Vortex Flowmeters

Vortex Flowmeters

Vortex flowmeters measure volumetric flow by counting the vortices shed from a bluff body placed in the flow stream. As velocity rises above a threshold, vortices form alternately downstream of the bluff body; the shedding frequency is proportional to mean flow velocity and, therefore, to volume flow. The principle is broadly applicable to clean liquids, gases, and steam and is valued for stable measurement in utility services.

In many process environments, vortex metering balances accuracy with mechanical simplicity. With no moving parts in the primary measuring section, long-term stability is strong and maintenance demands are low. Endress+Hauser describes modern multivariable designs that extend capability beyond volume flow by incorporating temperature measurement and an integrated flow computer, allowing mass flow and energy calculations to be derived for steam and gas services.

Vortex meters are widely used for saturated and superheated steam, compressed air, nitrogen, CO₂, and other plant utilities, as well as for compatible liquids such as boiler feedwater, condensate, and heat-transfer oils. In power generation and heat-supply systems, this supports steam distribution monitoring, energy balance, and equipment efficiency. Some vortex designs add steam-quality monitoring and can generate alarms when wet steam is detected, and are available for safety-instrumented flow monitoring duties.

Installation quality is critical: straight-run requirements, control of upstream disturbances, and avoidance of two-phase conditions directly affect uncertainty. For steam, attention to pressure/temperature compensation, dryness fraction, and proper condensate management supports stable measurement and reduces the risk of sensor damage. For gases, density compensation and Reynolds number limits should be checked to ensure vortex shedding remains stable across the operating range.

Selection typically considers line size, pressure/temperature rating, required turndown, and whether multivariable mass/energy outputs are needed. Vortex technology is often selected as a standard utility meter where a single measuring principle can cover steam, gas, and certain liquids with consistent maintenance practices. When applied within its envelope, vortex flow measurement provides dependable utility metering with strong diagnostic and lifecycle performance.

Miller Mechanical Specialties, an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.