Fact or Fiction: Vortex Tubes

[Fernanda]

Fact or Fiction

What do you think?

http://www.exair.com/vortextube/vt_page.htm

[Dr_Strangelove]

I had one at one time and it actually worked.

I developed a formula that predicted it\'s preformance very accurately.

Using the centripatal force as a function of the radius, and subtracting the amount of energy a molecule loses by moving from the rim to the center against this force results in a loss of kinetic energy and hence temperature. Conserving energy over all means the gas at the rim must be hotter and it is.

[tinfoil]

Ahh, but does one require compressed air? Could one simply use an air amplifier and a powerful fan?

[errandir]

But why does the stream move towards the center, and why does it lose energy in doing so?