EXAIR Vortex Tubes convert compressed air into an effective and efficient spot cooling solution. They create two streams of air, one hot and one cold, with no moving parts. Constructed of wear-resistant stainless steel, they are ideal for corrosive and hygienic environments. Temperatures, flows, and cooling power can all be adjusted to produce temperatures from -50°F to +260°F (-46°C to +127°C).
EXAIR Vortex Tubes are available in three sizes. Each size can produce a number of flow rates, as determined by a small internal part called a generator. If Btu/hr. (Watts) requirements, or flow and temperature requirements are known, simply select the appropriate vortex tube according to the specification information on the Specifications table or the Performance charts shown in SPECIFICATIONS above.
Keep in mind that the vortex generators are interchangeable. If, for example, a Model 3215 Vortex Tube does not provide sufficient cooling, you need only change generators within the vortex tube to upgrade the flow rate from 15 to 25, 30 or 40 SCFM (425 to 708, 850 or 1,133 SLPM).
Compressed air, normally 80-100 PSIG (5.5 - 6.9 BAR), is ejected tangentially (1) through a generator into the vortex spin chamber (2). At up to 1,000,000 RPM, this air stream revolves toward the hot end (3) where some escapes through the control valve (4). The remaining air, still spinning, is forced back through the center of this outer vortex. The inner stream gives off kinetic energy in the form of heat to the outer stream and exits the vortex tube as cold air (5). The outer stream exits the opposite end as hot air (6). There is a detailed discussion of vortex tube history and theory later on page 205 in this section.
Over the years, the basic vortex tube has been used in virtually hundreds of industrial cooling applications. A few have become so popular that they have led to the development of specialized "applied products" tailored to suit specific applications. These include:
For environments with high ambient temperatures, EXAIR offers high-temperature vortex tubes designed for temperatures up to 200°F (93°C). Standard vortex tubes are suitable for ambient temperatures up to 125°F (52°C). For more details, you can contact an Application Engineer at Contact Us.
EXAIR also provides vortex tubes preset to any desired combination of flow and temperature. To prevent tampering with the set configuration, a drilled orifice replaces the adjustable hot valve. For more information on preset vortex tubes, you can reach out to an Application Engineer.
These innovations ensure that EXAIR Vortex Tubes can meet a wide range of cooling needs efficiently and effectively. If you need further details or have any specific questions, feel free to let me know!
The Vortex Tube Performance Charts below give approximate temperature drops (and rises) from inlet air temperature produced by a vortex tube set at each cold fraction. Assuming no fluctuation of inlet temperature or pressure, a vortex tube will reliably maintain temperature within ±1°F.
Pressure Supply |
Cold Fraction % |
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| PSIG | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 |
| 20 | 62 | 60 | 56 | 51 | 44 | 36 | 28 |
| 15 | 25 | 36 | 50 | 64 | 83 | 107 | |
| 40 | 88 | 85 | 80 | 73 | 63 | 52 | 38 |
| 21 | 35 | 52 | 71 | 92 | 117 | 147 | |
| 60 | 104 | 100 | 93 | 84 | 73 | 60 | 46 |
| 24 | 40 | 59 | 80 | 104 | 132 | 166 | |
| 80 | 115 | 110 | 102 | 92 | 80 | 66 | 50 |
| 25 | 43 | 63 | 86 | 113 | 143 | 180 | |
| 100 | 123 | 118 | 110 | 100 | 86 | 71 | 54 |
| 26 | 45 | 67 | 90 | 119 | 151 | 191 | |
| 120 | 129 | 124 | 116 | 104 | 91 | 74 | 55 |
| 26 | 46 | 69 | 94 | 123 | 156 | 195 | |
| Numbers in shaded area show temperature drop of cold air (°F). | |||||||
| Numbers in unshaded area show temperature rise of hot air (°F). | |||||||
Pressure Supply |
Cold Fraction % (METRIC) |
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| BAR | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 80 |
| 1.4 | 34.4 | 33.3 | 31.1 | 28.3 | 24.4 | 20 | 15.6 |
| 8.3 | 13.9 | 20 | 28.3 | 35.6 | 46.1 | 59.4 | |
| 2 | 40.9 | 39.6 | 37.1 | 33.8 | 29.2 | 24 | 18.1 |
| 9.8 | 16.4 | 24 | 33.3 | 42.6 | 54.6 | 69.5 | |
| 3 | 50.4 | 48.7 | 45.7 | 41.6 | 36 | 29.7 | 21.9 |
| 12 | 19.9 | 29.6 | 40.3 | 52.3 | 66.5 | 83.5 | |
| 4 | 56.9 | 54.7 | 50.9 | 46.1 | 40 | 32.9 | 25.1 |
| 13.2 | 21.9 | 32.4 | 43.9 | 57.1 | 72.5 | 91.2 | |
| 5 | 61.6 | 59 | 54.8 | 49.4 | 43 | 35.4 | 26.9 |
| 13.7 | 23.3 | 34.2 | 46.5 | 60.9 | 77.2 | 97.1 | |
| 6 | 65.4 | 62.7 | 58.2 | 52.7 | 45.6 | 37.6 | 28.6 |
| 14.1 | 24.3 | 35.8 | 48.6 | 63.9 | 81 | 102.1 | |
| 7 | 68.6 | 65.8 | 61.4 | 55.7 | 48 | 39.6 | 30 |
| 14.4 | 25.1 | 37.3 | 50.2 | 66.3 | 84.2 | 106.3 | |
| 8 | 71.1 | 68.2 | 63.8 | 57.3 | 50 | 40.8 | 30.4 |
| 14.4 | 25.4 | 38.1 | 51.8 | 67.9 | 86.1 | 107.9 | |
| Numbers in shaded area show temperature drop of cold air (°C). | |||||||
| Numbers in unshaded area show temperature rise of hot air (°C). | |||||||
Back Pressure: The performance of a vortex tube deteriorates with back pressure on the cold air exhaust. Low back pressure, up to 2 PSIG (.1 BAR), will not change performance. 5 PSIG (.3 BAR) will change performance by approximately 5°F (2.8°C).
