EridanMan wrote:
Hey Guys-

Has anyone ever attempted to install a Hilsch Tube (Vortex Tube) in an
aircraft for environmental controls?

The setup I see would be very light, a 3 foot long PVC vortex tube (no
more than 5 lbs) with a small exhaust turbocharger force-feeding it.
Yes the Hilsch tube is not a particularly efficiant cooling mechanism,
but exaust-gas pressure is essentially 'wasted energy' anyways.

But, it's not really.
Adding extra back pressure to the engine decreases its efficiency.