Parametric Study of Vortex Tube PDF

Columbia International Publishing
American Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

(2017) Vol. 4 No. 3 pp. 115-145
doi:10.7726/ajhmt.2017.1012
Review
Parametric Review of Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube
Kiran D. Devade1* and Ashok Pise2
Received: 25 April 2017; Returned for revision: 17 June 2017; Received in revised form: 19 June 2017;
Accepted: 30 June 2017; Published online: 26 August 2017
© Columbia International Publishing 2017. Published at www.uscip.us
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.
Keywords: Vortex Tube; Energy Separation; Cold Mass Fraction; Stagnation Point; L/D Ratio
Nomenclature
Capital Letters
A Area, mm2
Cp Specific heat, KJ-kg-1k-1
D Diameter of the tube, mm
I irreversibility
L length of tube, mm
ṁ mass flow rate, kg-sec-1
N Number
Q Heat added, dissipated, refrigeration effect, KJ-kg-1
R Gas constant, KJ-kg-1k-1
S entropy generation, KJ-kg-1k-1
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Corresponding e-mail: Kiran.devade@gmail.com
1 Indira College of engineering and Management, Pune, Maharashtra, India-410506
2 Government College of Engineering, Karad, Maharashtra, India-415124
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(2017) Vol. 4 No. 3 pp. 115-145
Small Letters
d diameter, mm
k specific heat ratio
t temperature, K
Greek Letters
∆ Difference, K
γ index of expansion
η efficiency
Γ (k-1)/k
Subscripts
a ambient
c cold
g generation
h hot
i inlet
is isentropic
m mean
max maximum
n nozzle
o orifice
rf factor
s stagnation
sa ambient stagnation
t tube
tc total temperature cold end
Abbreviations
CMF cold mass fraction

L/D length to diameter ratio
RPM revolutions per minute
PCM Phase Change Materials
1 Introduction
Vortex tube produces hot and cold streams of fluid from tangentially supplied compressed fluid. It
is one of the non-conventional refrigeration devices. Ranque G.J. (Ranque, 1933) invented the
vortex tube. The tube being inefficient it was unnoticed until Hilsch (Hilsch, 1947) started working
on enhancing efficiency of the tube. After invention, Ranque’s explanation to the vortex effect was
criticised. (Westley, 1954; Brun, 1933) The investigations took momentum following Hilsch work.
Hence, the tube is widely known as RHVT (Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube). The device is simple in
construction and consists of inlet nozzle/s, vortex chamber, vortex generator, tube with valves on
hot end, cold tube containing orifice. Figure 1 shows the general construction of the tube and flow
pattern inside the vortex tube. The important terms frequently related to vortex tube are as follows.
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1.1 Cold mass fraction

It is the ratio of cold mass of fluid to the total mass of fluid supplied at inlet. It is commonly termed
as cold fraction, cold mass fraction, or as coefficient of energy separation.
𝐶𝑀𝐹 = 𝑚̇𝑐 ⁄𝑚̇𝑎 (1)
1.2 Total temperature difference

It is the difference between the temperature at hot outlet and temperature at cold outlet. Eq.2 Cold
end temperature drop is the difference between inlet temperature and cold end temperature. Eq. 3
Hot end temperature rise is the difference between hot end temperature and inlet temperature.
Eq.4
∆𝑡 = 𝑡ℎ − 𝑡𝑐 (2)
∆𝑡𝑐 = 𝑡𝑖 − 𝑡𝑐 (3)
∆𝑡ℎ = 𝑡ℎ − 𝑡𝑖 (4)
1.3 Stagnation Point

This is the point at which core stream reverses its direction, and starts moving from hot end to cold
end. Beyond this point, there is no energy separation phenomenon. This is the point at which axial
flow velocity component is zero.
Fig. 1. Geometry of the vortex tube
1.4 Core and Peripheral stream

The separated flow in vortex tube has two elements, the hot flow that occurs at periphery is termed
as peripheral stream and the cold flow near tube axis is core stream.
1.5 Isentropic Temperature Difference

𝑃 𝛾−1⁄𝛾
∆𝑇𝑠 = 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝑠 = 𝑇𝑎 (1 − (𝑃 𝑖 ) ) (5)
𝑎
1.6 Isentropic efficiency

𝜂𝑖𝑠 = Δ𝑇𝑐 ⁄Δ𝑇𝑠 (6)
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1.7 COP, coefficient of performance

COP of vortex tube is the ratio of refrigeration effect to the compressor work required to provide
compressed fluid. These are common terms used in performance analysis of vortex tube.
2 Principle of Operation
The working principle of vortex tube is complex in nature. Many theories exist that discuss the
mechanism of separation. The mechanism of the working of the vortex tube is as follows.
Compressed fluid enters tangentially inside the tube through the nozzle as shown in Fig.2.
Fig. 2. Flow patterns in vortex tube
At entry, the fluid expands and attains high velocity. The particular geometry of the nozzle and the
vortex chamber creates swirling flow. Fluid travels in a spiral like motion along the periphery of the
tube at around million RPM. The valve located at the end of the tube restricts this swirling flow. The
pressure of the fluid near the exit valve increases slightly because of partial closure of the valve.
With the valve closure, the flow becomes stagnant and kinetic energy of the flow converts into heat
energy. The flow of fluid reverses from slightly high-pressure region created at the hot end of the
low-pressure region at entry. The reversed stream flows through the core of the tube. Peripheral
high velocity flow surrounds or encompasses the reversed flow stream. The peripheral stream
makes the central layer to rotate, thus central layer gains rotation at the expense of heat. This
causes heat transfer to take place between reversed core stream and peripheral stream. Therefore,
fluid stream passing through the core cools below the inlet temperature of the fluid in the vortex
tube, while the fluid stream in forward direction is heated. The cold stream leaves out through the
diaphragm on the cold side, while the hot stream escapes through the valve opening on the hot end.
The amount of cold mass of fluid and the cold end temperature changes are dependent on opening
or closing of the hot end valve. The cold and hot stream emerging out simultaneously has derived
attention of many researchers. This separation of streams is also known as thermal separation,
energy separation, or vortex effect. The energy separation phenomenon is a mystery to scientific
community. Until date, 27 theories explain the energy separation mechanism. Out of these 11
theories, find wide support. Table.1 summarizes major theories evolved so far along with the
geometrical and operational parameters used for explanation of energy separation mechanism.
Variation of geometrical and operational parameters has significant effect on energy separation.
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The core of this review is to identify effect of all vortex tube related parameters on energy
separation.
Table 1 Summary of the theories proposed

Year Author Theory Proposed
1931 Ranque [1] Compression and expansion
1947 Hilsch [2] Friction
1948 Kessner [114] Free and forced vortex
1950 Fulton [85] Friction and Turbulence
1951 Scheper[115] Heat transfer
1982 Kurosaka[116] Acoustic Streaming
1983 Stephan and lin[83] Goertler Vortices
1983 Amitani[117] Compressibility
1997 Ahelborn[118] Secondary circulation
2002 Mischner[97] Entropy Generation
2010 Xue[119] Multiple circulation
* Researchers have proposed other 16 theories. Scientific community does not support these.
3 Parametric Review of Vortex Tubes

