Cooling device

Abstract

A device is disclosed comprising a tube with a hot gas outlet at a first end and a cold gas outlet at a second end, an inlet in fluid communication with the tube and an accelerator associated with the tube. The device is configured to accept a supply of compressed gas at the inlet, the accelerator causing the air to form a vortex inside the tube and the device producing a cold gas stream that exits from the cold gas outlet and a hot gas stream that exits from the hot gas outlet. The device may further include a ventilated heat shield surrounding at least a portion of the tube. Air flowing within the heat shield can contact the outside of the tube and the heat shield may extend past the first end of the tube. The device may include an orifice to supply air from the inlet to a space between the tube and the heat shield or the hot gas stream exiting the hot gas outlet may draw ambient air through the heat shield. In one embodiment, the accelerator includes a helical groove.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device, comprising:
 a tube with a hot gas outlet at a first end and a cold gas outlet at a second end;   an inlet in fluid communication with the tube;   an accelerator associated with the tube; and   a ventilated heat shield surrounding at least a portion of the tube and extending past the first end of the tube,   wherein the device is configured to accept a supply of compressed gas at the inlet, the accelerator causing the air to form a vortex inside the tube and the device producing a cold gas stream that exits from the cold gas outlet and a hot gas stream that exits from the hot gas outlet, wherein the device includes an orifice to supply air from a location where the inlet is connected to the accelerator to a space between the tube and the heat shield.   
     
     
         22 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein air flowing within the heat shield is in contact with the outside of the tube. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the heat shield is connected to the tube by flanges that enable heat to be conducted away from the tube. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to  claim 23 , wherein air or gas flowing within the heat shield and outside the tube is in contact with the flanges. 
     
     
         25 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the accelerator includes a helical groove. 
     
     
         26 . The device according to  claim 25 , wherein the helical groove of the accelerator causes the gas entering the tube via the inlet to be channelled in a vortex motion towards the hot gas outlet. 
     
     
         27 . The device according to  claim 25 , wherein the accelerator includes a substantially cylindrical portion with an outer surface in which the helical groove is formed. 
     
     
         28 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the accelerator includes vanes that cause the vortex motion to be imparted on the gas as it moves from an outer perimeter towards the centre of the tube. 
     
     
         29 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the accelerator includes one or more fins adjacent to the vanes. 
     
     
         30 . The device according to  claim 29 , wherein a flow rate of gas through the accelerator is adjustable. 
     
     
         31 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the flow rate of gas through the accelerator is adjusted by moving a delivery controller in a longitudinal direction within the tube at least partially within a space central to the vanes. 
     
     
         32 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein a diameter of the tube at the second end is greater than a diameter of the tube proximal to the accelerator. 
     
     
         33 . The device according to  claim 21 , further including a muffler surrounding at least a portion of the tube. 
     
     
         34 . The device according to  claim 33 , wherein the muffler surrounds a portion of the tube proximal to the first end. 
     
     
         35 . The device according to  claim 21 , further including a bracket fixed to the tube that allows the device to be attached to a fixed object. 
     
     
         36 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the device is suitable for use in an underground mine.