Numerical modeling of the effect of energy-separation in the ranque-hilsch tube

Abstract

Currently, there are a lot of applications of vortex technologies. The vortex effect is used in gasdynamic cold generators and vortex cooling chambers. Vortex devices are also used as dehumidifiers, separators, for cooling and heating hydraulic fluids, separating two-phase media, gas mixtures, evacuating, etc. Scientists study the applicability of vortex equipment for traditional and freeze-drying of agricultural products. However, the influence of geometric parameters of vortex devices on the productivity and energy efficiency of temperature separation of gas flows is poorly studied. Research aimed at finding opportunities and expanding the field of application of vortex tubes is an urgent task. The paper describes twodimensional and three-dimensional mathematical models of the swirling gas flow arising in a vortex tube. It presents results of its implementation in the Anсs-Fluent software package. Thermodynamic and hydrodynamic characteristics confirm the effect of temperature separation in a vortex tube. The dependences of temperature separation on the swirl angle and inlet pressure were obtained. For a two-dimensional vortex tube model, calculations were carried out using various turbulence models. The influence of the cross-sectional area at the hot gas flow outlet on temperature separation was studied.