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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Vortex Flow Meter

What is a Vortex Flow Meter?

A Vortex Flow Meter is a device used to measure the volumetric flow rate of liquids, gases, and steam using the vortex shedding principle. It detects the vortices that form downstream of a bluff body in the flow path and calculates the flow rate by analysing the frequency of these vortices.

How Do Vortex Flow Meters Work?

Vortex Flow Meters operate based on the principle of vortex shedding. A bluff body, or obstruction, is placed in the flow path of liquids, gases, or steam. As the fluid moves past the bluff body, it creates alternating vortices on either side. These vortices generate pressure pulsations, which are detected by a sensor. The frequency of these pulsations is directly proportional to the flow rate, enabling accurate measurement. The meter then converts this data into a readable signal, typically a 4-20 mA output, providing reliable and precise flow rate information.

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How to Select the Right Flow Rate Range for a Vortex Flow Meter?

Selecting the appropriate flow rate range for a vortex flow meter is essential for accurate measurements. Choose a meter that covers both the minimum and maximum flow rates expected in your system.

  1. Low Flow Rates: opt for a meter with a low minimum range to ensure precise readings in processes with varying or minimal flow rates.
  2. High Flow Rates: Select a meter designed for higher volumes to maintain accuracy without causing significant pressure loss.

Sizing of KOBOLD Vortex Flow Meters model DVH/ DVE may be carried out with sizing program available on our Product page.

What Vortex Flow Meter Models Are Available?

We offer various Vortex Flow Meter models suitable for different applications. Each model operates using the vortex shedding principle. 

  1. DVH Series (Inline Vortex Flow Meter): Ideal for measuring liquids, gases, and steam with high accuracy. It features robust construction, multiple output options, and optional temperature/pressure sensors for enhanced monitoring. Suitable for process industries with high-temperature and high-pressure applications. You can find more details about the DVH Series here.
  2. DVE Series (Insertion Vortex Flow Meter): Designed for large pipelines, this multi-parameter flow meter is perfect for measuring liquids, gases, and steam. It offers easy installation through a flange or screw connection and ensures reliable readings with optional sensors. You can find more details about the DVE Series here.
  3. DVZ Series (Inline Vortex Flow Meter): Best suited for low-viscosity liquids like water in smaller pipelines. It features a compact and cost-effective design, making it ideal for industrial water management and other fluid monitoring applications. You can find more details about the DVZ Series here.
What is the Accuracy of Vortex Flow Meters?

The accuracy of Vortex Flow Meters depends on the basis of application. Here are the general accuracy ranges:

  1. For Liquids: For liquids, the accuracy ranges from ±0.7% to ±1.2% of the reading, while for low-cost units, it may be around ±2.5% of the full scale.
  2. Gases and Vapour: ±1% to ±1.5% of the reading.
What Are the Maximum Pressure and Temperature Ratings of Vortex Flow Meters?

The maximum pressure (pmax) and temperature (tmax) ratings of Vortex Flow Meters vary depending on the model:

  1. For Standard Applications: Up to PN 16, PN40 PN64 with a maximum temperature of 260°C  .
  2. For High-Pressure and High Temperature Applications: Supports up to 100 bar with temperatures reaching upto 400°C  .
  3. For Low-Pressure or Compact Applications: Rated up to 20 bar with a temperature limit of 80°C .
What Media Can Vortex Flow Meters Measure?

Vortex Flow Meters are versatile devices capable of accurately measuring the flow of various liquids across industrial applications. They are particularly effective for clean and low-viscosity fluids. Common media measured by Vortex Flow Meters include:

  1. Water (Chilled or Hot): Suitable for HVAC systems, district cooling, and heating applications.
  2. Ultra-pure Water: Ideal for industries requiring high-purity water, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing.
  3. De-ionized Water: Commonly used in laboratories, power plants, and chemical processing facilities.
  4. Glycol Mixtures: Frequently applied in cooling systems, refrigeration, and industrial heat transfer processes.
  5. Solvents & Acids: Designed to handle various chemical substances in industries like petrochemicals, wastewater treatment, and chemical manufacturing.

Vortex Flow Meters provide reliable performance across these applications due to their robust design and accurate flow measurement capabilities.

What Are Multivariable Vortex Flow Meters and How Do They Work?

Multivariable Vortex Flow Meters measure more than just the flow rate; they also capture temperature and pressure data to calculate the mass flow rate of gases, liquids, or steam. By integrating these measurements at a single point in the process line, they offer greater accuracy compared to stand-alone flow meters. Additionally, combining three types of measurement in one device reduces installation and maintenance complexity while saving costs.