Energy separation being a complex phenomenon, many researchers has focussed on escalating the
performance of vortex tube. Variety of experimental and numerical work is available in the
literature. Parametric review majorly focuses on understanding the missing links to propose
probable areas of research in coming future. Geometrical, operational and important functional
parameters affect the performance of vortex tube. The paper deals with effect of these parameters
on performance and their interdependence.
3.1 Effect of Diameter of Tube (D)
Diameter of tube is one of the geometry parameters that have significant effect on performance.
Hilsch (Hilsch, 1947) explained the effect of diameter of tube on performance. Hilsch reported that
the efficiency of the tube increases, with increase in tube diameter and hence emphasizes use of
large diameter tubes. Hilsch reported that the heat loss from centre to periphery become less
significant for large diameter tube. In contrast to this, Aljuwayhel et al. (Aljuwayhel, Nellis, & Klein,
2005) reported reduction in energy separation with increase in diameter for the reason that, as
diameter of the tube increases, the gradient of angular velocity decreases. Khazei et al. observed
(Khazaei, Teymourtash, & Jafarian, 2012) that small diameter tube has worst effect on performance
because of low tangential velocities in the tube. Keyes (Keyes, 1960) found that tube diameter,
influences vortex strength, as with a reduction in tube diameter the periphery Mach number
increases. A very large tube diameter results in lower tangential velocities, both in the core and
periphery region, which would produce a low diffusion of mean kinetic energy and low
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temperature separation. As these results are contrast to each other, selection of tube diameter for
study was the question. Soni and Thomson (Soni & Thomson, 1975) used EVOP (Evolutionary
Operations); this is simplex modification for designing best dimensions. Soni and Thomson claimed
that the tube manufactured by these relations has produced maximum temperature drop and
efficiency.
Suppose for a tube of diameter, D = 26 mm
Length of tube, 𝐿 > 45𝐷
Area of Nozzle, 𝐴𝑛 = 0.11 ± 0.01(𝐴𝑡) (7)
Area of orifice, 𝐴𝑜 = 0.08 ± 0.01(𝐴𝑡) (8)
On the other hand, Takahama (Takahama & Kawashima, Vortex tube optimization studies, 1960;
Takahama, 1965) has proposed some correlations based on his experimental results. The geometry
relations suggested by Takahama are as follows,
(𝑑𝑛 ⁄𝐷 ) ≤ 0.2 (9)
(𝑁𝑑𝑛2 ⁄𝐷 2 ) = 0.16 𝑡𝑜 0.20 (10)
𝑑𝑐 < (𝐷 − 2𝑑𝑛 ) (11)
(𝑑𝑐2 ⁄𝑁𝑑𝑛2 ) ≤ 2.3 (12)
These relations are based on the experimental data and forms conditions for optimum performance
of vortex tube.
There is a significant variation in calculated dimensions using Soni and Takahama relations. Table 2
shows the estimated dimensions using the relations. The L/D ratio used by Takahama was 55
similar to the one proposed by Soni. In spite of this, the variation in other geometry parameters is
around 70 to 90%. This variation in dimensions may contribute to different results.
Table 2 Dimensions of different tubes

