Vortex Tubes Plastics Industry Applications From Nex Flow™

A Model 50030H with Vortex Tube a cold end muffler is used to supply cold air to a twin routing application on a plastic blow molded product, preventing the formation of small plastic fibers and producing a clean cut. No liquids were needed and the production rate was maximized.

Vortex tubes are used to cool the corners of a large plastic sheet prior to vacuum forming, During the vacuum forming process, the corners formed thicker improving the quality of the product. Such applications are common where the process can vary along a material and :spot cooling” can improve the quality of the resulting product.

To shorten the cooling cycle of molded plastic tanks, vortex tubes can be used to blow cold air into the tanks. At least a third or more of cycle time can be reduced depending on the size and thickness of the tank. The simplicity of, and design of the vortex tube allows for its ease of installation and use in such difficult environments.

In choosing the size and type of vortex tube, always remember to use designs that can hold up to an often hostile environment – stainless steel vortex tubes with metal generators are the best choice and avoiding the use of plastic parts that may degrade over time. A properly filtered air supply will maintain trouble free, essentially maintenance free operation and optimum production output. The air supply can be turned on an off as required with a solenoid valve activated when required