Accurate, reliable measurement of steam, gas, and liquid flows. No moving parts. No drift. Just precise data you can build your process around.
Vortex flow meters operate on the von Karman vortex shedding principle. When fluid flows past a bluff body (called a shedder bar) placed in the flow stream, alternating low-pressure vortices form on each side of the bar and detach downstream in a repeating pattern.
The frequency of these vortices is directly proportional to the flow velocity. A piezoelectric or capacitive sensor embedded in or immediately behind the shedder bar detects each vortex as a pressure fluctuation. The meter electronics convert this frequency into a calibrated flow rate.
Steam, gas, or liquid flows through the meter body and encounters the shedder bar.
Alternating vortices shed from each side of the bar at a frequency proportional to velocity.
A piezoelectric sensor converts each vortex into an electrical pulse with high signal-to-noise ratio.
The transmitter converts pulse frequency to volumetric or mass flow rate using the K-factor.
Different installation requirements call for different meter configurations. Select the type that matches your pipe size, process conditions, and accuracy needs.
Installed directly in the pipeline for full-bore flow measurement. Best for permanent installations where maximum accuracy is required across the full flow range.
Probe-style design inserted through a single pipe penetration. Ideal for large diameter pipes where inline meters would be prohibitively expensive or impractical to install.
Measure flow rate, temperature, and pressure simultaneously in a single device. Built-in flow computer calculates mass flow and energy output, eliminating the need for separate transmitters.
Designed with tri-clamp connections and electropolished wetted surfaces for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. Meet 3-A sanitary standards and FDA requirements.
From cryogenic LNG to superheated steam at 430 C, vortex meters deliver consistent, reliable measurement where other technologies fall short.
One technology platform covers the three major flow measurement categories: steam, gas, and liquid.
Vortex meters are the preferred technology for saturated and superheated steam measurement. Multivariable models calculate mass flow and energy directly, enabling accurate steam accounting and energy management across boiler plants and distribution systems.
Wide turndown ratios and no pressure drop penalties make vortex meters ideal for custody transfer, burner control, and allocation metering in natural gas distribution. They handle fluctuating flows common in biogas applications without recalibration.
Measure water, chemicals, solvents, and other clean liquids with high accuracy and repeatability. The absence of moving parts means no wear-related drift, even in continuous 24/7 process applications.
Vortex flow meters are trusted across the world's most demanding process industries, from offshore platforms to pharmaceutical cleanrooms.
Custody transfer, flare gas, fuel gas metering, and process optimization across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Reactor feed measurement, solvent recovery, and utility monitoring in corrosive and high-temperature environments.
Chilled water, hot water, and steam metering for energy management, submetering, and building automation integration.
Boiler feedwater, steam distribution, cooling water, and turbine efficiency monitoring in thermal and combined-cycle plants.
Sanitary flow measurement for CIP systems, ingredient dosing, and utility tracking with FDA-compliant materials.
Clean steam validation, WFI distribution, and process fluid measurement under GMP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Vortex technology delivers unique benefits that reduce total cost of ownership while improving measurement reliability.
The shedder bar is the only element in the flow stream. No bearings, gears, or rotors to wear out, corrode, or foul. This translates to years of maintenance-free operation.
Accurately measure flows from trickle to torrent. Vortex meters typically deliver 20:1 or better turndown, handling the full range of operating conditions without switching instruments.
No consumable parts, no periodic recalibration under stable conditions, and no moving components to replace. Total cost of ownership is significantly lower than differential pressure or turbine meters.
A single vortex meter technology handles steam, gas, and liquid measurement. Reduces spare parts inventory and simplifies operator training across your facility.
Precision-machined shedder bars produce stable, well-defined vortex signals. Factory calibration on NIST-traceable flow rigs ensures accuracy from day one.
Rated for process temperatures up to 430 C (800 F) and pressures to 250 bar (3,625 psi). Handles the demanding conditions found in power plants, refineries, and chemical facilities.
Modern vortex meters come equipped with HART, Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, Modbus, and wireless protocols. They integrate directly into your DCS, PLC, or SCADA system for real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
Common questions about vortex flow meter selection, installation, and operation.
Tell us about your flow measurement application and our specialists will recommend the right vortex meter configuration for your process conditions, pipe size, and budget.
Our engineers will review your process data and recommend the optimal meter size, type, and configuration.
We respond to all inquiries within one business day with detailed sizing recommendations and pricing.
Every meter is factory-calibrated on NIST-traceable flow rigs and ships with a certificate of conformance.
