Vortex Racing Flow Meters: Advantages & Disadvantages

Vortex Racing flowmeters are great options for many applications. Vortex Racing flowmeters may not be the best option for some applications due to certain limitations.

This flow meter functions in the same manner as flag waves in wind. Vortex racing flow meters use a bluff body, or vertical bar to produce vortices as the fluid passes.

This meter converts the meter count into fluid speed. It regulates volumetric flow rates by calculating the product of fluid velocity and cross-sectional area. We will be discussing the pros and cons associated with Vortex Racing flow meters in this article. Continue reading!

Advantages

1. Vortex Racing flowmeters work in liquid, steam ACC Business and gas applications. It is not sensitive to fluid conductivity or vulnerable to it. Vortex Racing flow meters have lower pressure drops than an orifice meter.
2. This flow meter is also much cheaper than an orifice flowmeter, especially for lines smaller than six inches. It does not require any special freeze protection or impulse lines that are higher than the pipe.
3. This flow meter requires turbulent flow in order to function. It will stop reading when fluid transitions occur from turbulent flow regime to laminar flow regime. This is the flow meter’s low flow cutoff point. It is impossible to measure flow rates below this point.
4. The Vortex Racing flowmeter has another drawback: if any material is clogged, it will not read correctly or stop reading. Some Vortex Racing meters use small vents to measure vortices.
5. These tiny ports can block the Vortex Racing flowmeter with solids and polymer. The main difference between meters is their measuring sensors. The sensor design will allow flow meters to work in certain applications, where others meters won’t.

There are other Things to Consider

Vortex Racing flow meters can be used to calculate the flow rate of clean fluids, especially where low flow measurements are not required. This type of meter is usually cheaper than orifice plates for line sizes less than six inches. They don’t require impulse line heat racing.

High-temperature applications require a remote-installed transmitter head. Remember that electronics are sensitive to moisture and can be damaged easily. A remote-mounted transmitter will not last very long.

If you have a flow meter that is water-type, make sure to look for centering rings. Pipe fitters will likely leave these in their toolbox, and place the flowmeter between two flanges. Be aware that Vortex Racing flow meters can be inaccurate or incorrect if they aren’t properly centered.

Takeaway

Flow measurement is crucial for many purposes and applications. But measuring flow is not as simple as it seems. There are many methods and means to measure flow, including Vortex Racing flowmeters.