Compressed air powered cooler?

[motmaluk]

I used to use a small device that ran off compressed shop air,the air went in and exhausted in two places,the first place the exhaust air was hot,the second place it was so cold that frost formed upon it. We used it when working in aircraft fuel tanks to cool us off. Has anyone out there got a sketch of the device so that I can make one? I am working in 120 degree weather here in Kuwait and could certainly use one,Thanks,Malcolm.

 

[Mainer]

It's called a Hilsch vortex tube. Maxwell's Demon makes it work.

I've seen plans on the nett. Not sure where. Apparently making one is a bit of a black art, as it is not clear how best to persuade Maxwell's Demon to take up residence.

You can also buy them commercially. I think www.reidsupply.com may sell them.They're fairly expensive, and they gobble vast quantities of air. Their efficiency is pretty bad, but for specific applications they can be just the thing.

 

[canadianhorsepower]

here is what you're looking for


http://pdbuchan.com/ranque-hilsch/ranque-hilsch.html

 

[motmaluk]

Thanks Mainer and Canadianhorsepower! I think I can make one with the materials at hand.I do have a problem getting copper pipe as naughty people here use it for making stills as booze is illegal here.I can get some stainless hydraulic tubing in it's place.Once made, I will be cooler during the day and have more energy in the evening for model engine building.

 

[cidrontmg]

The www.exair.com and www.vortexitalia.com sells many different Hilsch tubes. I had one Exair's Mini Cooler, tried to cool sewing machine needles. Thick needles and thick materials, with >4000 rpm, will melt synthetic (plastic) threads, and of course it's not advisable. And the needle is quite hot, and breaks easily. The Mini Cooler worked rather well, ambient temp. will cool the air at negatives Cº. The compressor was an Atlas Copco huge rotary screw, but it also needed quite a lot of air to cool the needle.
If you care to dabble Hilsch tubes, there's a nice and detailed article at http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Hilsch-vortex-tube/ , 11 steps to go - around 100-150 PSI, and it will blow some freezing air. Almost instantly.

 

[Tin Falcon]

Now we know what it is called there is quite abit of info on the net.

http://www.hplccn.com/admin/UpImages/200822113821350.pdf

http://www.icccbe.ru/paper_long/0283paper_long.pdf

http://ottobelden.blogspot.com/2010/12/another-home-made-ranque-hilsch-vortex.html


Hope this helps. I worked as an aircraft structural guy for a while we used one of these devices for heating /cooling the forced air suit in the paint shop.
Tin

 

[Tin Falcon]

Similar devices are used to blow chilled air to cool tooling . Good for cast iron work. I tend to just use a shop vac it gives air flow and collects the chips.

Tin

 

[motmaluk]

Thanks everyone,it does seem quite simple to make,I will keep you appraised of the progress.