications, i.e., cooling lab samples, circuit testing, are best served by the 3400 series Vortex Tube. Setting a vortex tube is easy. Simply insert a thermometer in the cold air exhaust and set the temperature by adjusting the valve at the hot end. Maximum refrigeration (80% cold fraction) is achieved when cold air temperature is 50°F (28°C) below compressed air temperature.

Dimensions
Small Vortex Tube Dimensions	Small Vortex Tube with muffler Dimensions

Medium Vortex Tube Dimensions	Medium Vortex Tube with muffler Dimensions

Large Vortex Tube Dimensions	Large Vortex Tube with muffler Dimensions

Vortex Tube Specifications

EXAIR Vortex Tubes are available in three sizes. Each size can produce a number of flow rates, as determined by a small internal part called a generator. If Btu/hr. (Kcal/hr.) requirements, or flow and temperature requirements are known, simply select the appropriate vortex tube according to the specification information shown below or the performance charts. Keep in mind that the vortex generators are interchangeable. If, for example, a Model 3215 Vortex Tube does not provide sufficient cooling, you need only change generators within the vortex tube to upgrade the flow rate from 15 to 25, 30 or 40 SCFM (425 to 708, 850 or 1133 SLPM).

3200 Series Vortex Tube Specifications
3200 series Vortex Tubes optimize temperature drop and airflow to produce maximum cooling power or Btu/hr. (Kcal/hr.). Specify 3200 series Vortex Tubes for most general cooling applications.
Model #	SCFM*	SLPM*	Btu/hr.**	Kcal/hr.**	Size
3202	2	57	135	34	Small
3204	4	113	275	69	Small
3208	8	227	550	139	Small
3210	10	283	650	164	Medium
3215	15	425	1000	252	Medium
3225	25	708	1700	428	Medium
3230	30	850	2000	504	Medium
3240	40	1133	2800	706	Medium
3250	50	1416	3400	857	Large
3275	75	2124	5100	1285	Large
3298	100	2832	6800	1714	Large
3299	150	4248	10,200	2570	Large

* SCFM (SLPM) at 100 PSIG (6.9 Bar) Inlet Pressure
** Btu/hr. (Kcal/hr.) Cooling Capacity at 100 PSIG (6.9 Bar)

3400 Series Vortex Tube Specifications

3400 series Vortex Tubes optimize temperature drop and airflow to produce maximum cooling power or Btu/hr. (Kcal/hr.). Specify 3400 series Vortex Tubes for most general cooling applications.
Model #	SCFM*	SLPM*	Btu/hr.**	Kcal/hr.**	Size
3402	2	57	--------	--------	Small
3404	4	113	--------	--------	Small
3408	8	227	--------	--------	Small
3410	10	283	--------	--------	Medium
3415	15	425	--------	--------	Medium
3425	25	708	--------	--------	Medium
3430	30	850	--------	--------	Medium
3440	40	1133	--------	--------	Medium
3450	50	1416	--------	--------	Large
3475	75	2124	--------	--------	Large
3498	100	2834	--------	--------	Large
3499	150	4248	--------	--------	Large

* SCFM (SLPM) at 100 PSIG (6.9 Bar) Inlet Pressure
** Not Applicable. 3400 series Vortex Tubes are not normally used in air conditioning applications.

Temperature Change Produced by Vortex Tubes
Pressure Supply	Change in Temp	Cold Fraction %
PSIG		20	30	40	50	60	70	80
20	Drop °F	62	60	56	51	44	36	28
20	Rise °F	15	25	36	50	64	83	107
40	Drop °F	88	85	80	73	63	52	38
40	Rise °F	21	35	52	71	92	117	147
60	Drop °F	104	100	93	84	73	60	46
60	Rise °F	24	40	59	80	104	132	166
80	Drop °F	115	110	102	92	80	66	50
80	Rise °F	25	43	63	86	113	143	180
100	Drop °F	123	118	110	100	86	71	54
100	Rise °F	26	45	67	90	119	151	191
120	Drop °F	129	124	116	104	91	74	55
120	Rise °F	26	46	69	94	123	156	195

