Vortex Flow Meter

A Vortex flow meter measures flows of liquids, gases and steam by sending the frequency at which vortices are alternately shed from a bluff body. The frequency at which the vortices are alternately shed is directly proportional to the flow velocity.

What is a Vortex Flow Meter?
Flow measurement based on the vortex principle: Here is an explanation of how this flow measurement method works. Inside each vortex flow meter, a bluff body is located in the middle of the pipe. This body is a kind of obstruction that disturbs the flow.
 
Downstream of the bluff body is a mechanical sensor which can measure the tiniest pressure differences in the flowing fluid. If the fluid is not flowing, no vortices form. As soon as the fluid starts to move and reaches a certain flow rate, vortices gradually appear downstream of the bluff body. 
The vortices are present either side of the bluff body and are carried away by the flowing fluid. Zones of high or low pressure now appear downstream and thus create a phenomenon that is known as the Karman vortex street. These differences in pressure exactly match the frequency of the passing vortices and are precisely registered by the mechanical sensor shown in the video in slow motion.
This sensor is unique because it is so well balanced that high amounts of pipe borne vibrations, pressure surges and temperature shocks have no effect whatsoever on the measurement. The distance between two consecutive vortices corresponds to a defined volume of fluid. Therefore, total flow can be calculated by counting the vortices that pass. The higher the flow velocity, the higher the measured frequency of vortices. In some applications, the velocity is too low for perceptible vortices to form.
 

However, the velocity can be increased simply installing a vortex meter that has a reduced cross section, and this modification does not affect the measuring accuracy. Functionality can be enhanced by incorporating optional temperature measurement into the sensor. A configuration as such, together with a built-in flow computer can calculate temperature dependant mass or energy flow important in certain industrial processes involving saturated steam or gases. 

Industries that rely on Vortex Flow Meter
Power Generation – High temperature and pressure, accurate mass flow
Chemical Processing – Handles corrosive media, integrates with DCS
HVAC & District Heating – Compact reliable, supports energy billing
Food Beverage – Hygienic options, repeatable for batch control
Pharmaceutical – Sterile-grade, validation-ready
Oil & Gas – Rugged accurate under extreme conditions
 
Applications
Vortex Flow Meter for Boiler Applications

Industrial boilers are often seen with vortex meters. These boilers might be fire-tube and water-tube types, depending on the fuel they use such coal, oil, gas, biomass, or electricity. Other types include electric boilers, which use resistance heating, and waste heat boilers, which recover energy from industrial processes. The choice of boiler depends on the application, required pressure, and available fuel sources.

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