What is a Vortex Flow Meter?

A vortex meter is a type of volumetric flow meter that makes use of a natural phenomenon that occurs when a liquid flows around a bluff object. Vortex flow meters operate under the vortex shedding principle, where vortices (or eddies) are shed alternately downstream of the object. The frequency of the vortex shedding is directly proportional to the velocity of the liquid flowing through the meter.

Vortex flow meters are best suited for flow measurements where the introduction of moving parts presents problems. They are available in industrial grade, brass, or all plastic construction. Sensitivity to variations in the process conditions are low and, with no moving parts, relatively low wear compared to other types of flow meters.

What is the Principle of Vortex Flow Meter?

The operating principle of a vortex flow meter is based on the Kármán vortex street phenomenon. When a non-streamlined, cylindrical bluff body is inserted perpendicular to the flow, and the Reynolds number reaches a certain value, two rows of vortices are generated downstream of the bluff body, alternating from top to bottom. These vortices are regularly arranged and rotate in opposite directions, forming what is known as a “vortex street.”

The vortex shedding frequency is directly proportional to the flow velocity. By measuring the vortex frequency, the fluid velocity can be determined, and the volumetric flow rate can then be calculated.

Let the vortex shedding frequency be f, the average velocity of the fluid be V, and the width of the bluff body facing the flow be d. According to the Kármán vortex street principle, the relationship is:

f = St · V / d

where:

f = Kármán vortex shedding frequency on one side of the bluff body (Hz)

St = Strouhal number (dimensionless)

V = average fluid velocity (m/s)

d = width of the bluff body (m)

Precise and Robust Flow Measurement

The vortex flow meters from feature advanced sensor technology that delivers real-time, highly accurate flow data. Built to withstand demanding industrial conditions, our meters are constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

Key Measurement Capabilities Include:

• Liquids: Achieve high accuracy when measuring water, chemicals, and other fluids.

• Gases: Monitor gases like air, nitrogen, and natural gas with precision.

• Steam: Maintain consistent and reliable measurements even in high-temperature steam applications.

Our vortex flow meters are designed to offer superior accuracy across a wide range of flow rates and process conditions, ensuring optimal performance in both routine and complex operations.

Benefits of Vortex Flow Meters

High Accuracy: Vortex flow sensors provide accurate flow measurements, typically within ±0.75% to ±1.0% uncertainty. This level of precision makes them suitable for critical processes in need of precise flow control and monitoring.

Low Pressure Drop: Vortex flow measurements have a low pressure drop, and this indicates that they cause minimal resistance to flow. This characteristic is beneficial in applications where energy conservation and maintaining system efficiency are important considerations.

Minimal Maintenance: Vortex flow meters have no moving parts, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing downtime. This advantage is of vital importance for cost savings and increasing operational efficiency.

Durability: With a rugged, all-metal construction, these meters are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and harsh operating conditions, ensuring long service life in even the most demanding environments.

High Turndown Ratio: Offering a wide range of measurable flow rates, our vortex meters maintain accuracy across varying conditions, making them adaptable for both low and high-flow applications.

Communication and Output Options: With digital communication options such as HART, Modbus, and analog outputs, these meters can easily integrate into existing industrial control systems, providing real-time data for process optimization.

Common Types of Vortex Flow Meters

There are several types of vortex flow meters available, each with its own advantages and considerations. The most common types include insertion vortex flow meters, which can be retrofitted into existing pipelines, and inline vortex flow meters, which are directly installed in the flow line. Another variation is the multivariable vortex flow meter, which measures not only flow rate but also temperature and pressure, providing additional data for a comprehensive process control.

Enhanced Accuracy with Temperature and Pressure Compensation

One of the standout features of ARTang vortex flow meters is their ability to compensate for temperature and pressure variations. When measuring gases and steam, fluctuations in temperature and pressure can lead to inaccurate flow readings. Our vortex meters automatically adjust for these changes, providing a true representation of the mass flow rate. This ensures you get the most accurate measurements possible, regardless of process conditions.

Applications of Vortex Flow Meters

1. Energy Industry:

In power generation facilities such as thermal power plants and nuclear power stations, vortex steam flowmeters are used to measure boiler feedwater and steam flow, ensuring efficient energy utilization and safe equipment operation.

2. Chemical Industry:

During chemical production processes, vortex steam flowmeters are used to measure the flow of various corrosive, high-temperature, and high-pressure fluids, helping maintain process stability and product quality.

3. Metallurgical Industry:

In metallurgical enterprises such as steel and non-ferrous metal plants, vortex steam flowmeters are used to measure the flow of blast furnace gas, air, and other fluids, providing accurate measurement data for metallurgical production.

4. Food Industry:

In food manufacturing processes, vortex steam flowmeters are used to measure the flow of steam, hot water, and other fluids, ensuring hygiene and safety during food processing.

In addition, vortex steam flowmeters are widely used in industries such as steel plants, coking plants, petroleum, district heating, healthcare, and environmental protection. Typical applications include measuring gas flow, boiler air flow, flue gas flow discharged from chimneys, and aeration flow in water treatment processes.

If you would like any more information about our Vortex Flow Meter, please contact us.