Applications and Importance of Vortex Flow Meter

The Vortex Flow Meter is one of the various types of volume flowmeters that are used frequently in the oil and gas industry to measure the flow inside a pipe. This device performs its best when introducing moving parts poses a problem. The main advantage of Vortex flow meters is that

  • Sensitivity to process conditions variations is low
  • low wear compared to other types as there are no moving parts and
  • applicable for a wide range of fluids, i.e. liquids, steam, and gases.

Working Principle of Vortex Flow Meter

Vortex meters are frequency meters that work based on the vortex principle. A bluff body (disturbing element) is placed in the middle of the pipe inside each vortex flowmeter that disturbs the flow causing an obstruction. Downstream of the obstruction, a mechanical sensor is placed which can measure the pressure differences (frequency) in the flowing fluid.

Typical Vortex Meters
Fig. 1: Typical Vortex Meters

Components of Vortex Meter

On average, every vortex meter consists of the following electronic parts-

  • Pick-up elements,
  • Microprocessor
  • AC-pre amplifiers,
  • Noise abatement features,
  • AC-amplifier with filters,
  • Schmitt Trigger,

Factors affecting vortex Meter Performance

In general, Vortex Meter performance is influenced by

  • corrosion of upstream piping
  • sheddar bar geometry changes due to erosion or wax deposits
  • positional changes of sheddar bar when improperly secured
  • Hydraulic noise, etc.

Important Features of the Vortex meter

It provides a linear digital (or analog) output signal simplifying equipment installation as the use of separate transmitters or converters is not required. The accuracy of the meter is quite good over a wide flow range. However, this range is dependent upon operating conditions.

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The shedding frequency is a function of the bluff body dimensions. Being a frequency system, There is no drift.

In the absence of any moving or wearing components, It provides improved reliability and reduced maintenance. Also, there are no manifolds or valves to cause leakage which in turn results in safe installation even for hazardous or toxic process fluids.

For the sensors with high sensitivity, the same vortex meter can easily be used for both gas and liquid services. Additionally, whether the meter is being used on gas or liquid medium the vortex meter calibration is virtually independent of the process conditions like density, pressure, viscosity,  temperature, etc.

It comes with a low installation cost for pipes less than 6-inch size. However, meters above 12 in. (300 mm) have a high cost compared to an orifice system and their limited output pulse resolution. Meters below 0.5 in. (12 mm) diameter is not practical.

Vortex Flow Meter Selection and Sizing

  • The operating conditions (process fluid temperature, ambient temperature, line pressure, and so on) should be comparable with the meter specification.
  • With respect to chemical attack and safety, the meter-wetted materials (including bonding agents) and sensors should be compatible with the process fluid.
  • The vortex meter maximum and minimum flow rates for the specified application need to be established.
  • Consequently, the flow range for any application depends totally upon the operating fluid viscosity, density, and vapor pressure, and the application’s maximum flow rate and line pressure.
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Advantages of Vortex Meter

  • Applicable for liquids, gases, and steam
  • Low wear
  • low installation and maintenance costs.
  • Low sensitivity to variations in process conditions
  • Long-term accuracy and repeatability
  • Wide process temperature range applicability
  • Application on a variety of pipe sizes.

Vortex Flow Meter Limitations

  • Not suitable for very low flow rates
  • Not recommended for batching or intermittent flow applications
  • Minimum upstream and downstream straight length requirement
  • Not suitable for sludge and slurry services.
  • Not suitable for Multiphase flow.

Vortex Flow Meter Applications

Vortex flowmeters work best with clean, low-viscosity, and medium to high-speed fluids. Some of the main uses include:

  • General water applications
  • Liquid chemicals & pharmaceuticals
  • Natural gas metering
  • Steam measurement
  • The flow of liquid suspensions

Types of Vortex Flow Meter Sensors

The vortex flowmeter has a bluff body inside it to create vortices. The Sensors measure these vortices to calculate the equivalent flow rate. Various types of sensors are available as listed below

  • Mechanical sensor
  • Thermal sensing
  • Capacitive sensor
  • Piezoelectric sensor
  • Strain gauge sensor
  • Ultrasonic sensor

Installation Recommendations

  • Before installing a vortex flowmeter flow range must be known.
  • A well-developed and symmetrical flow velocity profile, free from any distortions or swirls is required for Vortex flow meters. For this reason, most vortex flowmeter manufacturers recommend a minimum of 30 pipe diameters (D) downstream of control valves and 3 to 4 pipe diameters between the meter and downstream pressure taps. Temperature elements should be small and located 5 to 6 diameters downstream.
  • For oversized process piping, concentric reducers and expanders may be required.
  • These can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, but the pipe has to be kept in a flooded condition.
  • Mating flanges should have the same diameter and smooth bore as the flowmeter. Weld neck flanges are preferred, and reducing flanges should not be used. The inner surface of the mating pipe should be free from mill scale, pits, holes, reaming scores, and bumps for a distance of 4 diameters upstream and 2 diameters downstream of the meter. The bores of the meter, the gaskets, and the adjacent piping must be carefully aligned to eliminate any obstructions or steps.
  • The piping on both sides of the meter should be properly supported to eliminate excessive pipe vibration.

Anup Kumar Dey

I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.

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