Filtration: The use of clean air is essential, and filtration of 25 microns or less is recommended. EXAIR filters contain a five micron element and are properly sized for flow.
Inlet Air Temperature: A vortex tube provides a temperature drop from supply air temperature (see Performance Charts above). Elevated inlet temperatures will produce a corresponding rise in cold air temperatures.
Noise Muffling: EXAIR offers mufflers for both the hot and cold air discharge. Normally, muffling is not required if the cold air is ducted.
Regulation: For best performance, use line pressures of 80 to 110 PSIG (5.5 to 7.6 BAR). Maximum pressure rating is 250 PSIG (17.2 BAR), minimum 20 PSIG (1.4 BAR).
3200 Series Vortex Tube Specifications |
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| 3200 series Vortex Tubes optimize temperature drop and airflow to produce maximum cooling power or Btu/hr. (Watts). Specify 3200 series Vortex Tubes for most general cooling applications. | ||||||
| Model # | SCFM* | SLPM* | Btu/hr.** | Watts** | Size | dBA*** |
| 3202 | 2 | 57 | 135 | 40 | Small | 68 |
| 3204 | 4 | 113 | 275 | 80 | Small | 70 |
| 3208 | 8 | 227 | 550 | 162 | Small | 76 |
| 3210 | 10 | 283 | 650 | 191 | Medium | 80 |
| 3215 | 15 | 425 | 1,000 | 293 | Medium | 81 |
| 3225 | 25 | 708 | 1,700 | 498 | Medium | 82 |
| 3230 | 30 | 850 | 2,000 | 586 | Medium | 84 |
| 3240 | 40 | 1,133 | 2,800 | 821 | Medium | 88 |
| 3250 | 50 | 1,416 | 3,400 | 997 | Large | 94 |
| 3275 | 75 | 2,124 | 5,100 | 1,494 | Large | 96 |
| 3298 | 100 | 2,832 | 6,800 | 1,993 | Large | 96 |
| 3299 | 150 | 4,248 | 10,200 | 2,989 | Large | 97 |
|
* SCFM (SLPM) at 100 PSIG (6.9 BAR) Inlet Pressure ** Btu/hr. (Watts) Cooling Capacity at 100 PSIG (6.9 BAR) *** Noise levels taken with hot and cold mufflers installed. |
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3400 Series Vortex Tube Specifications |
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| 3400 series Vortex Tubes provide lowest cold air temperatures, but at low cold airflow (when less than a 50% cold fraction is used). Specify 3400 series Vortex Tubes only where temperatures below 0° (-18°C) are desired. | ||||||
| Model # | SCFM* | SLPM* | Btu/hr.** | Watts** | Size | dBA*** |
| 3402 | 2 | 57 | -------- | -------- | Small | 67 |
| 3404 | 4 | 113 | -------- | -------- | Small | 69 |
| 3408 | 8 | 227 | -------- | -------- | Small | 75 |
| 3410 | 10 | 283 | -------- | -------- | Medium | 78 |
| 3415 | 15 | 425 | -------- | -------- | Medium | 80 |
| 3425 | 25 | 708 | -------- | -------- | Medium | 82 |
| 3430 | 30 | 850 | -------- | -------- | Medium | 84 |
| 3440 | 40 | 1,133 | -------- | -------- | Medium | 87 |
| 3450 | 50 | 1,416 | -------- | -------- | Large | 93 |
| 3475 | 75 | 2,124 | -------- | -------- | Large | 96 |
| 3498 | 100 | 2,832 | -------- | -------- | Large | 96 |
| 3499 | 150 | 4,248 | -------- | -------- | Large | 96 |
|
* SCFM (SLPM) at 100 PSIG (6.9 BAR) Inlet Pressure ** Not Applicable. 3400 series Vortex Tubes are not normally used in air conditioning applications. ***Noise levels taken with hot and cold mufflers installed. |
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Exair Cooling Kits | |
| EXAlR Cooling Kits include a vortex tube, all generators, cold mufler, fitting, tubing and clips to duct cold air, and filter separator. | |
| Model # | Description |
|---|---|
| 3908 | Cooling Kit up to 550 Btu/hr. (162 Watts), Small Size |
| 3930 | Cooling Kit up to 2,800 Btu/hr. (821 Watts), Medium Size |
| 3998 | Cooling Kit up to 10,200 Btu/hr. (2,989 Watts), Large Size |
Vortex Tubes | |
| Model # | Description |
|---|---|
| 3202 | Vortex Tube, 2 SCFM (57 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 135 Btu/hr, 40 Watts, Small Size |
| 3204 | Vortex Tube, 4 SCFM (113 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 275 Btu/hr, 80 Watts, Small Size |
| 3208 | Vortex Tube, 8 SCFM (227 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 550 Btu/hr, 160 Watts, Small Size |
