Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the control and use of fluid media and, more specifically,
to a method of controlling thermodynamic processes in a vortex tube, the vortex tube
for effecting this method and its application.
State of the Art
[0002] The development of environment-friendly or environmentally benign production processes
and technologies posese a key problem today. Therefore, it is of current interest
to create mechods and devices for obtaining environment-friendly "working fluids"
useful to man,which are used in undustry,agriculture and medicine.
[0003] For instance, water and oil-based fluids,called lubricant-coolants,are commonly used
in the metal -working industry to cool metals being worked, and fluorine - and cholorine
- bearing agents,called freons, are used in the refrigeration industry, to state and
conserve products. Both agents are harmful by their impact on man and the enviroment.
[0004] One of possible solutions of this problem is to use environment-friendly fluids in
industry, agriculture and medicine,which are obtained with the aid of vortex tubes
using the Rank effect.
[0005] Known in the art is a method of controlling thermodynamic processes in a vortex tube
using the Rank effect (A.V.Martynov and V.M. Brodyansri "What is a Vortex tube", Energia
Publishers, 1976,pp.6 - 11), reseding in that a flow of pressurized fluid is fed to
a nozzle inlet. In the nozzle inlet the fluid flow is expanded,twisted and delivired
to a working tube, wherein the fluid flow is aplit into a cold and hot flows. The
cold flow is with drawn via a cold flow branch, and the hot flow is conducted away
via a valve from the opposite end of the working tube. Changing the position of the
valve in the hot flow branch and the nozzle inlet pressure, the parameters of thermodynamic
processes in the vortex tube are regulated, mostly these are the hot and cold flow
temreraturs,flow rate and the flow efflux speed.
[0006] Known in the art is the design of a vortex tube having a working tube whose one end
communicates via a valve with the hot flow discharge branch. The other end of the
working tube communicates with a nozzle inlet arrenged coaxially to the working tube
adjacent thereto and limited from the side opposite to the working tube by a diaphragm
with an aperture though which the fluid is conducted away into the cold flow branch.
[0007] The fortex tube operates as follows.
[0008] A pressurized fluid flow is fed via an admission port into the nozzle inlet.The compressed
fluid is expanded and split into cold and hot flows,first in the nozzle inlet and
then in the working tube. The cold fluid flow is carried off through the diaphragm
aperture in the cold flow branch.The hot fluid flow is carried off from the opposite
end of the working tube via hte valve into the hot flow branch. Changing the position
of the valve one can vary the rate and temperatures of the fluid cold and hot flows.In
order to lower the temperature of the cold flow it is necessary to reduce the cold
flow rate,using the valve so as to provide a larger flow section at the hot end of
the working tube.Concersely,in order to increase the temperature of the hot flow the
valve is used to close down the working tube sechion, there by reducing the flow section.
[0009] Cold and hot flows are formed only if the energy of an incoming flow in the vortex
tube is distributed so that certain amount there of is carried off the cold flow and
is imparted to the hot one. Energy redistribution is the result of complex thermodynamic
processes occurring in the vortex tube.
[0010] Due to their unigue properties vortex tubes are extensively used in various industries,agriculture
and medicine.
[0011] However,each design of the vortex tube provides for a limited possibility of alterring
the parameters of cold and hot flows and in order to obtain diffirent parameters of
the flows one has to change the design of the vortex tube which, in turn,restricts
the fields of ots application.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0012] The invention is based on the problem of providing such a method of controlling thermodynamic
processes in a vortex tube and the vortex tube effecting this mectod,in which the
structural changes of the vortex tube make it possible to regulate, within a broad
range,thermodynamic processes taking place in the vortex tube subject to a technical
problem set forth,given constant geometric parameters of the vortex tube.
[0013] This problem is solved in the mechod of controlling thermodymamic processes in the
vortex tube,consisting in the that the pressurized fluid flow is fed to the nozzel
inlet,as the expanding fluid flow moves in the nozzele inlet it is twisted and enters
the working tube,wherein the twisted fluid flow is split into cold and hot flows,
and each of the flows is with drawn via the cold and hot flows branches, respectively.
In so doing, one controls the parametrs of a thermodynamic process by regulating the
fluid hot flow rate in the hot flow branch,charakterized in that subject to reguired
characteristics of the fluid cold and hot flows, the fluid flow is controllied in
the nozzle inlet by varying the parameters of thermodynamic processes occuring in
the working tube.
[0014] It is expedient that the fluid flow be contrilled in the nozzele inlet by regulating
the fluid flow path length in the nozzle inlet.
[0015] It is also expedient that the fluid flow be controlled in the nozzele inlet by splitting
in into, as least,two rotating flows, each having a diffirent path length.
[0016] It is also expedient that the fluid flow be controlled by regulating the efflux speed,
the flow rate and direction of the fluid flow at the entrance to the nozzel inlet.
[0017] The regulation of the fluid flow in the nozzel inlet enables one to obtain a broadrange
of controlling the characteristics of the hot and cold flow at the outlet of the vortex
tube without structural changes of its elements and control these characteristics,given
the variation of the fluid flow rate or presure with the consumer.
[0018] In order to obtain a colder flow it is possible, in addition, to alter the speed
of movement of the near-wall layers of a hot flow in the working tube.
[0019] In order to enhance the intensity of colling an entity, it is desirable that the
cold flow efflux speed be regulated additionally at the cold flow branch outlet.
[0020] It is possible to additionally increase the convective heat transfer of the near-wall
layers of fluid in the working tube to expand the limits of variation of the cold
and hot flows.
[0021] In certain cases it is expedient that the fluid cold and/or hot flows be ionized
additionally.
[0022] It is possible to alter the composition of cold and/or hot flows during the ionization
of any fluid flows.
[0023] The ionization of cold and hot flows enhances the chemical impact of the fluid flow
upon the entity,altering the conditions of contact between the surfaces or atabilizing
the condition of the entity proper.
[0024] In order to change physico-chemical properties of the suter layer of the entity one
should introduce addittionaly upon ionization a substance of a different state of
aggregation.
[0025] It is possible to use gases andor liquids and mixtures there of as a fluid.
