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As a measuring device used for trade settlement, vortex flowmeters require extremely high measurement accuracy; the level of error directly affects a company’s economic costs. Many manufacturers focus on product quality while neglecting the importance of proper installation, yet the quality of installation is just as important as the quality of the vortex flowmeter itself. Most manufacturers tend to choose installation locations arbitrarily, installing the devices wherever it’s convenient to do so – this is a typical mistake. Below, Ruiling Instruments explains the importance of proper installation of vortex flowmeters. I. Requirements for the installation location 1. The installation must comply with the requirements specified in the instrument’s user manual, ensuring that the lengths of the straight sections upstream and downstream of the vortex flow sensor are adequate. 2. The inner diameters of the upstream and downstream piping should be the same as that of the sensor. 3. The piping should be concentric with the sensor. 4. The gasket must not protrude into the pipeline; its inner diameter can be 1 mm to 2 mm larger than the inner diameter of the sensor. 5. The installation location of the vortex flowmeter sensor should avoid vibration sources as much as possible, and installing pipe supports is an effective method for reducing vibrations. 6. For electrical installation, it is important to use shielded or low-noise cables to connect the sensors and converters; the distance between them should not exceed the values specified in the user manual. The wiring should be kept away from high-power power lines, and separate metal conduits should be used as much as possible for protection. The “one-point grounding” principle should be followed. Both the integrated and separate types should be grounded on the sensor side, and the grounding point of the converter housing should be at the same potential as that of the sensor. This can effectively prevent lightning strikes from damaging the instruments. II. What details should be considered during installation? 1. Vortex flow meters can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at an angle on the pipeline. However, when measuring liquids, the pipeline must be filled with liquid. Install flow meters on vertical or inclined pipes. The flow direction of the liquid is from bottom to top: if there are control valves or valves that are partially open in the vicinity upstream of the flow meter, constantly opening and closing these valves has a significant impact on the lifespan of the flow meter and can easily cause permanent damage to it. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid installing control valves or valves that are partially open upstream of the flow meter. 2. When used with high-temperature steam, a insulation layer should be applied to the outside of the flow meter’s body. It is necessary to ensure that the amplifier operates within the specified ambient temperature range; avoid installing the flow meter in an environment containing corrosive gases, and if installation in such an environment is unavoidable, ventilation measures must be provided. After the wiring of the instruments is completed, it is necessary to check whether the wiring is correct and whether there is a proper grounding. Once everything is normal, the valve can be opened to put it into operation. III. Correct Installation Guide 1. Take vibration reduction measures for the pipes. Sensors should be installed as far as possible away from pipes with high vibration levels, especially lateral vibration. If installation is unavoidable, vibration reduction measures must be taken: pipe fastening devices should be installed at 2D positions upstream and downstream of the sensor, along with vibration damping pads. 2. Installation on horizontal pipes is the most common way to install flow sensors. When measuring gas flow, if the gas under measurement contains a small amount of liquid, the sensor should be installed at a higher position in the pipeline. When measuring liquid flow, if the liquid being measured contains a small amount of gas, the sensor should be installed at a lower position in the pipeline. 3. Installation of vortex flowmeter sensors in vertical pipes. When measuring gas flow with a vortex flow meter, the sensor can be installed on a vertical pipe, with no restriction on the flow direction. If the gas to be measured contains a small amount of liquid, the gas flow should be from bottom to top. When measuring liquid flow, the flow direction of the liquid should be from bottom to top: this prevents the weight of the liquid from being added additionally to the probe. 4. The sensor is installed on the side of the horizontal pipeline. Regardless of the fluid being measured, the sensor can be installed on the upper side of horizontal pipes, especially when measuring superheated steam, saturated steam, and low-temperature liquids. If conditions permit, side installation is preferable, as it reduces the impact of the fluid temperature on the amplifier. 5. Inversion of the sensor in a horizontal pipeline. This installation method is generally not recommended. This installation method is not suitable for measuring ordinary gases or superheated steam. It can be used to measure saturated steam, and is suitable for measuring high-temperature liquids or in situations where the pipes need to be cleaned frequently. 6. Installation of vortex flowmeter sensors in pipes with insulation. When measuring high-temperature steam, the insulation layer shall not exceed one-third of the height of the support. For more information, please visit the company’s official website at http://www.yb1518.com/. 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