A Comprehensive Guide to the Design and Installation of Vortex Flow Meters

   In the field of industrial flow measurement, vortex flow meters are highly favored for their simple structure, wide range of applicable media, and high reliability. However, to ensure their optimal performance, precise selection and correct installation are crucial. A comprehensive selection guide can help you avoid measurement errors and equipment damage, ensuring stable production operation.

1. Core Parameters: 5 Key Points for Selection

      Measurement medium: Is it gas, liquid, or steam? The physical properties of the medium (temperature, pressure, density, viscosity) directly determine the selection range of the instrument. For example, high-temperature steam requires a high-temperature resistant sensor.

Flow range: Confirm the minimum and maximum flow rates. Vortex flow meters have requirements for flow velocity. Generally, the flow velocity range for liquids is 0.3-3 m/s, and for gases, it is 5-50 m/s. During selection, ensure that the common flow rate falls within 1/2 to 2/3 of the measurement range to guarantee measurement accuracy.

Pipe diameter: Select based on the preset flow range and pipe diameter. Remember not to simply match the original pipe diameter; instead, calculate the suitable diameter to avoid issues such as inability to measure low flow rates or exceeding the measurement range at high flow rates.

     Working pressure and temperature: Provide the working pressure and temperature values of the medium to ensure that the selected instrument's housing, flange material, and inner lining can withstand these conditions, guaranteeing safety and longevity.

Output signal and communication protocol: Determine based on the control system requirements whether it is 4-20mA analog output, pulse output, or if digital communication functions such as RS485 Modbus are needed. 

2. Special Design Considerations: Secrets to Selecting the Right Type for Different Media

     Saturated steam/ superheated steam: It is essential to have temperature/pressure compensation functions to compensate for density changes by monitoring temperature and pressure variations in real time, thereby accurately calculating mass flow or standard volume flow. This is the lifeline of accurate steam measurement.

High-viscosity liquids: Excessively high viscosity of the medium can affect the stable separation of the vortex street, leading to an increase in the lower limit flow or even making measurement impossible. Careful selection is required, or other types of flowmeters should be considered.

3. Installation Specifications: Correct Installation Ensures Accurate Measurement

       Even the best flowmeter can fail to measure accurately if installed improperly. Please keep the following points in mind:

Installation location: Horizontal pipes are preferred. If measuring liquids, avoid high points in the pipeline to prevent gas accumulation; if measuring gases, avoid low points to prevent liquid accumulation.

      Straight pipe section requirements: This is an important installation requirement. Generally, a straight pipe section of 10D before and 5D after (D is the pipe diameter) should be ensured to stabilize the flow field and eliminate the influence of disturbances such as valves and elbows on measurement accuracy. Insufficient straight pipe sections are a common cause of inaccurate measurements.

      Avoid vibration sources: Vortex flowmeters are sensitive to pipeline vibrations. They should be kept as far away as possible from vibration sources such as pumps and compressors, or pipe support seats should be installed upstream and downstream to reduce vibrations.

Directionality: Ensure that the medium flow direction is consistent with the arrow direction marked on the flowmeter housing. 

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