How to choose the right Vortex Gas Flow Meters?

Choosing the right vortex gas flow meters requires a comprehensive consideration of fluid properties, working conditions, installation requirements and economy. The following is a professional selection advice, step by step for your analysis:

1. Define the characteristics of the measuring medium

Fluid type: gas, liquid or steam (steam needs to be differentiated from saturated or superheated).

Physical properties: density, viscosity, electrical conductivity (vortex does not depend on electrical conductivity, but the viscosity is too high may affect the sensitivity).

Corrosivity: corrosive media need to use corrosion-resistant materials (such as 316L, Hastelloy).

Cleanliness: solid particles or bubbles in the fluid need to consider anti-clogging design (such as split probe).

2. Determine the key working condition parameters

Flow range: ensure that the common flow rate in the range of 30% to 70% of the range (to avoid the loss of low-flow signal or high-flow over the range).

Refer to the Reynolds number range provided by the manufacturer (Re>10,000 is usually required to ensure linearity).

Temperature and Pressure: Select sensors that are temperature/pressure resistant (e.g., high temperature models for high temperature steam, up to 400°C).

Pay attention to the effect of pressure on the volume flow rate of the gas, the need for standard/working condition conversion.

Pipe size: conventional caliber DN15 ~ DN300, large pipe diameter need to verify the lower limit of the flow rate (general liquid ≥ 0.5m / s, gas ≥ 5m / s).

3. Selection of suitable structure and material

Meter body material: carbon steel (economic), stainless steel (general-purpose), special alloy (strong corrosive environment).

Sensor type: piezoelectric (general purpose), capacitive (stronger anti-vibration interference).

Connection: flange connection (mainstream), clamping type (small diameter), threaded connection (high-pressure occasions).

4. Environmental and Installation Requirements

Vibration Interference: Avoid installation near pumps/valves or select models with vibration compensation (e.g., dual probe design).

Straight pipe section: usually requires 10D in front and 5D at the back (D is pipe diameter), vortex gas flow meters manufacturers will provide specific values.

Orientation: Horizontal or vertical up installation is recommended for liquids, avoid vertical down for gases/vapors.

5. Output and Communication Requirements

Signal output: 4-20mA (analog), pulse output (totalized flow), RS485/HART (digital communication).

Additional features: temperature/pressure compensation (necessary for gas/steam measurement), local display, explosion-proof certification (Ex dⅡCT6, etc.).

6. Handling of special conditions

Low flow rate measurement: choose low frequency vortex or with signal amplification

Multi-phase flow (e.g. liquids with gas bubbles): vortex gas flow meters are not suitable, other technologies need to be considered (e.g. electromagnetic flow meters).

Pulsating flow: add buffer or damping device.

Common Misconceptions to Avoid

Misconception 1: Selection only according to the pipe diameter → The actual flow range needs to be taken as the basis, and reduce/expand the diameter if necessary.

Misconception 2: Ignore the impact of vibration → plant vibration is large need to choose vibration-resistant models or install shock absorbers.

Myth 3: Steam measurement is not compensated → Temperature and pressure compensation must be integrated or an external transmitter must be installed.

Summarize the steps

List the media parameters (type, temperature, pressure, viscosity, etc.).

Calculate the operating flow range and Reynolds number.

Select the protection class (IP65/IP67) and explosion-proof requirements according to the environment.

Compare the manufacturer's selection manual and consult technical support if necessary.

Systematic evaluation through the above steps can significantly improve the accuracy of selection and stability of use. If the working conditions are complex, it is recommended to provide detailed parameters for the manufacturer to customize the solution.

Selecting the range of a vortex gas flow meter is a process that takes into account a number of factors. In practical applications, according to the specific process, equipment specifications and fluid characteristics and other factors to analyze and select, to ensure that the selected range of vortex gas flow meters to meet the actual needs, and to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurement.