Vortex Tubes

What Is a Vortex Tube?

A vortex tube is a compressed-air-powered device that separates air into two streams — one cold and one hot — without any moving parts. It produces instant cooling by forcing compressed air through an internal generator, creating a high-speed vortex inside the tube. Vortex tubes require no electricity, no refrigerants, and no mechanical maintenance, making them ideal for harsh industrial environments.

The vortex tube principle was discovered by Georges Ranque in 1930 and has since been widely adopted for industrial spot cooling and localized temperature control applications.

How a Vortex Tube Works

Compressed air enters the vortex tube through an internal brass generator, where it spins at extremely high velocity. This spinning air separates into two air streams:

• Cold air exits from one end of the tube

• Hot air exits from the opposite end through an adjustable control valve

By adjusting the hot-end valve, the cold fraction (percentage of air exiting as cold air) can be controlled, allowing precise temperature regulation. Vortex tubes can achieve temperature drops of up to 55°C (100°F) below inlet air temperature, depending on air pressure, flow rate, and ambient conditions.

Vortex Tube Cooling Capacity & Air Consumption

Vortex tubes are available in multiple sizes, selected based on available compressed air and cooling requirement:

• Small Vortex Tubes: 2–8 SCFM

• Medium Vortex Tubes: 10–40 SCFM

• Large Vortex Tubes: 50–150 SCFM

Larger vortex tubes are used only in specific applications due to higher compressed air consumption. For continuous or large-area cooling, alternative cooling technologies may be more energy-efficient.

Advantages of Vortex Tubes

• Instant cooling with no startup time

• No electricity required at the cooling site

• No moving parts – virtually maintenance-free

• Compact, lightweight, and portable

• Suitable for confined or hazardous environments

• Adjustable temperature output

• Operates reliably in high-temperature industrial conditions

Limitations of Vortex Tubes

• Compressed air consumption can be high

• Not energy-efficient for continuous large-area cooling

• Requires clean, dry, filtered compressed air

• Noise control accessories may be required in sensitive areas

Note: Vortex tubes are best suited for spot cooling, intermittent cooling, and localized applications, not as a replacement for chilled water or HVAC systems.

Industrial Applications of Vortex Tubes

Metalworking & CNC Applications

• CNC tool tip cooling

• Cutting, drilling, and grinding operations

• Tool wear reduction due to heat buildup

Panel & Enclosure Cooling

• Electrical control panels

• PLC and programmable controller cabinets

• Motor control centers and relay panels

Electronics & Instrumentation

• Cooling sensors and cameras

• Laser housing cooling

• Preventing condensation on electronics

Welding & Plastics

• Cooling welding horns in ultrasonic welding

• Cooling molded plastic parts

• Heat shrink tubing cooling

General Industrial Spot Cooling

• Drying of components

• Hot melt adhesive setting

• Personnel cooling near hot processes

How to Select the Right Vortex Tube

When selecting a vortex tube, consider:

• Available compressed air pressure (recommended 5–6 kg/cm²)

• SCFM capacity of your air supply

• Required temperature drop

• Intermittent vs continuous operation

• Noise level requirements

• Installation space constraints

For electrical panels, a vortex cabinet cooler is recommended instead of a standalone vortex tube.

ACE Flow Vortex Tube Range

ACE Flow Konzepts Pvt Ltd offers industrial vortex tubes manufactured with all-metal construction and brass generators, ensuring durability and stable performance in harsh environments. Our vortex tubes are designed for Indian industrial conditions and are supported with locally available service and accessories.