A high tech cooling solution

Citation

(2007), "A high tech cooling solution", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 36 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2007.12936cad.005

A high tech cooling solution

A high tech cooling solution

New from ITW Vortec is the next generation of Vortex coolers, capable of turning a filtered compressed air supply into super chilled air (to -50°C) without the use of electricity, ammonia or other refrigerants.

The three coolers are manufactured in America and are capable of delivering 900, 1,500, and 2,500 BTU of refrigeration, more than a match for industry demands by providing self- regulating, 27-32°C protection in environments up to 79°C.

Today's compact, multi-function electronic controls, variable speed drives and servos are extremely sensitive to heat and contamination while their confined enclosures make temperature control difficult. Excessive heat causes components to cook, digital displays to misread, starters and breakers to trip below rated loads.

These new coolers offer instant solutions, their cooling capacity can handle the thermal management requirements of all sizes of enclosures, and a compact size and light weight ratio, make them perfect for operator interface panels and pendant arm enclosures.

Compared to a refrigerant-based air conditioner, a Vortex cooler is approximately one third of the cost, less than one tenth of the size and installs in a fraction of the time, with no electrical connections required. Because of this they come with a standard ten year warranty.

How the vortex cooling system works

The new range uses the principle of vortex cooling. A vortex occurs when a fluid (air) rotates around an axis, like a tornado.

In this case, compressed air flow first passes through a vortex generation chamber, which starts the air stream rotating. The air stream exiting the chamber rotates at speeds up to 1,000,000rpm as it is forced along the inner walls of the tube towards the control. The flow of air is split in two: one part of air leaves the system through a hole in the centre of the vortex chamber.

The other gas flow leaves the system at the outer radius at the other end of the tube. The ratio of the two flows can be set. The air which leaves the tube at the outer radius is warm (typically 70°C). The air leaving the vortex chamber via the centre of the vortex chamber is cold (typically 250°C).

Why is it necessary?

In many circumstances it is essential to lower the internal enclosure temperature to below the room temperature to reduce hot spot (junction) temperatures and prevent control failure on higher density controls.

Research by control manufacturers has shown that for each 10°C increase in temperature, online production shut- downs will occur twice as often, increasing the failure rate of electronics by 40 percent. Most manufacturers of electronic components specify 40°C and 90 percent humidity for proper operation.

This next generation cooler is it is incredibly quiet, as quiet as an air conditioner (about 62 dBA), the noise level is 93 percent less than other conventional, vortex type cabinet coolers. When the thermostatic controller is operating, the decibel level is about the same as normal human conversation.

It features an integral mechanical thermostat to conserve energy and maintain enclosure temperatures within a range of 808-908F. Requiring only a compressed air supply to operate, it quickly jets a 7.5cm gust of super chilled air to keep electrical control panels cool, clean and protected.

All vortex models come as complete systems, and include a cold air ducting kit, cold end exhaust, and 5mm auto-drain compressed air filter (Tables I and II).

For further information please contact: Chris Davies, SolvAir Limited; e-mail: chris.davies@solvair.co.uk; visit the web site: www.vortextube.co.uk

Address: Ebor Street, Littleborough, Rochdale Lancashire, OL15 9AS; Tel: +44 (0) 1706 375737; Fax: +44 (0) 1706 377332; e-mail: info@vortextube.co.uk