Application of mixed level design of Taguchi method to counter flow vortex tube

Abstract

A Vortex Tube (VT) creates instant separate hot and cold streams from an input stream of compressed air. However, the output of VT depends on numerous operating and geometric characteristics. Further, experimentation using all combinations of conditions is rather unrealistic, both physically and financially. Hence, a primary evaluation of VT becomes important using principles of Design of Experiments.This research work presents methodology and results of a statistical assessment of VT’s temperature separation effect through Taguchi method. This method is beneficial because it requires lesser number of trials. Present study uses L16 orthogonal array to perform the experiments for different conditions of pressure at entry to VT, cold mass fraction (µc) and insulation. Distinctiveness of this analysis is that statistical analysis of VT has been presented using Mixed Taguchi Design. This method represents different number of levels for control factors, unlike other designs. Lastly, confirmation experiment authenticates the usefulness of Taguchi method to predict VT’s performance with adequate accuracy. Results specify that experimental efforts are reduced by 62.96% using Taguchi method.