Parts List for Ranque-Hilsch Effect Tube

Copper Pipe

1/2" copper piping, cut into two lengths: 1 m and 25 cm. Why does it look like the long one is more than 1 m? I dunno. Maybe I hadn't cut it yet.

I used these lengths because Hilsch (see the reference on the main page) says that the long run should be 50 times the diameter of the piping. I used 1/2" piping, and that told me to use about 64 cm. I then added more length for the purposes of overkill (piping is cheap).

Two lengths of half-inch copper pipe — 1/2-inch copper pipe for the long and short sides of the tube.

Sweat-to-Thread Coupling

One 1/2" sweat-to-thread (male) coupling. The term "sweat" means solder; for example, a sweat connection is a soldered connection.

Half-inch sweat-to-thread male coupling, first view — Sweat-to-thread coupling, first view.

Half-inch sweat-to-thread male coupling, threaded end view — Sweat-to-thread coupling, second view.

Washer

One washer—3/4" O.D., 6.5 mm I.D. (sorry for the mixed units).

Washer outside diameter measured with calipers — Washer outside diameter.

Washer inside diameter measured with calipers — Washer inside diameter.

Re-makeable Coupling

One 1/2" re-makeable threaded coupling (sweat to pipe at both ends). The lint on the floor is not part of the design.

Re-makeable copper coupling assembled — Coupling assembled.

Re-makeable copper coupling separated into two main pieces — Coupling in two pieces.

Re-makeable copper coupling separated into three pieces — Coupling in three pieces.

Air-Inlet Tubing

1/4" O.D. (1/8" I.D.) copper tubing. Length does not matter. I used a 7" piece.

Coiled quarter-inch outside-diameter copper tubing — Copper tubing used for the compressed-air inlet.

Ball Valve

One 1/2" ball valve.

Half-inch ball valve, top view — Ball valve, top view.

Half-inch ball valve, end view — Ball valve, end view.

Compressed-Air Connector

One compressed-air quick connector, shown here already connected to tubing.

Also, one compression fitting for attaching the quick connector to the tubing. You just tighten it on with wrenches.

Compressed-air quick connector and compression fitting — Quick connector and fitting.

Air Compressor

An air compressor. I used my dad's.

Air compressor used to test the vortex tube — Air compressor.

Close-up of the air compressor label — Compressor specification label.

Next: assemble the Ranque-Hilsch effect tube.