| 3210 | Vortex Tube, 10 SCFM (283 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 650 Btu/hr, 191 Watts, Medium Size |
| 3215 | Vortex Tube, 15 SCFM (425 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 1,000 Btu/hr, 293 Watts, Medium Size |
| 3225 | Vortex Tube, 25 SCFM (708 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 1,700 Btu/hr, 498 Watts, Medium Size |
| 3230 | Vortex Tube, 30 SCFM (850 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 2,000 Btu/hr, 586 Watts, Medium Size |
| 3240 | Vortex Tube, 40 SCFM (1,133 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 2,800 Btu/hr. (821 Watts), Medium Size |
| 3250 | Vortex Tube, 50 SCFM (1,416 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 3,400 Btu/hr. (997 Watts), Large Size |
| 3275 | Vortex Tube, 75 SCFM (2,124 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 5,100 Btu/hr. (1,494 Watts), Large Size |
| 3298 | Vortex Tube, 100 SCFM (2,832 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 6,800 Btu/hr. (1,993 Watts), Large Size |
| 3299 | Vortex Tube, 150 SCFM (4,248 SLPM), for max. refrigeration, 10,200 Btu/hr. (2,989 Watts), Large Size |
| 3402 | Vortex Tube, 2 SCFM (57 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Small Size |
| 3404 | Vortex Tube, 4 SCFM (113 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Small Size |
| 3408 | Vortex Tube, 8 SCFM (227 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Small Size |
| 3410 | Vortex Tube, 10 SCFM (283 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Medium Size |
| 3415 | Vortex Tube, 15 SCFM (425 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Medium Size |
| 3425 | Vortex Tube, 25 SCFM (708 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Medium Size |
| 3430 | Vortex Tube, 30 SCFM (850 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Medium Size |
| 3440 | Vortex Tube, 40 SCFM (1,133 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Medium Size |
| 3450 | Vortex Tube, 50 SCFM (1,416 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Large Size |
| 3475 | Vortex Tube, 75 SCFM (2,124 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Large Size |
| 3498 | Vortex Tube, 100 SCFM (2,832 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Large Size |
| 3499 | Vortex Tube, 150 SCFM (4,248 SLPM), for max. cold temperature, Large Size |
Vortex Tube Accessories and Components | |
| Model # | Description |
|---|---|
| 3905 | Cold Mu#er for 2 through 8 SCFM (57 - 227 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small Size |
| 3901 | Cold Mu#er for 10 through 40 SCFM (283 - 1,133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Medium Size |
| 3906 | Cold Mu#er for 50 through 150 SCFM (1,416 - 4,248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size |
| 3903 | Hot Mu#er for 2 through 40 SCFM (57 - 1,133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small & Medium Size |
| 3907 | Hot Mu#er for 50 through 150 SCFM (1,416 - 4,248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size |
| 3909 | Generator Kit for 2 through 8 SCFM (57 - 227 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Small Size |
| 3902 | Generator Kit for 10 through 40 SCFM (283 - 1,133 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Medium Size |
| 3910 | Generator Kit for 50 through 150 SCFM (1,416 - 4,248 SLPM) Vortex Tube, Large Size |
Generator Kits ordered with a vortex tube include all generators for the specified tube.
Permits setting the vortex tube for all capacities and styles.
Generator Only —Specify capacity (SCFM) and style
(“R” for max. refrigeration, “C” for max. cold temperature).
Example:
15-R = 15 SCFM Generator for max. refrigeration
50-C = 50 SCFM Generator for max. cold temperature
#22, 1st Floor, 1st Cross, Adj. to IIMB Compound, Bilekahalli Indl. Area, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, Karnataka,INDIA
#22, 1st Floor, 1st Cross, Adj. to IIMB Compound, Bilekahalli Indl. Area, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, Karnataka,INDIA
