1. Definition
A vortex flow meter is a frequency-type flow measurement instrument based on the Karman Vortex Street principle. It measures the flow rate of fluids by detecting the frequency of vortices generated when the fluid passes through a bluff body (vortex generator) in the pipeline. It is a non-contact, maintenance-free instrument widely used in industrial process control, suitable for measuring gases, liquids, and steam.
2. Working Principle
When a stable fluid flows through the bluff body installed in the meter body, alternating vortices are generated on both sides of the bluff body—this phenomenon is called the Karman Vortex Street. The frequency of vortex shedding is directly proportional to the fluid velocity (and irrelevant to fluid density, pressure, and temperature within a certain range). The built-in sensor (piezoelectric or capacitive) detects the pressure changes caused by vortex shedding, converts them into electrical signals, and the converter calculates the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate based on the vortex frequency.
3. Core Features
- Wide Fluid Adaptability: Suitable for measuring liquids, gases, and saturated/ superheated steam, eliminating the need for separate meters for different media, reducing customer procurement costs.
- High Measurement Stability & Low Interference: The measurement principle is simple and reliable, with no moving parts inside the meter body, avoiding wear, fouling, and blockage. It has strong anti-interference ability against external temperature and pressure fluctuations.
- Broad Flow Range & Caliber Coverage: The turndown ratio can reach 1:10 to 1:20, adapting to large flow fluctuations. Standard calibers range from DN15 to DN300, with customized large-caliber models (up to DN600) available for industrial large-flow scenarios.
- Low Pressure Loss & Energy Saving: The streamlined bluff body design minimizes fluid resistance, resulting in lower pressure loss compared to turbine or orifice flow meters, helping customers reduce pipeline energy consumption.
- Simple Structure & Long Service Life: Fewer internal components, high mechanical strength, and wear-resistant materials (such as 316L stainless steel, Hastelloy) for the bluff body and meter body. The service life of key components exceeds 10 years under normal working conditions.
4. Suitable Fluids & Application Scenarios
- Liquids: Clean water, chemical solvents, petroleum products, cooling water, and other low-viscosity, non-corrosive/weakly corrosive liquids.
- Gases: Natural gas, compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, flue gas, and other dry, clean gases.
- Steam: Saturated steam and superheated steam commonly used in industrial production.
- Key Application Fields: Petroleum and petrochemical, chemical industry, power generation, metallurgy, heating and ventilation, water treatment, and food and beverage. It is especially favored in boiler steam measurement and industrial pipeline flow control projects.
5. Foreign Trade Key Information (Certifications & Material Options)
- International Certifications: Complies with international standards such as ISO 9001, CE, ATEX (explosion-proof certification for hazardous environments), UL (North American market), and PED (EU Pressure Equipment Directive), ensuring smooth access to global markets.
- Material Customization: The meter body is available in carbon steel, 316L stainless steel, and Hastelloy; the bluff body can be customized with titanium alloy or ceramic materials to adapt to corrosive or high-temperature media in different countries and regions.
- Output & Communication: Supports standard signal outputs (4-20mA, pulse) and communication protocols (MODBUS, HART, Profibus), compatible with mainstream industrial control systems in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia.
Post time: Nov-23-2025