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Progress in Air Separation with the Vortex TubeThe current study is characterized by two distinct phases in the development of the vortex tube (VT) technology as a primary means for in-flight air separation. The purpose of the first phase was to systematically identify parameters that influence oxygen concentration and recovery and to quantify the extent of that influence. To that end, the project team used a series of planned factorial experiments to identify statistically significant variables (factors) and their interactions. These experiments identified a best range of the operating envelope that includes nozzle diameter, orifice diameter, inlet air pressure, and liquid phase content in the inlet air. The best results observed in this envelope were an oxygen content of approximately 68% and a recovery factor of approximately 38%. The primary objectives of the second phase of the current study were to investigate the application effects of the two different air separation efficiency enhancement methods. One of these methods resulted in a concentration increase of 12% and second resulted in a concentration increase of 5%. Several aspects of these methods application are subject to optimize.
Document ID
20040087159
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Balepin, V.
(MSE Technology Applications, Inc. Butte, MT, United States)
Rosolt, D.
(MSE Technology Applications, Inc. Butte, MT, United States)
Petley, D.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 99-4844
Meeting Information
Meeting: 9th International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference
Location: Norfolk, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: November 1, 1999
End Date: November 4, 1999
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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