Researcher length Nozzle dia.(mm) Orifice dia. N
(mm)
Soni 1300 1.5-2 1.6-1.8 2
Takahama 1430 5.2 15.6 4
Hilsch 33 D 2.3 4.3 1
D=19.2 for Hilsch, D=26 for Soni and Takahama
The study shows that there has been very less findings of effect of tube diameter. There is need to
depict the effect of change in tube diameter on energy separation since the exact effect is still
unknown as the results shown are contradictory. Some relations for optimum design were
proposed but these relations result into a significant geometry variation.
3.2 Effect of Length of Tube (L)
Length of the tube along which the flow and energy separation occurs happens to be important
geometrical parameter. A numerical investigation of Aljuwayhel (Aljuwayhel, Nellis, & Klein, 2005)
has shown that there exists an effective length of vortex tube for obtaining the conditions, at which
the tube delivers best performance. Increasing or decreasing the tube length beyond this effective
length has detrimental effect on performance. Stagnation point in the flow field puts limitation on
length of vortex tube. The length of the tube should be sufficient to encompass the stagnation point.
Excess tube length does not indicate any energy separation zone ahead to stagnation point. (Oliver,
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Numerical prediction of primary and secondary flows in a Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube, 2008)
Takahama and Yokosawa (Takahama & Yokosawa, Energy Separation in Votex Tubes with
Divergent Section, 1981) used a diverging tube to reduce the effective length of tube and obtain
optimum performance. Celik (Celik, Yilmaz, Kaya, & Karagoz, 2016) et al. have noticed that short
length tube are more efficient compared to long tubes. Oliver (Oliver, Boyle, & Reynolds, Computer
Aided Study of the Ranque–Hilsch Vortex Tube Using Advanced Three-Dimensional Computational
Fluid Dynamics Software, 2006) used reduced length tube based on the position of stagnation point
to encompass it within tube length.
As stagnation point puts limitation on tube length, there is, need to establish relationship between
the flow parameters and stagnation point to fix the length of tube for defined operating parameters.
There is still a question on effective length of the tube for best performance, hence in majority of
works the fraction usually called as length to diameter ratio (L/D ratio) has been utilised to take
into account the effect of these two parameters. Length and diameter have individual effect on
performance of the tube. L/D ratio addresses the combined effect of these two parameters.
3.3 Effect of L/D ratio
Individual studies on diameter and length of tube affects L/D ratio. In addition, it is not possible to
keep L/D constant and predict changes; hence, effect of change in L/D ratio becomes a useful
parameter. These experimental studies (Gulyaev, 1966; Dyskin, 1989; Saidi & Allaf Yazdi, 1999;
Aydin & Baki, 2006; Saidi & Valipour, 2003; Polisel, Rocha, & Simões-Moreira, 2007) have observed
effect of change in L/D ratio. Researchers have tested vortex tube from one to 800 L/D ratio.
Majority of the studies (66%) have worked with L/D ratio in the range of 1 to 20. Figure 3 shows
the range of L/D ratios used during experimental and numerical analysis of vortex tube.
Gulyaev (Gulyaev, 1966) suggested that L/D > 13 for increasing energy separation. Dyskin (Dyskin,
1989) incorporated detwister on cold end side, and proved that length of tube decreases for
optimum performance using detwister. Saidi and Valipour (Saidi & Valipour, 2003) optimized L/D
ratio for best efficiency, and suggested that for achieving higher efficiency, L/D ratio should be in
the range of20 ≤ 𝐿⁄𝐷 ≤ 55.5. Aydin (Aydin & Baki, 2006) based on the experimental results
suggested that L/D20, but the trend of the results obtained is exactly opposite of few researchers
(Hilsch, 1947; Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005; Devade & Pise, 2016). Cockerill (Cockerill, 1995)
experimentally analysed that L/D ratio equal to 60 and 64 produces effective temperature
separation. Piralishvili (Piralishvili & Polyaev, Flow and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Energy
Separation in a Double-Circuit Vortex Tube An Experimental Investigation, 1996) reported that the
kinetic energy losses are minimised, with lower L/D ratios (i.e.1-12). Saidi et al. in (Saidi & Allaf
Yazdi, 1999) another analysis has shown that exergy destruction decreases and temperature
difference increases, with increase of L/D. Singh et al. reported that, change in L/D ratio does not
affect energy separation (Singh, Tathgir, Gangacharyulu, & Grewal, 2004). Markal et al. noticed
(Markal, Aydin, & Avci, 2010) that smaller L/D ratio deteriorate performance because of mixing of
the cold and hot streams.
Effect of L/D ratio was analysed numerically by (Behera U. , Paul, Dinesh, & Jacob, 2008; Dincer,
Tasdemir, Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008; Ameri & Behnia, 2009; Bramo & Pourmahmoud, 2010;
Pourmahmoud & Bramo, 2011; Kandil & Abdelghany, 2015; Pourmahmoud, Feyzi, Orang, &
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Paykani, 2015; Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2014; Linhart, Kalal, & Matas, 2005). Behera (Behera U. , Paul,
Dinesh, & Jacob, 2008) has shown that increase in length, increases efficiency by 25% because of
displacement of stagnation point. Dincer et al. (Dincer, Tasdemir, Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008) related
the performance of tube with stagnation point. The finding of the study was stagnation point
depends upon the length and the other geometry of the tube. Marques et al. based on constructal
design theory (Marques, Isoldi, Santos, & Rocha, 2012) proposed that optimised performance can
be obtained at L/D=5. Bramo and Pourmahmoud (Bramo & Pourmahmoud, 2010) noticed
interesting observation that for smaller L/D ratio equal to 8 and 9 stagnation point shifts towards
hot end and then shifts towards cold end for L/D ratio>10 to30. Thus, L/D ratio has relation with
the stagnation point as seen for length of tube. Kandil and Abdelghany (Kandil & Abdelghany, 2015)
reported that the tube performance varies with L/D at different cold mass fractions.
30 28 28
25 24
Experimental
Numerical
Frequency
20 18
15
11
10 9
8 8
5 4 4
3
2
1 1
0 0
0
1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 101 to 400 401 to 800
L/D ratio
Fig. 3. Frequency of different L/D ratio used for analysis
The results obtained by researchers for different L/D ratio suggests that for every operating
condition the optimum tube length varies with cold mass fraction and other geometry parameters.
Arriving at a generalised conclusion is not possible since the results of optimum L/D do not match.
The results obtained apply to their tested conditions only. This prompts to have a generalised
optimum L/D ratio, which could ensure repeatability of results. Stagnation point if bears
relationship with L/D ratio, the relation needs to be established. Such a relation may become a tool
to design vortex tube for efficient operation. For this, the flow patterns should be analysed at
different L/D ratios to capture the stagnation point and exact relationship with L/D ratio.
3.4 Effect of Nozzle Number and Nozzle Geometry (Nn)
Nozzle is the entry point through which the fluid enters tangentially in the vortex tube; range of
nozzle number used is 1 to 8 (except 7) out of this 2,4 and 6 is common as seen in Fig.4. Similarly,
common nozzle geometry is circular and square slot along with the other geometries as seen in
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Fig.5. Extensive experimental and numerical work is evident for number of nozzles and nozzle
geometry.
Experimental work has been performed by these (Saidi & Valipour, 2003; Promvonge & Eiamsa-
ard, 2005; Dincer, Tasdemir, Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008; Takahama, 1965; Takahama & Soga, 1966;
Kirmaci, 2009; Dincer, Avci, Baskaya, & Berber, 2010; Eiamsa-ard, Wongcharee, & Promvonge,
2010; Chang, Li, Zhou, & Qiang, 2011; Mohmmadi & Farhadi, 2013) with regard to nozzle number
(Avci, 2013; Bovand, Rashidi, & Esfahani, 2016) and nozzle geometry. Researchers have obtained
varying results for effect of nozzle numbers on energy separation. Some of these (Saidi & Valipour,
2003; Kirmaci, 2009; Dincer, Avci, Baskaya, & Berber, 2010; Avci, 2013) have observed the decay in
performance with increase in nozzle number, the reason of decay is increase in turbulence of the
flow. While few (Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005; Eiamsa-ard, 2010; Bovand, Rashidi, & Esfahani,
2016) have mentioned that increase in nozzle number enhances the energy separation. The
increase in energy separation and drop in cold end temperature occurs because of the intense swirl
produced with increasing the number of nozzles. Chang (Chang, Li, Zhou, & Qiang, 2011) has
observed that the effect of nozzle number on energy separation is dependent on CMF. Three or
more number of nozzles performs better for CMF<0.3 and at higher CMF lower nozzle number
performs better. Takahama (Takahama, 1965), based on experimental studies proposed that, (Area
Ratio) 𝐴𝑛 ⁄𝐴𝑡 ≥ 0.087. Takahama observed that for smaller values of area ratio, the forced vortex
formed at core becomes weak.
30 28
26
25
20 Experimental
20
Frequency of use
Numerical
15 14 14
11
10 8
7
6
5 4 4
3
2
1
0 0
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Numbers of entry Nozzles
Fig. 4. Frequency of number of nozzles used for analysis
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40 37
35
30
25
Frequency
Experimental
20 16
15 Numerical
15
10
10
5
5 1 0 2 2 2 1 2 1 0 2
0
0
Nozzle Geometry
Fig. 5. Frequency of nozzle geometries used for analysis
Numerical predictions by these (Dincer, Tasdemir, Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008; Ameri & Behnia, 2009;
Pinar, Uluer, & Kırmaci, 2009; Uluer, Kirmaci, & Atas, 2009; Kocabas, Korkmaz, Sorgucu, & Donmez,
2010; Shamsoddini & Nezhad, 2010; Polat & Kirmaci, 2011; Pourmahmoud, Hassanzadeh, &
Moutaby, 2012; Rafiee & Rahimi, 2013; Rafiee & Masoud, 2014) have also commented (Rafiee &
Sadeghiazad, 2014) on number of nozzles and size of nozzles. The findings were similar to that of
experimental results, a mix prediction exists, wherein some researchers (Dincer, Tasdemir,
Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008; Uluer, Kirmaci, & Atas, 2009; Kocabas, Korkmaz, Sorgucu, & Donmez, 2010;
Polat & Kirmaci, 2011; Pourmahmoud, Hassanzadeh, & Moutaby, 2012) have observed drop in
performance of energy separation with increase in nozzle number. Some of these (Ameri & Behnia,
2009; Rafiee & Rahimi, 2013) have noticed increase in cooling capacity/energy separation/
performance for converging shape nozzles. Shamsoddini and Nezhad (Shamsoddini & Nezhad,
2010) have noticed that with increase in nozzle numbers, cold end temperature decreases but
power of cooling escalates. Shamsoddini proposed a correlation for power of cooling and nozzle
numbers.
𝑄𝑐 = 73.14 + 4553ln(𝑁 − 3.9624) (13)

