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Vortex flowmeters from their origins to modern applications

Vortex flowmeter is a kind of flow measurement instrument based on the Karmen vortex principle, which is widely used in the flow measurement of liquid, gas and steam. The following is the detailed development of vortex flowmeter from its origin to modern applications:

Origins and development context

The discovery of Kamen’s vortex phenomenon:

In 1912, the Hungarian scientist Theodore von Kármán described for the first time the phenomenon of alternating vortexes generated by a fluid going around an obstacle, which is known as ‘Karmen vortex’.

The Kármán vortex phenomenon laid the theoretical foundation for the invention of vortex flow meters.

Early research and application:

In the 1950s, scientists began to study how to use the Carmen vortex phenomenon for flow measurement.

In the 1960s, with the development of electronic technology, vortex flowmeter gradually from the laboratory to industrial applications.

Working principle of vortex flowmeter

Basic Principle:

When the fluid flows through the vortex generator body of the vortex flowmeter (Bluff Body), it will produce regular vortices alternately on both sides of it, i.e. Kamen vortex.

The frequency of the vortex is directly proportional to the flow rate of the fluid, and the flow rate can be calculated by detecting the frequency of the vortex.

Signal detection:

Vortex flowmeter usually use piezoelectric sensors, capacitance sensors or ultrasonic sensors to detect the pressure fluctuations or vibration signals generated by the vortex.

The sensor will detect the signal is converted into an electrical signal, after amplification, filtering, shaping and other processing, the output and flow-related signals.

Technical developments and improvements

Early technology:

From the 1960s to the 1970s, vortex flowmeters mainly used mechanical sensors, with low measurement accuracy and reliability.

In the late 1970s, with the development of electronic technology, vortex flowmeter began to use electronic sensors, significantly improving the measurement accuracy and reliability.

Modern technology:

Sensor technology: the use of high-sensitivity piezoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors to improve the accuracy of signal detection and anti-interference capability.

Signal processing technology: the introduction of digital signal processing (DSP) technology to improve the accuracy and speed of signal processing.

Material technology: the use of corrosion-resistant and high-temperature-resistant materials, expanding the scope of application of vortex flowmeter.

Communication technology: support HART, RS485, Modbus and other communication protocols, realising remote monitoring and diagnosis.

Modern Applications

Industrial field:

Petrochemical industry: used to measure the flow of crude oil, natural gas, chemical raw materials and so on.

Power industry: used to measure the flow of steam and water, monitor the operation status of boilers and turbines.

Food and beverage: used to measure the flow of water, fruit juice, beer, etc., to ensure accurate control of the production process.

Pharmaceutical industry: used to measure the flow of pure water, medicinal liquid, etc., to meet the requirements of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

Civil field:

Heating system: used to measure the flow of hot water, lurruna, to achieve accurate measurement and management of energy.

Water supply system: used to measure the flow rate of tap water and monitor the operation status of water supply pipe network.

Strengths and limitations

Advantage:

High accuracy: measurement accuracy of ±1% to ±2% under suitable working conditions.

Wide range ratio: usually up to 10:1 or even higher, suitable for wide range flow measurement.

No moving parts: simple structure, high reliability, low maintenance costs.

Wide range of application: suitable for flow measurement of liquids, gases and vapours.

Limitations:

Sensitive to vibration: pipeline vibration may affect the measurement accuracy.

Sensitive to fluid condition: air bubbles or solid particles in the fluid may interfere with measurement.

High installation requirements: Sufficient front and rear straight pipe sections are required to ensure stable fluid flow.

Future Development Trends

Intelligent:

Integrate more intelligent functions, such as self-diagnosis, self-calibration, data storage, etc., to improve the reliability and ease of use of the instrument.

High Accuracy and Reliability:

Further improve measurement accuracy and reliability to meet more demanding industrial applications.

Multi-parameter measurement:

Achieve simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters such as flow, temperature, pressure, etab. to provide more comprehensive information on working conditions.

Wireless communication:

Support wireless communication technology (such as LoRa, NB-IoT, etc.) to achieve remote monitoring and data transmission.

Vortex flowmeter from the discovery of Carmen vortex phenomenon to modern industrial applications, experienced nearly a century of development. With the continuous progress of sensor technology, signal processing technology and material technology, vortex flowmeter has made significant improvement in measurement accuracy, reliability and applicable range. In the future, vortex flowmeter will continue to develop in the direction of intelligence, high precision, multi-parameter measurement and wireless communication, providing stronger support for industrial automation and energy management.

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