Vortex Tube Refrigerator | PolarX – 508
The Vortex Tube Refrigerator PolarX – 508 is a fully instrumented benchtop vortex tube refrigeration module that operates on compressed air or another compatible gas source. It has no moving parts and generates cold air as low as -20°C with 75 watts of cooling capacity, while discharging hot air up to 70°C. The unit is rated at 300 liters free air per minute at 600 kNm-2 gauge and includes a concentric tube, counter flow heat exchanger. It is suited for specialized vortex tube refrigeration demonstrations and performance testing in laboratory and teaching environments.
The Vortex Tube Refrigerator PolarX – 508 is a fully instrumented benchtop vortex tube refrigeration module that operates using compressed air or another compatible gas source. It has no moving components, making it a reliable choice for specialized vortex tube refrigeration applications. The unit generates air temperatures as low as -20°C while discharging a hot air stream as hot as 70°C.
Product Overview
Internally referenced as IRC-1903, this vortex tube refrigeration unit is built for applications where simplicity, dependability, and compactness are essential. It contains no moving parts and operates through a high-speed spinning vortex created from compressed air at ambient temperature. The vortex action splits the incoming air stream into two separate outputs: cold and hot.
Cold air is delivered at temperatures as low as -20°C, with a cooling capacity of 75 watts. The hot air stream reaches temperatures as high as 70°C. These performance characteristics make the unit suitable for specialized cooling applications where compactness, dependability, and the absence of moving parts are required.
Vortex Tube Refrigerator PolarX – 508, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unit Type | Fully instrumented benchtop vortex tube test unit for use with compressed air or other suitable gas |
| Panel | High-quality HDF, all components mounted on the panel |
| Vortex Tube Rating | 300 liters free air per minute at 600 kNm-2 gauge |
| Pressure Regulator and Filter | Supplies clean and pressure-stable air |
| Heat Exchanger | Concentric tube, counter flow |
| Valves | Two, for isolation and balance |
| Flowmeters | Two, variable area type flowmeters or orifices, digital output optional, calibrated for air up to 4 gm s-1 |
| Temperature Indicator | Digital Temperature Indicator, resolution 0.1°C |
| Temperature Sensors | Thermocouple sensors |
Technical Data
Temperature Sensor
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total | 3 |
| Range | -40°C to 400°C |
| Type | K |
Flowmeter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | 0.6-6 Nm3/hr |
Differential Pressure Sensor (Optional)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 2500 Pascal |
Data Compressor (Optional)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Air Consumption | Approx. 5 g/s |
| Max. Pressure | 8 bar |
Key Features
- No Moving Parts: Operates purely through vortex airflow, zero mechanical wear
- Cooling Capacity: 75 watts
- Cold Air Output: As low as -20°C
- Hot Air Output: Up to 70°C
- Vortex Tube Rating: 300 liters free air per minute at 600 kNm-2 gauge
- Heat Exchanger: Concentric tube, counter flow design
- Flow Measurement: Two variable area flowmeters/orifices, up to 4 gm s-1, digital output optional
- Temperature Monitoring: Digital indicator, 0.1°C resolution, Type-K thermocouples, 3 sensors total
- Valve Control: Two valves for isolation and balance
- Compact Benchtop Design: Suited for vortex tube refrigeration demonstrations and testing
Experiments
- Demonstration of the device’s capacity to generate hot or cold air using no moving parts
- Calculation of the refrigerant effect and comparison with the compressor’s predicted power requirements
- Creation of vortex tube performance curves with:
- (A) Variable inlet pressure
- (B) Variable hot and cold gas ratio
- (C) Variable gas (if available)
Construction and Design
The Vortex Tube Refrigerator PolarX – 508 is built on a high-quality HDF panel. All components are mounted directly on this panel for a compact benchtop layout. The vortex tube refrigeration core is rated at 300 liters free air per minute at 600 kNm-2 gauge. A pressure regulator and filter supply clean, pressure-stable air to the system. The heat exchanger uses a concentric tube, counter flow design. Two valves control isolation and balance functions. Two variable area flowmeters, or optional orifices with digital output, measure airflow calibrated for air up to 4 gm s-1. Temperature is monitored using a digital temperature indicator with 0.1°C resolution, supported by thermocouple sensors.
Software
Software PolarX – 508 (optional)
DAQ software designed in National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional. When the software is used, a set of electronic sensors is included. The software can be run on any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
- 1 Experimental module
- 1 Instruction manual
Required for Operation
- Compressed air or another compatible gas source
Optional Accessories
- Differential Pressure Sensor (Range: up to 2500 Pascal)
- Data Compressor (Air Consumption: Approx. 5 g/s, Max. Pressure: 8 bar)
- Digital output flowmeters/orifices
- Software PolarX – 508 (DAQ software, National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ environment, requires electronic sensor set)
Q: Does the Vortex Tube Refrigerator PolarX – 508 have any moving parts?
A: No. It operates using a high-speed spinning vortex with no moving components.
Q: What is the cooling capacity of this unit?
A: It performs 75 watts of cooling.
Q: What temperature range can the unit achieve?
A: Cold air as low as -20°C and hot air as high as 70°C.
Q: What gas source is required to operate the unit?
A: Compressed air or another compatible gas source.
Q: Is the PolarX – 508 software required to operate the unit?
A: No, the software is optional. A set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used.
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