I. Working Principle: Precise Capture of the Karman Vortex Street

A vortex flow meter is a new type of flow measurement instrument based on the Karman vortex street principle. When fluid flows through a non-streamlined obstruction fluid (vortex generator), it will alternately separate on both sides to generate regular vortices. This vortex train is called a Karman vortex street.

The frequency of vortex separation is directly proportional to the fluid velocity and inversely proportional to the characteristic width of the vortex generator. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as follows:

f = St × v / d

in:

l f: Vortex separation frequency (Hz)

l St: Strauhall number (dimensionless constant)

l v: Fluid velocity (m/s)

l d: Characteristic width of the vortex generator (m)

By detecting the vortex separation frequency using piezoelectric or capacitive sensors and then processing it with intelligent algorithms, the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate can be accurately calculated.

II. Core Advantages: Why Choose a Vortex Flow Meter

2.1 Excellent measurement performance

l High precision : Generally achieving a measurement accuracy of ±1%, with some models reaching ±0.5%.

l Wide range ratio : typically 10:1, up to 30:1, to meet the needs of different working conditions.

l High stability : With no moving mechanical parts, its accuracy remains unchanged over long-term use.

2.2 Excellent applicability

l Wide range of media : Suitable for measuring various media such as liquids, gases, and steam.

l Comprehensive parameters : It can simultaneously measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, and density.

l Pressure and temperature resistance : Maximum pressure resistance up to 42MPa, temperature range -40℃ to +450℃

3.3 Significant economic benefits

l Low pressure loss : Compared to orifice plate flow meters, pressure loss is reduced by more than 60%.

l Long lifespan : With no wear parts, the service life can reach more than 10 years.

l Maintenance-free : Minimal maintenance required, significantly reducing operating costs.

III. Application Areas: Ideal Choice for Various Industries

3.1 Industrial Steam Metering

In heating systems, vortex flow meters have become the preferred solution for steam metering, especially suitable for the accurate metering of saturated steam and superheated steam, helping enterprises achieve refined energy management.

3.2 Petrochemical Industry

It is widely used in trade settlement and process control of raw materials, process gases, and various liquids, and its explosion-proof design meets the requirements for use in hazardous areas.

3.3 Urban Public Utilities

l Gas metering : Trade metering of city gas and natural gas

l Heating monitoring : Heat metering and distribution at heating stations

l Water supply management : Large-diameter water flow measurement

3.4 Electricity Metallurgy

Monitoring of boiler feedwater and steam flow in power plants; metering of industrial gases such as oxygen and nitrogen in the metallurgical industry.

IV. Selection Guide: Precisely Matching Operating Conditions

4.1 Media Type Confirmation

4.2 Key Points of Parameter Calculation

1. Flow range : determined based on the maximum, commonly used, and minimum flow rates required by the process.

2. Operating pressure : Ensure the instrument's pressure rating is higher than the system's maximum pressure.

3. Operating temperature : Select a sensor and housing with the appropriate temperature rating.

4. Connection method : Flange connection, clamp connection, or threaded connection (selection)

5. Output signal : 4-20mA, pulse output or bus communication required.

4.3 Installation Precautions

l Straight pipe section requirements : at least 15D upstream and at least 5D downstream straight pipe sections.

l Installation direction : Horizontal or vertically upward when measuring liquids, horizontal or vertically upward when measuring gases.

l Vibration protection : Avoid strong mechanical vibrations; install vibration damping devices if necessary.

V. Maintenance and Upkeep: Ensure long-term stable operation

5.1 Daily Inspection Contents

l Check if the instrument display is normal.

l Confirm that the wiring terminals are not loose.

l Observe whether there are any abnormal fluctuations in process parameters.

l Record cumulative traffic for statistical analysis.

5.2 Regular maintenance items

l Quarterly inspections : Zero-point calibration, sealing check

l Annual maintenance : comprehensive cleaning, performance testing, system calibration

l Troubleshooting : Establish corresponding handling procedures for common fault codes.

5.3 Handling Common Problems

l No signal output : Check power supply, wiring, and sensor.

l Large measurement deviation : Verify parameter settings and check medium condition.

l Unstable display : Investigate vibration interference and bubble effects.

VI. Technological Development Trends

With the development of the Internet of Things and intelligent manufacturing, the new generation of vortex flow meters is evolving towards intelligence, networking, and multi-functionality:

l Intelligent Diagnosis : Fault Prediction and Health Management Based on Big Data

l Wireless communication : Integration of wireless transmission technologies such as LoRa and NB-IoT

l Multi-parameter measurement : Integrated monitoring of flow rate, temperature, pressure, and density.

l Cloud platform integration : Directly connect to the industrial internet platform to achieve remote monitoring.

Conclusion

Vortex flow meters, with their superior technical performance and significant economic benefits, have become an important choice for flow measurement in process industries and for medium to large diameter applications. Correct selection, standardized installation, and scientific maintenance are key to fully realizing their technological advantages. With continuous technological advancements, vortex flow meters will play an even more important role in the Industry 4.0 era.