What are the connection methods for pipeline vortex flowmeters?
Flange Connection
Definition: butt to the pipe flange by flange disc, bolt fixing.
Applicable scenes:
- 1. Medium to large pipe diameter (DN15 and above);
- 2. High pressure, high temperature or corrosive medium;
- 3. Industrial areas (such as petroleum, chemical, electric power, ETC。).
Features:
- 1. Good sealing, strong pressure-bearing capacity;
- 2. Conforms to international standards (e.g. ANSI, DIN, JIS, ETC。);
- 3. Installation requires alignment of flanges and may require gasket sealing.
Threaded Connection
Definition: Screwed directly into the pipeline through internal or external threads.
Applicable scenes:
- 1. Small pipe diameter (below DN15);
- 2. Low pressure, non-corrosive media;
- 3. Laboratory or small equipment.
Features:
- 1. Compact structure, easy installation;
- 2. Common thread types: NPT (American Standard), G (British Standard), PT (Japanese Standard);
- 3. Leakage from thread wear may occur with long-term use.
Clamp Connection
Definition: The flowmeter is clamped between the pipe flanges by means of clamps and sealing gaskets.
Applicable scenes:
- 1. Small to medium pipe diameter (DN15~DN100);
- 2. Occasions requiring frequent disassembly or maintenance;
- 3. Food, pharmaceutical and other industries with high hygiene requirements (with sanitary clamps).
Features:
- 1. Quick installation, no bolts required;
- 2. Space saving, suitable for compact environment;
- 3. Low pressure tolerance (usually ≤1.6MPa).
Welded Connection
Definition: the flowmeter is directly welded and fixed with the pipeline.
Applicable scene:
- 1. Ultra-high pressure, high temperature or strong corrosive media;
- 2. Permanent installation and do not need to disassemble the occasion (such as nuclear industry, special chemical industry).
Features:
- 1. Excellent sealing, no risk of leakage;
- 2. Complicated installation, requiring specialised welding processes;
- 3. Difficulty in post maintenance.
Tri-Clamp Connection
DEFINITION: Use sanitary clamps and seals in accordance with 3A/SMS standards.
Applicable Scenarios:
- 1. Food, beverage, and biopharmaceutical industries;
- 2. Processes requiring frequent cleaning or sterilisation.
Features:
- 1. Smooth surface without dead space, easy to clean;
- 2. The material is mostly stainless steel 316L or electropolished.
Insertion Type
Definition: Insertion of the sensor inside the pipeline through a ball valve without disconnecting the pipeline.
Applicable scenes:
- 1. Large pipe diameters (DN200 and above);
- 2. In-line installation or retrofit projects where downtime is not possible.
Features:
- 1. Easy installation and low cost;
- 2. Accuracy slightly lower than full-pipe flowmeter;
- 3. Requires supporting installation tools.
Selection advice
- 1. Pipe Diameter and Pressure: Threaded or clamped for small pipe diameters, flanged for large pipe diameters or high pressures.
- 2. Maintenance Requirements: Clamping or clamping for frequent disassembly, welding for permanent installation.
- 3. Industry standard: Tri-Clamp for sanitary industry, flange or thread for industrial general use.
- 4. Media characteristics: corrosive media need to pay attention to the material (such as Hastelloy) and sealing method.
Matching the connection method to the specific conditions can improve the stability of measurement and prolong the life of the equipment.