Power of cooling 𝑄𝑐 is total temperature difference between ambient and cold end,
𝑄𝑐 ̇ = 𝑚̇𝑐 𝑐𝑝 (𝑇𝑠𝑎 − 𝑇𝑡𝑐 ) (14)
The extrapolation of the correlation suggested that, for nozzle number 40 and 1000 the cooling
capacity reaches 98% and 100% respectively. It is very impractical to accommodate large number
of nozzles along a small tube periphery. The results of Rafiee (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2016) have
confirmed increase in energy separation, with increase in nozzle number, but this change is
dependent on CMF. This is similar to the findings of Chang (Chang, Li, Zhou, & Qiang, 2011). Figure
5 shows various nozzle geometries used. It shows that very few researchers have worked with
spiral and helical nozzles. Pourmahmoud (Pourmahmoud, Hassanzadeh, & Moutaby, 2012) has also
commented that the stagnation point moves to the farthest end of hot tube, when helical nozzles
are used. Spiral and Helical nozzles improve the performance of vortex tube. The probable reason is
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spiral and helical nozzles guide the flow for smooth tangential entry, there is initial pressure drop
in these nozzles, and these nozzles assist in increasing swirl intensity of the flow. The increase in
performance with helical and spiral nozzles is around 3 to 4.5% as compared to straight nozzles.
The discussion above presents mixed result, the similar results are available for nozzle geometries.
Among all geometries tested, convergent spiral entry (Bovand, Rashidi, & Esfahani, 2016; Darokar,
Borse, & Devade, 2012; Wu, Ding, Ji, Ma, & Ge, 2007), Archimedean spiral and helical nozzles
(Behera U. , Paul, Dinesh, & Jacob, 2008; Ameri & Behnia, 2009; Pourmahmoud, Hassanzadeh &
Moutaby, 2013; Alekhin, Bianco, Khai, & Noskov, 2015; Behera U. , et al., 2005; Piralishvili &
Fuzeeva, 2005; Pourmahmoud, Jahangiramini, & Izadi, 2013; Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2014)are more
efficient. The results are CMF dependent, certain operating conditions, show rise in separation, and
fall for others. Analysis of displacement of stagnation point in case of spiral and helical nozzles is
required along with effect on tangential velocities and swirl intensities. More studies are required
in view of comparison between straight and other geometries. The opinion of majority of
researchers is nozzle number should not be more than 2 to 3, and contradictions are still there, this
needs support of flow field visualisations and findings. Angular entry other than tangential entry
needs focus, as it may change the tangential velocity component. Correlation developed applies to
specific operating condition and it is impractical. There is a need of generalised correlation to take
into account the effect of influencing parameters. CMF puts a limit on the number of nozzles; the
explanation for effect of CMF on nozzle number is required.
3.5 Effect of Cold Orifice Diameter (do)
Cold orifice diameter through which cold stream leaves has been the topic of interest since the
invention. Cold orifice diameter refers to cold diaphragm diameter or cold end diameter. The
literature shows efforts taken in optimizing the cold end diameter.
These experimental (Hilsch, 1947; Deemter, 1952; Takahama, 1965; Gulyaev, 1966; Borisenko,
Safonov, & Yakovlev, 1968; Saidi & Valipour, 2003; Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005; Aydin & Baki,
2006; Polisel, Rocha, & Simões-Moreira, 2007; Wu, Ding, Ji, Ma, & Ge, 2007) studies have discussed
the effect of cold end diameter (Chang, Li, Zhou, & Qiang, 2011; Valipour & Niazi, 2011; Mohmmadi
& Farhadi, 2013; Bovand, Rashidi, & Esfahani, 2016) on energy separation. Some studies
(Nimbalkar & Muller, 2009) have reported that secondary circulation occurs because of cold orifice
dimensions. Hilsch (Hilsch, 1947) in his initial studies has agreed that there exists a favourable
diaphragm diameter and smaller diameter diaphragm can produce good separation. Deemter
(Deemter, 1952) agreed with Hilsch and noticed that smaller diameter results are in agreement
with experiment and large diameter results deviate. According to secondary circulation theory,
energy separation is more for larger orifice diameters (𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 > 0.5). Gulyaev (Gulyaev, 1966)
proposed that when 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 = 0.565 the tube has shown maximum refrigeration capacity hence,
𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 should be in range of 0.5 to 0.57. Borisenko et al. (Borisenko, Safonov, & Yakovlev, 1968)
results have demonstrated that maximum temperature drop occurs at 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 = 0.45, while tube
operates with maximum efficiency at𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 = 0.58. It was also noted that with increase in orifice
diameter efficiency increases along with CMF. Saidi and Valipour (Saidi & Valipour, 2003)
experimentally observed that for 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 < 0.5, cold end temperature difference increases, while
at𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 > 0.5, cold end temperature difference decreases, this is obvious because of reversal of flow
as per secondary circulation theory. Devade and Pise (Devade & Pise, 2014), as shown in Fig.6
obtain the similar results.
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do/D
1 0.4
0.48
0.56
0
∆Tc/∆Tcmax
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
cold mass fraction, CMF
-1
-2
Fig. 6. effect of diameter ratio on energy separation, Devade and Pise [65]
Similar trend is observed by (Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005) reported that at lower values of
diameter ratio, high backpressure exists, and at higher values of diameter ratio, higher tangential
velocities exist. Optimum performance is thus occurs at𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 = 0.5. Nimbalkar and Muller
(Nimbalkar & Muller, 2009) demonstrated the reasons for using,𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 > 0.5 by showing existence
of secondary circulation at smaller diameters. Figure 7 shows the schematic of occurrence of
secondary circulations inside the flow field. Devade and Pise (Devade & Pise, Optimization of
thermal performance of Ranque Hilsch Vortex Tube: MADM techniques, 2016) have shown that for
tested L/D ratios, diameter ratio should be greater than 0.5 to obtain optimized performance.
Marques et al. based on constructal design theory (Marques, Isoldi, Santos, & Rocha, 2012)
proposed that optimised performance occurs at𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 = 0.4; this is in contrast to the experimental
evidence.
Numerical studies carried out so far have (Deemter, 1952; Sibulkin, 1962; Soni & Thomson, 1975;
Aljuwayhel, Nellis, & Klein, 2005; Behera U. , Paul, Dinesh, & Jacob, 2008; Ameri & Behnia, 2009;
Khazaei, Teymourtash, & Jafarian, 2012; Rafiee & Masoud, 2014; Liu & Liu, 2014; Kandil &
Abdelghany, 2015) successfully observed secondary flows and have commented on orifice
diameter. Sibulkin (Sibulkin, 1962) during his studies with vortex tube and orifice diameter
concluded that changing𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 < 0.5 has very less significant result on vortex flow. Correlations
proposed by Soni and Thomson (Soni & Thomson, 1975) have already been mentioned with earlier
section of tube diameter. Ameri and Behnia (Ameri & Behnia, 2009) proposed the optimum 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 =
0.58 for obtaining highest efficiency. Kandil (Kandil & Abdelghany, 2015) investigated that
secondary circulations occur for certain range of do/D, i.e. 0.368 to 0.4561. Figure 8 shows the
diameter ratio used in various experimental and numerical studies. It indicates that most of the
theoretical studies have used𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 ≥ 0.5, almost 59% studies have used diameter ratio greater
than equal to 0.5. The discussions above clearly indicate that cold orifice diameter is responsible for
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secondary circulations inside vortex tube. Intensity of secondary circulation is more at 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 < 0.5 ,
but this ratio can produce maximum cold temperature drop at low CMF. Hence, it is clear that
vortex tube can provide either high CMF or lower ∆Tc. At 𝑑𝑜 ⁄𝐷 > 0.5, cold temperature drop
reduces because of rise in CMF. Thus cold orifice diameter becomes significant parameter in the
design of vortex tubes. The focus on optimizing the low temperature with higher CMF is the
requirement. Investigation is required to obtain optimum combination of CMF and ∆Tc. If it happens
simultaneously, there could be substantial enhancement in the efficiency of vortex tube.
3.6 Effect of Tube Angle (ϕ)
Tube angle is one of the performance influencing parameters of vortex tube. Researchers have
worked with straight, diverging, converging, curved and combination of these geometries. Figure 9
shows the various tube geometries used by researchers during research. The literature indicates
that there were numerous studies performed on straight tube; very few studies have been reported
with converging (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, Experimental Study and 3D CFD Analysis on the
Optimization of Throttle Angle for a Convergent Vortex Tube, 2016; Herrada, Perez-Sabroid, &
Barrero, 1999) and diverging (Gulyaev, 1966; Borisenko, Safonov, & Yakovlev, 1968; Takahama &
Yokosawa, 1981; Piralishvili & Polyaev, 1996; Poshernev & Khodorkov, 2004; Chang, Li, Zhou, &
Qiang, 2011; Devade & Pise, 2016) tubes, tubes with curved geometry (Valipour & Niazi, 2011;
Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, & Tamayol, 2014; Bovand M. , Valipour, Eiamsa-ard, & Tamayol, 2014)
and combination of straight and divergent/convergent sections (Devade & Pise, 2012; Devade &
Pise, 2014; Guen, et al., 2013), even bent (Takahama & Tanimoto, 1974)vortex chambers. Almost
83% researchers have used straight tubes and 17% have used the other angular geometry.
Fig. 7. Secondary circulations in vortex tube
Gulyaev (Gulyaev, 1966) used divergent vortex tube in order to shorten the length of the tube.
Gulyaev reported that tubes with 40 divergence angle should have L/D  13 for obtaining better
temperature drop. Diverging section tubes have shown rise in performance by 20-25% as
compared to straight tube, this is because of vortex deceleration as observed in divergent tubes.
Borisenko (Borisenko, Safonov, & Yakovlev, 1968) also proposed that the reason behind
performance enhancement in diverging tube is that diverging tube adopts volume changes of gas
and mixing of cold and hot stream is minimised in diverging tubes. Takahama (Takahama &
Yokosawa, Energy Separation in Votex Tubes with Divergent Section, 1981) reported that in
divergent section tubes, the forced vortex region is wider as compared to straight tube; the wider
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section contributes in energy separation. Chang et al. (Chang, Li, Zhou, & Qiang, 2011) reported that
in divergent tubes the swirling velocity decreases, at reduced swirl velocity the friction losses and
internal viscous losses are minimised, thus efficiency increases. 40 divergences produces maximum
cooling efficiency, this is in support of Gulyaev (Gulyaev, 1966). Similar findings are observed by
(Devade & Pise, 2016) for divergence angle. Researchers have used diverging geometries
(Borisenko, Safonov, & Yakovlev, 1968) on cold and hot end side along with tube.
Converging tubes on the other hand provide high cooling efficiency along with higher values of CMF
in contrast to diverging tubes. In diverging tubes, CMF in the range of 0.2-0.3 gives best
performance of energy separation. The same range increases to 0.3-0.45 in case of convergent
tubes. (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, Experimental Study and 3D CFD Analysis on the Optimization of
Throttle Angle for a Convergent Vortex Tube, 2016; Devade & Pise, 2014). In case of a curved tube
as noted by (Valipour & Niazi, 2011) the performance declines. The findings suggest that straight
tubes are more efficient as compared to curved tubes.
Numerical studies by these researchers (Herrada, Perez-Sabroid, & Barrero, 1999; Pouraria &
Zangooee, 2012; Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, & Tamayol, 2014; Bovand M. , Valipour, Eiamsa-ard,
& Tamayol, 2014; Alekhin, Bianco, Khai, & Noskov, 2015; Devade & Pise, 2016; Rafiee &
Sadeghiazad, 2016) have also contributed in understanding of effect of divergence, convergence
angle. Pouraria and Zangooee (Pouraria & Zangooee, 2012) confirmed that performance of tube
improves with divergence angle. Cold mass fraction limits the optimum divergence angle for
maximum efficiency. Curved tubes were analysed by Bovand et al (Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, &
Tamayol, 2014; Bovand M. , Valipour, Eiamsa-ard, & Tamayol, 2014), and the study suggests that
straight tubes give superior performance compared to curved tube. Converging tube analysis by
Rafiee (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2016) reported that the pressure drop in convergent tube is 5%
more than that of straight tube, and the flow separation is dominant, hence cooling and heating
efficiencies are higher. Devade and Pise (Devade & Pise, 2014) reported similar findings, that
converging tubes optimise the CMF and ∆Tc.
25 23 Experimental
Numerical
20 19
Frequency of use
15
11
10
10 9
7
0
< 0.5 0.5 > 0.5
Diameter Ratio
Fig. 8. Diameter ratio of do/D utilised
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Review of Tube Geometry

