Optimal Selection of Swirl, Vortex and Turbine Flow Meters

   When choosing flow meters, the three star products - swirl, vortex and turbine flow meters - often cause people to struggle with decision-making. They have similar names but different principles. Using them in the wrong situations not only leads to inaccurate measurements but also causes continuous losses. Today, we will use a table and three scenarios to help you clear your mind completely.

One-minute Core Comparison Table

Characteristics Swirl Flow Meter Vortex Flow Meter Turbine Flow Meter

Principle Flow rotation and precession frequency Carmen vortex shedding frequency Propeller rotation speed

Accuracy Relatively high (±1.0% approximately) High (±0.5% - 1.0%) Extremely high (±0.2% - 0.5%)

Applicable Media Preferred for gases and clean liquids Steam, gases, and low-viscosity liquids Clean liquids and gases

Pressure Drop Large Small Moderate

Vibration Resistance Weak Weak (vibration interference should be noted) Weak (bearings are easily affected)

Cost Performance High cost performance for gas measurement Star for steam measurement Preferred for high-precision liquid measurement

Characteristics

Swirl Flow Meter

Vortex Flow Meter Principle

Fluid rotational precession frequency

Kármán vortex street shedding frequency

Impeller rotational speed

Accuracy

Relatively high (±1.0% approximately)

High (±0.5% - 1.0%)

Extremely high (±0.2% - 0.5%)

Applicable medium

Gas preferred, clean liquid

Steam, gas, low-viscosity liquid

Clean liquid, gas

Pressure loss

Large

Small

Medium

Vibration resistance

Weak

Weak (vibration interference should be noted)

Weak (bearings are easily affected)

Cost performance

High cost performance for gas measurement

Star for steam measurement

Preferred for high-precision liquid measurement

Three classic scenarios, just match them up accordingly 

Scene 1: Gas measurement such as natural gas and compressed air

Preferred: Swirl vortex flowmeter

Reason: It has strong adaptability to gases, high sensitivity at medium and low flow rates, and outstanding cost performance. It is particularly suitable for energy measurement within factories and compressed air assessment scenarios.

Scene 2: Steam (saturated steam/ superheated steam) measurement

Preferred: Vortex flowmeter

Reason: It can withstand high temperatures and has low pressure loss, making it the industry benchmark for steam measurement. When selecting, ensure there is sufficient straight pipe section and keep it away from vibration sources.

Scene 3: Trade settlement or high-precision liquid measurement (such as water, light oil)

Preferred: Turbine flowmeter

Reason: It has the highest accuracy grade and excellent repeatability. However, it is essential to ensure the medium is clean (a filter should be installed) and avoid strong vibration environments.

Pitfall prevention guide: Three key questions for selection

Ask about the medium: Is it gas, steam, or liquid? For gas/steam, prioritize the first two; for clean and high-precision liquids, choose the turbine.

Ask about the requirements: Is accuracy or cost more important? Trade settlement requires high accuracy; for process control, consider cost-effectiveness comprehensively.

Ask about the working conditions: Is there significant vibration? Is there sufficient straight pipe section? Avoid turbines in high-vibration environments; when installation space is limited, pay attention to the different requirements for straight pipe sections of various instruments (usually vortex flowmeters require the longest).

Remember: There is no best flowmeter, only the most suitable one. Accurate selection not only ensures a one-time solution but also avoids efficiency losses and cost waste caused by inaccurate measurement in the future.

Follow me to learn more about the full life cycle services of flowmeters. 

WhatsApp:+86 13937142958

Email: lay022985@gmail.com