[0026] The problem of the invention is solved also by that in the vortex tube containing
a working tube,one end of which communicates via a control valve with a hot flow dischange
branch, and the other end with a nozzele inlet coaxially disposed there to,which is
connected to the cold flow dischange branch, and via the admission port- to the source
of fluid fed under pressure to the nozzle inlet,according to the invention, the nozzle
inlet is provided with means controlling the fluid flow in the nozzele inlet subject
to required characteristics of the cold and hot flows,varing the parametrs of thermodynamic
processesoccurring in the vortex tube.
[0027] It is expedient that the nozzele inlet should be made in the form of a cylindrical
sleeve with an admission port,one end of which should be connected to the working
tube,and the other end should be covered by a diaphragm with a central aperture/opening,and
a flat spiral, serving as means to control the fluid flow in the nozzle inlet,should
be rigidly secured by one of its ease on the end surface of said diaphragm facing
the working tube in the cylindrical sleeve,said diaphragm should be arranged with
the possibility of turning around its axis.
[0028] It is possible to make the nozzele inlet in the form of a cylindrical sleeve with
an admission port,one end of which should be connected to the working tube,andcylindrical
sleeveswith a flanging,which serve to control the fluid flow,should bearranged in
the cylindical sleeve coaxially and carableof turning with respect to each other and
concentrically relative to thecylindrical sleeves,theone with a larges diameter should
have a projection,and the cylindrical sleeve of a smaller diametre should have a groove
at the ends facing the working tube,in so doing,the opening in the cylindrical sleeve
with a smaller diameter serves as a duct to dischange the fluid cold flow to the cold
flow branch.
[0029] It is possible that the cylindrical sleeves with flangings be arranged so as to be
capable of telescopically moving with respect to each other.
[0030] It is necessary that the outside radius of the projection on the cylindrical sleeve
with a langer diameter should be made smaller than the outside radius of the sleeve
along the entire height of the projection.
[0031] In some cases itis possible to make the nozzle inlet operating in the form of an
oblique Laval nozzle,in the short section of which a damper should be mounted at the
entrance to the nozzele inlet,capable of rotating relative ti the fluid flow being
fed.
[0032] This embodiment of the nozzle inlet makes the vortex tube an all-purpose one,independent
of the user's conductions and allows for different combinations as to the rate,temperature
and efflux speed of the fluid flow without changing geometric parametrs of the tube
perse,given varing conductions of the user.
[0033] In order to increase the fluid efflux rate in the nozzle inlet, it is expedient that
the internal surface of the cylindrical sleeveshould be made from material with a
low friction coefficient.
[0034] It is possible that part of the outer surface of the working tube from the side of
the hot flow branch be made developed, providing a convective exchange of the near-wall
flow of fluid with the environment.
[0035] It is also possible that part of the working tube surface from the side of the hot
flow branch be made corrugated,providing a change in the lenght of the path of the
near-wall flow of fluid and its convective exchange.
[0036] In order to provide more possibilities for controllingthe spped and rate of the hot
flow,the control valve of the hot flow dischange branch may made in the form of a
coupling nut,screwed on the workung tube,and openings should be made at the end of
sade tube at the level of the working tube near-wall level along the radius,and a
confuser-diffuser nozzle with an adjustable annular gapshould be connected to the
end of the coupling nut with the aid of a flange,in so doing,it is expendient that
openings should be made in the flange,which correcpond to the radius of the coupling
nut, and the nut and flange be mounted so as to ratate around the common central axis.
[0037] In order to control the speed,flow rate and the pitch of the tone of the fluid flow,it
is desirable that the outlet part of the cold flow branch be made in the form of a
twin Laval nozzle with a varing section of the second narrowing.
[0038] It is expendient that the fluid hot flow branch be made in the form of a set of cylindrical
sleeves arrenged in a single cylindrical sleeve and each of the cylindrical sleeves
be fitted with its own nozzle inlet,providing a required rate of the cold fluid flow
and a smooth variation of temperature in the branches.
[0039] It is expedient that the vortex tube be additionally furnished with an ionizer to
provide ionization of the cold and/or hot fluid flow.
[0040] It is possible that the ionizer be made as two electrodes connected to a power source,one
electrode being the cylindrical part of the cold and/or hot flow branch with a ring
electrode disposed at its end,and the other electrode being a corona dischange initiator,mounted
inside the cold and/or hot flow branch,and it is expendient the initiator be connected
either to the positive or negative pole of the power source.
[0041] It is possible the corona dischange initiator be made in the form of a needle stem
on the external surface of which there should be arranged needle tags equal in height.
[0042] It is also possible to make the corona discharge initiator as a sinusoid.
[0043] It is possible to position the corona dischange initiator opposite or along the direction
of the cold and/or hot fluid flow.
[0044] It is appropriate that a dielectric grid with an arbitrary size of cells should be
installed upward of the corona dischange initiator.
[0045] It is also possible to apply an emission coating on the inner surface of the cylindrical
part of the hot and/or cold flow branches in the zone of the arrangement of the corona
dischange initiator.
[0046] It is expedient that a temperature sensitive element should be mounted t the ionizer
output, and connected to a power source via a matching amplifier and a nolinear feedback.
[0047] The provision of the vortex tube with an ionizer and the shape of the initiators
ensure a reguired degree of ionization of the flow subject to temperature,flow rate
and pressure in the cold and/or hot flow branches.
[0048] In order to feed substances of a different state of aggregation to the cold and/or
hot flows,it is appropriate that an ejector should be mounted at the cold and/or hot
flow branch outlet.
[0049] It is possible to install the ejector at the ionizer outlet,which ensures the supply
of the substances of a different state of aggregation to the cold and/or hot ionized
flows.
[0050] It is possible to use the vortex tube as means to cool the outting zone in metal
outting machines.
[0051] When using the vortex tube to cool the metal outting machine outting zone, a flexible
hose with two exhaust ducts should be connected to the cold flow branch, a cold flow
being fed in one duct to the outtting zone along the front surface of the otter,and
also the cold flow being fed through the other exhaust duct to the gap between the
article being machied and the rear surface of the outter, treatment being effected
both by ionized and a simple cold flow.
[0052] It is possible to connect the ionized cold flow branch to a colling chamber,ensuring
the storage of organic and inorganic agents and products.