60
53
50
50
Frequency of Use
Experimental
40 Numerical
30
20
10 6
3 1 2 1 2 3
0
0
Straight Diverging Converging Curved Combination
Tube Geometry
Fig. 9. Types of tube geometry used for analysis
The discussion presents that the unfocussed area of vortex tube is the divergence angle of the tube.
Divergence angle happens to be one of the parameters that help to improve efficiency in the range
of (5-25%). CMF puts limitation on use of divergence and convergence angle, thus there is need to
define the optimum performance limits for converging and diverging tubes. As noticed CMF
restricts the use of L/D, number of nozzles, divergence angle, cold orifice diameter, it is therefore
required to find the optimum performing combination of these parameters. The numerical analysis
with diverging tube and straight tube shows the dependence of tube performance on geometrical
parameters. The reasons of enhancement in performance with the use of divergent angle need
attention. In addition, the effect of divergence angle on tube length reduction needs experimental
and numerical evidence.
3.7 Effect of Hot End Valves/Plug/Cones (ϴ)
Plugs used on hot end side restrict the peripheral flow. These plugs/valves/cone angle and
geometry have considerable effect on energy separation. The positions of these valves/plugs
determine the cold mass fraction and in turn the energy separation. Experimental and numerical
studies have demonstrated the effect of valves on flow field and overall performance. Figure 10
shows the various valve angles researchers used during analysis.
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8
7 7
7
6
5 5 5 5
Frequency of Use
5
4
4
3 Experimental
3 Numerical
2
2
1 1 1 1 1 1
1
0 0 0 0 0
0
20 30 40 45 50 60 70 75 80 90
Hot end valve angles, (0)

