FAQ

Compressed air is supplied to the vortex tube.
The air passes through a generator, creating a spinning motion.
As the air spins along the inner walls of the tube, it heats up. The air then turns inside of itself and creates a column of cold air that exits one end while hot air exits the other end.
The tube produces both cold air (at the cold exit) and hot air (at the hot exit)

Vortex tubes are used for cooling of cutting tools (lathes and mills, both manually-operated and CNC machines) during machining. The vortex tube is well-matched to this application: machine shops generally already use compressed air, and a fast jet of cold air provides both cooling and removal of the chips produced by the tool. This eliminates or drastically reduces the need for liquid coolant, which is messy, expensive, and environmentally hazardous.
Vortex tubes are also used in CNC control panels and electrical control cabinets. The Vortex tube can be packaged to mount directly onto enclosures providing cooling for sensitive controls. The vortex tube/CNC cooler creates cooling along with a positive pressure to keep dust out of control panels

A French physicist, Georges Ranque invented the first Vortex Tube in 1930. Since compressed air was not widely available at that time, the Tube saw only limited use. Since then, the vortex tube has been modified slightly to enhance performance and to be used in specialized applications

Depending on the size required, a Vortex Tube consumes anywhere from 8 scfm to 35 scfm of compressed air @80 PSIG inlet pressure.
Vortex Tube rating X
_______________ = ____________
80 PSI Different incoming air pressures
Example: I want to know the air consumption of a Vortex Tube model # 10015 …15 cfm at an incoming air pressure of 40 psi.

___15____ = _____X____
80 psi 40 psi

15 * 40 = 600
600 / 80 = 7.5 cfm
So at an incoming air pressure of 40 psi the air consumption would be 7.5 cfm.

A Vortex Tube's optimum performance is achieved when 80 to 100 PSIG of compressed air is supplied to the unit.

These enclosure CNC coolers are designed to use a filtered, factory compressed air supply of 80 to 100 psig. Unless compressed air pressures fluctuate widely or run considerably higher than 110 psig, do not use a pressure regulator to reduce the inlet pressure. Pressures lower than 80 psig, limit inline airflow into the enclosure, thus reducing the BTU/hr cooling capacities of the coolers.

To obtain maximum performance from the Arizona Vortex products, measurements of pressure (psig) and volume (scfm) of air must be obtained. Pressure drops in the compressed air lines should be held at a minimum. Quick connects can “starve” the CNC Cooler by causing excessive line pressure drops. Do not use plastic tubing. Select the compressed air line size appropriately according to the installation chart and remember that lower inline pressures will produce a greater inline pressure drop and subsequent lower airflow and BTU/hr cooling capacity.

All compressed air systems will have condensed water, rust (scale) and dirt in the lines. To remove this debris from the compressed air lines, a 5-micron filter separator is recommended. Properly maintained, these filters will ensure that only clean and dry, refrigerated air will enter the enclosure. A dryer usually is not required for proper operation, except when the normal relative humidity level is very high. A desiccant or refrigerated type dryer can be used in the inlet line to eliminate water vapor in the supply. The dryer should be rated to produce an atmospheric dew point lower than the output temperature of the CNC cooler. It is not necessary to supply lubricated air to a Vortex CNC Cooler. Excess oil and oil aerosols must be removed from the compressed air supply. Coalescing type filters are available for older compressors that have a lot of oil carryover.

Because Vortex Tubes, Cool Tools, and CNC Coolers have no moving parts, they are reliable and require little maintenance. As long as clean, dry air is moving through the cooler the life span is indefinite. Scheduled maintenance of the compressed air filter should be performed to ensure the cleanliness of the compressed air supply.

Low purchase price, compact size, ease of installation, little to no maintenance, greater reliability, ability to operate in harsh environments, and significantly longer warranty period.

Yes, but only if integrated into an approved purge system. Un-modified, Vortex Coolers must not be used for Class 1 or 2 hazardous locations. Even if they are allowed to operate continuously (without electric valve and thermostat) they are not approved for hazardous locations. One, because the vent air path through the Cooler will not contain or arrest incendiary particles (sparks). Two, because there are no controls to detect a loss of internal pressure if there is a malfunction. If used in conjunction with a purge/pressurization control system, modified Vortex Coolers can be, and are used for hazardous locations if the Cooler is designed in as part of the purge control system. Contact the purge control manufacturer for more information.

Yes, the CNC Cooler is UL listed and NEMA rated 4, 4X and 12.

The Arizona Vortex Cool Tool is a packaged Vortex Tube that is portable, ready to use cold air source. It is designed to improve machining operations and improve the life of tools and tool bits. The Cool Tool produces an air stream that will be70 degrees F. colder than the temperature of your compressed air source. It is portable, using the magnetic base, the Cool Tool can be moved from one machine to another-aim the nozzle at your work piece and go to work.
The Arizona Vortex Cool Tool will eliminate the need for mist, mess, and expensive liquid coolants. It will improve tool life, finish, tolerances, and the overall production.
The Cool Tool is made of stainless steel and is designed to meet the rigors of every day
manufacturing demands.