[0053] It is also possible to connect the hot flow branch to the chamber, there by heating
the chamber or heating the latter with its ionization.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0054] The invention will now be described by means of exemplary enbodiments there of,reference
being made to the accompaning drawings, in which:
Fig.1 Shows a vortex tube with one of possible emboduments of the nozzle inlet, according
to the invention;
Fig.2,3,4 are possible variants of the position of a spiral relative to the admission
port in the nozzele inlet;
Fig.5 is a vaeiant of the diaphragm;
Fig.6 is a longitudinal section of the vortex tube with another variant of the nozzle
inlet;
Fig 7,8 are possible variants of the position of cylindrical sleeves relative to the
admission port in the nozzle inlet;
Fig 9,10,11 is the configuration of sleeves;
Fig 12 is the same as in Fig 5 with the arrangement of sleeve flangings on the outer
surface of the vortex tube;
Fig 13 is a variant of the admission port in the form of a Laval nozzle;
Fig 14 is a variant of the duct to with draw the fluid hot flow;
Fig 15 is a variant of the duct to with draw the fluid cold flow;
Fig 16 is a variant of the hot flow branch;
Fig 17 is the vortex tube with ionizers installed in the cold and hot flow branches;
Fig 16 is a variant of the hot flow branch;
Fig 17 is the vortex tube with ionizers installed in the cold and hot flow branhes;
Fig 18,19 are variants of the initiator;
Fig 20,21,22 are variants of the ionizer;
Fig 23 is the vortex tube with an ejector;
Fig 24 is a variant of using the vortex to machine parts;
Fig 25 is a variant of using the vortex tube to cool the cooling chamber.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0055] The method of controlling thermodynamic processes in a vortex tube based on the Rank
effect,according to the invention,consists in that the flow of fluid is fed under
pressure and tangentially via the admission port to the nozzle inlet. In the nozzle
inlet an expanding flow of fluid is twisted and enters the working tube,where it is
split into a cold and hot flows and each of them is dischanged via the cold and hot
flow branches,respectively.
[0056] Subject to reguired characteristics of hot and cold flows thermodynamic processes
in the vortex tube are normally controlled by regulating the hot flow rate.However,the
method of the invention,given the same structure of the vortex tube,additionally controls
the parameter s of a thermodynamic process in the working tube,regulating the fluid
flow in the nozzle inlet per se,namely,changingthe lenght of the path of the fluid
rotating flow in the nozzleinlet,splitting the fluid flow to, at least,two rotating
flows,each having its own path/lenght,as well as regulating the efflux speed,the flow
rate and direction of the fluid flow in the admission port of the nozzle inlet.
[0057] In addition,thermodynamic processes in the working tube are controlled by regulating
the efflux speed of the cold and/or hot flows at the vortex tube outlet.
[0058] The efficiency of the vortex tube operation is enhanced by increasing the heat transfer
from the near-wall layers of the fluidvortex flow in the working tube or by altering
the speed of movement of the near-wall layrers of the hot flow.
[0059] In some cases,subject to the selection of an entity which is to be affected, hot
and/or cold fluid flowsare ionized,varying the degree of ionization of the flow depending
on its temperature.
[0060] Besides,prior to ionization or in the process of the latter,if necessary,the composition
of the cold and/or hot flows is altered,and following the ionization an agent of a
differentstate of aggregation is introduced in any of the fluid flows,changing the
physico-chemical properties of the outer layer of an entity affected by the flow.
[0061] Subject to an objective set forth,hot and cold ionized flows of different composition
are mixed in any ratio.
[0062] Used as a gaseuos mediom are air, argon, neon, krypton, hydrogen, carbon tetrachloride,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other reguired fluids.
[0063] The method will beccome more apparent by describing the operation of devices accomplishing
the given method.
[0064] The vortex tube effecting the method accorting to the invention,has a working tube
1 (Fig.1),one end of which is connected via a valve 2 to a hot fluid flow dischange
branch 3, and the other end - to a vortex inlet 4,mounted coaxially to the working
tube 1,and connected to the cold fluid flow dischange branch 5.
[0065] The pressurized fluid is fed to the vortex inlet 4 from a source through an admission
port 6 (Fig.2,3,4) disposed tangentially to the nozzle inlet 4 (Fig.1). The nozzle
oinlet 4 is fitted with means providing, subject to the reguired outlet characteristics
of the cold and hot flows, the alteration of the nature of movement of the fluid flow
directly in the nozzle inlet 4.
[0066] Prior to the description of possible structural embodiments of the nozzle inlet 4
let us consider thermodynamic processes taking place in the vortex tube.
[0067] The first condition,necessary for the vortex tube operation, is the presence of a
flow rotating there in.In any rotating flow the speed of movement of an elementary
fluid flow in each point may be represented as the sum of components, namely,tengential,axial
and radial velocities. The tangential velocity characterizas the intensity of a rotating
flow;axial - the axial motion of the flow along the working tube 1;and,lastly,radial
vilocity characterizes the movement of the fluid flow along the radius of the tube
1.
[0068] The fluif flow in the working tube 1 of the vortex tube is rotated by feeding pressurized
fluid flow to the nozzle inlet 4 via the admission port 6 positioned tangentially
to its inner surface.Following the inside of the nozzle inlet 4 and the inside of
the working tube 1, the fluid flow starts to ratate,characterized by tangiatial and
axial velocities.The greatest tangential velocities will occur in the nozzle inlet
4,because it is precisely the place where the pressurized fluid flow is fed to from
the admission port 6. Tangential velocities vary along the radius of the working tube
1, declining from the nozzle
inlet 4 towards the hot flow dischange branch 3. This is due to the slow-down of the
flow because of the friction of the upper layers against the wall of the working tube
1.
[0069] The fore going thermodynamic processes,occurring in the vortex tube,bring abount
different temreratures of the flow along the section of the working tube 1. In the
peripheral layers it is higher,and in central layers it is lower.In order to plit
the flow as to temperature the fluid hot flow is with drawn via the valve 2 to the
hot flow branch 3, and the cold fluid flow is with drawn by a counter current to the
cold flow branch 5.
[0070] Varing the position of the valve 2 relative to the working tube 1,one can alfer the
flow rates and temperature of the cold and hot flows.To lower the cold flow temperature
one should reduce the cold flow rate (valve 2 is opeed) and to raise the hot flow
temperature,conversaly,valve 2 is closed.
