A vortex flowmeter is a flowmeter that measures flow based on the Karman vortex principle. When a fluid flows through a vortex generator (such as a triangular prism) in a pipeline, it generates regular vortices alternating on either side. The frequency of these vortexes is proportional to the average velocity of the fluid. By measuring the frequency of these vortexes, the fluid's velocity and flow rate can be inferred.
The following are guidelines for selecting a vortex flowmeter:
Consider the measured medium: Select an appropriate flowmeter based on the properties of the measured medium (e.g., liquid, gas, or steam) and its characteristics (e.g., temperature, pressure, corrosivity, viscosity, etc.).
Determine the flow range: Select the appropriate flowmeter model and specifications based on the expected flow range, ensuring that the actual flow rate falls within the middle of the range to improve measurement accuracy.
Match the pipe size: Select a flowmeter with the appropriate diameter based on the pipe's inner diameter, while also considering pressure loss to ensure system performance is not affected.
Focus on measurement accuracy: Select the appropriate accuracy level based on the measurement requirements. For high-precision applications, choose a product with an accuracy of approximately ±1%, while for general monitoring applications, choose a flowmeter with an accuracy of approximately ±2%. Consider environmental conditions: Select a flow meter based on operating conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and vibration) to ensure stable operation in harsh environments.
Consider maintenance: Choose a flow meter that is easy to maintain and service to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and ensure long-term reliability.
Advantages of Vortex Flowmeters
High-Precision Measurement: Vortex flowmeters offer high precision and low error, meeting the requirements for precise measurement. Their measurement accuracy typically ranges from ±1% to ±1.5%.
Simple and Sturdy Structure: Vortex flowmeters have a relatively simple structure with no moving parts, resulting in high reliability and long-term operational stability.
Low Pressure Loss: The design of vortex flowmeters minimizes pressure loss during measurement, helping to reduce system operating costs and achieving certain energy savings.
Wide Application: Vortex flowmeters can be used to measure the flow of various media, including gas, liquid, and steam, and have a wide range of applications.
Multiple Signal Outputs: Vortex flowmeters offer both analog standard signal outputs and digital pulse signal outputs, making them easy to use with digital systems such as computers for automated control and remote monitoring.
Intelligent Features: Vortex flowmeters are often equipped with intelligent features such as temperature and pressure compensation and digital circuit design, making flow measurement more accurate and reliable. Application Scenarios of Vortex Flowmeters
Industrial Production: In industries such as metallurgy, electricity, coal, chemicals, and petroleum, vortex flowmeters are used to measure and control the flow of various fluids (including gases, liquids, and steam) to meet production needs.
Energy Metering: Vortex flowmeters can be used to measure the flow of primary energy sources (such as coal, crude oil, coalbed methane, petroleum gas, and natural gas) and secondary energy sources (such as electricity, coke, manufactured gas, refined oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and steam), providing an important basis for scientific energy management, achieving energy conservation and consumption reduction, and improving economic efficiency.
Environmental Protection: Vortex flowmeters can be used to monitor and control the discharge flow of flue gases, waste liquids, and sewage, helping to improve air and water quality.
Transportation: In pipeline transportation, vortex flowmeters are key tools for control, distribution, and scheduling. By measuring the flow rate of fluids in pipelines, precise control and management of transportation processes can be achieved.