Fig. 10. Hot end valves of different angles used by researchers
Many researchers during their experimental studies (Marshall, 1977; Dyskin, 1989; Aydin & Baki,
2006; Dincer, Baskaya, Uysal, & Ucgul, 2009; Markal, Aydin, & Avci, 2010; Dincer, Yilmaz, Berber, &
Baskaya, 2011; Devade & Pise, 2012; Im & Yu, 2012; Avci, 2013; Devade & Pise, 2014) have used
different valves (Devade & Pise, 2016; Bovand, Rashidi, & Esfahani, 2016) and shapes. Dyskin
(Dyskin, 1989) used detwister on hot end and observed that the heating effect increase by 3 to50.
Detwister improves swirling intensity and hence both heating as well as cooling performance of
tube enhances. Dincer et al. used conical valves (Dincer, Baskaya, Uysal, & Ucgul, 2009) and
reported that maximum temperature difference occurs at 30 and 600 valve angle. Markal et al.
examined (Markal, Aydin, & Avci, 2010) the valve angles effect and reported that at higher valve
angles, flow becomes more unstable because of sudden change in direction of hot streams. Dincer et
al. (Dincer, Yilmaz, Berber, & Baskaya, 2011) investigated the cascading effect on hot end, and the
results state that cascading improves efficiency of the system. Devade and Pise (Devade & Pise,
2012) utilised the effect of valve angles to enhance efficiency of the tube, and observed that 600
angles valve was best for heating and 450 angles valve improves overall performance (cooling as
well as heating).
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3 3
Frequency of use
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
0
Axial cascade cooling Detwisters diffuser diverging insulation water
cooled
hot end configuration
Fig. 11. Hot end configurations
Rafiee et al. (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2016) demonstrated the influence of valve angle on energy
separation. The results of Rafiee et al. show that the valve on hot end was responsible in moving the
stagnation point towards cold end, thus affecting the energy separation. The highest tangential
velocity and pressure drop occurs for valve of 600 angles.
In other configurations, to improve the performance of vortex tube, researchers’ used various
arrangements. Figure 11 shows the other geometry configurations used by researchers. In these
cascade is re-introduction of the hot flow as inlet to another vortex tube, some of the researches
have tried insulation and cooling with water jacket, while detwister is used on hot end to guide the
flow axially reducing losses. Among this insulated tube (Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005) has
shown rise in performance by 5%, while cooling on hot tube (Eiamsa-ard, Wongcharee, &
Promvonge, 2010) has shown 4.7 to 9% enhancement in cooling efficiency. Detwister improves
heating by 3 to 50.
The discussion above indicates that, 450 and 600 angles valve are more efficient and frequently used
by researchers. The discussions above state the importance of valve angle on energy separation.
The results vary depending upon valve angle and hot end configurations. The important is the
position of stagnation point. Since the position of stagnation point changes with valve angle, the
exact flow physics of stagnation point formation and its movement is the major issue to address.
Cooling with use of PCM can also be another area to focus.
3.8 Effect of Cold Mass Fraction (CMF)
Cold mass fraction is the ratio of cold mass of fluid to the total mass of fluid supplied. The
discussion so far has many times witnessed cold mass fraction exerts limitation to the performance
enhancement with almost all of the geometry parameters. Thus, CMF happens to be the significant
parameter governing the tube performance.
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The effects of CMF on energy separation and exergy destruction were studied by Saidi and Yazdi
(Saidi & Allaf Yazdi, 1999) and it was found that the device performs better at CMF=0.7, as the
exergy destruction is minimum. Promvonge and Eiamsa-ard (Promvonge & Eiamsa-ard, 2005)
experimentally noticed that the highest cold end temperature drop is obtained at CMF=0.345 for
tubes with and without insulation. However, it is an observation that at highest cold end
temperature drop the tube performance significantly reduces, the reason behind drop in
performance is the lower CMF obtained. A correlation proposed by Hilsch (Hilsch, 1947) for
temperature drop in terms of CMF is as follows,
∆𝑡𝑐
= 1.0916(𝐶𝑀𝐹)3 − 4.2581(𝐶𝑀𝐹)2 + 2.8563𝐶𝑀𝐹 + 0.4641 (15)
∆𝑡𝑐,𝑚𝑎𝑥
∆𝑡𝑐
∆𝑡𝑐,𝑚𝑎𝑥
= 5.78(𝐶𝑀𝐹)3 − 9.8(𝐶𝑀𝐹)2 + 4.4𝐶𝑀𝐹 + 0.39 (16)
Devade and Pise (Devade & Pise, 2016) also proposed relation for Temperature drop as,
∆𝑡𝑐
∆𝑡
= 1.0916(𝐶𝑀𝐹)3 − 4.2581(𝐶𝑀𝐹)2 + 2.8563𝐶𝑀𝐹 + 0.464 (17)
𝑐,𝑚𝑎𝑥
The correlation proposed by Stephan and Lin (Stephen, Lin, Durst, Huang, & Seher, 1983) was,
∆𝑡𝑐
∆𝑡
= 0.815(𝐶𝑀𝐹)3 − 3.101(𝐶𝑀𝐹)2 + 1.54𝐶𝑀𝐹 + 0.792 (18)
𝑐,𝑚𝑎𝑥
Cockerill also have proposed such relationship between CMF and temperature ratio,
∆𝑡𝑐
∆𝑡
= 3.23(𝐶𝑀𝐹)3 − 7.97(𝐶𝑀𝐹)2 + 3.97𝐶𝑀𝐹 + 0.39 (19)
𝑐,𝑚𝑎𝑥
The correlation dictates the effect of CMF on temperature drop. Figure 12 shows the effect of CMF
on temperature separation. It indicates that maximum temperature drop occurs at a particular CMF
(Devade & Pise, 2016). i.e. maximum cold end temperature drop is observed between CMF=0.36 to
0.44. There is good agreement of the results of all the correlations.
The conclusion from the discussion in this section and the earlier sections is that, cold mass fraction
significantly affects the operation of vortex tube. It limits the energy separation. Cold mass fraction
puts limit on the L/D ratio; do, Ø, Nn, valves on hot end side. It is also interesting to know that as
inlet pressure increases, the cold mass fraction reduces significantly. Moreover, with increase in
CMF, COP of the tube increases but cold end temperature drop reduces, and hot end temperature
rise increases. (Devade & Pise, 2016) The optimum operating cold mass fractions of straight tube,
diverging tube, converging tubes may be different. As per the study of the authors, it is possible to
obtain optimum cold mass fraction and cold end temperature drop together, if converging tubes are
used (Devade & Pise, Investigation of Refrigeration Effect Using Short Straight-Divergent Tubes,
2012).
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1.2 Devade and Pise 2012

Promvonge et.al 2005
1 Hilsch et. Al 1947
Stephan and Lin 1984
0.8 Cockeril 1995
Rafiee 2016
∆Tc/∆Tcmax, (k)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
CMF
Fig. 12. Effect of CMF on temperature separation
In order to enhance the performance of the tube, the prime requirement is to obtain maximum
CMF. CMF governs the mass flow rate of cold and hot streams at respective outlet. Cold mass
fraction is the only deciding parameter that could provide us the optimized geometry for attaining
the best result in absence of mechanism of separation. Since cold mass fraction is the limiting
parameter, the approach of designing vortex tube should be CMF based. CMF itself would figure out
the combination of geometry and related parameters that would achieve best performance. Studies
on tube designed in this fashion are required in the coming future. The comparison of optimum
CMF for straight tube, diverging tube, and converging tubes is the requirement in coming future.
Dimension similarity is the base for such comparisons, i.e. L/D ratio, Nozzle number, diameter ratio
and valve geometries stand as fixed. Cold mass fraction affects the position of stagnation point.
Hence, close observation of flow field is required to predict influence of CMF on stagnation point.
3.9 Effect of Stagnation Point
The earlier discussions have made it clear that stagnation point occurs in the flow field. The
stagnation point is not fixed and it keeps moving with change in operating parameters. Stagnation
point in the flow field is the point on axis at which the axial velocity of the flow becomes zero. Baker
(Baker, 1956)named stagnation point during his initial findings as turnaround point.
The position of stagnation point on axis decides the magnitude of energy separation. The literature
has commented on stagnation points and its effects. Baker (Baker, 1956) during his experiments
with starch as fluid observed the presence of stagnation point in the flow field, which he called as
turn-around point. This point leaves a hot spot on the walls of the tube. Baker noticed that opening
of hot end valve makes the point to move beyond tube limits. Stagnation point occurs irrespective
of the inclination of the tube.
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Stephan and Lin (Stephen, Lin, Durst, Huang, & Seher, 1983) mentioned that the variation in wall
temperature could help to locate the stagnation point on axis. Fulton (Fulton, 1950) has observed
that beyond the stagnation point (region close to hot end), axial velocity varies with radius i.e. (low
at axis and high at periphery). The wall in this region is hotter, and highest temperature on wall
attributes to exact location of stagnation point on axis. Camire (Camire, 1992) has noted that when
CMF is more, stagnation point is near hot end, conversely when hot mass flow rate is more
stagnation point is close to cold end. The position of stagnation point governs cooling and heating
effect. At optimum CMF, stagnation point is located within the tube, on axis. Rafiee et al. (Rafiee &
Sadeghiazad, 2016), has demonstrated that increase in hot end valve angles, improves the
optimum CMF because of displacement of stagnation point towards cold end. Bramo and
Pourmahmoud (Bramo & Pourmahmoud, 2010) have also provided the relation between L/D ratio
and stagnation point.
The discussion above demonstrates the role of stagnation point on working of vortex tube. For
efficient working of the tube, stagnation point should occur close to hot end valve. The vortex tube
should be designed such that, stagnation point should occur near to hot end valve so that highest
efficiency can be obtained. Fixed stagnation point close to hot end valve delivers maximum cooling
effect and when it is near cold end side, tube delivers maximum heating effect. The vortex tube can
effectively perform in both the modes, provided the stagnation point location is fixed.
3.10 Effect of Inlet Pressure (Pi)

The effect of inlet pressure on performance of vortex tube is quiet obvious, and all the studies so far
have agreed upon it. As the pressure at the inlet increases, the temperature separation tends to
increase. With increase in inlet pressure CMF reduces (Devade & Pise, 2016). The exergy loss also
increases with increase in supply pressure (Kirmaci, 2009). In addition, the common observation is
that vortex tube delivers highest efficiency at moderate operating pressures. In such case when
vortex tube operates even at low pressure (Ahlborn, Camire, & Keller, 1996), the energy separation
exists. However, until date very few researchers have worked on low-pressure vortex tubes. The
effect of CMF and occurrence of stagnation point in low-pressure tubes need support from scientific
community. Pressure range commonly used is 0.3 to 13 bars; in this range, most of the researchers
have used pressure from 2 to 11 bars. Pressure for natural gas as fluid at entry is upto 42 bars.
3.11 Effect of Working Fluids