Temperature Change Produced by Vortex Tubes (Metric)
Pressure Supply	Change in Temp	Cold Fraction %
BAR		20	30	40	50	60	70	80
1.4	Drop °C	34.4	33.3	31.1	28.3	24.4	20	15.6
1.4	Rise °C	8.3	13.9	20	28.3	35.6	46.1	59.4
2	Drop °C	40.9	39.6	37.1	33.8	29.2	24	18.1
2	Rise °C	9.8	16.4	24	33.3	42.6	54.6	69.5
3	Drop °C	50.4	48.7	45.7	41.6	36	29.7	21.9
3	Rise °C	12	19.9	29.6	40.3	52.3	66.5	83.5
4	Drop °C	56.9	54.7	50.9	46.1	40	32.9	25.1
4	Rise °C	13.2	21.9	32.4	43.9	57.1	72.5	91.2
5	Drop °C	61.6	59	54.8	49.4	43	35.4	26.9
5	Rise °C	13.7	23.3	34.2	46.5	60.9	77.2	97.1
6	Drop °C	65.4	62.7	58.2	52.7	45.6	37.6	28.6
6	Rise °C	14.1	24.3	35.8	48.6	63.9	81	102.1
7	Drop °C	68.6	65.8	61.4	55.7	48	39.6	30
7	Rise °C	14.4	25.1	37.3	50.2	66.3	84.2	106.3
8	Drop °C	71.1	68.2	63.8	57.3	50	40.8	30.4
8	Rise °C	14.4	25.4	38.1	51.8	67.9	86.1	107.9

Other Factors

Back Pressure:
The performance of a vortex tube deteriorates with back pressure on the cold air exhaust. Low back pressure, up to 2 PSIG (.1 BAR), will not change performance. 5 PSIG (.3 BAR) will change performance by approximately 5°F (2.8°C).

Filtration:
The use of clean air is essential, and filtration of 25 microns or less is recommended. EXAIR filters contain a five micron element and are properly sized for flow.

Inlet Air Temperature:
A vortex tube provides a temperature drop from supply air temperature (see Performance Charts above). Elevated inlet temperatures will produce a corresponding rise in cold air temperatures.

Noise Muffling:
EXAIR offers mufflers for both the hot and cold air discharge. Normally, muffling is not required if the cold air is ducted

Regulation:
For best performance, use line pressures of 80 to 110 PSIG (5.5 to 7.6 BAR). Maximum pressure rating is 250 PSIG (17.2 BAR), minimum 20 PSIG (1.4 BAR).

If you are unsure of your flow and temperature requirements, we recommend the purchase of an EXAIR Cooling Kit. It contains a vortex tube, cold air muffler, air line filter and all generators required to experiment with the full range of airflows and temperatures.

Models

BSP Threads Available - Contact Compressed Air Australia

EXAIR Cooling Kits
EXAIR Cooling Kits include a vortex tube, all generators, cold muffler, fitting, tubing and clips to duct cold
Model #	Description
3908J	Cooling Kit up to 550 Btu/hr. (139 Kcal/hr.), Small Size
3930J	Cooling Kit up to 2800 Btu/hr. (706 Kcal/hr.), Medium Size
3998J	Cooling Kit up to 10,200 Btu/hr. (2570 Kcal/hr.), Large Size

