Vortex flow meters can be used for a wide range of fluids including liquids, gases, and steam.
Vortex meters are essentially frequency meters, as they measure the frequency of vortices that are generated by a bluff body in the process line, which is known as “vortex shedding”.
How it Works
In a vortex flowmeter an obstruction in the flow path acts as a bluff body, this is sometimes known as a ‘shedder bar’. This ‘shedder bar’ forces the fluid to separate and form alternating areas of low pressure on the downstream side of the bar. These low pressure vortices cause a small sensing element either behind or within the shedder bar to oscillate back and forth at a specific frequency. The frequency of these vortices is directly proportional to the velocity of the fluid flowing past the bar and thus the volumetric flow rate of the fluid can be determined.
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Advantages
Stable long-term accuracy and repeatability
Applicable for a wide range of process conditions
Vortex meters can be used for liquids, gases, and steam
Low cost of installation and maintenance
Low wear (relative to turbine flow meters)
Available for a wide variety of pipe sizes
Limitations
The bluff body is a potential restriction to flow in the flare system
Decrease in measurement accuracy in case of contamination of bluff body
Not suitable for very low flow rates
High sensitivity to pulsation of the measured gas flow, reduces reliability
Minimum length of straight pipe is required upstream and downstream of the vortex meter
Go Deeper
Case study
No case study available at this time.
Vortex flow meters can be used for a wide range of fluids including liquids, gases, and steam. Vortex meters are essentially frequency meters, as they measure the frequency of vortices that are generated by a bluff body in the process line, which is known as “vortex shedding”.
