Vortex meters make use of a natural phenomenon that occurs when a liquid flows around a bluff object. Eddies or vortices are shed alternately downstream of the object. The frequency of the vortex shedding is directly proportional to the velocity of the liquid flowing past the bluff object. The three necessary components of a vortex flow meter are a bluff body mounted in the flow meter bore, a sensor to detect the presence of the vortex and generate an electrical impulse, and a signal amplification circuit.The main advantages of vortex meters are their low sensitivity to variations in process conditions and low wear relative to orifices or turbine meters. Also, initial and maintenance costs are low. Performance with slurries or high viscosity liquids is poor. Used in both gas and liquid applications, Vortex flow meters are used abundantly in steam measurement applications. The majority of Vortex flow meters cost $1,000 to $3,000. Accuracies are typically in the range of 0.5% to 1.0% of reading.

-Presented by Max Machinery, Inc. the Positive Displacement Meter Experts