Vortex Meters and Flow Meters

GlobalSpec has a short description of vortex flow meters that may be of some help to you.

Hi chemengg - In addition to what Moose said - For efficiency, suggest taking a look at the the pressure drop (review losses) due to the the vortex flow measurement technology being used. Also suggest reviewing our list of suppliers on our web site for the Vortex Flow Meters category. Much luck. - Larry

Moose has already answered the "how it works", so I'll try to give my answer to the second question:

which is the most efficient flowmeter

Too bad you used the word "efficient". If you had said "accurate" then I would have answered "coriollis" flowmeters are the most accurate.

Coriollis flowmeters are, unfortunately, expensive. Personally, I prefer to use magnetic flowmeters. They have nothing in them to impede the flow (unlike vortex) and I find them easy to use.

I haven't explored ultrasonic flowmeters yet but I'm thinking of getting one to test. I like the version where you only need to clamp it onto the pipe. No need to cut the pipe to insert it; no flange bolts to tighten; and no gaskets to leak.

However, if you're measuring steam flow, vortex is the best technology (in my opinion). You can use differential pressure via an orifice but orifice's wear out eventually.

regards,

Vulcan

thanks for the help, but i still need some help with deciding which flowmeter to use for slurry flow measurement? (emf or vortex...)

which flowmeter to use for slurry flow measurement?

You didn't ask that question in your initial post. You just asked "which is most efficient".

Personally, I would not use vortex for slurry flow measurement. The slurry can stick to the vortex shedding bar and either affect its readings or clog the flowtube altogether.

A straight-tube coriollis flowmeter would do fine for slurry. Don't use the bent-tube type because the slurry might collect in the bend and clog it.

I also wouldn't use magnetic flowmeters here. The slurry will make for a noisy signal and you'll get lousy readings.

Orifice flowmeters are totally out of the question.

I can't comment on ultrasonic flowmeters. You'll have to ask the manufacturer. Go to their website and post your question there.

regards,

Vulcan