Can a vortex separator purify a mixed stream of gasses? It doesn't have to be practical or cost-effective.

Question

I just want to know if there is any way that could work. For example: a mixed stream of 50%/50% hydrogen and carbon monoxide comes from a container of heated coke when water is brought into contact with it (producer gas).

Can a vortex precipitator of the type usually used for removing dust separate the two gasses to any significant degree? Any idea how efficient this might be?

Similarly [I know, I know, this is almost a separate question] could such a vortex device separate a mixture of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) particles in water?

Any ideas, suggestions that might work? A filter column won't work for insoluble substances, will it?

This is for an S/F story in a primitive setting with modern knowledge but without modern resources. But I want it to work right. Thanks, everybody!

Without compressing the gasses or liquifying them, sorry. Looking for another way. Anything will do, even if it isn't very effective. Just has to be mechanical.

Answer 1

No. If heavier gases would migrate to the outer portion of a centrifuge, wouldn't they settle to earth with time too? The mixture of gases would remain homogeneous.

If you are looking for ways to separate the gases, you could do it by super cooling them. One will condense to a liquid before the other. Also you could compress them, with the same result.