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!

Answer 1

The vortex separator doesn't work for gasses because it is dependent on particles being heavier than "air". These particles lose velocity from friction with the sides of the funnel, and eventually fall down the funnel, while the gasses in the mixture exhaust through the vent in the upper center.

I see no reason why a centrifuge separator would not work, though, as you contemplate for the silica and alumina. The density of even a miscible mixture would eventually have to assume a distribution proportional to the radius.