EXAIR Vortex Tubes
Model #	Description
3202	Vortex Tube, 2 SCFM (57 SLPM), for max. refrig., Small Size, 135 Btu/hr. (34 Kcal/hr.)
3204	Vortex Tube, 4 SCFM (113 SLPM), for max. refrig., Small Size, 275 Btu/hr. (69 Kcal/hr.)
3208	Vortex Tube, 8 SCFM (227 SLPM), for max. refrig., Small Size, 550 Btu/hr. (139 Kcal/hr.)
3210	Vortex Tube, 10 SCFM (283 SLPM), for max. refrig., Medium Size, 650 Btu/hr. (164 Kcal/hr.)
3215	Vortex Tube, 15 SCFM (425 SLPM), for max. refrig., Medium Size, 1000 Btu/hr. (252 Kcal/hr.)
3225	Vortex Tube, 25 SCFM (708 SLPM), for max. refrig., Medium Size, 1700 Btu/hr. (428 Kcal/hr.)
3230	Vortex Tube, 30 SCFM (850 SLPM), for max. refrig., Medium Size, 2000 Btu/hr. (504 Kcal/hr.)
3240	Vortex Tube, 40 SCFM (1133 SLPM), for max. refrig., Medium Size, 2800 Btu/hr. (706 Kcal/hr.)
3250	Vortex Tube, 50 SCFM (1416 SLPM), for max. refrig., Lg. Size, 3400 Btu/hr. (857 Kcal/hr.)
3275	Vortex Tube, 75 SCFM (2124 SLPM), for max. refrig., Lg. Size, 5100 Btu/hr. (1285 Kcal/hr.)
3298	Vortex Tube, 100 SCFM (2832 SLPM), for max. refrig., Lg. Size, 6800 Btu/hr. (1714 Kcal/hr.)
3299	Vortex Tube, 150 SCFM (4248 SLPM), for max. refrig., Lg. Size, 10,200 Btu/hr. (2570 Kcal/hr.)
3402	Vortex Tube, 2 SCFM (57 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Small Size
3404	Vortex Tube, 4 SCFM (113 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Small Size
3408	Vortex Tube, 8 SCFM (227 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Small Size
3410	Vortex Tube, 10 SCFM (283 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Medium Size
3415	Vortex Tube, 15 SCFM (425 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Medium Size
3425	Vortex Tube, 25 SCFM (708 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Medium Size
3430	Vortex Tube, 30 SCFM (850 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Medium Size
3440	Vortex Tube, 40 SCFM (1133 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Medium Size
3450	Vortex Tube, 50 SCFM (1416 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Large Size
3475	Vortex Tube, 75 SCFM (2124 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Large Size
3498	Vortex Tube, 100 SCFM (2832 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Large Size
3499	Vortex Tube, 150 SCFM (4248 SLPM), for maximum cold temperature, Large Size

Accessories and Components

Model #	Description
3905	Cold Muffler for 2 through 8 SCFM (57-227 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small Size
3901	Cold Muffler for 10 through 40 SCFM (283-1133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Medium Size
3906	Cold Muffler for 50 through 150 SCFM (1416-4248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size
3903	Hot Muffler for 2 through 40 SCFM (57-1133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small/Medium Size
3907	Hot Muffler for 50 through 150 SCFM (1416-4248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size
3909	Generator Kit for 2 through 8 SCFM (57-227 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small Size
3902	Generator Kit for 10 through 40 SCFM (283-1133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Medium Size
3910	Generator Kit for 50 through 150 SCFM (1416-4248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size
Generator Kits ordered with a vortex tube include all generators for the specified tube. Permits setting the vortex tube for all capacities and styles.
Generator Only -- Specify capacity (SCFM) and style ("R" for max. refrigeration or "C" for max. cold temperature). Example: 15-R = 15 SCFM Generator for max. refrigeration 50-C = 50 SCFM Generator for max. cold temperature
9001	Automatic Drain Filter Separator, 3/8 NPT, 65 SCFM (1841 SLPM)
9032	Automatic Drain Filter Separator, 1/2 NPT, 90 SCFM (2547 SLPM)
9002	Automatic Drain Filter Separator, 3/4 NPT, 220 SCFM (6230 SLPM)
9005	Oil Removal Filter, 3/8 NPT, 15-37 SCFM (425-1048 SLPM)
9006	Oil Removal Filter, 3/4 NPT, 50-150 SCFM (1415-4248 SLPM)
9015	Valve and Thermostat Kit
Note:	Flow ratings shown (SCFM) assume 100 PSIG (6.9 BAR) inlet pressure. At other pressures, flow is proportional to absolute inlet pressure.

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Back to Vortex Tubes & Spot Cooling Home

Vortex Tubes

Cold air to -50°F (-46°C) from your compressed air supply - with no moving parts!

What Is A Vortex Tube?

Why EXAIR Vortex Tubes?

Applications

Advantages

How the Vortex Tube Works

Controlling Temperature and Flow in a Vortex Tube

Dimensions

Vortex Tube Specifications

Other Factors

Models

Accessories and Components

Installation and Maintenance Sheets

Catalogue Downloads