Selection issues for steam flow meters
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We now need a flow meter that can display the steam flow in real time and keep track of the total amount of steam used. DN15, flow rate of 10-20 Kg/h, pressure not exceeding 9 bar, saturated steam. Which is better, vortex flow meters or orifice plates? Or something that is better than both? Price is not a concern; experts, please help!
Choose metal rotameters with built-in batteries; the dedicated batteries last around half a year, while ordinary AA alkaline batteries last about 1 month. In this regard, I think Chengde Crony and Keda do a good job. Both vortex flowmeters and orifice plates require secondary instruments
In our design, vortex flowmeters are a better choice for measuring steam, while delta barometers are also used; orifice plates are more suitable for measuring liquids. I’m also new to this; please point out any mistakes
A vortex flow meter will do; the one with an external power supply, which displays cumulative and instantaneous flow rates on-site, without the need for additional instruments. Orifice plates have poor accuracy, are difficult to calibrate, and require secondary instruments.
The Yokogawa vortex flow meter can be used; it is a split-type unit that can display both the instantaneous flow rate and the cumulative flow rate. It is advisable to include temperature and pressure compensation, with a secondary meter used to show the instantaneous and cumulative values
I am using a vortex flow meter from Yokogawa in Shanghai; the display shows the values in two columns – one column shows the instantaneous flow rate, and the other shows the cumulative flow rate
Orifice plate flowmeters belong to the category of classical flowmeters, and their technology is relatively mature; however, they have drawbacks such as a narrow measurement range, throttling effects, and high maintenance requirements. Vortex flowmeters also have mature technology nowadays, and their performance is better than that of orifice plate flowmeters. Personal opinion, for reference only~
Generally, vortex flowmeters are more commonly used for measuring steam, and they also perform well. Since you need to display the cumulative flow rate, it’s best to choose a split-type model
Vortex flow meters are better – they come with a gauge, allow for temperature and pressure compensation, and display the cumulative flow rate; they must be imported ones
For vortex flowmeters, a relatively long straight section is required; for differential pressure type flowmeters, V-cone, orifice, and elbow flowmeters can be considered. Orifice plates are difficult to maintain, and their installation requirements are very high. If installed improperly, it will become useless; not recommended
Orifice plates are stable and easy to maintain; on the other hand, vortex flow meters have more unstable performance