Vortex flow meters are widely used for accurate measurement of liquids, gases, and steam in industrial applications. This comparison outlines key features of our leading vortex flow meter models to support informed product selection.
Products
Explore Rosemount Vortex Flow Meter Technology
How It Works
Vortex Flow Meters utilize the Von Karman Effect, where fluid passing a shedder bar generates swirling vortices. These vortices cause the sensing element to oscillate at a frequency proportional to the fluid’s velocity. Volumetric flow is calculated from the pipe’s cross-sectional area. Additional pressure and temperature inputs can be added for mass flow compensation.
Multivariable Technology
The Rosemount™ 8800 MultiVariable Vortex Flow Meter automatically adjusts for density changes, measuring mass and corrected volume in steam and liquid applications. The integrated, removable temperature sensor is isolated from the process and separate from the flow sensor. Paired with the Rosemount 3051S Pressure Transmitter, it delivers highly accurate superheated steam mass flow readings.
Safety
Rosemount’s Vortex Flow Meter portfolio delivers reliable, IEC 61508 certified measurement with enhanced safety. The 8800 model features a unique non-clog, leak-free design, eliminating bypass lines and reducing fugitive emissions. The Critical Process Valve ensures safety by enabling secondary containment integrity verification across applications.
Applications
Vortex flow meters are well suited for a variety of applications across a wide range of industries including oil & gas, refining, chemical, petrochemical, and food & beverage. Vortex flow meters are highly effective in steam applications, including steam injection processes and steam measurement for district energy systems and industrial facilities.
Vortex Flow Meter Comparison
8800 Flanged Vortex Flow Meter
World class reliability with gasket-free, non-clog meter body that eliminates potential leak points, resulting in maximum process availability and fewer unscheduled shutdowns.
8800 MultiVariable Vortex Flow Meter
This flow meter combines temperature and flow devices into a single, highly accurate instrument, eliminating costly installation of two or more separate devices. The integrated temperature measurement is isolated from the process and separate from the vortex flow sensor.
8800 Quad Vortex Flow Meter
Ultimate redundant flow measurement solution to guard against spurious trips using two out of three voting and includes a fourth integrated transmitter for process control.
8600 Vortex Flow Meter
Optimized for general purpose flow metering and utility applications including clean fluids and steam, it resists vibration and has no moving parts, reducing wear and downtime. Installation is straightforward with no impulse lines or zeroing required, and internal verification of the electronics and sensor provides added process insight.
Resources
Case Study: Cannon Increases Process Safety with Vortex Flow Meters
Case Study: Power Company Reduces Costs and Improves Performance and Reliability in Saturated Steam
Chemical Company Optimizes Steam Usage with Rosemount 8800 MultiVariable Vortex Flow Meters
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our vortex flow meter technology and solutions. For a broader overview of the value Emerson’s vortex technology delivers across reliability, diagnostics, safety, and lifecycle support – view our brochure.
A vortex flow meter is an advanced flow measurement device that determines the flow rate of liquids, gases and steam, operating based on the von Karman effect by detecting vortices created by a bluff body. As the fluid flows around the bluff body, alternating vortices are generated, and the frequency of these vortices are proportional to the flow rate.
Vortex flow meters offer maintenance free operation with no moving parts, high accuracy, and versatility across liquids, gases and steam applications. The 8800 model features a unique all-cast meter body, completely removing potential leak points.
Vortex flow meters are widely used in various industries including chemical process, energy management, HVAC systems, water treatment plants and more. They are ideal for measuring the flow of liquids, gases and steam, making them versatile across numerous operational environments.
The accuracy can be influenced by factors such as improper installation, inadequate straight pipe runs, fluid properties, and external vibrations. Proper mounting, flow conditioning and selecting the right meter for the application help ensure optimal accuracy.
A vortex flow meter measures volumetric flow but can compensate for mass flow measurement using an integrated or external pressure and temperature compensation. This is especially important for steam and gas applications, where density changes with operating conditions.