Vortex flowmeters, due to their lack of moving parts, robust and simple structure, resistance to clogging, jamming, and scaling, and resistance to high temperatures and pressures, are widely used for measuring the flow rate of steam, gas, and liquids. They are one of the most widely used flowmeters. Proper installation is crucial to ensuring the long-term measurement accuracy of vortex flowmeters. This document outlines the correct installation method and precautions for vortex flowmeters.
I. Selection of Vortex Flowmeter Installation Location
1. Ambient Temperature: The operating ambient temperature of the vortex flowmeter should not be lower than -40℃ or higher than +55℃. If exposed to heat radiation from production equipment, insulation and ventilation measures should be taken.
2. Sufficient space should be available around the installation location. For vortex flowmeters installed at higher locations, a working platform should be provided for easy installation and maintenance.
3. Mechanical Vibration and Impact: While the vortex flowmeter's structure is robust and will not be damaged by vibration, vibration can generate interference signals. If the vibration and impact on the pipeline are strong, and the medium flow velocity is low, the interference signal may be greater than the flow signal, causing indication errors. Therefore, vortex flow meters should be installed in locations with minimal vibration and impact. When the installation location is in a vibration frequency range of 5–20 Hz, the vibration acceleration should not exceed 1g; otherwise, vibration reduction measures should be taken.
4. Ambient Air: Avoid installing the vortex flow meter in environments containing corrosive gases. If installation in such environments is unavoidable, adequate ventilation is required.
5. Vortex flow meters are best installed indoors. If outdoor installation is necessary, sun and moisture protection measures should be in place.
6. The installation location of the vortex flow meter should be far away from high-power motors, frequency converters, high-power transformers, and radio transceivers. Otherwise, the instrument may malfunction.
II. Requirements for Vortex Flowmeter Installation Pipelines
1. Sufficiently long straight pipe sections of the same diameter must be available upstream and downstream of the vortex flowmeter. The length should meet the requirements in the table below.
2. Vortex flowmeters can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any other angle. When installing the flowmeter on a vertical or inclined pipe, the fluid flow direction should be from bottom to top.
3. Within the specified straight pipe section length, the inlet and outlet sections of the pipe should appear visually straight. To ensure the measured medium fills the pipe, the vortex flowmeter should be avoided being installed downstream of regulating valves or partially open gate valves. Generally, flow transmitters are not installed after the expander pipe.
4. When pressure taps or temperature measurement points need to be installed near the vortex flowmeter, the pressure tap should be at least 3D downstream of the flowmeter, and the temperature measurement point should be at least 5D downstream of the flowmeter.
5. For convenient maintenance of the vortex flowmeter, it is strongly recommended to install a bypass pipe. A bypass pipe must be installed on pipes requiring cleaning or where the flowmeter cannot be shut off.
III. Installation Precautions for Vortex Flow Meters
1. The flow direction of the measured medium must be consistent with the flow direction arrow marking on the vortex flow meter.
2. When installing a clip-on vortex flow meter, the concave face of the special concave flange can be used to ensure concentricity between the pipe and the flow meter body. Ensure the sealing gasket does not extend deep into the pipe.
3. The flow meter must be installed according to requirements to avoid damage to the instrument and affecting measurement accuracy due to improper installation.
4. Flow meters should avoid being installed on long, overhead pipes, as pipe sagging can easily cause leakage between the flow meter and the flange. If installation is necessary, pipe support points must be installed 2D upstream and downstream of the flow meter.
The above are the installation steps and precautions for vortex flow meters. Correct installation can effectively ensure the measurement accuracy of the vortex flow meter. If you would like to learn more about vortex flow meter selection, installation, troubleshooting, etc., please consult ARTang Instruments.