Vortex Flow Meter
Multivariable Vortex Flow Meters Expand in Steam, Gas and Energy Monitoring
Vortex meters detect vortices shed from a bluff body; the shedding frequency is proportional to flow velocity.
Modern versions add temperature and pressure sensors to calculate volumetric flow, mass flow, density and steam energy use from one device.
Advantages:
no moving parts
measure steam, compressed air, natural gas and clean liquids
suitable for saturated and superheated steam
lower lifecycle cost than some mechanical alternatives
Limitations include sensitivity to pipe vibration, a minimum flow/Reynolds number requirement, and moderate accuracy of about ±1.0%.
A multivariable vortex meter turns a single tag into a small energy sub-metering station.”
Industry analysts note vortex technology is benefiting from API recognition for single-phase gas and steam applications, as well as improved digital signal processing that reduces vibration-induced errors
