Preface and Introduction

Vortex flow meters, also known as vortex shedding flow meters or oscillatory flow meters, measure the vibrations of the downstream vortexes caused by a barrier in the moving stream.

The vibrating frequency of the vortex shedding is related to the velocity of the flow.
Vortex meters are versatile flow meters that have been gaining wider acceptance in recent years for measuring flow of liquids, gases or steams, mainly as an alternative to differential pressure flow meters. Vortex flow meters are applicable to a wide range of process temperatures and are available in line sizes up to approximately 400 mm, with insertion vortex meters available for even larger pipe sizes. Vortex flow meters are suitable for a variety of applications and industries but work best with clean, low-viscosity, medium to high speed fluids. Some of the main uses include: Custody transfer of natural gas metering Steam measurement Flow of liquid suspensions General water applications Liquid chemicals & pharmaceuticals Vortex Flow Meter Advantages Vortex meters can be used for liquids, gases and steam Low wear (relative to turbine flow meters) Relatively low cost of installation and maintenance Low sensitivity to variations in process conditions Stable long term accuracy and repeatability Applicable to a wide range of process temperatures Available for a wide variety of pipe sizes Vortex Flow Meter Limitations Not suitable for very low flow rates Minimum length of straight pipe is required upstream and downstream of the vortex meter