Typical use cases for vortex flowmeters

1. Steam Flow Measurement (Energy Industry)

Scenario: A thermal power plant needs to monitor steam flow from boilers to optimize energy efficiency.

Application:

Install a vortex flowmeter (DN150) in steam pipelines to measure instantaneous and cumulative steam consumption.

Equip with temperature and pressure compensation to automatically correct density variations for improved accuracy.

Advantages:

No moving parts, withstands high temperatures/pressures (up to 400°C/4MPa).

Direct mass flow output without additional density calculations.

 

2. Compressed Air Monitoring (Manufacturing)

Scenario: An automotive plant needs to track compressed air usage for energy cost accounting.

Application:

Install a vortex flowmeter (DN80) on main air supply lines for real-time flow monitoring and leak detection.

Integrate 4-20mA signals with PLC systems for automated energy management.

Advantages:

Low pressure loss design minimizes energy waste.

Suitable for both dry and humid air with strong vibration resistance.

 

3. Natural Gas Distribution (Urban Gas Supply)

Scenario: Gas utilities require precise measurement in medium/low-pressure pipelines.

Application:

Use explosion-proof vortex flowmeters (DN100) with built-in temperature/pressure sensors for standardized volume flow output.

Transmit data remotely via RTU to control centers.

Advantages:

Wide turndown ratio (10:1) accommodates significant flow fluctuations.

No regular calibration needed, reducing maintenance costs.

 

4. Chemical Liquid Dosing (Process Control)

Scenario: A chemical plant requires accurate solvent (e.g., acetone) feed control for reactors.

Application:

Deploy PTFE-lined vortex flowmeters (DN50) for corrosion resistance and hygiene compliance.

Link with control valves for closed-loop operation (±1% accuracy).

Advantages:

Ideal for low-viscosity liquids (0.8–30cSt) with fast response (≤1s).

Electrode-free design eliminates electrochemical corrosion risks.

 

5. Heating Water Measurement (District Heating)

Scenario: District heating companies need flow data for heat-based billing.

Application:

Install vortex flowmeters (DN200) in hot water pipelines paired with Pt100 sensors for heat calculation.

Transmit data to billing systems to eliminate manual meter reading errors.

Advantages:

Withstands high-temperature water (≤150°C) with long-term stability.

Compact design suitable for retrofitting older pipelines.

 

6. Refrigerant Monitoring (HVAC Systems)

Scenario: Central air conditioning systems require refrigerant (R134a) flow tracking.

Application:

Use compact vortex flowmeters (DN25) installed directly on refrigerant lines.

Integrate outputs with building automation systems (BAS) to optimize cooling efficiency.

Advantages:

Handles gas/liquid two-phase flow (avoid prolonged mixed-phase conditions).

Low power consumption supports battery-powered wireless applications.

 

Key Considerations & Maintenance

Installation Requirements:

Maintain 10D upstream and 5D downstream straight pipe runs (D = pipe diameter) to avoid flow disturbances from valves/bends.

For horizontal installation, dampen pipe vibrations using shock absorbers if needed.

Medium Limitations:

Not suitable for ultra-low (<0.5m/s) or high-viscosity liquids (>30cSt).

Solids or fibrous materials may clog the shedder bar.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect the shedder bar for mechanical damage or fouling.

Account for pressure fluctuations in gas measurements to maintain accuracy.