A study on the optimization of the angle of curvature for a Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube, using both experimental and full Reynolds stress turbulence numerical modelling

Abstract

The working tube is a main part of vortex tube which the compressed fluid is injected into this part tangentially. An appropriate design of working tube geometry leads to better efficiency and performance of vortex tube. In the experimental investigation, the parameters are focused on the working tube angle, inlet pressure and number of nozzles. The effect of the working tube angle is investigated in the range of θ = 0–120°. The experimental tests show that we have an optimum model between θ = 0 and θ = 20°. The most objective of this investigation is the demonstration of the successful use of CFD in order to develop a design tool that can be utilized with confidence over a range of operating conditions and geometries, thereby providing a powerful tool that can be used to optimize vortex tube design as well as assess its utility in the field of new applications and industries. A computational fluid dynamics model was employed to predict the performances of the air flow inside the vortex tube. The numerical investigation was done by full 3D steady state CFD-simulation using FLUENT6.3.26. This model utilizes the Reynolds stress model to solve the flow equations. Experiments were also conducted to validate results obtained for the numerical simulation. First purpose of numerical study in this case was validation with experimental data to confirm these results and the second was the optimization of experimental model to achieve the highest efficiency.