DESCRIPTION

Vortex flow meters measure fluid velocity using a principle of operation

referred to as the von Kármán effect, which states that when flow passes
by a bluff body, a repeating pattern of swirling vortices is generated.

In a Vortex flow meter, an obstruction in the flow path, often referred to

as a shedder bar, serves as the bluff body. The shedder bar causes
process fluid to separate and form areas of alternating differential
pressure known as vortices around the back side of the shedder bar.

When the medium flows through the Bluff body at a certain speed, an
alternately arranged vortex belt is generated behind the sides of the Bluff
body, called the "von Karman vortex". Since both sides of the vortex
generator alternately generate the vortex, the pressure pulsation is
generated on both sides of the generator, which makes the detector
produce alternating stress. The piezoelectric element encapsulated in the
detection probe body generates an alternating charge signal with the
same frequency as the vortex, under the action of alternating stress. The
signal is sent to the intelligent flow totalizer to be processed after being
amplified by the pre-amplifier, realizing displaying instantaneous flow and
cumulative flow of fluid, communicating and controlling of flow data and
the microcomputer system.
Frequency= f
fluid velocity= V

vortex generator facing flow surface width= d , f=Sr × V/ d

The vortices cause a small sensing element either behind or within the shedder
bar to oscillate back and forth at a specific frequency. The velocity of the
working fluid is directly proportional to this frequency of the vortices generated
by the shedder bar’s unique geometry. With the known cross sectional area of
the pipe, volumetric flow can be calculated.

Often Vortex flow meters will also utilize a pressure and/or temperature
sensor to achieve a compensated mass flow measurement.

For safety-related measurement in SIS applications, dual and quad Vortex

flow meters with redundant, independent sensors and electronics are
critical for the prevention of common modes of failure and spurious
shutdowns. The non-clog, leak-free Vortex flow meter design is ideal in
hazardous chemical applications, especially where fugitive emissions are a
concern.

APPLICATIONS
Vortex flow meters are well suited for a variety of applications across a
wide range of industries including oil and gas, refining, chemical and
petrochemical, and food and beverage. Vortex flow meters also excel in
steam-related applications including steam injection and steam
measurement for district energy systems and industrial plants.
The main advantages of vortex meters are their low sensitivity to
variations in process conditions and low wear relative to orifices or turbine
meters. Also, initial and maintenance costs are low. For these reasons,
they have been gaining wider acceptance among users.
Vortex meters are not usually recommended for batching or other
intermittent flow applications. This is because the dribble flow-rate setting
of the batching station can fall below the meter's minimum Reynolds
number limit. The smaller the total batch, the more significant the
resulting error is likely to be.
Low pressure (low density) gases do not produce a strong enough
pressure pulse, especially if fluid velocities are low. Therefore, it is likely
that in such services the rangeability of the meter will be poor and low
flows will not be measurable. On the other hand, if reduced rangeability is
acceptable and the meter is correctly sized for normal flow, the vortex
flowmeter can still be considered.