A vortex steam flowmeter measures saturated and superheated steam, compressed air, gases and liquids from the frequency of Kármán vortices shed behind a bluff body in the pipe. With no moving parts, temperatures up to 420 °C and wafer or flanged connections from DN10 to DN500, it is the most common choice for plant steam metering. ISE supplies vortex flowmeters following European practice (ISO 12764, PED 2014/68/EU).
How a vortex steam flowmeter works
Flow past the bluff body sheds alternating vortices whose frequency is proportional to velocity. The calibrated K-factor (pulses per m³) on the nameplate is practically independent of pressure, temperature and density above a Reynolds number of about 10,000. For steam and gas, pressure and temperature measurement converts volume to mass flow (kg/h) (Endress+Hauser – vortex principle).
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Vortex (Kármán vortex street) |
| Size | DN10 – DN500 |
| Operating temperature | −20 … +150 °C; −20 … +260 °C; −20 … +320 °C; −20 … +420 °C |
| Accuracy | 1.5 %; 1.0 % |
| Output | 4–20 mA, pulse, RS485 |
| Supply | 24 VDC |
| Body material | Stainless steel |
| Display | LCD, integral or remote |
| Connection | Wafer, flanged |
Vortex steam flowmeter installation
- Upstream straight run 10 – 40 D depending on disturbance (elbow, valve, pump); about 10 D with a flow conditioner; at least 5 D downstream.
- Control valves downstream; avoid pulsation and strong vibration.
- Steam: insulate and drain condensate upstream with a steam trap; standard meters measure only the vapour phase.
- Liquids: pipe always full, velocity ≤ 9 m/s to avoid cavitation; gas and steam ≤ 75 m/s.
Applications
- Saturated and superheated steam to each department and steam cost allocation – see the saturated steam temperature table.
- Compressed air, natural gas, N₂, O₂, CO₂.
- Boiler feedwater, condensate, demineralised water, light oils.
Advantages and limitations
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | No moving parts, robust; high temperature and pressure; steam, gas and liquids; low pressure loss |
| Limitations | No two-phase flow; error rises at very low flow (Re < 10,000); sensitive to pulsation and vibration |
Reference standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ISO 12764 | Vortex flowmeters in closed conduits: selection, installation, calibration |
| PED 2014/68/EU | Pressure equipment |
| EN 61326-1 | EMC |
| ATEX 2014/34/EU | Explosion-proof versions (optional) |
Related products
Contact ISE
EQUIPMENT INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION CO., LTD (ISE) – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Contact us: Sales +84 909 617 185 – Technical +84 979 117 185 – Email: [email protected]