We offer the DVE Vortex Flow Meter and the DVH Vortex Flow Meter with inline installation capabilities through ANSI Flanged or Wafer-Types. Both models provide reliable mass flow measurements for various applications. To know more, contact us or read more about our Multivariable Vortex Flow Meters here.

What Are the Applications for Vortex Flow Meters?

Vortex Flow Meters are widely used across various industries for their accurate and reliable flow measurement capabilities. They are particularly effective for measuring the flow of liquids, gases, and steam in applications that require durability and minimal maintenance. Some common industries that utilize Vortex Flow Meters include:

  1. Food & Beverage: Used for monitoring the flow of water, steam, and other liquids in food and beverage processing for efficient production and quality control.
  2. Chemical & Petrochemical: Ideal for measuring the flow of solvents, acids, and other chemicals in manufacturing and refining processes.
  3. Energy Industries: Applied in power plants and energy production facilities for steam and condensate flow measurement, ensuring efficient energy management.
  4. Metallurgy: Used for cooling water flow monitoring and controlling steam in metallurgical operations.
  5. Pharmaceuticals: Ensures precise measurement of purified water, steam, and other fluids during pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
  6. Oils & Fuels: Suitable for monitoring fuel consumption and flow rates in refineries, pipelines, and fuel storage facilities.
  7. Steam Measurement: Commonly applied in steam distribution systems to optimize energy use and maintain system performance.
What Are the Advantages of Vortex Flow Meters?

Vortex Flow Meters offer numerous benefits, making them a reliable choice for flow measurement in various industries. Some key advantages include:

  1. Versatility: Suitable for measuring gases, liquids, and steam in diverse applications.
  2. Cost-Effective: Offers a low to medium initial setup cost compared to other flow measurement technologies.
  3. Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance when used with clean media due to the absence of moving parts.
  4. High Accuracy and Reliability: Delivers consistent and accurate flow measurements.
  5. Long Service Life: The lack of mechanical components ensures longevity and reduced wear and tear.
  6. Flexible Installation: Can be installed in any position when the pipeline is full, allowing flexible installation.
  7. Stable Performance: Unaffected by changes in temperature, pressure, density, or viscosity of the media, maintaining measurement accuracy.
  8. No Heat Tracing Required: Unlike differential pressure orifice meters, Vortex Flow Meters do not require impulse line heat tracing, reducing operational complexity.
  9. Minimal Pressure Loss: Ensures low to medium pressure loss, maintaining system efficiency.
What Are the Disadvantages or Limitations of Vortex Flow Meters?

While Vortex Flow Meters offer reliable and accurate flow measurement for many applications, they come with certain limitations, including: 
 

  1. Limited to Low-Viscosity Media: Not ideal for measuring high-viscosity fluids or slurries.
  2. Not Suitable for Coating or Crystallizing Media: Media that tends to coat or crystallize can interfere with sensor performance.
  3. Additional Components May Be Needed: Strainers or filters may be required to protect the meter from debris.
  4. Reduced Accuracy at Extreme Flow Rates: Accuracy may decrease at very high or very low flow velocities.
  5. Incompatible with Pulsating Flow: Not designed for applications with significant flow pulsations or irregular flow patterns, as pulsating flow disrupts stable vortex shedding, leading to signal noise.
  6. Straight Pipe Requirements: May require long, straight pipe sections upstream and downstream to ensure accurate measurements. Straight pipe requirements typically: 15–20D upstream, 5–10D downstream (D = pipe diameter).
  7. Limited for Batching Applications: Typically, not the best choice for applications requiring precise batching capabilities
Can Vortex Flow Meters measure steam flow?

Yes, Vortex Flow Meters are well-suited for measuring steam flow, including saturated and superheated steam, due to their ability to handle high temperatures and pressures.

How to Choose the Right Vortex Flow Meter for an Application?

Selecting the right Vortex Flow Meter involves considering factors such as pipe diameter, flow velocity, process temperature, and pressure. Evaluating these parameters ensures accurate measurements and reliable performance in industrial and commercial applications.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting the Installation Environment for a Vortex Flow Meter?

When selecting the installation environment for a vortex flow meter, factors like temperature extremes, humidity, and exposure to chemicals play a crucial role. In harsh environments, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel are recommended for durability. For clean, controlled environments, standard models are often sufficient. Evaluating these conditions ensures optimal performance and longevity of the meter.

Are Vortex Flow Meters Reliable and Durable?

Yes, Vortex Flow Meters are highly reliable and durable due to their no-moving-parts design. This minimizes wear and tear, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring long-term performance across various flow monitoring applications. For more information contact us.

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KOBOLD Instruments Inc.

1801 Parkway View Drive
15205 Pittsburgh PA
United States of America

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