A vortex flow meter is an instrument that measures the flow rate of gases and liquids in a flowing stream or fluid pipe. The device detects the vortices’ frequency shed in a flowing stream by the bluff body where the vortices frequency is directly proportional to the velocity.
The Working Principle of vortex Flow meters
A Vortex flow meter usually operates under the vortex shedding principle, which states that oscillating vortexes occur when a liquid passes through a bluff body. The size and shape of the flow meter determine the vortexes shedding frequency.
The types of industrial applications determine the specific vortex flowmeter size to use. Since the device has no moving parts, it always has low maintenance costs hence suitable for many industries’ operations.
Designation structure of the vortex flow meters
Vortex flow meters have;
i) Sensors
ii) Flowing part
iii) Transmitter
iv) Bluff body
i) Sensors
Sensors help in the analysis of created turbulence.
ii) Flowing part
It is the most often directly mounted part inside the pipeline in a flowmeter.
iii) Transmitter
The transmitter is the part that analyzed the result information and transformed them into electrical signal reading.
iv) Bluff body
It is always put perpendicularly to the flow and contains some solid materials. It also acts as a barrier and can be made in different shapes: triangle, cylinder, polyhedron, square, etc.
Features of vortex flowmeters
i) One can build an audible or visual alarm with it, which helps alert the user when the system goes below or above the preset limit.
ii) A device with totalizer or recorder functions may plot the history of the chart flow at a particular time unit.
iii) It allows for determining the rate by multi insertion device, which measures the flow rate in various points at the flow path.
iv) Vortex flow meters have controller functions that help provide control, sensor input, and output of signal control.
v) Its programmable flow meters are a built-in microprocessor that you can electrically adjust for different ranges, materials, and output.
vi) There are vortex flowmeters that can measure the fluid flow’s media, temperature, and density.
Types of vortex flowmeters
There are two main types of vortex flowmeters that have the same design.
i) Vortex flowmeter with a spiral funnel.
Here, special devices generate the vortex waves, and the vortex sheet enters the flowing path. The analysis of pressure and speed helps in determining the measurement.
ii) Vortex flowmeter with a streamlined motionless body.
There is the formation of vortex shedding by the flow traveling through a bluff body on both sides of the pipe. It leads to changes in pressure and speed surges which the sensor can analyze.
Mounting style of vortex flowmeters
i) Insertion flowmeter; Is where one inserts the devices perpendicular to the flow path using a threaded hole in the pipe.
ii) Clamp inline flow meters; the operators insert the devices in a parallel position to the flow path, which gets clamped in two existing pipe processes.
iii) Flanged inline flow meters; It contains flanged ends that get directly connected by bolts, gaskets, and nuts to the mating flange of the pipelines.
iv) Threaded inline flow meters; The devices are inserted into the parallel position to the flow path where one can thread them into two existing process pipes.
Advantages of vortex flowmeters
1. A Vortex flow meter has a high accuracy range.
2. Vortex flow meters have low levels of pollution.
3. Lack of moving parts in vortex flow makes them have fewer maintenance costs.
4. A Vortex flow meter can work in a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
5. Vortex flow meters have perfect repeatability of results.
Disadvantages
1. Reduction of pressure in a flowing stream.
2. A Vortex flow meter requires high flow rates.
3. It requires a straight pipe section to operate effectively.
4. It can only work with a maximum cross-section of 300mm.
5. External vibrations influence results.
Conclusion
A Vortex flow meter is ideal for various industrial applications as they provide accurate and reliable results. Since they can be affected by external forces, you should consider installing them in areas with no mechanical forces to achieve perfect results on the measurement.
Author Bio:
Naman Modi is a Professional Blogger, SEO Expert & Guest blogger at proteusind.com, He is an Award-Winning Freelancer & Web Entrepreneur helping new entrepreneur’s launches their first successful online business.