[0071] Changing the flow section of the volve 2, one can obtaine a different distribution
of the shares of gas escaping through the cold flow branch 3,respectively.The central
flow directed towards the cold flow branch 5 can form only as a result of the passage
of part of the fluid flow from the external to internal layers.This means that along
side tangential and axial motions,there is also a radial motion in the flow,directed
mostly from the periphery towards the center.thus in the working tube 1 the fluid
flow has an opposite axial motion,namely,the external layers move from the nozzle
inlet 4 towards the valve 2,and the internal ones move opposite the nozzle inlet 4
and the flow branch 5.
[0072] Thus, the vortex tube efficiency is contingent on two opposite factors:
- the fluid central (axial) layers are cooled by giving their energy to the peripheral
layers,
- the fluid axial layers are preheated by feeding heat from the peripheral layers.
[0073] The combination of these factors provides the effect of colling the fluid at the
outlet from the cold flow branch 5 and hot flow branch 3 of the vortex tube.
[0074] However,the range of adjusting the parameters of thermodynamic processes in the vortex
tube is limited by geometric dimentions and the shape of the basic elements of the
vortex tube and in order to obtain the required characteristics of hot and/or cold
flows in solving a particular tecnical problemuse is made of vortex tubes of a different
design with their geometric dimentions and shape of the basic elements,which fact
hinders their broad utilization.
[0075] The structural improvements of the vortex tube elements that we have disclozed are
aimed at enabling one to control thermodynamic processes in the working tube 1.
[0076] Figure 1 illustrates one of the possible variants of the nozzle inlet 4. The latter
is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve 7 disposed coaxially/in line with the working tube
1 and mating there with.
[0077] At the other end the cylindrical sleeve 7 is limited by a diaphragm 8 with a central
aperture 9. A flat spiral 10 (Fig.2,3,4) embracing the aperture9 is rigidly secured
by one of its end edge at the end surface of the diaphragm 8 facing the nozzle inlet
4, and a gear wheel 11 (Fig.1) engaging another gear wheel 12 with marks and digits
to rotate the diaphragm 8 around its own axis,is rigidly secured coaxially with the
diaphragm 8 at the other end surface of the latter. In so doing 6the gear wheel 11
has a conic opening 13,which to geather with a central aperture 9 in the diaphragm
8 forms a duct to with draw
a colling flow to the cold flow branch 5.
[0078] As the diaphragm 8 rotates6 the spiral 10 (Fig.2,3,4) may occupydifferent positions
relative to the admission port 6 of the nozzle inlet 4.
[0079] Given the spiral 10 is in a position shown in Fig.2,one vortex flow of the fluid
is formed in the nozzle inlet 4.Rotating the diaphragm of the fluid is formed in the
nozzle inlet 4.Rotating the diaphragm 8 along arrow A, one changes the lenght of the
fluid flow path,i.e.,increases or reduces the rotary speed of the fluid flow and alters
the parametrs of the fluid flow in the nozzle inlet 4, respectively.
[0080] Given the spiral 10 is in a position shown in Fig.3,the fluid flow is split to two
flows as it leaves the opening 6,each of said flows having its own path lenght,rotaty
speed,temperature and pressure as it leaves the nozzle inlet 4.
[0081] As the diaphragm 8 rotates along arrow B (Fig.3), the fluid flow, eaving the opening
(Fig.4) to enter the nozzle inlet 4, is expanded and accelerates and then, is split
to two flows,each having its own path lenght,rotaty speed,temperature and pressure
upon leaving the nozzle inlet 4.
[0082] In order to regulate the rate of the cold flow dischanged into the branch 5, it is
possible to make the diaphragm in the form of two disks 14 and 15 (Fig.5) with openings
16 and 17, arranged coaxially with the nozzle inlet 4 and capable of reciprocating
relative to each other along the central axis,in so doing, a spiral 10 (Fig.5) being
secured on the disk 14 as in the design in Fig.1 described above, and a gear wheel
11 (Fig.1) - on the disk 15. An elastic ring 18 is mounted in the openings 16 and
17(Fig.5),which alters the flow section of the central openings 16 and 17,as the disks
14 and 15 reciprocate,and as a result,reduces or increases the rate of the cold flow
dischanged into the branch 5.
[0083] The availability of the spiral 10 in the nozzle inlet 4,possibility of changing its
position relative to the admission port 6 with the aid of the diaphragm 8 (or disk
14) and possibility of regulating the dimentions of the dischange opening to with
draw the cold flow into tye branch 5, are the means that help to control the parameters
of the fluid flow in thenozzle inlet 4,causing the alteration of thermodynamic processes
both in the nozzle inlet 4 and in the working tube 1 and ensuring the provision of
reguired characteristics of cold and hot flows.
[0084] Also possible is another variant of the nozzle inlet in the vortex tube shown in
Fig.6. A nozzle inlet 19 is made in the form of a cylindrical sleeve 20 installed
line with the working tube 1 and mating there with, Mounted in the cylindrical sleeve
20,in line with the latter and concentrically capable of rotating with respect to
each other and to the sleeve 20, are cylindrical sleeves 21,22,23,24,25,26 with flangings
27,28,29,30,31,32, arranged outside the nozzle inlet 19.The cylindrical sleeve 20
has an admission port 33 (Fig.7,8) through which the fluid flow tangentially enters
the cylindrical sleeve 26, and through opening 34 (Fig.6) in the cylindrical sleeve
26 the cold flow is discharged to the cold flow branch 35.
[0085] The sleeves 22, 24 and 26 are fitted with grooves 36 (Fig.9.) and the sleeves 21,
23, 25 - with projections 37 (Fig.10,11). The projections 37 and grooves 36 face the
working tube 1 (Fig.6).
[0086] The sleeves 21 through 26 are capable,if necessary,of telescopically moving relative
to each other to provide a tangantial-spiral introduction of the vortex flow to the
working tube 1.
[0087] Drawn on each of the flangings 27 through 32 and equally spaced from one another
are lines 38(Fig.12) with digits allowing, given relative movement of the sleeves
21 through 26 (Fig.6) with respect to one another,for setting up various combinations
of digits,regulating the lenghth of the fluid flow path in the nozzle inlet 19.
[0088] Besides,there may be a variant,where by the outside radius of the projection 39 on
the sleeve 21 (Fig.11) with the largest diameter will be smaller than the outside
radius of the sleeve 21 along the entire height of the projection 39. This structural
embodiment of the nozzle inlet 19 provides the divisionof the fluid flow coming from
the admission port 33 into tworotating flows,each) having its own path length.
[0089] As regards the rest,the desigh of the vortex tube is analogous to that of the vortex
tube shown in Fig.1.
