Enhancement of CO2 separation performance using a vortex tube: Analysis of design parameters and operating conditions

Abstract

The development of efficient CO2 capture technologies is crucial to counteracting the effects of carbon emissions on climate change. This study explores vital design parameters and operating conditions aimed at improving CO2 separation performance in a vortex tube. The geometric parameters considered for the vortex tube include the diameter ratio and tube length, and the impact of these parameters on CO2 separation efficiency was thoroughly assessed. The diameter ratio ranged from 0.4 to 2.0, while the tube lengths varied from 100 mm to 500 mm. Furthermore, a recycling method was applied by reintroducing cold outlet gas into the vortex tube inlet, which resulted in an increased CO2 concentration. The findings indicate that a diameter ratio of 0.4 yielded the highest CO2 separation efficiency, with an optimal tube length of 100 mm. Introducing additional cycles proved to be an effective strategy to enhance separation performance, elevating the CO2 concentration at the cold outlet to 64.6%. However, implementing more than four cycles led to pressure losses, necessitating a balanced approach. This study evaluates how design and operating conditions affect CO2 separation in a vortex tube, offering guidelines for optimal efficiency.