Experimental study on the influence of inlet pressure on the flow parameters at the reverse flow boundary of vortex tube and its relation with energy separation performance

• Published in: Experimental thermal and fluid science 2024-07, Vol.156, p.111211, Article 111211
• Main Authors: Guangming, Chen, Guannan, Jiang, Liming, Tang, Nian, Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy separation; Flow field measurement; Inlet pressure; Reverse flow boundary; Vortex tube
• ISSN: 0894-1777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2024.111211

•The distribution of the reverse flow boundary is analyzed under four different inlet conditions.•The parameters at the reverse flow boundary of the vortex tube were obtained and discussed.•Cold fluid flow from inside to outside at Z = 0.1 ∼ 0.3; reverses at Z > 0.6 with flow oscillations.•Three energy transfer processes were obtained, including momentum transfer, heat transfer and turbulent heat transfer. The performance of the vortex tube (also known as the Ranque-Hilsch tube) is significantly influenced by the inlet pressure and the internal flow processes, which can be categorized into two distinct flows: the center and the outer flow. The reverse flow boundary, acting as the interface between the two flows, plays a crucial role in energy separation. However, the research on the location of the reverse flow boundary and the associated flow parameters and energy transfer at this boundary are still insufficient. Therefore, this research employs the measurement method of interpolation probe to analyze the distribution of the reverse flow boundary and the specific flow parameters at this boundary. These parameters include static pressure gradient, angular velocity, and static temperature gradient, which substantially impact energy separation. A qualitative analysis of the energy transfer process in the vortex tube by examining mass flow in the reverse area and tangential and axial velocities are further delved. This analysis covers momentum transfer, heat transfer, and turbulent heat transfer processes resulting from the compression and expansion processes. The findings provide a research direction for exploring the energy separation performance of vortex tubes.