The concept of flow meters is not new, as people employed different techniques to measure the flow of water for irrigation and farming. However, the modern technology of the present time has also enabled the use of these devices in many industrial applications.
Today, many industries use these devices primarily for production objectives. Qualified and experienced engineers use them for checking the process control and for verifying the product quality. The basic purpose of using them is to reduce costs and to enhance project efficiency. However, the time has changed the form of meters, but their use remains the same.
In this modern age, the use of digital water flow meters is a significant extent among industries. The wide numbers of petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy manufacturers make use of such meters. A water flow meter is particularly a device that monitors the volume of liquid or gas. Flow sensors, liquid meters, and flow rate sensors are the popular synonyms of this meter.
It mainly focuses on the liquids, such as water flowing through the pipes. It uses sensors to calculate the exact flow rates and displays them on the screens in the form of digital numbers. These are the high-tech devices that facilitate measuring with a customizable touch screen interface. The display feature of these meters is greatly superior to traditional such as turbine meters.
It is an undeniable fact that no industry can run successfully without accurate and reliable measurements. The key to success is the measurement, and if it is not up to the mark, the result will not be favorable. Among the digital flow meters, the vortex flowmeter is considered the most reliable device for calculating the velocity and flow rate.
How it Works and its Features
The vortex water flow measuring device uses the principle of Karman Vortex Street. It mainly consists of a bluff body that works along with a sensor or transmitter to calculate the exact results. However, a bluff body is nothing a concept of rocket science. But, it is a non-streamlined object that is placed to the pipeline curved or straight where the water flows through.
The number of vortices that sheds per second is straightly relative to the flowing speed of the water. The frequency of water flowing through the pipeline calculates the mass flow, and the sensor records the pressure and speed of the water generated on each side of the bluff body. By using this calculation, the sensor displays the result on the screen of the digital water flow meter.
The calculation of water flow rate in this meter is measured as per the following formula:
F = St*v/d
The alphabet F represents the frequency of vortex shedding.
St represents the Strouhal number. It is a dimensionless number that describes the fluctuating flow instrument.
V stands for the flow speed of water in the pipes.
D represents the width of the bluff body of the measuring device.
Features of Vortex Digital Flow Meter
However, in an industrial application, the primary useful measuring instrument works for 100 percent accurate results. As mentioned earlier, the speed, quality, and control of a manufacturing process entirely depend upon reliable results. So, the implementation of a modern tool is the best solution to get the expected outcomes. Vortex technology is beyond the expected parameters as it facilitates the users with a number of benefits.
The best feature of this technology is an easy installation that can be done without impulse lines.
These meters do not have moving parts which is an added advantage itself. Moving parts of flow meters always require hefty maintenance and repair to retain proper working.
Using vortex meters for digital outputs, there is no risk of potential leakage of fluid. They are also cost-friendly since they need less power consumption and are also suitable for remote areas.
They can withstand high water pressure and temperatures. The heated water pressure is easy to measure without any potential risks.
Depending on the type and style of these digital meters, they are further classified into categories.
Insertion flow meter
In order to take the required measurements, the use of this meter is helpful. It contains an in-built bluff body and three different sensors to work for obtaining different measurements. The sensors work individually to record the temperature, shedding frequency, and pressure of the flow. They are located closely in an assemble form that is known as the insertion sensor head. By inserting the sensor into the hole made into the pipes can fetch the results and display them on the screen digitally.
Inline flow meter
It consists of the same components as the insertion flow meter. But, the working is different as it can display the results without inserting the sensor into the pipes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the digital water flow meter is a great device that can enhance work efficiency by making the flow measuring process faster. It can reduce the timeframe of manufacturing by streamlining the quality control and planning process.
