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

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.