Literature shows experimental and numerical results with varieties of fluids in vortex tube to
understand the effect of fluid properties on performance of the tube. The more commonly used
fluid for the experimental and numerical investigations is air. In addition, various other fluids like
water (Balmer, 1998), monoatomic (Linderstr0m-Lang, 1965; Gulyaev, 1966), diatomic (Baker,
1956; Aydin & Baki, 2006; Kirmaci, 2009; Agarwal, Naik, & Gawale, 2014), tri-atomic gases, two-
phase fluids (Collins & Lovelace, 1979; Takahama, Kato, & Yokosawa, 1979), mixtures of gases,
steam and organic and inorganic refrigerants (Han, et al., 2013) have been used. Numerical studies
(Farouk, Farouk, & Gutsol, 2009; Pinar, Uluer, & Kırmaci, 2009; Polat & Kirmaci, 2011; Khazaei,
Teymourtash, & Jafarian, 2012; Baghdad, Ouadha, & Addad, 2012; Thakare & Parekh, 2014) are also
available with different fluids mentioned above in the literature. Figure 13 shows the frequency of
use of various fluids, it can be seen that majority of research has been performed on air as working
fluid. Energy separation and efficiency for triatomic gas (Agarwal, Naik, & Gawale, 2014) like CO2 is
15% more as compared to air and diatomic gas N2 because of higher molecular weight and low
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specific heat. In contrast to this, Khazei et al. (Khazaei, Teymourtash, & Jafarian, 2012) observed
higher energy separation for gases, with lower molecular weight and high specific heat. The energy
separation (Thakare & Parekh, 2014) increases with increase in thermal diffusivity and thermal
conductivity. The typical temperature separation for few gases is as shown in Fig. 14. As compared
to other gases, the temperature separation for helium is more. Among variety of fluids tested by the
researchers, results for few fluids are presented for illustration.
60 55
50 Experimental
Numerical
40 35
Frequency
30
20
10
33 44 44 33 3
10 1 22 10 2
01 01 01 0
0
Fluids Used
Fig. 13. Fluids used for analysis
35
30
25
20
Ti-Tc (0C)
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
Nitrogen Air Carbon R728 R32 R22 R161 R134 Helium Oxygen
Dioxide
Fig. 14. Cold end temperature drop for different fluids at Pi = 300KPa [66, 90, and 93]
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In all the working fluids, the energy separation exists. The performance of each fluid depends
largely on the fluid properties like specific heat ratio, thermal conductivity, kinematic viscosity,
thermal diffusivity and inherent throttling properties like boiling point, latent heat of vaporisation
etc. Studies with different fluids are required to study the effect on energy separation at low
pressures. The steam or two-phase mixtures (Collins & Lovelace, 1979; Takahama, Kato, &
Yokosawa, 1979) at dryness fraction <0.8 do not show any energy separation, this conclusion
needs to be analysed for reasons of non-separation.
3.12 Exergy Studies

Exergy is the available energy; many researchers handled analysis of exergy in vortex tube.
Experimental (Saidi & Allaf Yazdi, 1999; Kirmaci, 2009; Dincer, Avci, Baskaya, & Berber, 2010;
Dincer, Yilmaz, Berber, & Baskaya, 2011) and numerical (Baghdad, Ouadha, & Addad, 2012;
Mischner & Bespalov, 2002) exergy analysis is performed to present cooling and heating
performance in terms of exergy. Exergy efficiency of the tube is the capacity to utilise the available
energy. Saidi developed (Saidi & Allaf Yazdi, 1999) a model for exergy analysis of vortex tube. The
equation for rate of exergy generation is,
(𝑇ℎ ⁄𝑇𝑐 )1−𝑐𝑚𝑓 𝑃
𝑆𝑔 = 𝑚𝑖 (𝑐𝑝 𝑙𝑛 𝑇 + 𝑅𝑙𝑛 𝑃𝑖 ) (20)
1+(1−𝑐𝑚𝑓)( ℎ −1) 𝑐
𝑇𝑐
Saidi (Saidi & Allaf Yazdi, 1999) noticed that exergy destruction is minimum at CMF=0.7 and
exergy efficiency increases, with nozzle diameter. Kirmaci (Kirmaci, 2009) mentioned that exergy
efficiency of oxygen is more as compared to air and exergy loss increases with pressure at inlet.
Dincer (Dincer, Yilmaz, Berber, & Baskaya, 2011) et al. observed that exergy efficiency is dependent
on inlet pressure, CMF and velocity of cold end stream. Dincer also concluded that the exergy
efficiency of cascade system is 80 to 90% more than single RHVT. Celik (Celik, Yilmaz, Kaya, &
Karagoz, 2016) et al. introduced the irreversibility factor for vortex tube. The irreversibility factor
is,
𝑆̇ 1 𝑇ℎ1−𝐶𝑀𝐹 𝑇𝑐𝐶𝑀𝐹 𝑃ℎ1−𝐶𝑀𝐹 𝑃𝑐𝐶𝑀𝐹
𝐼𝑟𝑓 = 𝑚̇ 𝑅𝑖 = Γ (𝑙𝑛 𝑇𝑖
)− 𝑙𝑛 𝑃𝑖
(21)
𝑖 𝑚
Celik concluded that the range of irreversibility is from 0.69 to 2.2, the process in vortex tube is
irreversible and the irreversibility increases with pressure at inlet. Mischner and Bespalov
(Mischner & Bespalov, 2002) proposed entropy generation theory as justification to energy
separation process inside vortex tube.
The above discussion shows that the less attended exergy analysis is also significant parameter.
Efforts are required in view of increasing exergy efficiency of vortex tube. The irreversibility’s for
geometry variations in tube needs attention.
3.13 Turbulence Models
Until date a variety of approaches applied for theoretical reasoning of energy separation are
available in the literature. Until 1990’s maximum study to know physics used analytical approach
to solve the equations by making some assumptions. After invent of numerical methods, the use of
such methods has become common. Researchers started simulating the vortex tube phenomenon
numerically. Experimental results ensure the validity of the numerical work. As the flow
mechanism is complex including turbulent eddies, swirl effects, viscosity effects etc. researchers
have tried various numerical models. Figure 15 shows the frequency of use of various turbulence
models for numerical analysis of the vortex tubes,
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25
21
20
15 12 13
No. of Uses
10
4 5 4
5 3 3 3 2 2 1 1
0
Turbulence Models
Fig. 15. Turbulence models used for vortex tube analysis
Depending upon the parameters involved in the flow physics various turbulence models were used
(Gutsol, 1997; Bezprozvannykh & Mottl, 1999; Bezprozvannykh & Mottl, The Ranque-Hilsch Effect:
CFD Modeling, 2002; Aljuwayhel, Nellis, & Klein, 2005; Behera U. et al., 2005; Linhart, Kalal, &
Matas, 2005; Eiamsa-ard & Promvonge, 2006; Wang, et al., 2006; Oliver, Boyle, & Reynolds, 2006;
Skye, Nellis, & Klein, 2006) to capture the physics. The use of turbulent models for analysis of
vortex flow (Eiamsa-ard & Promvonge, 2007; Farouk & Farouk, 2007; Akheshmeh, Pourmahmoud,
& Sedgi, 2008; Behera U. , Paul, Dinesh, & Jacob, 2008; Oliver, 2008; Pourmahmoud & Akhesmeh,
2008; Ameri & Behnia, 2009; Farouk, Farouk, & Gutsol, 2009; Secchiaroli, Ricci, Montelpare, &
D’Alessandro, 2009; Bramo & Pourmahmoud, 2010) began in 1990. Numerical results for varieties
of different models (Dutta, Sinhamahapatra, & Bandyopdhyay, 2010; Shamsoddini & Nezhad, 2010;
Baghdad, Ouadha, & Addad, 2012; Khazaei, Teymourtash, & Jafarian, 2012; Pourmahmoud,
Hassanzadeh, & Moutaby, 2012; Pourmahmoud, Jahangiramini, & Izadi, 2013; Rafiee & Rahimi,
2013; Rafiee & Masoud, 2014; Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2014) are available for their efficiency and
closeness to realistic situation inside the vortex phenomenon. Few models were successfully
captured flow phenomenon and occurrence of secondary flow, stagnation point, hot and cold
separation etc. Yet the clear understanding of the phenomenon (Liu & Liu, 2014; Bovand M. ,
Valipour, Eiamsa-ard, & Tamayol, 2014; Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, & Tamayol, 2014; Alekhin,
Bianco, Khai, & Noskov, 2015; Thakare & Parekh, 2014; Thakare, Monde, Patil, & Parekh, 2015) is
still undefined. Nevertheless, these studies helped to understand the effect of all geometric and
operating parameters on the performance of the vortex tube.
Some of the interesting studies are these, where the stagnation point was successfully located and
the displacement of stagnation point (Bramo & Pourmahmoud, 2010) captured. Along with this, the
location of stagnation point was marked with reference to the highest wall temperature. Then the
comparison of numerical turbulent models (Dutta, Sinhamahapatra, & Bandyopdhyay, 2010)
demonstrates results to identify the best model getting close to experimental results. The numerical
analysis of curved tubes (Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, & Tamayol, Numerical analysis of the
curvature effects on RanqueeHilsch vortex tube refrigerators, 2014; Bovand M. , Valipour, Eiamsa-
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ard, & Tamayol, 2014) presents interesting findings of stagnation point and energy separation in
curved geometry. The effect of hot end vales was analysed (Rafiee & Sadeghiazad, 2016) with
reference to the stagnation point and the results indicate the effect of displacement of stagnation
point on energy separation.
Out of the different turbulence models, k-є, standard k-є, RNG k-є and some studies with LES
provide better results. The results of k-є, standard k-є, RNG k-є and LES are in good agreement with
the experimental results. Despite of detailed work carried out; with the numerical studies, so far
physics of vortex tube operation is still a mystery. This mystery needs to be resolved. This indicates
that there is need to develop a model that can clearly simulate the vortex tube phenomenon.
3.14 Other Related Theoretical Work