[0090] As in the design of the nozzle inlet 4 illustrated in Fig.1, in the nozzle inlet
19 (Fig.6) provision is made for the regulation of the length of the fluid flow coming
from the admissionport 33 (Fig.7,8), by rotating the sleeves 21 through 26 with respect
to one another and splitting the flow to two rotating flows (Fig.8) having different
path length.
[0091] The result is the possibility of varying the parameters of thermodynamic processes
in the working tube 1 subject to the required characteristics of cold and hot flows.
[0092] Another possible variant for altering the parameters of the state of thermodynamic
processes in the nozzle inlet 4 (Fig.1) is the embodiment of the admission port 6
in the form of anobliqueLaval nozzle with a damper 40 being arrangedin the short section
of this nozzle at the entrance to the nozzle inlet 4 (Fig.13,14) and capable of rotating
relative to the fluid flow.
[0093] Changing the position of the damper 40 (position A and B in Fig.13),one can regulate
the pressure at the entrance to the nozzle inlet, the fluid efflux speed,the fluidflow
rate,as well as the orientation (entrance angle0 of the fluid flow to the nozzle inlet
4 subject to the possition of the spiral 10 relative to the admissionport 6. Varing
the above parameters and the breadth-heightratio of the fluid flow,as it leaves the
admission port 6,one can control the temperature characteristics of the hot and cold
flows in the branches 5,3, of cold and hot flows,respectively.
[0094] For both designs of the nozzle 4 (Fig.1) and 19 (Fig.6) it is desirable that the
inside of the spiral 10,the surfaces of the cylindrical sleeves 7 (Fig.1) and cylindrical
sleeves 20,21 through 26(Fig.6) should be made from a material with a low friction
coefficient, e.g., materials based on copper, nickel, cobalt, aluminium or the material
of the type of metal Teflons,metal plastics,thus ensuring the provision of maximum
possible speeds of movement of the vortex flow in the vortex inlet 4,19.
[0095] However,distribution of the portions of hot and cold fluid flows,escaping through
the hot and cold flows,and the speed of their efflux through the branches appreciably
affect the thermodynamic processes occurring in the vortex tube.
[0096] Let us consider one of the possible designs of the volve 2, installed at the end
of the working tube 1 to dischange the hot fluid flow.
[0097] The valve (Fig.14) is made as a coupling nut 41,screwed on the working tube 1 in
the end of which at the level of the near-wall layer of the working tube 1 along the
radius there are made openings 42,and a confuser-diffuser nozzle 44 with an adjustable
annular gap 45 connected by means of a flange 43 to the end of the coupling nut 41.
In the flange 43 there are openings 46 positioned along the radius,corresponding to
the radius of the openings 42 at the end of the coupling nut 41,both the nut 41 and
the flange 43 are capable of rotating around their common central axis.
[0098] The valve 2 operates as follows.
[0099] A hot fluid flow is fed from the near-wall layers of the working tube 1 through the
openings 42 and 46 to a diffuser 47,where upon reversing its direction,passes through
the annular gap 45 in which its speed becomes cricical.Then,the flow is expanded in
the confuser 48 of the nozzle 44 and enters the hot flow branch (hot shown in Fig.14).
[0100] This design of the valve provides intensive with drawal of the near-wall layers of
fluid hot flow from the working tube 1 and in view of this the thermodynamic process
parametrs in the working tube 1 change,namely,central cold fluid flows mix less intensively
with the near-wall hot flows,hence,the effect of energy separation is enhanced and
the vortex tube operates at lower temperatures.
[0101] The fluid cold flow efflux speed can be regulated by providing the fluid cold flow
dischange duct in the form of a twin Laval nozzle (Fig.15),in so doing,the first narrow
section 50 of the nozzle 49, arranged from the side of the entry of the fluid cold
flow,has a constant area F1 of the section,and the second narrow section 51 of the
nozzle 49 is made in the form of a rubber ring with a varving area F2 of the section.
[0102] This design of the cold flow dischange duct allows for controlling the cold flow
efflux speed,providing different efflux conditions through changing the relation between
the area F1 of thesection and the area F2 of the nozzle 49 section. If the area F2
is smaller than the area F1 of the section,as pressure Pa at the nozzle 49 outlet
constantly drops from the value of pressure Po at the nozzle 49 inlet,the cold flow
efflux speed reaches a critical value in the section 51.Given futher drop of pressure
Pa,the subsonic ourrent in the expanding part 51 will hot change.If F1 is less than
F2,then as the pressure Padrops,the critical speed of the cold flow efflux will be
achieved in the section 50.Altering the F1-F2 ratio,one can attain the critical speed
Fmax in the expanding part 52 of the nozzle 49.
[0103] The fluid cold flow efflux speed alters processes in the working tube 1 and affects
the temperature of cold flow being with-drawn.
[0104] Besides, it should be also noted that the cold flow efflux speed also determines
the pitch of tone,accompanying this efflux.
[0105] Hence,changing the area F1 of section 51,one can regulate the pitch of tone.
[0106] The flow rate and speed of the hot fluid efflux can be controlled by making the fluid
hot flow branch as a set of cylindrical tubes 53 (Fig.16) arranged in a single cylindrical
sleeve 54 mounted at the volve 2 outlet (Fig.1),each of the tubes 53 having its nozzle
inlet 55.
[0107] An addition to the embodiment of different structural elements of the vortex tube,
changing the parameters of thermodynamic processes in the working tube during operation
subject to the required characteristics of hot and cold flows, we have provided structural
improvements which make the vortex tube operation as a whole more effective.
[0108] Among such improvements is the intensification of heat transfer in the working tube
1 (Fig.1).
[0109] Heat transfer can be intensified by making part of the working tube 1 from the side
of the hot flow branch as rough or corrugated, or making the outer surface of this
part of the tube as developed.
[0110] In some cases there arises a need to use ionized cod and/or hot flows.
[0111] In this case the vortex tube isfurnished with an, ionizer ensurning the ionization
of cold and/or hot flows.
[0112] Most often,the ionizer is mounted in the branch 5,3 of cold and/of hot flows.
[0113] Since the structural embodiment of the cold and hot flowionizers is the same, let
us consider the making of the ionizer and its accommodation in the cold flow branch
5.
