How should a separated vortex flow meter be selected? The key is not simply the pipe size. The selection should consider the medium, minimum/normal/maximum flow rate, pressure, temperature, installation environment, and signal output. For steam, compressed air, nitrogen, natural gas and other gases or steam, a separated structure can be useful when the measurement point and display/control location are far apart. USA VTON separated vortex flow meters can be considered according to actual operating conditions.
1. Confirm the medium and actual flow range
Vortex flow meters use the Kármán vortex principle and can measure various gases, steam and liquids. Selection should begin with the medium and the minimum, normal and maximum flow rates.
For steam, determine whether it is saturated or superheated steam and provide operating pressure and temperature. For compressed air, nitrogen and natural gas, operating flow, pressure and temperature variations should also be considered. If mass flow or standard-condition flow is required, pressure and temperature compensation should be evaluated.
2. Check pressure, temperature and pipe size
The pressure and temperature ratings of the separated vortex flow meter should match the actual process conditions. For high-temperature steam, both the sensor and the installation environment of the display/electronics should be considered.
The pipe diameter, connection type and pipe material should also be confirmed. The sensor can be installed at the actual measuring point while the display unit is positioned where operators can easily observe it.
3. Select the output according to the control system
If the application only requires local flow and totalized flow information, display functions may be sufficient. If the meter needs to communicate with PLC or DCS, the appropriate output and communication configuration should be selected.
A separated configuration allows the display unit to be installed away from a high-temperature pipeline, making daily observation and maintenance more convenient.
In one industrial steam pipeline application, the measuring point was relatively far from the operating area and the surrounding temperature was high. The sensor was installed on the steam pipeline while the display unit was positioned in a more accessible location. Steam pressure, temperature, flow range, pipe size and signal interface were checked during selection.
For separated vortex flow meters, it is recommended to first prepare the medium, pipe size, minimum/normal/maximum flow, pressure, temperature, connection type and output requirements, and then determine the configuration. USA VTON can be considered according to the actual application.
