You are probably thinking of a Hilsch vortex tube. I agree, they are
neat devices. For seaparation, a hydrocyclone would also be a
possibility, but I imaginge they do not get rid of the really fine
particles as efficiently as a centrifuge.

While looking around yesterday, I stumbled over an interesting device
here, which has no moving parts and works along the same lines:

http://www.quantum-dynamics.com/Centrifugal.html


"BW" == Brian Whatcott writes:

BW On 08 Jan 2004 11:23:20 +0100, Ole-Hjalmar Kristensen
BW wrote:

"R" == Rick writes:
BW ///

R This is all assuming you don't have access to a centrifuge which is
R really the best way to handle the process.


R Rick

Do you happen to know if there is any centrifugal separator on the
market suited to small boats? I cannot really think of any technical
reasons why not, but perhaps the market isn't there. Btw., I once had
a Scania truck diesel engine which had a centrifuge for its
lubrication oil. Judging from the amount of gunk it separated out of
the oil, it worked very well.


BW Now *that* is an interesting question!
BW The pneumatic tube freezer/heater comes to mind immediately.

BW I can't recall the appropriate name - but the principle is incredibly
BW simple: introduce the pressurized fluid tangentially to a short
BW cylinder, and at one end of the cylinder, the spinning fluid meets a
BW washer with a central hole - the lighter fraction goes through here.
BW At the other end of the cylinder, the spinning fluid meets a central
BW barrier, with an annular gap - so the heavier fraction goes through
BW here. You can make them with plumbing fittings and minimal
BW machining or filing.
BW With pressurized air, these gadgets separate cooled air from heated
BW air (though the power efficiency is not compretitive with
BW regular fridges...)

BW With pressurized fuel, this gadget ought to do a very creditable job
BW of spinning out water and particles....

BW Brian Whatcott Altus OK

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