[0114] The ionizer is made in the form of two electrodes,one of which is a ring electrode
56 (Fig.17) installed at the end of the branch 5,and the other electrode is corona
dischange initiator 57, positioned inside the cold flow branch 5 in line there with,
and the ionizator 57 is connected to the negative terminal or the power source 58,
and the ring electrode 56 - to the positive terminal.The initiator 57 can be made
needle-shaped,the point being directed either along the movement of cold flow, or
opposite the latter.
[0115] Arranging the initiatir 57 point opposite the cold flow appreciably reduces the structural
dimentions (the length of the cold flow branch) of the vortex tube and increases the
degree of ionization of the cold flow, because ionization begins right at the very
entrance of the cold flow branch 5.
[0116] Besides, the initiator can be made in the form of a needle stem 59 (Fig.18) with
needle tags 60 equal in height disposed on its outside.
[0117] Given such a design of the initiator,the local electric field strength is increased
to reduce the dischange voltage.Breakdown may occur only upon futher rise of voltage.As
a result,one can work with high voltages and great air pressure in the inter-electrode
gap,given such design of the initiator.
[0118] It is possible to make the initiator in the form of a sinusoid 61. (Fig.19).
[0119] This design of the initiator also brings abount higher local electric field strength
and a drop in dischange voltage,enabling the ionizer to operate with high voltages.
[0120] Selection on of a particular design of the initiator is stipulated by a required
degree of ionization,the size of a branch,configuration of the passage channel of
the ring electrode 56 which may be shaped as a truncated cone, or the latter turning
into a cylinder (Fig.17).
[0121] A dielectric grid 62 (Fig.20) may be mounted between the initiator 57 and the ring
electrode 56.
[0122] The presence of the dielectric grid 62 ensures the setting of charges on its surface
whoch have the same sign as those on the initiator 57. As a result,the intensity drops
between the initiator 57 and dielectric grid 62 to increase breakdown strength of
this gap,but grows between the dielectric grid 62 and the ring electrode 56, which
in turn,leads to a higher degree of ionization and a lower recombination coefficient.
[0123] Besides,an emission coating 63 (Fig.21) may be applied on the inside of the cold
flow branch 5 in the zone of the location of the initiator 57.Films of titanium, zirconium,
molybdenum and other chemically active agents, which easily evaporate and are mixed
with an iionized flow,as the cold (or hot)flows are ionized,can be used as said emission
coating.
[0124] Using an ionized cold flow of air with such additives,e.g., to cool tools when machininf
parts,helps to form a chemically stable compound, protecting the tool against wear,one
the tool frictional surfaces.
[0125] Let us consider the operation of the ionizer. From the nozzle inlet 4 (Fig.17) and
the working tube 1 the fluid cold flow is fed to the cold flow branch 5.
[0126] In the branch 5 the cold flow gets into the zone of a corona dischange initiated
by the initiator 57.The fluid cold flow ionized and goes out beyond the vortex tube
through the opening in the ring electrode 56.
[0127] However,the degree of ionization of the fluid flow is suject to temperature and a
temperature sensitive element 64 (Fig.22) is installed at the ionizer output. This
element is connected to the power source 58 via a mathing amplifier 65 and a nonlinear
feed-back 66.The nonlinear feed back 66 helps to assign a reguired functional relationship
of the load current of the power source 58 and the fluid cold flow tenperature.The
load current of the power source 58 repeats with a preset accuracy the shape of a
signalfed to the input of a comparison circuit (connected in the power source 58,not
shown in the drawing) from the output of the nonlinear feedback 66 circuit and subject
to the cold flow temperature the load current changes and so does the corona dischange
electric field strenght and,consequently, the degree of ionization of the fluid flow
alters as well.
[0128] All that has been said above abount the ionizer relates both to the cold flow branch
5 and the hot flow branch 3.
[0129] In some cases,an ejector 68 (Fig.23),ensuring,if necessary,the suction of the agents
of a different state of a different state of aggregation, is mounted at the outlet
of the branch 5 (or branch 3) of cold (hot) flow.
[0130] In certain cases,if necessary,the branches 5 and 3 of cold and hot flows,respectively,are
connected to a mixing chamber to maintain a desired temperature in the latter, adjusting
the supply of cold and hot flows.
[0131] Let us consider a number of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0132] One of the promising fields of the application of the disclosed designs of the vortex
tube is its use for purposes of machining.
[0133] Using ionized cooled air for machining,as compared to the currently used technological
means based on water and oil, drastically increases productivity, accuracy quality
of machining throught cutting, expecially in machining high-alloy steels, corrosion-resistant
and high-temperature alloys, as well as materials based on refractory agents. Besides,
in this case,enviromentally benign or friendly production is provided and labour-conditions
are improved.
[0134] To cool the cutting zoner there may be a variant,where by the cold or hot flow branch
of the vortex tube is in the immediate proximity to the cutting zone.
[0135] Yet, there may be another variant of feeding cold or hot air flows to the cutting
zone shown in Fig.24.
[0136] In order to cool the cutting zone by a cold air flow,a flexible hose 68 is connected
to the cold flow branch 5.
[0137] The hose has two dischange ducts 69 and 70,in one of the ducts 69 the cold flow is
fed to the cutting zone along the front surface of a cutting tool 71 and in the second
duct 70 the cold flow is fed to the gap between an article 72 being machined and the
rear surface of the cutting tool 71.
[0138] Most commonly used for cooling is an ionized cold air flow, yet, it is possible to
use cooling modes where a cold flow is used with different additives introduced into
the latter via the ejector 67 (Fig.23). The process of cutting with the use of an
ionized cold flow has two basic features, the first is related to the use of air as
a technological meduim,the second - to the activation of air with an electric dischange,
i.e., the provition of an ionized air flow.One of its distitinctive features is a
dramatic activation of oxidizing processes on the contact surfaces of an article 72
to be machined and the curring tool,an oxide film is formed on their surfaces, preventing
the diffusion on the material of the tool 71, friction is reduced on the front surface
of the tool and,as a result,the wear of the tool 71 is diminished during machining.
[0139] It is worthy of note that in order to decrease the wear of the tool,it is desirable
that cooling be effected at a minus temperature (minus 1 ... minus 20 C ), when in
addition to embrittlement of the cutting zone,the gas-filled surface layer of an article
73 being machined is also embrittled.