Available literature on vortex tube also mentions used of various optimization techniques other
than the numerical studies. These methods include, ANN (Artificial Neural Network) (Dincer,
Tasdemir, Baskaya, & Uysal, 2008; Kocabas, Korkmaz, Sorgucu, & Donmez, 2010; Uluer, Kirmaci, &
Atas, 2009; Korkamaz, Gumusel, & Markal, 2012), EVOP (Evolutionary Operations) (Soni &
Thomson, 1975) Taguchi and ANOVA(Analysis of Variance) (Pinar, Uluer, & Kırmaci, 2009; Kumar,
Padmanabhan, & Sarma, 2014), ODFS (Output Dependent Feature Scaling) ANFIS (Adaptive
Network based Fuzzy Information System) (Polat & Kirmaci, 2011), RSM (Roughness Surface
Methodology) (Bovand M. , Valipour, Dincer, & Eiamsa-ard, 2014) and MADM (Multiple Attribute
Decision Making) (Devade & Pise, 2016). These are the few studies carried out to perform the
theoretical optimization of the vortex tubes. There are few correlations available with regard to
vortex tube. Other optimization methods like GA (Generic Algorithm), ABC (Ant Bee Colony), TLBO
(Teaching Learning Based Algorithm), and PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) also need a thought
for their application to vortex problem. The literature shows that the objective function for tubes is
clear and available. Use of this heuristic approach for optimization of vortex tube also needs
attention of scientific community.
4 Conclusion
The review of literature and the discussions made in each section illustrates that still there are
many areas to focus in view of optimization of vortex tube. Studies for estimating the relationship
between operating parameters and stagnation point are required. Stagnation point determines the
length of tube and position of stagnation point inside the tube in turn is dependent on valve
geometry and cold mass fraction. This inter-dependence of parameters needs mathematical
formulation. Identifying the governing relationships between operating and geometrical
parameters is the need of clean and green energy objectives.
Cold mass fraction happens to be the most critical parameter of the vortex tube, and it governs/
dictates entire geometrical design of the tube. Cold mass fraction puts limitation on the effective
length of tube and diameter of the tube, in turn the L/D ratio for optimum performance. Cold mass
fraction also limits the number of nozzles. There exists an optimum value of cold mass fraction up
to, which a particular nozzle number gives highest performance and then it declines. Increase in
pressure reduces cold mass fraction and enhances the cooling by reducing cold end temperature.
The conventional approach can get close to either higher CMF or low temperatures. Achieving both
results simultaneously is the major task.
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A maximum cold mass fraction is possible, when the converging type tubes are used, but there is
need of more studies focussed on converging tubes and angle of convergence. The literature shows
that diverging tubes assist in shortening the tube length. The relationship between divergence
angle and tube length for best performance needs to be developed.
Studies with different fluids have shown the temperature separation irrespective of thermo-
physical and chemical property differences. The behaviour of temperature separation is dryness
fraction dependent, this need experimental and numerical evidence.
The numerical studies have come up with interesting results but still the exact physics cannot
reveal. Varieties of turbulent models dictate the need of a complete model that can simulate
realistic conditions to understand the physics. Hence there is need to develop a model, that can
simulate the realistic flow conditions and can provide vivid demonstration of the flow field.
Any small attempt in these directions would be a great contribution to knowledge. This may help to
re-invent the Maxwell-Demon.
Acknowledgement
Authors are thankful for the efforts taken by the scientific community towards realizing the vortex
tube phenomenon. This paper would never have been possible without their contributions.
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Columbia International Publishing

American Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Parametric Review of Ranque-Hilsch Vortex Tube

Kiran D. Devade1* and Ashok Pise2

© Columbia International Publishing 2017. Published at www.uscip.us

CMF cold mass fraction

1.1 Cold mass fraction

1.2 Total temperature difference

1.3 Stagnation Point

Fig. 1. Geometry of the vortex tube

1.4 Core and Peripheral stream

1.5 Isentropic Temperature Difference

1.6 Isentropic efficiency

1.7 COP, coefficient of performance

Fig. 2. Flow patterns in vortex tube

Table 1 Summary of the theories proposed

3 Parametric Review of Vortex Tubes

3.1 Effect of Diameter of Tube (D)

Table 2 Dimensions of different tubes

3.2 Effect of Length of Tube (L)

3.3 Effect of L/D ratio

3.4 Effect of Nozzle Number and Nozzle Geometry (Nn)

Fig. 4. Frequency of number of nozzles used for analysis

𝑄𝑐 = 73.14 + 4553ln(𝑁 − 3.9624) (13)

3.5 Effect of Cold Orifice Diameter (do)

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

cold mass fraction, CMF

3.6 Effect of Tube Angle (ϕ)

Fig. 7. Secondary circulations in vortex tube

Review of Tube Geometry

3.7 Effect of Hot End Valves/Plug/Cones (ϴ)

Hot end valve angles, (0)

3.8 Effect of Cold Mass Fraction (CMF)

1.2 Devade and Pise 2012

3.9 Effect of Stagnation Point

3.10 Effect of Inlet Pressure (Pi)

3.11 Effect of Working Fluids

3.12 Exergy Studies

3.13 Turbulence Models

Fig. 15. Turbulence models used for vortex tube analysis

3.14 Other Related Theoretical Work

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