Vortex flowmeters are a type of flowmeter that measures the flow of a fluid by detecting the frequency of vortices generated by a bluff body placed in the fluid stream. Vortex flow meters are versatile and can be used to measure the flow of a wide range of fluids, including liquids, gases, and steam. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install and maintain.
Principle of Operation
Vortex flowmeters operate based on the principle of vortex shedding. When a fluid flows past a bluff body, vortices, or eddies, are shed alternately on either side of the body. The frequency of vortex shedding is proportional to the velocity of the fluid stream. Vortex flow meters use sensors to detect the frequency of vortex shedding, which is then converted to a flow measurement.
Vortex Flowmeter Design
Vortex flowmeters typically consist of a bluff body, a pair of sensors, and a transmitter. The bluff body is placed in the fluid stream and is designed to generate vortices as the fluid flows past it. The sensors are positioned on either side of the bluff body and detect the pressure fluctuations caused by the vortices. The transmitter converts the pressure fluctuation signal to a frequency signal, which is then used to calculate the fluid velocity.
Types of Vortex Flowmeters
Vortex flow meters can be classified into two main types: shedding frequency vortex flowmeters and differential pressure vortex flowmeters.
Shedding frequency vortex flow meters use the frequency of vortex shedding to measure the fluid velocity. These flowmeters are typically more accurate than differential pressure vortex flowmeters, but they can be more expensive.
Differential pressure vortex flow meters use the difference in pressure between the two sensors to measure the fluid velocity. These flowmeters are typically less expensive than shedding frequency vortex flowmeters, but they are also less accurate.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vortex Flowmeters
Vortex flow meters offer a number of advantages, including:
They are versatile and can be used to measure the flow of a wide range of fluids.
They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install and maintain.
They have a wide range of flow rates that they can measure.
They are accurate and reliable.
Vortex flow meters also have a few disadvantages, including:
They can be sensitive to vibration and noise.
They can be affected by the viscosity of the fluid.
They can be expensive, especially for shedding frequency vortex flowmeters.
Applications of Vortex Flowmeters
Vortex flowmeters are used in a wide range of applications, including:
Oil and gas industry: Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products.
Chemical industry: Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents.
Food and beverage industry: Vortex flowmeters are used to measure the flow of milk, water, and other food and beverage products.
Pharmaceutical industry: Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of sterile fluids and other pharmaceutical products.
Power industry: Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of water and steam in power plants.
Environmental industry: Vortex flow meters are used to measure the flow of wastewater and other environmental fluids.
Conclusion
Vortex flow meters are a versatile and reliable type of flowmeter that can be used to measure the flow of a wide range of fluids. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install and maintain. Vortex flowmeters are used in a wide range of industries, including the oil and gas industry, chemical industry, food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, power industry, and environmental industry.