[0140] It is clear that the machining of different materials calles for different temperature
conditions and a particular degree od air flow ionization, and, some times, the introduction
of the agents of a different state of aggregetion into the ionized air flow.All these
operations can be parfomed by one and the same vortex tube of the disclosed design,which
allows for adjusting the temperature of cold and hot flows within a broad range, as
well as altering the degree of flow ionization subject to temperature and preset conditions.
[0141] Table 1 shows by way of example the results of machining 10Cr32Ni8stainless steel
by mark P10 hard alloy tool using an all-purpose lathe.Variable parameters were:speed
of cutting V,m/min,feed S,mm/round,depth of cutting t,min and various gaseous media.
Table 1
Description |
Parameters of outting modes |
Resistance T,min |
|
V, m/min |
S,mm/round |
t,min |
|
Machining in dry conditions |
131 |
0,47 |
0,5 |
23 |
292,7 |
0.15 |
0,5 |
5,5 |
Machininf in cooled air medium |
100,48 |
0,34 |
0,5 |
52 |
255.0 |
0,15 |
0,5 |
25 |
Machining in cooled ionized air medium |
102 |
0,34 |
0,5 |
98 |
253 |
0,15 |
0,5 |
196 |
[0142] Drawing on the data obtained,one can make the following conclutions.
[0143] Using cooled ionized air as a lubricating-technological medium enhances 1 to 4 times
the resistance of a cutting tool in the range of parameters of cutting under study
as compared to dry machining.
[0144] The maximum effect (as to the tool resistance) from using ionized cooled air is observed
at higher speeds of machining V being greater than 200 m/min.
[0145] Given a speedy heavy-duty machining,the given mode of cooling is actually the only
one to ensure a marked increase in the toool resistance.
[0146] Besides, the rate of air efflux from the vortex tube and the air temperature appreciably
affect the tool wear.Is has been found experimentally that the higher the rate of
cooling air efflux from the vortex tube and the lower its temperature, the higher
is the tool resistance.
[0147] For instance, as the air flow temperature changes from minus 5 to minus 40 C,the
tool resistance grows 2.5 times,and as the speed of eir efflux from the branch increases
from 160 m/s to 400 m/s,the tool resistance increases 4.3 times.
[0148] The above examples enable one to draw a conclusion about the possibility and necessity
of using the cooled air flow in the form of high-speed jet to provide a convective
heat transfer with the tool, because it is precisely these modes that most vividly
show their advantage pover the tool resistance,when using a liquid cooling.
[0149] Still another possible field of application of the vortex tube is its use to creat
cold in cooling chambers.
[0150] Let us consider one of possible designs of such unit.
[0151] The unit has a source 73 (Fig.25) of compressed air,connected to a vortex tube 74.
The cold flow branch 75 of the vortex tube 74 is connected to a power source 76 and
to a cooling chamber 77. Connected to the cooling chamber 77 is heat exchanger 78
which, in turn, is linked with a diffuser 79 to suck out the exhaust air.
[0152] The unit operates as follows.From the compressed air source 73 compressed air is
fed to the fortex tube 74.From the vortex tube 74 via the branch 75 the ionized cold
flow is fed to the cooling chamber 77 and from there the exhaust air is sucked out
throughthe heat exchanger 78 and diffuser 79 and can be used again in the unit or
for other purposes.
[0153] Using the ionized air flow in cooling chambers helps preserve food products at higher
temperatures than in conventional cooling chambers.Thans to ionization the products
can retaine their tasteness and nutritive properties without freezing.
[0154] A hot fluid flow in the vortex tube can be used to heat premises,and an ionized hot
flow can be used for medical puposes, e.g.,to provide premises with ionized air,and
in agriculture,by supplying ionized hot/air to greenhouses and nurseries.
[0155] Thus, due to a broad spectrum of the obtained parameters of hot and cold flows the
disclosed designs of the vortex tube make it possible to use one and the same design
of the vortex tube for various purposes and in different fields, there by facilitating
the provision of environmentally benign of friendly production processes.
Industrial Applicability
[0156] The design of the vortex tube of the invention can be used in themanufacturing and
freezing industries,as well as in medicine and agriculture.
1. A method of controlling thermodynamic processes in a vortex tube, consisting in that
a pressurized fluid flow is fed to a nozzle inlet (4.9), as an expanding fluid flow
moves in the nozzle inlet (4.9), it is twisted to enter a working tube (1), wherein
the twisted fluid flow is divided into a cold and hot flows and each of the flows
is discharged through branches (5.3) of cold and hot flows, respactively, in so doing,
the thermodynamic processes parameters are controlled by adjusting the hot fluid flow
rate in the hot flow branch (3), characterized in that subject to required characteristics
of the cold and hot fluid flows, the fluid flow is controlled by adjusting the length
of the fluid flow and/or the speed of efflux of the fluid flow in the nozzle inlet
by altering the parameters of the conditions of thermodinamic processes in a working
tube and diagragm of a nozzle inlet.
2. A method as defined in claim 1,characterized in that the field flow is controlled
in the nozzle inlet (4.19) by adjusting the length of the fluid flow path in the nozzle
inlet (4.19).
3. A method as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the fluid flow is controlled
in the nozzle inlet by splitting it up into, at least, two rotating flows, each of
which having a different path length.
4. A method as defined in claims 1,2, characterized in that the speed of the cold flow
efflux is additionally adjusted at the outleet of the cold flow branch (5).
5. A method as defined in cleams 1,2, characterized in that a convective heat transfer
of the near-wall layers of the fluid flows is additionally increased in a working
tube (1).
6. A method as defined in cleam 1, characterized in that a cold and/or hot fluid flow
is additionally ionized.
7. A method as defined in claim 6, characterized in that during the ionization of any
fluid flows the composition of cold and/or hot flows is changed.
8. A method, as defined in claims 6, 7, characterized in that in addition following ionization
a substance of a different aggregate state is introduced into any flow, effecting
the alteration of physicochemical properties of the entity outer layer.
9. A method as defined in claim 1, characterized in that gases and/or liquids and mixtures
thereof are used as a fluid.
10. A vortex tube, containing a working tube (1), one end of which vis a control valve
(2) is connected to a hot fluid flow discharge branch (3) and other end - to a vortex
inlet (4), mounted coaxially to a working tube (1), said vortex inlet being fitted
with means affecting thermodinamic processes in the working tube and connected to
the cold fluid flow discharge branch (5), and via an admisiion port (6) - to the sourse
of fluid fed to the nozzle inlet (4) under pressure, characterized in that, the means
is made so that it controls the movement of the fluid flow in the nozzle inlet and
in the working tube, respectively, subject v t o the required characteristics of cold
and hot flows, the geometric parameters of the vortez tube being unchanged.
11. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 10, characterizided in that the nozzle inlet (4)
is made in the form of a cilindrical sleeve (7), with an admission port (6), one end
of wich is connected to the working tube (1), and a diaphragm (8) with a central aperture
(9) is adjacent to the other end, on one end surface of said diaphragm facing the
working tube (1) there is rigidly secured by one of its edges at least one flat spiral
(12), encompassing the aperture (9), serving as means to control the fluid flow in
the nozzle inlet (4), the diaphragm (8) being arranged so as to rotate arround central
axis.
12. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the nozzle inlet (19)
is made in a form of cylindrical sleeve (20) with an admission port (33), one end
of wich is connected to the working tube (1), and cylindrical sleeves (21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26) with flangings (27, 29, 30, 31, 32) are concentrically disposed in the
cylindrical sleeve coaxially and capable of rotating relative to one another and to
the cylindrical sleeve (20), said cylindrical sleeves serving as means to control
the fluid flow, in so doing, from each of the pair of the adjacent cylindrical sleeves
(21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), the cylindrical sleeve (21, 23, 25) of a greater diameter
has a projection (37), and the cylindrical sleeve (22, 24, 26) of a smaller diameter
- groove (36), facing the working tube 1, the opening in the cylindrical sleeve (26)
with the smaller diameter being the duct to withdraw the cold fluid flow to the cold
flow brunch (5).
13. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the cylindrical sleeves
(21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) with flanginngs (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32) are arranged relative
to one another with the possibility of telescopic movement.
14. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 12, 13, characterized in that on the cylindrical
sleeve (21) with the flanging (27), having the greatest diameter, the outside radius
of the projection (39) is less than the outside radius of the sleeve (21) along the
entire height of the projection (39).
15. A vortex tube,as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that the admission
port (6) of the nozzle inlet (4) is made in the form of an obligue Laval nozzle, and
a damper (40) is disposed on the short section of said nozzle at the entrance to the
nozzle inlet, capable of rotating relative to the fluid flow being fed.
16. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 11, 12, characterized in that the inside of the
cylindrical sleeve (7,20) is made from a material with a low friction coefficient.
17. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that part of the
outside of the outside of th working tube (1) from the side of the hot flow branch
(3) is made developed, ensuring a convective exchange of the near-wall fluid flow
with the surrounding medium.
18. A vortex tube,as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that part of the surface
of the working tube (1) from the side of the hot flow branch (3) is made corrugated,
ensuring the alteration of the near-wall fluid flow path lenght and the flow convective
exchange.
19. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 10, 11, 12,characterized in that the control valve
of the hot flow dischange branch is made in the form of a coupling nut (41), screwed
on the working tube (1) at the level of the near-wall layer of the working tube (1),
and a confuser-diffuser nozzle (44) with an adjustable annular gap (45) is connected
to the end of the coupling nut (41) with the aid of a flange (43), in so doing, openings
(46) are made in flangs (43), which correspond to the radius of the arrangement of
the openings (42) at the end of the coupling nut (41) and the coupling nut (41) and
flangs (43) are mounted so as to rotate around the common central axis.
20. A vortex tube,as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that the outlet part
of the cold flow branch (5) is made in the form of a twin Laval nozzle (49) with a
varying section (51) of the second narrowing.
21. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that the hot fluid
flow branch is made as a set of cylindrical tubes (53) accomodated in the signle cylindrical
sleeve (54) and each of cylindrical tubes (53) has its own nozzle inlet (55).
22. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 10, characterized in that it is additionally furnished
with an ionizer, which ionizes the cold and/or hot fluid flows.
23. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 20, characterized in that the ionizer is made in
the form of two electrodes, connected to a power source, one of which is a cylindrical
part of the cold and/or hot flow branches with a ring electrode (56) installed at
its end, and the other electrode is a corona dischange initiator (57), mounted inside
the cold and/or hot flow branch (5,3), the initiator (57) being connected either to
the positive or negative terminal of the power source (58).
24. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that the corona dischange
initiator is made in the form of a needle stem (55) with needle tags (60) equal in
height and arranged on the outer surface of said stem.
25. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that the corona dischange
initiator is made in the form of a sinusoid (61).
26. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 23, 24, 25, characterized in that the corona dischange
initiator (57) is installed opposite to, or along the movement of the cold and/or
hot fluid flows.
27. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that a dielectric grid (62)
with an arbitrary size of cells is disposed upwards of the corona dischange initiator
(57).
28. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that an emission coating (63)
is applied on the inside of the cylindrical part of the hot and/or cold flow branch
(3,5) in the zone of the accommodation of the corona dischange initiator (57).
29. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that a temperature sensitive
element (64) is possitioned at the ionizer outlet and is connected to the power source
(58) through a matching amplifier (65) and a nonlinear feedback (66).
30. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that an ejector (67) is installed
at the outlet of the cold and/or hot flow branch (5,3), which feeds the substances
of a different aggregate state to the cold and/or hot flows.
31. A vortex tube, as defined in claim 23, characterized in that an ejector (67) is arranged
at the ionizer outlet, which feeds the substances of a different aggregate state.
32. A vortex tube,as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, 22 characterized in that it is used
as means of cooling the cutting zone in metal-cutting lathes.
33. A vortex tube,as defined in claim 32, characterized in that when using the vortex
tube to cool the cutting zone in metal-cutting lathes,a flexible hose (68) is connected
to a cold flow branch (75), said hose having two exhaust ducts (69,70), in one of
which the cold flow is fed to the cutting zone along the front surface of the cutting
tool (71), and through the other exhaust duct (70) - cold flow is fed to the gap between
the article (72) to be worked and the rear surface of the cutting tool (71), working
being effected both by an ionized and ordinary cold flow.
34. A vortex tube, as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, 22, characterized in that the branch
(75) of the ionized cold flow is connected to the freezing chamber (77), ensuring
the storage of organic and inorganic substances and products.
35. A vortex tube,as defined in claims 10, 11, 12, 22,characterized in that the hot flow
branch is connected to the chamber, ensuring the heating of the chamber or heating
with ionization.